Free meals coming to county schools this fall
Holtville High School basketball coach
direction certification.”
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
Wilson was the head basketball coach at Holtville High School and was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools superintendent
“The state department was participating in a pilot program that allowed them to collect direct certification data from Medicaid participants,” Elmore County Schools Child Nutrition Program director Cacyce Davis said. “That data was not collected before for
Free breakfast and lunch will be available for all students at Elmore County schools for the next four years. The meals are being provided through the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The free meals are thanks to new data being considered by the Alabama State Department of Education.
Davis said children covered by Medicaid is the reason for the USDA allowing Elmore County to participate in the CEP. Last school year, 52% of students in Elmore County Schools were participating in the free and reduced lunch program.
“Once
In the past, the USDA looked heavily at the number
BRIGHT FUTURE
hasn’t yet been filed.
of students participating in the free and reduced lunch programs.
the alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
“It had to be at least 40% in the past,” Davis said. “We were not even 40%. Now we are more than 50%. We don’t know at this point if it is just an effect of COVID. We will likely know within the next year or so if was COVID is affecting the numbers.”
Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.
Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.
CEP is a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 which allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to eliminate school meal applications and serve breakfast and lunch at no charge to all enrolled students. “CEP is great because it
Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The process, however, isn’t about reluctant property owners, but it is the only avenue left to acquire the property on Lancaster Street.
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
“It is necessary because we have title issues on the property,” Wetumpka city attorney Justin Edwards said. “We have three owners who are all deceased. One estate has a bunch of claims filed against it that we have to deal with. The others, I have not found the next of kin.”
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
See CHAMBER, Page A3
When a possible heir has been approached about creating a basketball court, Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said there has been no opposition.
See BASKETBALL, Page A5
Members of the
of
attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a
schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Su perintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the 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
couraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
“This
The Eclectic Police Department announced the “sudden loss” of Cpl. Desmond Bailey.
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.
The department made the announcement
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
See SHOOTING, Page A3
shift in a positive
and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
WILSON
Wetumpka Chamber
Commerce
Obituaries
PERRY REID MASON
Mr. Perry Reid Mason, Jr. passed away July 11,2023 at Providence Covenant in Mobile, Al. He was born in Montgomery, Al. on May 9, 1943. He was the eldest of 3 children born to Perry Mason Sr. and Louise Mason both deceased. He is survived by his wife Teresa Atkins. Other survivors; daughter Leigh Anne Mason of Kennesaw, Ga., son Russell Troy Mason of Wilmington, NC, brother Russell Mason of Charleston, SC, sister Rochelle Lee of Conyers, Ga. Grandson Noah Connor Larson of Kennesaw, granddaughter Charli Ann Mason of Kennesaw, Georgia. Nephews; Dwayne Mason of Phoenix, AZ., Ryan Mason of Charleston NC and Adam Lee of Conyers, Ga and one niece Lisa
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
JULY 17
• Theft and possession of a forged instrument was reported on East Commerce Drive.
JULY 16
• Criminal mischief was reported on River Road.
• Domestic violence was reported on Outhlacoochee Street.
• Burglary and theft was reported on Cedar Court.
JULY 14
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
JULY 11
• Burglary was reported on Mansion Street.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
JULY 24
• A suspicious person was reported on Riverside Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Third Avenue.
• Burglary was reported on Friendship Road.
Lovett of Conyers, Ga. Sister in law Pat Mason and brother in law James Lee. Perry was a veteran. He served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1964. While in VietNam and the Phillipians he was a cryptographer with high government security clearance. In lieu of a military service, the folded flag will be sent to his brother Russell Mason also a VietNam veteran, He attended Southwest DeKalb High School in Atlanta Ga. and received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia State University. He was self-employed in the textile industry as a sales representative.
McNeal Street.
• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• A child custody dispute was reported on McNeal Street.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Freeman Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on Kent Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard. JULY 22
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Wood Street.
• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Howard Street.
• A noise complaint was reported on First Avenue.
• A suspicious person was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Herd Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
side Avenue.
Most recently worked with Printcraft Company Inc. He enjoyed golf. He loved participating in the “Bent Can Classic” tournament each year with his many “golf buddies”. He loved his family and was a loyal friend. Special friends included Mickey and Carol Tarpley of Dadeville,Al Jim and Toni Koeppen of Foley, AL and David and Joanne Hawk also of Foley, AL.
Many thanks to his caregiver Ardath Carter and the wonderful hospice nurses at Provident Covenant. There will be no services. Memorial donations can be made in the name of Perry Reid Mason, Jr. to Tunnels to Tower Foundation. Instructions for donating can be found online.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Jordan Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.
• A Black female was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Freeman Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Freeman Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on South Tallassee Drive.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Little Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Riverside Avenue.
JULY 20
• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Hicks Store Road.
• Assistance was given to medics on Gen. Chappy James Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Benson Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Harassment was reported on Laurel Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Harris Street.
• Harassment was reported on South Wesson Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on South Dubose Street.
• Animal control was requested on Noble Road.
• An animal complaint was reported on Central Boulevard. JULY 18
• An arrest was made during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on E.B. Payne Sr. Drive.
• A verbal altercation was reported on Sims Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Third Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
JULY 23
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Second Avenue.
• A suspicious person was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• A verbal altercation was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• A verbal altercation was reported on Alber Drive.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A civil disturbance was reported on
• Animal control was requested on Lakewood Drive.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Central Boulevard.
JULY 21
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to the Friendship Fire Department on Taylor Road.
• A domestic incident was reported on River-
• Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal bite was reported on Florence Street.
• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard
• Theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard. JULY 19
• Assistance was given to medics on Gregory Street.
• Harassing communications was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Wall Street.
• Assistance was given to another agency on South Tallassee Drive.
• A white female was arrested during an investigation of a call of gunfire on Fourth Street.
• An assault was reported on Fourth Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Noble Road.
• Drug activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to medics on Friendship Road.
• A prowler was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A white female and white male were arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A suspicious person was reported on Kent Road.
• Animal control was requested on Redden Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on Thelma Drive.
• Burglary was reported on Lower River Road.
• Burglary was reported on Lower River Road.
MASON
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Adopters is what the shelter needs most
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
Year eight was another incredibly successful Yappy Barkday Pawty fundraiser for our shelter by Elizabeth, Phoenix and the most awesome staff and clients at Blue Ridge Animal Clinic. With months of hard work on Elizabeth’s part and the generosity of so many wonderful clinic clients and shelter supporters, the fundraiser brought in $12,017.65 for the shelter and a truckload of food and supplies to help our pets.
We just cannot thank Elizabeth enough for hon-
oring her love for Phoenix like this and helping so many pets in our shelter. If you happen to go by Blue Ridge Animal Clinic at any time, please give a huge thanks to Elizabeth and all the staff for all they do for our shelter and animals.
Don’t forget our Tail’s End Thrift Store still has our “Christmas in July” sale where all holiday items are 50% off. Check out all the great items we have from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday for shopping.
And we will also be happy to receive your holiday decorations and any
Pet of the Week - Jackson
other donated goods as well from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday through Saturday.
We are very blessed with the incredible support we get from the community on a daily basis. If we put out a need for food or cleaning supplies or about anything, it is quickly met with multiple drop offs and deliveries from UPS and FedEx.
The shipments from Amazon, Chewy and Walmart are fantastic. But the one thing they never include is information on the donor so if any donor needs a receipt, please just contact us at the shelter and we are happy to help.
Jackson is an 8-year old male Spaniel mix who weighs about 40 pounds. He is very laid back, great with male and female dogs and cats and is just a very chill fellow. Jackson deserves to be in a home watching TV with his family and not in the shelter’s kennels.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs
and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
Thank you all so very much for your incredible support
What we could use most right now is adopters. We have so many wonderful pets looking for homes and no better time to bust one (or more) of our dogs, cats, puppies or kittens out of our kennels and into the comfort of your loving home.
We have kittens galore and so many large dogs who are patiently waiting. See all of our pets easily at www. petfinder.com or www.
adoptapet.com. Just search Wetumpka, Alabama, or the zip code 36092 and click whether you are looking for a dog or cat.
There are other filters you can use to further narrow your search but our pets are kept very current on these listings, so you are seeing what pets we have for adoption.
Our 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 completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian plus a goodie bag full of toys, treats and more.
Rea Cord is the executive director for the Humane Society of Elmore County.
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
Indiana Jones and the artificial intelligence
About a year ago, my website-managing partner Tommy House introduced me to ChatGPT.
Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or
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.
I had seen a report on CBS Sunday Morning about how it was set to change the world of writing. Students, it was said, could have entire term papers composed by artificial intelligence just by typing in a few keywords.
On this particular day, however, Tommy randomly selected some keywords about trailers — two of the websites we manage are for Jaco Mobile Homes in Wetumpka and Kellyton — and typed them into a window.
Within a few seconds, ChatGPT had written three paragraphs about manufactured homes in three different styles. I could choose which one I liked. From there, ChatGPT created an entire blog post with AI.
The blog post was better than anything I could have written. Cold, perhaps, but it had zero spelling or grammatical errors. In fact, the world might never know which trailer blog was written by a real person or by AI.
Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic this summer as both writers and actors have been on strike. The movie and TV studios have fought back by programming repeat television shows and non-scripted programming such as game shows and reality competitions. How does AI interfere with writers and actors?
There is a movement to replace the real writers and actors with artificial intelligence.
I saw last week firsthand how it might work in the motion picture industry.
I hadn’t been inside a movie theater since the month before Covid. It would take something pretty
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
amazing to get me there, considering these three years have been spent watching whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted at home.
But when Indiana Jones comes back out with a new movie, well, we have to go.
When Harrison Ford began playing the character 42 years ago, in 1981, he was already pushing 40. So to see the action hero back on the big screen in his ’80s would be interesting. I mean, even if he worked out every day, could he still do it?
The first 30 minutes of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” takes place at the end of World War II in a similar time period as the original films. Dr. Jones finds himself in the middle of an archaeological hunt for Archimedes’ Dial, an Antikythera (a Greek device that could predict astronomical positions and eclipses decades in advance).
Of course, the Nazis have part of it, Indy gets away with it and the chase is on — across continents, decades and eventually centuries.
Notice the first part of the film takes place in the same time period as the originals made between 30 and 40 years ago. How in the world did they do that?
Artificial intelligence.
Paramount Pictures had so much Harrison Ford material left on the cutting room floor from earlier Indiana Jones pictures producers could repurpose it in 2023 for these scenes. Moreover, modern-day octo-
genarian Harrison Ford is really acting out the scenes as his current self, with a lot of help from A.I. to de-age him by 40 years. It could have been off-putting and it does have kind of a video game look to it, especially when he’s hopping on and off trains and such. But — and this is a big but — for this particular story to be told, it’s what had to happen. And it is, after all, a big-screen fantasy action movie anyway. One has to suspend disbelief at some of the things we see.
The story stretches out in so many directions, but throughout the picture there are numerous callbacks to previous episodes in the series that are guaranteed to please longtime fans of these films. And with director James Mangold, we have producers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas still on board as well as composer John Williams. It’s like old home week.
Overall, however, my review of this film is it’s a very satisfying conclusion to the saga that began with Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981 and continued with the Temple of Doom in 1984. the Last Crusade in 1990 and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008. In fact, I would place it at No. 2 behind the original when it comes to map-hopping excitement and energy. It is certainly better than the Crystal Skull entry in the series, in which our main man deals with Area 51 happenings in the 1950s. In summary, I believe AI is here to stay and we will need to learn to live with it in our blog posts, Word documents, movies and TV shows. And I highly recommend going to the actual movie theater to see the final entry in the Indiana Jones saga. Michael Bird is a music teacher at Tallassee City Schools.
Miscarriage of justice
Recently, I witnessed one of the most heart-wrenching displays of callousness and disregard for doing the right thing by those who have been elected to “do the right thing.”
Following the recent Census, the Alabama Legislature redrew district lines that were supposed to be fair to all its citizens. Some believed those new district lines discriminated against certain segments of the community and filed a lawsuit against the state.
In due time, the federal district court found in favor of the plaintiffs and ordered that district lines be redrawn — providing strict guidance by which the new district lines were to be drawn. As was expected, the “good ole southern state of Alabama” appealed all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States.
In a somewhat unexpected (yet welcomed) turn of events, the SCOTUS affirmed the lower court’s decision stating, “Black Alabamians enjoy virtually zero success in statewide elections; that political campaigns in Alabama had been characterized by
BOBBY MAYES Guest Columnist
overt or subtle racial appeals; and that Alabama’s extensive history of repugnant racial and voting related discrimination is undeniable and well documented.”
The Court went on to say, “Given the extreme degree of racially polarized voting in Alabama, the trial court’s preliminary injunction order… emphasized the “practical reality” that “any remedial plan will need to include two districts in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it.”
For this reason, any plan that proposes remedial districts in which Black voters constitute less than “a voting-age majority or something quite close to it” almost certainly will not conform to the district court’s
order.
This is where the Alabama legislature in a callous and almost inhumane manner showed its true colors (no pun intended).
Let me also add just one week earlier a public hearing was held where four proposed maps were discussed at length.
Presumably the purpose of this public hearing was to ferret out which map(s) best met the strict guidelines imposed by the courts.
Days after the public hearing, Alabama’s white, male-dominated legislature introduced a handful of maps ostensibly submitted via the internet by interested parties — most of which the full committee had not seen and certainly were not presented at the public hearing.
One of these maps, labeled “Community of Interest Plan,” is the one the majority accepted, 14-6. By now you’ve guessed it: The 14 votes were all from white lawmakers, and the six votes were all from Black lawmakers. In the halls of the legislature even visually impaired persons could easily see “the extreme degree of racially
JUSTICE, Page A5
COUNCIL
Continued from A1
to repaint it. While work has started to dress up the building already, it’s not being done by a contractor.
City staff have taken off storm windows and started to scrape off loose paint in preparation for painting.
“There is a lot of rotten wood that has been replaced,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “We did that. Those repairs were not under this contract.”
Willis said the cost of the painting includes getting a painting contractor that can get to the bell tower and deal with many applications of paint over the years.
“Not any painter can do
this. They are taking the doors down and blasting them,” Willis said. “They will take them back to the raw material and then paint. This is doing it correctly.”
City staff will ensure the windows are clean before reinstalling the storm windows.
The council also approved spending up to $30,000 to remove a partially burned Moffett Building at the Wetumpka Municipal Airport. The building was built years ago on a property leased by the city. The building was partially burned and the lease didn’t make reasonable repairs.
“We have had structurals done and determined to be not safe,” Willis said. “We need it to come down.”
career in the U.S. Marines and Army. He retired as a colonel and wrote the book “Recon 701” earlier this year. The Elmore County resident and Wetumpka High School graduate spoke on the book this year at a meeting of the Elmore County Historical Society.
Bailey served in the Army for more than three decades, but the book focused on the months surrounding the capture of then-Iraq president Saddam Hussein through a unit he commanded. Bailey was part of the operation that apprehended Hussein.
“It is not a memoir of Des Bailey,” Bailey said in February. “I wanted the book to be real comments and expe-
MEALS
Continued from A1
BASKETBALL
Wetumpka economic developer Lynn Weldon said the lease includes a reversion clause if something wasn’t done to make repairs, it reverts back to the city.
IN OTHER ACTION
THE WETUMPKA CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the July 5 meeting.
• Approved annexing 2.15 acres owned by Blue Ridge Properties into city limits.
• Accepted a bid from RCI for grass cutting.
• Approved using city property for Wetumpka Oktoberfest Sept. 30.
The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7.
riences from the soldiers from when we were training up to when we first learned we were going to deploy, the good times and the hard times. The capture of Saddam and what happened afterwards, to when we redeployed home dealing with PTSD.”
Bailey said he realized the group that captured Hussein was special, and had a lesson for future soldiers. He interviewed more than 75 of his soldiers in preparation to write the book.
“I tried to replicate the success of this unit not just because we caught Saddam, but because there were a lot of things this unit did very well throughout the tour,” Bailey said. “As I commanded other organizations throughout my career I was trying to create the same kind of camaraderie, the perfectionism that this troupe had and I couldn’t do it.”
Continued from A1 allows every student to have a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost to the students or their families,” Davis said. “It is proven when students are well-nourished they perform better in the classroom. All meals will follow the USDA guidelines for healthy school meals.” There is no need for students or families to register for free meals as every student qualifies.
“The simplest way to acquire the property is through commendation,” Edwards said. “It is really more to clear the title. I can’t find who to pay for it.”
Edwards said the process involves filing with the Elmore County Probate Court. Three county commissioners are then appointed to establish a value of the property. The commissioners will also have available a city commissioned appraisal of the property.
“Most of the time it comes in at the
JUSTICE
Continued from A4
polarized voting in Alabama.”
I find it downright repugnant to see this kind of behavior from persons who have been elected “to do the right thing, and for all of the people in their districts, even those who may not have voted for them.”
For far too long, Ala-
Davis said the CEP program will be around for a few years at Elmore County Schools.
“This qualifies us for four years in the program,” Davis said. “After the third year we will have to reassess to see if it continues.”
appraised value,” Edwards said. “There could be some minor adjustments. Once the amount is determined, we pay it into the court and the court delivers it to the heirs.”
Heirs would have to prove who they are to get paid for their interest in the property and subsequent funds.
“This is not to take someone’s property,” Willis said. “It is to improve the area. That is where we were wanting to put basketball courts back on that property. The parking lot we use for football games, we would use that for parking for the people who come to shoot basketball.”
bama has been on the wrong side of history on so many fronts. And with the whole country watching, it had an opportunity to turn the corner and be on the right side of history but refused to do so. All fair-minded and sensible citizens of Alabama ought to be outraged, and they should convey this outrage to their elected officials. If I have the correct sense of the message sent
RNs and LPNs RN and LPN Management and Charge Nurse positions available, 100% pre-paid scholarships for aspiring nurses, tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, short-term contracts, and we consider buying out existing employment contracts
Nursing Assistants (CNA) and Medication Assistant
by the courts, Alabama will now (ultimately) have a redistricting plan imposed on it by the district court.
Bobby L. Mays is the president of the Elmore County NAACP Branch No. 5026.
New furnishings freshen up downtown
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It's all about curb appeal.
In real estate, it makes would-be home purchasers stop and take
a look. The same idea applies for Main Street Wetumpka. Recently the organization replaced tables and chairs at the intersection of Company and Orline streets.
“We wanted to update
the area,” Main Street Wetumpka executive director Hayley Greene said. “The table and chairs over there were not in the best condition. They had been out there for a few years now.”
The location is within walking distance of downtown Wetumpka restaurants Coosa Cleaver, Coaches and
Thai Rice Box. “It gives people a chance to eat downtown rather than take it home,” Greene said. “It adds diverse eating areas. It encourages people to slow down and take in the environment. The longer people are willing to stay downtown, the more it increases the chances of downtown businesses to increase revenue.”
The location is adjacent to a shipping container turned retail incubator. Greene said the idea is for a retail business to locate there and grow then move to a larger location. Most recently it was the location of The Yarn Box. The business has moved down Company Street into a larger
space in It’s Personal. The Main Street board is sorting through applications for the next tenant. “You need to have a basic foundation laid,” Greene said. “Just relying on foot traffic to get a start isn’t going to be enough. They need to have a little bit of social media presence already established.”
chip seal. On higher volume roads like Redland Road, Rifle Range Road, we can’t get away with chip seal because it is higher speed and higher volume.”
Luke McGinty said the roads aren’t just chosen at random. Instead every county road is inspected every two years by the county’s engineering staff.
“Each individual road is graded based on certain criteria,” McGinty said. “All roads are graded the same way in eight different categories. We look at all those different aspects. We also pull maintenance reports looking at patching and edge repairs. We also look at traffic counts to see how many cars use the road.”
McGinty said staff grades the roads by looking at the condition of the road’s pavement or surface, striping, utility cuts, rutting, erosion and edge repairs.
“The edges will break because of large vehicles,” McGinty said. “Many of the roads were not built wide enough with substructure to handle heavier vehicles.”
Roads are selected from a list compiled in the process. Some roads in need of major repair do not make the list.
“They require more work than can be reasonably done,” McGinty said. “They require major work to the road’s base or structure.”
If a road gets selected to be resurfaced, it might not get the same treatment as another road. There are reasons behind that including saving money.
“The treatment depends on the traffic count,” McGinty said. “If it is a lower volume road, under 100 vehicles per day, we can get by just repairing the base failures and a
County crews can handle what engineers call chip seal. Traditionally it is known as tar and gravel. Elmore County has the materials and equipment available for the chip seal resurfacing but asphalt is a different story. It requires more expensive equipment and the materials are also more costly.
“We try to do as much as we can inhouse because we can do it cheaper than a contractor,” McGinty said. “It stretches those funds out. We have to bid out asphalt paving.”
McGinty said it currently costs about $85,000 per mile to apply 1-inch of asphalt to a 20-foot wide road. Just six years ago the cost was about $60,000 per mile.
McGinty said the worst road to be resurfaced by Rebuild Alabama in 2024 is about two tenths of a mile of Bond Drive off of Firetower Road. County crews will do some of the work and a contractor will install the asphalt afterwards.
“That surface is bad because the road is washed out,” McGinty said. We will repair the base work. We will do some cement work to the base. There will be some ditching to help with drainage. We will add some pipe and enlarge it. Then it will be resurfaced.”
Even with the county doing the lion’s share of repair work to the base and ditches it will cost more than $26,000 to resurface it. McGinty said the county will spend that amount or more or materials and piping getting it ready for the asphalt contractor.
Other Elmore County roads
to be resurfaced or striped under Rebuild Alabama in 2024 ar Chse Drive, Colley Camp Road, Coosa River Road, Gosum Pass Road, Gunnell Road, Hummingbird Lane, Indian Campground Road, Joe’s Fish Camp Road, Kowaliga Marina Road, River Fork Road, Thrasher Road, Whatley Drive, Yates Dam Road and Chalk Hill Road.
In some cases only a portion of the road will be resurfaced.
“We try to do the entire road if we can,” McGinty said. “If it is a long road, we might stop at a good stopping point like a bridge.”
McGinty said the Rebuild Alabama 2024 work includes five of the county’s 127 bridges on Friendship Road, Oak Valley Road, Old Salem Road and two on Rifle Range Road. Bridge work usually includes concrete work around the pilings.
“Over time, creeks shift and change exposing our pilings,” McGinty said. “They wrap around it and encase it in concrete. It could extend the life of the bridge by 25 years by doing that.”
McGinty said in a perfect world funding wouldn’t be an issue and every road and bridge would be for the better.
“With limited funding we try to get the most for the money,” McGinty said. “In some cases it means we might not get the worst because of the expense to deal with the substructure. We try to take care of what we can the best we can. I think we do a pretty good job of it with the funding we have. We definitely are able to do more with Rebuild Alabama funding than without it.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
New tables and chairs have replaced old ones at the intersection of Company and Orline streets. The location is near the retail incubator. All are projects of Main Street Wetumpka.
Let history speak for itself
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge. It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Our theme for Family Vacation Bible School this year was lessons from Mister Rogers neighborhood. Hi neighbor!
The term revisionist history is rearing its ugly head once again in our nation. The term is certainly not a new one. Human beings have a long history of sharing incomplete and/or distorted versions of human history.
The latest iteration relates to the history of slavery and how that topic is taught in public schools. As with most topics these days, the discussion has become politicized. Candidates for various offices weigh in on these discussions as a means of securing base supporters. Let me begin by saying what
I am about to share is in no way political or politicized. I do not take advantage of the privilege I am afforded as a guest columnist. I am not a fan of veiled commentary. What I have to share is out in the light of day observation.
When embracing the story of the founding and settling of Wetumpka, for instance, the chapter telling of the forced displacement of Creek Indians is part of the larger narrative. Wetumpka was not settled in the early 1800s. It was colonized. This land already belonged to its inhabitants before it was “discovered.”
The beloved former sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka was built in 1856. The craftsmanship was outstanding and the architecture intentionally modest. The massive timbers used to frame
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
the church were milled on site and put in place without machinery.
The sanctuary that stands in its place at the corner of Bridge and Bridge looks just like the old one, but it has a different story. The present one was built by craftsmen who were paid for their labor and expertise. The first one was built by craftsmen who relied on slave labor.
Why do we as people struggle so mightily to tell the truth? How can any human being observe the reality of the Trail of Tears and think
Church Briefs
any single element of that forced experience was a good thing? Likewise, how can anyone reflect on the history of chattel slavery in these United States and see it as a blessing for Black people? What about the role of migrant workers?
I am blessed to have studied state, national and world history at the elementary, secondary, university and theological school levels. In that time, I was exposed to a wide variety of teachers and source materials. I cannot remember a single time when any teacher intentionally ignored basic historical facts.
Native Americans were casualties of the settling of these United States. Africans were captured, brought to this country and sold into servitude in the name of domestic service and industrial progress. Illegal immigrants are
manipulated in many forms of industry and service as a means of keeping costs low and profits high. Some lives are deemed less worthy than others.
How much longer will we as children of God living in the earthly kingdom tolerate ignorance of the most basic facts of history? While our nation certainly does not have the market cornered on taking advantage of sisters and brothers in the name of amassing wealth, we are by no means immune to such behavior.
If we continue to ignore that, we will definitely repeat it. Aren’t we tired of the same thing over and over again?
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.
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.
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,
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
person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC
Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Wetumpka’s Holton stars in All-Star soccer game
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Wetumpka rising senior Jeweliana Holton made program history Wednesday afternoon.
Holton, one of the Indians’ star midfielders, played in the AHSAA North-South All-Star soccer game. She was the first Wetumpka girls soccer player to be invited, and she represented the South team well. The North
team won the matchup, 3-2, but Holton played multiple positions in front of a large group of Wetumpka fans who made the short trip. “I think this means a lot for my school,” Holton said. “I think it’s definitely progressing our program. I hope other girls can get selected for this game going forward.”
Holton shined for Wetumpka this year as she played center
Holt, Watson lead South All-Stars to win
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Two of Wetumpka’s top softball players showcased their skills in front of the state’s best rising seniors last Wednesday.
Mya Holt and Ella Watson, who helped lead the Indians to the AHSAA Class 6A state championship this season, proved to be winners once again.
Holt and Watson led the South team to a 6-5 comeback win over the North in Game 2 of the AHSAA North-South Softball AllStar doubleheader. The two teams split the first game, 3-3.
Wetumpka was the only team with two players selected, and the Indians showed why. Both players recorded multiple hits, pitched three or more innings and Holt was even named Most Valuable Player for the South team.
“It’s an awesome experience for both of us,” Holt said. “There are so many talented players out there and both of us being picked is just such a big opportunity for us. It’s really an honor because there are so many great players out there. I am glad we were able to compete this season and show our skills and show what we were made of to be able to make it here.”
The 6A tournament MVP, Elmore County Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the
Year, Holt started in the circle in Game 1 of the doubleheader.
She proceeded to pitch three innings and allowed no earned runs while striking out two batters.
She added a single and was 1-for-2 at the plate in Game 1. In Game 2, she started in the outfield and went 2-for-2 at the plate. She smacked a double early then hit the go-ahead run on an RBI single in the top of the seventh inning.
Holding on to a one-run lead, Holt headed back out to the circle and got the last out of the game to earn a save.
She ended the night 3-for-4 at the plate with one double and one RBI and 3 ⅓ innings pitched with three strikeouts and a save.
“We did great against some of these Power 5 commits,” Holt said. “I’m more than excited to have been able to come out here and compete with some of these top notch players.”
Not to be outdone, Watson shined when her name was called. After Holt’s three innings of work to start Game 1, Watson came in and pitched three innings herself. She allowed only one earned run on three hits.
She also shined on offense as she finished the first game 2-for-2 with a double and one RBI. Down 3-2 in the bottom of the
defensive midfielder. She was named one of the team’s Midfielders of the Year. She showed off both defensive and offensive skill with multiple steals and stops to go along with her five goals scored and 13 assists.
In Wednesday’s game, she mostly played along the defensive line as a reserve. She came in and played almost every single
INDIANS FOOTBALL
LOOKS TO BUILD ON PLAYOFF APPEARANCE
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
The Wetumpka football team is entering Year 2 of the Bear Woods era, and the Indians are looking to improve on their firstround playoff exit last year. They will have a chance to do so as they return a lot of their starters while other talented players have exited Class 6A Area 3. It won’t come easy, though, as Wetumpka plays many talented teams and players this season. Of the 10 teams on its schedule, Wetumpka faces four teams that had a winning record last year while five had four wins or less. One team went even.
Overall, Wetumpka’s 10 teams had a combined record of 49-53.
Five teams reached the playoffs, and two reached the second round of the playoffs. Wetumpka ended its season last year by losing three of its final four games, and the Indians will look to right the ship early this season.
TRENDS
Instead of playing Jeff Davis again in Week 1, the Indians are now traveling up to Benjamin Russell in what looks to be a thriller. Wetumpka has owned
this rivalry in recent years and has won 11 of the last 12 dating back to 2002. Wetumpka’s only loss during that time was a 36-35 loss in 2011.
Following the Benjamin Russell game, five of Wetumpka’s next six opponents had losing records a year ago. In that span last year, Wetumpka went 5-1 with its only loss coming to Pike Road by two points. Wetumpka will face Greenville during that stretch, and the Indians have won four of their last five against Greenville outside of a COVID-19 forfeit loss in 2020. The Indians have won two of their last three against Carver and five of their last six against Lanier. The Indians ended their season against Central Clay County last year, and it was the only meeting ever between the two teams. Central Clay won that matchup, 35-30.
GAMES TO WATCH
One of the toughest games on the entire schedule for Wetumpka will come in Week 1 when the Indians take on Benjamin Russell, which has plenty of offensive talent returning to its team so the Indian defense is going to be tested early and often. BRHS quarterback Gabe Benton passed
for 2,761 yards and 31 touchdowns last year, and the Wildcats return four of their top five receivers from a year ago. This one could easily turn into a shootout. It’s hard to forget about the rivalry game between Wetumpka and Stanhope Elmore as the matchup is always a good game. The two teams have traded the last five games, with Stanhope winning three of the last five. But none of those games have been decided by more than 10 points. In the last two matchups, both Wetumpka wins, the games have been decided by a combined six points. Wetumpka will be seeking revenge against Pike Road this season, and the Indians will likely have a chance to do so. Serving as the team’s first area game, the Patriots squeaked out a twopoint win last year at home. Now they have to travel to Wetumpka without its best player. Anthony Rogers, who recorded 282 yards and three touchdowns, has transferred. Wetumpka will look to start area play out with a win. The best game of the year last season was Wetumpka’s 24-21 win over Baker in Week 2. The Indians trailed at halftime, 21-0, but stormed back in the
Parker to lead Holtville boys hoops
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Greg Parker had an itch to get back on the hardwood, and he believes he has found the perfect place to scratch that itch. Parker, who is entering his 20th year of coaching, has been hired as the head boys basketball coach, head track and field coach and offensive coordinator for the football team. He replaces Eberne
Myrthil, who led the basketball and track programs for one season.
Parker comes to Holtville from Trinity, where he served as the offensive coordinator. He last coached basketball at Autauga Academy in 2020.
“I’m really excited,” Parker said. “This is something that I’ve done before so it’s nothing new. I’m ready to get back to work. I’m ready to get on the floor after three seasons and just scratch that itch that I have. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Parker’s route to Holtville has been an odd one.
After three years of leading Trinity’s offense, he was hired in April at Stanhope Elmore as the Mustangs’ offensive line coach and run game coordinator. He helped coach Stanhope Elmore during spring football, but then suffered a broken leg the week after. After having surgery, he could not walk for five weeks, so he couldn’t attend practices or interact
HENRY ZIMMER THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Jewliana Holton fights off a defender for
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Mya Holt, the Gatorade Player of the Year, went 3-for-4 with a double and pitched 3.1 innings in the AHSAA North-South All-Star softball game.
SUBMITTED | THE HERALD
Greg Parker, who coached football at Trinity the last three seasons, has been named Holtville’s
The Wetumpka football team takes the field against Greenville last season. The Indians are looking to build off their 7-4 record from a year ago.
See HOLTON, Page B2 See FOOTBALL, Page B2
WIN
Continued from B1
seventh inning with two outs, Watson came up clutch with a runner on third base.
Facing a 2-2 count, Watson drove in the
FOOTBALL
Continued from B1
game-tying run on a RBI single to right field, her second hit of the night. She was not able to come around to score, and the game ended with a 3-3 tie. She did not pitch in the second game but played in the outfield and finished the night with a 2-for-3 total at the plate.
“I think I played pretty well,” Watson said. “I think I could’ve done a little better with my pitching, but I was really good at the plate.”
With the tie and the win, the South team ended the double-header with the win this season. The North dominated most of the sports this season, but softball was not one of them.
MALCOLM SIMMONS, BENJAMIN RUSSELL ATHLETE
Softball was one of three sports won by the South this season, while the North won the other eight sports
years as he recorded 12 sacks as a junior in 2022 and helped the Patriots to the 5A state title in 2021.
second half to stun the home team in Mobile. Grant Weighall kicked a game-winning field goal in the fourth quarter, and Wetumpka escaped with the win. Now Baker travels to Wetumpka and returns its fourstar quarterback.
PLAYERS TO WATCH JOSH FLOWERS, BAKER QUARTERBACK
Flowers is seemingly as good as any quarterback across the entire state, and he shows his athleticism with his legs often. The four-star quarterback and Mississippi State commit passed for 1,453 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. On the ground, he added 1,367 yards and 15 more touchdowns.
PARKER
Continued from B1
with the players.
Right after Parker was cleared to begin walking and allowed to get back to coaching, he got the offer for the Holtville job and couldn’t turn it down.
“When (Holtville athletic director and) coach (Jason) Franklin called me, honestly, I just thought it was a better situation for me and my family,” Parker said. “I thought it was a better fit and it gives me the opportunity to help out more with football and be the basketball coach. It was a hard decision, but everyone understood the situation and there’s no bad blood there.”
Before he coaches a game on the hardwood, Parker will first take to the football field
Simmons has not committed to play anywhere yet, but the talented offensive player is expected to be signing with a Division I team, such as Auburn, in the future. He helped spark the Wildcats to the playoffs last year both at running back and receiver. He had 753 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, and he added 31 catches for 513 yards and seven more touchdowns.
MALIK BLOCTON, PIKE ROAD DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Pike Road’s Rogers left, but that doesn’t mean the Patriots are out of talent. Malik Blocton is one of the best defensive lineman in the state, ranked as a threestar, and recently committed to play football for Auburn. He’s proven himself over the last two
to lead the Bulldog offense. Parker has had plenty of success coaching offenses and that’s evident with his teams’ scoring averages.
In three seasons at Trinity, he averaged 26.5 points per game in 2020, 33.5 ppg in 2021 and 30.4 ppg in 2022. He helped his team reach at least the second round of the playoffs each season and reached the third round of the playoffs in 2020. He had a combined record of 28-9 while at Trinity.
Before that, he was the offensive coordinator for six years at Autauga Academy where he helped lead the Generals to three state championships.
While he is excited to lead the basketball, he is just as excited to continue leading an offense on Friday nights.
“I like to tell people that
SCHEDULE Aug. 25 – Wetumpka at Benjamin Russell Sept. 1 – Baker at Wetumpka Sept. 08 – Pike Road at Wetumpka Sept. 15 – Wetumpka at Park Crossing Sept. 22 – Russell County at Wetumpka Sept. 29 – Wetumpka at Greenville Oct. 06 – Stanhope Elmore at Wetumpka Oct. 13 – Wetumpka at Carver Oct. 20 – BYE Oct. 27 – Wetumpka at Sidney Lanier Nov. 3 – Central Clay County at Wetumpka
I’m a jack of all trades when it comes to coaching,” Parker said. “I love both sports and I think they’re a good mixture. Both are really, really different. Being from the south, we understand what football means down here. But basketball just brings another element to me personally. I’ve found real joy in my life when I was coaching both sports.”
Parker has also found success on the basketball court. At Autauga Academy, Parker led his boys teams to the state championship game in three of his last four seasons.
He also coached girls during that time, and led them to a state title.
He will take over a Holtville squad that is welcoming in its third head coach in three seasons. The Bulldogs had an up-and-down season
HOLTON
Continued from B1
position on the defense.
“I think I played pretty well,” Holton said. “I played some new positions that I wasn’t used to so I was adjusting and having to learn my new teammates. I had some good balls in and some good one-two passing. Overall, even though we didn’t win, we stayed together and pushed through to the last second.”
Being from one of the closest schools to AUM, Holton had a
last year before ultimately missing the playoffs due to Elmore County and Marbury finishing as the top two seeds in the area.
They do return some talent, however, as sophomore guard Jarquez Brown and senior Caleb Blackmon were both selected to last season’s All-Elmore County team. Parker doesn’t know too much about the program he’s taking over as he’s been focused on only football the last few years, but his expectations remain the same.
“No matter what happened in the past, my expectations will be high,” Parker said. “I’m going to bring a new energy. If you present yourself and conduct yourself as a winner, winning is going to come. If they buy in and believe they can win, half the battle is already won.”
large group of fans cheering her on in the game. Her entire family was there rooting for her, along with a younger girl in the Wetumpka club program.
The young girl held up a sign that said “Jeweliana’s biggest fan” on it. Holton serves as the girl’s role model in the club program. At halftime and after the game, Holton gave her biggest fan some big hugs.
“That means so much to me,” Holton said. “It’s so encouraging that people believe in me and support me.”
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Ella Watson was selected to play in the AHSAA North-South All-Star softball game last week.
Edgewood Academy wins Chairman’s Award
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Edgewood Academy athletics department picked up a massive award last week.
After winning four team state championships, two individual state championships and reaching the state semifinals in two other sports, Edgewood was awarded the AISA’s Chairman Awards for Class AA.
The Chairman’s Award was established to recognize member schools that achieve athletic excellence during the school year. It is also based on character as suspensions, ejections and fines across the school year lessen the school’s chance of earning the award.
“We are extremely proud of our accomplishments athletically with all the wins and championships, but
we’re really proud that we didn’t have a single ejection or fine this year between any teams, coaches or fans,”
Edgewood athletic director Chad Michael said. “It’s really an honor to be noticed when you do everything right and it all works out in your favor.”
Edgewood had arguably the best athletic school year of any AISA school across any classification in the state. The Wildcats claimed four team state championships this year in volleyball, cheer, girls basketball and boys basketball. Those four teams combined for only six losses on the year, two of which were against out-ofstate teams.
The volleyball and girls basketball teams, which kept their championship streaks alive this season, did not lose a game to anyone in Alabama. The boys
basketball team, which won its first championship since 2019, went 27-4.
Edgewood had two individual state championships in track and field as well. Matthew Cox and Barrett Brown each won the discus throw this season.
Although they did not win the championship, the football and baseball teams each reached the state semifinals. The softball team also participated in the state tournament.
“One thing we try to emphasize here is doing things the right way, “ Michael said. “If you’re doing things the right way, good things are going to happen for you. Our kids buy into that. They know if they do things the right way and represent Edgewood the right way, good things will happen. That worked in our favor this past school year.”
Stanhope Elmore’s Woodham, Stallworth invited to PBR Future Games
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Two of the county’s top baseball players have been invited to represent Alabama on the big stage. Stanhope Elmore rising juniors Tyler Woodham and Jackson Stallworth, both pitchers for the Mustangs, have been invited to the Prep Baseball Report Future Games and will represent Team Alabama. The Future Games features the top uncommitted prospects from the Classes of 2025 and 2026 across 40 states in the United States and Canada. The Games are today through Saturday at Lake Point in Emerson, Georgia. Each team will play three games, and all position players will showcase their skills by running 60-yard dashes and having batting practice. Team Alabama’s three games are against Louisiana, Mississippi and
Tennessee.
Woodham will be the first of the two Mustangs to take the mound. He is slated to be in Game 2’s pitching rotation against Mississippi.
Woodham had a successful season this year serving as the team’s No. 4 pitcher. The tall southpaw pitched 30 innings this year and allowed only 10 earned runs, good for a 2.33 earned run average. He mostly pitched out of the bullpen and went 4-2 with two saves. He struck out 25 batters and walked 14.
Stallworth will pitch in Game 3 against Tennessee. Stallworth mainly pitched for the junior varsity last season as the Mustangs had a talented rotation already, but he was a mainstay in the team’s lineup at designated hitter. At the plate, he hit .352 with five doubles, one triple and 22 RBIs. On the base paths, he added four stolen bases.
FILE | THE HERALD
The Edgewood Academy boys basketball team celebrates winning its state championship this season. Edgewood finished the season with four team and two individual state championships.
FILE THE HERALD
LEFT: Stanhope’s Jackson Stallworth, one of the highest-rated players in the junior class, has been invited to play in the PBR Future Games.
RIGHT: Stanhope Elmore rising junior Tyler Woodham pitches in the playoffs last season. The big lefty has been invited to represent Team Alabama at the PBR Future Games this week.
Smoke doesn’t always mean fire
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Social media was abuzz with a possible fire at ALDI in Wetumpka Saturday.
Photos posted to social media show what appears to be smoke coming from the roof area. Wetumpka fire
chief Greg Willis said his department responded to the apparent smoke but there was no fire.
“It was a freon leak,” Willis said. “It was from a cooler.”
Willis said no one was reported injured in the incident and the store has made repairs.
over the
ABOVE:
includes Moon’s “Moonlight on Pickle Hill” Moon started to paint after his daughter visited Millbrook’s Camp Grandview in the 1940s. He later was a member of the Dixie Art Colony.
left, speaks about the Shiney Moon exhibit at The Art Mill in Millbrook.
Alabama artist highlighted in Millbrook exhibition
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A show highlighting a Dixie Art Colony artist and Millbrook’s Camp Grandview is on display at
The Art Mill in Millbrook through the end of July.
The exhibition "A Retrospective of the Works of Carlos Alpha 'Shiney' Moon” is works from the short painting experience of Carlos Alpha Moon.
“He only started to paint in 1943 after his daughter Martha attended a girls camp at Camp Grandview in Millbrook,” Dixie Art Colony Foundation director Mark Harris said. “Martha painted on pottery at camp and on the way home to Florala, they stopped in downtown Montgomery.”
Moon purchased paints, canvas and other materials. Martha never took to the hobby but Moon didn’t want the materials to go to waste. His first painting of a pine tree was completed with these materials and is on display in the Millbrook exhibit.
Moon quickly expanded into watercolor and more.
Moon was also part of the Dixie Art Colony founded by John Kelly Fitzpatrick in Elmore County in 1933.
The Millbrook exhibit features more than 20 of Moon’s works.
Many of his paintings have been donated to the DAC Foundation by museums, including what Harris calls Moon’s most significant work, ‘Moonlight on Pickel Hill.’ The display includes a couple of hand drawn graphite studies of the painting by Moon.
“This painting hung alongside works by some of America's most prominent 19th-and 20th-century artists, including Thomas Hart Benton, Winslow Homer, Childe Hassam and Andrew Wyeth, to name a few,” Harris said.
Moon’s painting career was only 10 years long as he died of a heart attack in 1953.
The property used for Camp Grandview in Millbrook was donated to the YMCA and is now the Grandview YMCA.
A reception was held last Tuesday on what would have been Moon’s 117th birthday.
Holtville native serves aboard U.S. Navy warship in Mayport
By JOE RULLO Navy Office of Community Outreach
Navy Ensign Kait-
lin Carpenter, a native of Holtville, is serving aboard USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.
Carpenter, a 2014 graduate of Holtville High School and a 2022 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, joined the Navy five years ago.
“I joined the Navy to see the world, meet new people and ultimately live a life of service,” Carpenter said. "I got to go to Amman, Jordan and speak to local refugees using my language training from the Navy."
Today, Carpenter relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Holtville to succeed in the military.
“I learned the importance of hard work,” Carpenter said. "My family, especially my dad, has always had to work as hard as possible to give us a life and I learned that things aren't given to you — you earn them."
Those lessons have helped Carpenter while serving in the Navy.
The Jason Dunham is a guided-missile destroyer that provides a wide range of warfighting capabilities. The destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a
larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the Jason Dunham. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
"Our mission remains timeless — to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy — fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level," Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said. "This is our calling. I cannot imagine a calling more worthy."
Serving in the Navy means Carpenter is part of a team that is taking on new importance in
America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy maintains combat-ready personnel capable of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas,” Carpenter said. Carpenter and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Commissioning in the Navy is my most cherished accomplishment,” Carpenter said. "I am the first in my family to do so."
As Carpenter and other sailors continue to train and perform mis-
Christmas in July
sions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving the Navy means doing the job many people won't do and keeping them safe knowing we have the watch,” Carpenter said.
“The Dunham is the best ship on the waterfront. I am so proud to serve alongside such an amazing crew and leadership."
Carpenter is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“There are so many people in my life that I have contributed to where I am today, but my dad, Homer Carpenter, has been the biggest and most influential of all,” Carpenter said. "He has been my rock, my hero and my biggest fan."
Pizza every day at Wetumpka and Stanhope Elmore high schools
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Teenagers love pizza.
Those well known slices of dough, sauce and cheese will be available every day at the cafeterias at Wetumpka and Stanhope high schools this year. The Elmore County Board of Education approved last week a contract for Pizza Hut in Millbrook and Wetumpka to cook USDA-compliant pizzas for Elmore County Schools.
“We have had a relationship with Pizza Hut for a long time,” Elmore County Schools Child Nutrition Program
director Cacyce Davis said.
“We used them in the summer for several years. They have a compliant product. Our students like it and it helps increase participation. We just decided to expand it.”
Davis said several middle schools in the system will offer the pizza selection multiple days per week, just not daily. The pizza option offers another option to students in an effort to increase participation in school lunches without increasing expenses.
“It is less per serving than the pizza we prepare but we don’t have to use our ovens or staff,” Davis said. “It is a win-
win for our students, staff and local business.”
She said the pizza isn’t exactly like what is on the normal menu at Pizza Hut but is delivered much the same.
“It comes to us hot, ready to serve,” Davis said. “We have to work with time. For Pizza Hut it is a production period they are not usually busy. It is not during their busy time locally. It is prepared and placed in boxes that our kitchens will receive.”
The Elmore County Board of Education approved a one year contract but it is renewable for one year up to four times total.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
Guests look
Shiney Moon exhibit at The Art Mill in Millbrook. The exhibit
BELOW: Dixie Art Colony Foundation’s Mark Harris,
SUBMITTED | THE HERALD
Holtville native Navy Ensign Kaitlin Carpenter is serving in the Navy aboard the USS Jason Dunham based in Florida.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD Main Street Wetumpka held Christmas in July Saturday. The event attracted shoppers to downtown Wetumpka to take advantage of the sales tax holiday. Even Santa took a break from vacation to pay a visit with Wetumpka shoppers.
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thence N 77 deg. 36 minutes W, a distance of 124.88 feet; thence N 74 deg. 13 minutes W, a distance of 300.17 feet; thence S 10 deg. 15 minutes E, a distance of 237.73 feet; thence S 25 deg. 14 minutes E, a
Public Notices
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
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gg y D Jordan And Stephen A Jordan A Married Couple to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Guild Mortgage Company LLC, its successors and assigns dated March 25, 2021; said mortgage being recorded on March 25, 2021, in Book 2021, Page 26309 in the Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Guild Mortgage Company LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2023, Page 25251 in the of
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PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.
From said POB; thence N 77 deg. 36 minutes W, a distance of 124.88 feet; thence N 74 deg.13 minutes W, a distance of 300.17 feet; thence S 10 deg.15 minutes E, a distance of 237.73 feet; thence S 76 deg. 43 minutes E, a distance of 336.81 feet; thence N 12 deg. 24 minutes E, a distance of 200.0 feet back to the Point of Beginning; lying in the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 and the SE 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 4, T18, R20, Elmore County, Alabama.. Property street address for informational purposes: 100 36024. 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 RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. MTGLQ Investors, L.P., (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 22-01416
Wetumpka Herald: 23-01259
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
H&L Construction, Inc. hereby gives notice of completion of contact with the State of Alabama for construction of Project# HRRR-2622(250) in ELMORE County. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on 7/12/23 and ending on 8/2/23. O. Box 1025, Troy, AL 36081 during this period.
/s/Mona T. Knotts
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 12, 19, 26 and Aug. 2, 2023
COMPLETION
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Mobile Communications America, (Contractor), has completed the Contract for (Construction), (Renovation), (Alteration),(Equipment) and (Improvements) of Reeltown Water Tank E9-1-1 Radio Communication Shelter and Related Electrical Power and Grounding Equipment at 775 Webster Ford Rd, for the State of Alabama and the (County)of Tallapoosa (City) of Tallassee, Owner(s),and have made reContract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Tallapoosa County
Dadeville, Al 36853 Attn: Anita Haggerty (Owners) Mobile Communication America (Contractor) 4116 First Ave North Birmingham, Al 35222
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 12, 19, 26 and Aug. 2, 2023
COMPLETION
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 Amelia
SUDOKU ANSWERS
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
THE WETUMPKA HERALD
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y abama, 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.
ELLA RUTH ROBERTSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CARRIE RUTH ROBERTSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: LEE A. RANKIN NORRIS & RANKIN, LLC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW 2410 COBBS FORD ROAD MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334-290-5071
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 12, 19 and 26, 2023
EST/ROBERTSON, C. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCEI ANN ROBERTSON, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-184 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL AND PETITION FOR PROBATE TO: MICHAEL MADDOX AND ALL HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF FRANCEI ANN ROBERTSON, DECEASED AND ALL HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF MICHAEL MADDOX IF DECEASED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 7TH day of JULY, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of FRANCEI ANN ROBERTSON, deceased, Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, RONALD DOUGLAS ROBERTSON, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This Notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next of kin of FRANCEI ANN ROBERTSON Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within tention of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition.
RODERICK B. PERDUE SPECIAL JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner:
REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ.
The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, PC 109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011 Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 19, 26 and Aug. 2, 2023
EST/ROBERTSON, F. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: JORDAN MCCLENDON CASE No. JU-2019-209.07
NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS
TO: Shirley McClendon (Mother) You are hereby given notice the Elmore County Department of Human Resources requesting that your parental rights be terminated to JORDAN MCCLENDON, born on August 05, 2019, at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Alabama. You are hereby given notice
Answer with the Clerk of the Juvenile Court and with the Petitioner’s attorney, Alan H. Polson, Alabama State Department of Human Resources,
date of the last publication of this notice or a default judgment can be entered against you. A October 19, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama. You may appear and contest the same if you choose. ELMORE COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK
Wetumpka Herald:
JU-2019-209.07 PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Marilyn Brown a/k/a Marilyn N. Brown, a single woman, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”) (solely as nominee for Lender, Flagship Mortgage of Alabama, LLC, and Lender’s successors and assigns), dated the 10th day of December, 2007, which Mortgage was recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, 85299; said Mortgage having been corrected and re-recorded86905; said Mortgage having been transferred and assigned by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (solely as nominee for Lender, Flagship Mortgage of Alabama, LLC, and Lender’s successors and assigns) to Alabama Housing Finance Authority by virtue of that certain Assignment of Mortgage dated December 12, 2019 and 66480. The undersigned Alabama Housing Finance Authority, as Assignee of said Mortgage will, under and by virtue
Public Notices
gg y of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage, sell at auction to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Elmore County Courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, Alabama during the legal hours of sale on August 29, 2023, the real property described in said Mortgage, which said description is hereby referred to and made a part hereof, said property being situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot No. 6, of Block No. 6 according to maps and plat preRegistered Surveyor, on April 1, 1955, and revised on November 26, 1962, and recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumexist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of realizing the mortgage debt, together with all expenses of the sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Our File No.: 37591-3020 -
Wetumpka Herald: FC/BROWN
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by MARY H. HUSSEY, to CB&S BANK AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PRIMESOUTH BANK on AUGUST 8, 2017, said mortgage being recorded inbate of ELMORE County, Alabama, at BOOK 2017 PAGE 39453, the undersigned CB&S BANK AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PRIMESOUTH BANK, as mortgagee (or transferee), under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, at the entrance of the Courthouse of ELMORE County, Alabama, on AUGUST 15, 2023, between the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in ELMORE County, Alabama, to wit: BEING THE WEST HALF OF SUB LOTS 25 AND 26 AND THE WEST HALF OF THE SOUTH 20 FEET OF SUB LOT 24 OF ORIGINAL LOT 178 OF WEST WETUMPKA, ALABAMA AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS: BEGIN AT THE SW CORNER OF THE EAST HALF OF ORIGINAL LOT 178 IN WEST WETUMPKA, ALABAMA; THENCE RUN NORTH ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF GOVERNMENT STREET A DISTANCE OF 124 FEET; THENCE RUN EAST AND PARALLEL TO OSCEOLA STREET 74 FEET; THENCE RUN SOUTH AND PARALLEL TO GOVERNMENT STREET 124 FEET; THENCE RUN WEST ALONG THE NORTH SIDE OF OSCEOLA STREET 74 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING Subject to all zoning, easements, restrictions, restrictive covenants and reservations appearing of record. Said sale will also be made subject to any Federal Tax Liens, Ad Valorem Real Estate Taxes and<\\>or Special Assessments of any nature, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the property. The property is being sold “as is, where is”. Said property is sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use, enjoyment or condition. The mortgagee or transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. All bidders will be required to execute a bidding agreement prior to sale. Copies of the bidding agreement may be obtained prior to the sale. The successful bidder will be required to pay the bid amount at the time of Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the attorneys fees and expenses of foreclosure. This sale is subject to cancellation or postponement. CB&S BANK AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PRIMESOUTH BANK, Mortgagee-Transferee Leonard N. Math Chambless Math • Carr, P.C. P.O. Box 230759 Montgomery, Alabama 361230759 334-272-2230
Wetumpka Herald: FC/HUSSEY
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale State of Alabama, County of Elmore
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Lucas Valerian Gilbert, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Lenders of America, LLC, on September 6, 2018, said mortgage recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book 2018, Page 48818; the undersigned Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Elmore Counduring 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 Southeast corner of Section 8, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, and run thence North 15 degrees West 764 feet to the Point of Beginning; said point being on the North right of way line of Alabama State Highway No. 14; from said Point of Beginning run thence South 72 degrees 15 minutes West along said
degrees 11 minutes East 164.5 feet; thence South 18 degrees 02 minutes East 268.7 feet to said right of way line; thence South 72 degrees 15 minutes West along said right of way line 6 feet to the Point of Beginning. Said parcel of land lies in the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 9, and the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 8, Township 18 North, Range 19 East.
Title to the above described Gilbert and Freda Marlene Gilbert, as joint tenants, with rights Gilbert and Freda Marlene Gilbert by Warranty Deed dated 18196 or Instrument No. N/A. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as: 74585 Tallassee Hwy, WetumpTHIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TOMENT AND WILL BE SOLD REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO.
Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Three Thousand Dollars made payable to Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law & Gregg, LLC at the address indicated below. Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due.
This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. If the sale is set aside, the Purchaser may be entitled to only a return of any tendered purchase funds less any applicable fees and costs and shall have no other recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Elmore County, Alabama. 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.
Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC. 2100 Southbridge Pkwy, Suite 650, Homewood, AL, www.bellcarrington. com Wetumpka Herald: FC/GILBERT
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No. HSIP-0009(588) ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation
Public Notices
Public Notices
Public Notices
per set. Plans and Proposals
the Secretary of Labor and are set forth in the advertised spec-
evidence of good faith. The bracket range is shown only to-
bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this con-
bids. The bidder’s proposal
that in any contract entered into
this invitation and will not be
sideration for an award. The reserved.
Transportation Director
HSIP-0009(588) PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLICATION NOTICE
Property is located at: SE 1/4 of SE 1/4 Sec 19. T20N, R20E Parcel ID: 06 04 19 0 000 010.000 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on June 19, 2023, a Petiwherein the following were SE 1/4 Sec 19, T20N. R20E:
/s/Michael Dozier
PROPERTY
PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE 2023-5 AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING 2.15 ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY IN SECTION 6, T-17-N, R-19-E INTO THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF WETUMPKA, ALABAMA
WHEREAS, on the 30th day of June 2023, BLUE RIDGE PROPERTIES OF WETUMPKA, L.L.C, an Alabama limited liability company, being the owner of all the real property with the City Clerk of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama a petition
pp requesting that said tract of land be annexed to and become a part of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama; and WHEREAS, said petition did contain the signatures of all the owners of the described lands and provided a map of the property showing its relationship to the corporate limits of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama; and WHEREAS, the governing body did determine that it is in the public interest that said property be annexed to the City of Wetumpka, Alabama and it did further determine that all legal requirements for annexing said real property have been met pursuant to Sections 11-42-20 through 11-42-24, Code of Alabama 1975; NOW BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WETUMPKA, ALABAMA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Council of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama,islative body of the City of Wetumpka that it is in the best interests of the citizens of the City of Wetumpka, and the citizens of the affected area, to bring the territory described in Section 2 of this ordinance into the City of Wetumpka’s corporate limits. Section 2. That the boundary lines of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, be and the same are hereby altered or rearranged so as to include all of the territory herto before encompassed by the corporate limits of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, and in addition thereto the following described territory, to wit: PORTION OF THE "NOT A PART" AREA DEPICTED ON BLUE RIDGE FOREST SUBDIVISION, PLAT 1 AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 9, PAGE 24, IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE NE CORNER OF THE NW 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4 OF SECTION 6, T17N, R19E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE WEST 142.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE SOUTH 22 DEG 13 MIN WEST A DISTANCE OF 288.50 FEET TO A CAMSHAFT; THENCE NORTH 37 DEG 16 MIN 00 SEC WEST A DISTANCE OF 100.07 FEET TO A RAILROAD SPIKE; THENCE NORTH 22 DEG 08 MIN 51 SEC WEST A DISTANCE OF 120.61 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 86 DEG 38 MIN 34 SEC WEST A DISTANCE OF 96.08 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR (HOLT); THENCE NORTH 39 DEG 25 MIN 32 SEC EAST A DISTANCE OF 56.23 FEET TO A CONCRETE ROW MARKER; THENCE NORTH 50 DEG 41 MIN 00 SEC WEST A DISTANCE OF 85.00 FEET TO A CONCRETE ROW MARKER; THENCE NORTH 39 DEG 15 MIN 55 SEC EAST A DISTANCE OF 3.31 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR (S.D. MARTIN, 11726); THENCE NORTH 49 DEG 50 MIN 27 SEC WEST A DISTANCE OF 34.48 FEET TO A IRON PIN FOUND (CAPPED) ON THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY OF COVERED BRIDGE ROAD (60’ ROW); THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY OF SAID ROAD THE FOLLOWING (4) CHORDS: (1) ALONG A CURVE TO THE LEFT, SAID CURVE HAVING A RADIUS OF 232.12 FEET AND A CHORD OF NORTH 18 DEG 56 MIN 31 SEC EAST, 74.31 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR (CAPPED); (2) NORTH 09 DEG 25 MIN 55 SEC EAST, 118.32 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR (CAPPED); (3) ALONG A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, SAID CURVE HAVING A RADIUS OF 42.92 FEET AND A CHORD OF NORTH 49 DEG 02 MIN 32 SEC EAST, 54.54 FEET TO 1/2" REBAR; (4) NORTH 88 DEG 28 MIN 45 SEC EAST A DISTANCE OF 171.48 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR (CAPPED); THENCE LEAVING SAID RIGHT OF WAY OF SAID ROAD SOUTH 21 DEG 10 MIN 44 SEC EAST A DISTANCE OF 139.20 FEET TO AN IRON PIN FOUND; THENCE SOUTH 33 DEG 24 MIN 55 SEC EAST A DISTANCE OF 42.18 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR (MARTIN); THENCE SOUTH 03 DEG 15 MIN 38 SEC EAST A DISTANCE OF 27.67 FEET TO A 3/4" PIPE; THENCE SOUTH 06 DEG 23 MIN 56 SEC WEST A DISTANCE OF 157.04 FEET TO A 1/2" REBAR; THENCE SOUTH 87 DEG 46 MIN 50 SEC WEST A DISTANCE OF 163.61 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 2.15 ACRES MORE OR LESS AND LYING IN THE NW 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4 AND THE SW 1/4 OF THE NW 1/4 OF SECTION 6, T17N, R19E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. Section 3. This ordinance shall be published as provided by copy of the petition of the propthe Probate Judge of Elmore County, Alabama. Section 4. The territory described in this ordinance shall become a part of the corporate limits of Wetumpka, Alabama upon publication of this ordinance as set forth in Section 3, above. ADOPTED THIS THE 17th DAY OF July, 2023. Signed: Jerry Willis, Mayor ATTEST: Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 26, 2023 ORDINANCE 2023-5
PUBLIC NOTICE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT P O Box 301463 (36130-1463) 1400 Coliseum Boulevard (36110-2400) Montgomery, Alabama 361301463 (334) 271-7700 PROPOSED
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER Account Code: 422 & 423 Elmore County Pursuant to the provisions of the Alabama Environmental Management Act, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management is proposing to issue an Order to Kenneth Campbell for failure to close an unauthorized dump and an ille-
day of July, 2023, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Lance R. LeFleur Director Nondiscrimination Statement: The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in the administration of its programs. Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 26, 2023 PROPOSED ORDER PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on 10th of August, 2023, at 9:00am AT STORAGETREASURES. COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE.
•3130:Jennifer Tarver: 643 Ives Way N.W, Lilburn, Ga 30047
Contents: mattress, washer, dryer, box and oxygen machine
•3080: Courtney Watkins: 1436 Nocoseka Trl. Apt D5 Anniston, Al 36207
Contents: bags, tote, boxes, small safe, shelf and clothes
•3154: Richard Weathers: 1194 Holtville Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092
Contents: 4 animal crates and mattress and box spring
Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 26 and Aug. 2, 2023 STORAGE AUCTION PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Monday, August 17th, 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.
Please run this ad in your August 2nd and 9th 2023 editions of the Wetumpka Herald. Please let me know if I missed any deadlines or need to make any changes. Thank you.
•732: Aaron Butler.180 Forrest Hill Road, Wetumpka, Alabama
36093
Contents: Bags, boxes, chairs, table, pictures
•180: Megan Mantz. 205 69 Sandy Court, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092
Contents: Boxes, totes,table, desk, monitors, mattress Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 26 and Aug. 2, 2023 STORAGE AUCTION PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No. STPMN-2623(250) ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation
Hearings for county road vacation set for next month
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The end of Lakeshore Court and Neely Road could be given to adjacent property owners.
The Elmore County Commission has set a public hearing for 5 p.m. Aug. 14 to hear public comments about vacating portions of the two roads. In both cases, adjacent property owners have requested the county to do such.
But what happens when the county gives up a road or a portion of it?
Elmore County chief engineer Luke McGinity said basically the county no longer maintains the section of road and the property owner gets to decide how it will be used.
“The property owner gets to decide access,” McGinity said. “The property owner gets to decide the level of maintenance, if any. It is all up to them”
McGinity said the roads currently under consideration by the Elmore County Commis -
sion for vacation do not involve altering access to property or water.
“It doesn’t adversely impact anyone,” McGinty said. “No one is being cut off from access to property. We have to make sure of that. None of this is to public access to water. The people with property on these roads wanted it.”
The roads fall in Elmore County’s District 1 represented by Commissioner Henry Hines, who has been on the roads and in both situations the adjacent property owners wanted this done.
Both roads are unpaved and in the case of Neely Road, another intersected road was vacated years ago.
“It only went to Alabama Power property,” Hines said. “There is now a gate there.”
Hines said the proposal is to vacate Neely Road from there to the end of the road.
“It dead ends at the property owner’s home,” Hines said. “The last section, they don’t want
anyone down there. There is a cattle gap and he would like it closed there, not letting anyone come past it.”
Lakeshore Court is a shorter section of road but could prove to be more valuable by vacating.
“A property owner has a lot,” Hines said. “The road runs to one house at the end that his relative owns. He wants to close this portion and make his own road and maintain it to go to the house. He is also going to build a house about where the road is currently.”
Hines and McGinty both said if the vacation is approved the county would save money but not have to spend funds on materials, labor or equipment to maintain them. The vacation is also beneficial in other ways.
“Now the property goes to a private landowner,” Hines said. “The county would get to collect property taxes helping maintain county services like maintaining roads.”
New Millbrook Middle School Principal named
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Tarica Lamar is the new principal at Millbrook Middle School. Lamar is new to Millbrook but not the job of principal having previously served as principal at Holtville High School and most recently as an assistant principal at Elmore County Technical Center. She has 22 years of experience in education. Lamar was approved to be the next principal at Millbrook Middle at last Thursday’s Elmore County Board of Education meeting after the recommendation of Elmore County superintendent Richard Dennis.
“I’m very comfortable in the vision for serving students that Mr. Dennis has set out for schools,” Lamar said. “I’m very comfortable going
over there. I’m excited about going into a new community. I’m excited to serve Millbrook Middle School and the other schools there as well.” Lamar said she is going to miss a few things after leaving the tech center.
“I’m going to miss the ability to influence kids going into the workforce,” Lamar said. “Most of them are learning skills to go into the workforce. In middle school you are trying to get them to high school.” Lamar said she hopes to bring a few things she learned in her time at ECTC to her new role at Millbrook.
“It gives me great insight,” Lamar said. “It might be a little early to truly try to get students developing career paths and goals, but it is not too
early to get them to start and looking there is a wide world of opportunity.”
Lamar said she hopes she can instill in the younger students that you don’t have to go to a four year school to be successful.
“I want them to realize plumbing is a career, welding is a career,” Lamar said. “I can help them learn there are other things out there beyond becoming a doctor or lawyer.”
At the same time
Lamar wants students to learn skills they can use regardless of career choices yet to be made.
“I can help with soft skills,” Lamar said. “They need to learn how to speak with others and how to work with others. Those are things you will do for the rest of your life.”
NOTICE Notice of Action: Jessie Liechty, Registered Agent for TALLASSEE AUTOMOTIVE, INC., whose whereabouts are unknown,
answer no
publication of this notice, or thereafter a order by default may be entered against him in case no. CV-2022-900253. Michael A. Griggs, Attorney for Plaintiff, 100 Executive Park Drive, Tallassee, AL 36078. Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 19, 26, Aug. 2 and 9, 2023 WHEREABOUTS LIECHTY Public
than
days after the date of the
Notices
NOTICE OF PROPOSED VACATION OF A PORTION OF LAKESHORE COURT IN ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Pursuant to the proposal of the Elmore County Commission to vacate a portion of Lakeshore Court in Elmore County, Alabama, the Elmore County Commission will consider the said vacation of a portion of Lakeshore Court, which is more particularly and accurately described as follows: A PORTION OF LAKESHORE COURT IN ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA THAT COMMENCES AT THE SOUTHWEST END OF PARCEL 13 04 18 0 001 020.002 THAT IS ADJACENT TO LAKESHORE COURT AND OWNED BY WILLIAM M. AND LAURA L. SPIVEY AND EXTENDING ACROSS LAKESHORE COURT IN A STRAIGHT LINE TO PARCEL 13 04 18 0 001 022.000 WHICH IS OWNED BY PAUL HARRIS AND/OR PAUL HARRIS AND JUDITH V. HARRIS. THEN, EXTENDING SOUTHWESTERLY TO INCLUDE ANY AND ALL OF THE AREA OF LAKESHORE COURT THAT IS ADJACENT TO PARCELS 13 04 18 0 001 021.00 OWNED BY PAUL ALLEN HARRIS AND JUDITH V. HARRIS AND 13 04 18 0 001 022.000 THAT IS OWNED BY PAUL HARRIS
Public Notices
AND/OR PAUL HARRIS AND JUDITH HARRIS, AND PARCEL 13 04 18 0 001 024.000 THAT IS OWNED BY ELIZABETH V. BONNER. Prior to takthe Elmore County Commission will conduct a public hearing on the proposed vacation. This public hearing shall be held at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Elmore County Commission
Public Notices
J. Courtney Attorney for the Elmore County Commission Wetumpka Herald: Jul. 19, 26, Aug. 2 and 9, 2023
VACATION/LAKESHORE PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE OF PROPOSED VACATION OF A PORTION OF NEELY ROAD IN ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Pursuant to the proposal of the Elmore County Commission to vacate a portion of Neely Road in Elmore County, Alabama, the Elmore County Commission will
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Portions of Lakeshore Court are proposed to be vacated by Elmore County. Parts of the road will remain open if the vacation is approved by the Elmore County Commission. Commissioner Henry Hines said a property adjacent to the road on both sides wants to build a house using part of the roadway.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
New Millbrook Middle School principal Tarica Lamar, right, poses with Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis after the Elmore County Board of Education approved her transfer from the Elmore County Technical Center.
Smith named third band director at ECHS
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There had been only two band directors at Elmore County High School since 1980 — Eddie Mann and Anthony Vittore.
But now, Zach Smith follows in Vittore’s footsteps and he has a brotherhood that includes Vittore to help continue the Maroon Marching Band tradition. Meanwhile, Vittore now looks to another role, something new after 20 years of leading the band.
“I hope to be here every Friday night; I’m a band parent now,” Vittore said. “I transitioned from band director to band parent to band booster eventually. I’m ecstatic about working the concession stand. I love doing that stuff.”
Vittore left ECHS last month to become Huntingdon College’s director of bands. He said the decision to leave wasn’t easy.
“I will miss everything, foremost is the students,” Vittore said. “It was one of my biggest decisions — leaving them and the
staff. They are all my friends. After 20 years you grow close to them.”
Vittore said there is comfort in his decision as he is still heading up a band, but he’s also encouraging the next generation of music educators.
“I hope to create music educators that have experiences like I had,” Vittore said. “I want them to go out into a program and they really make a huge impact in children’s lives. I want to create more band directors and music educators as they grow in college while also playing great music and having a great time.”
The Maroon Machine was Vittore’s first job out of college and he stepped into big shoes to continue a tradition established by Eddie Mann and the Welchs of the Elmore County Big Blue Band.
“Mr. Mann before did a great job taking over from Big Blue,” Vittore said. “He was here 27 years and my goal was to take it and make it better than I found it, which is hard to do because he did a phenomenal job.”
“Big Blue” was a consolidated band of
Wetumpka, Holtville and Elmore County high schools. It started in the 1940s under Truman Welch. Holtville got its own band soon after but students from Wetumpka and ECHS continued on.
Welch’s son Milton led the band with Mann until the split in 1980s.
All the directors had connections through the music programs at Auburn and Troy.
“At Troy, I joined the fraternity [Vittore] was in,” Smith said. “I saw that brotherhood coming here to Eclectic helping out.”
Smith spent summers helping Vittore during band camp. Smith made stops in Dadeville and Wetumpka high schools. Last year he went to Redland Middle School to create the music program there.
“He was helping me out when he was a student at Wetumpka,” Vittore said. “He is very familiar with the program. He has been around for many years. He is a phenomenal director. He will do well. We are excited for him.”
Smith started in June, but like in years past, the fall show was well in
progress. Smith is keeping it. Vittore was at band camp to help where he could, and Alton Ford is staying at ECHS as an assistant.
“Mr. Ford was there when we originated the show and understands a lot of it,” Vittore said. “He will be vital in making the transition smooth.”
Smith is welcoming the help. He is comfortable with the music and drill but the theatrical production the Maroon Machine is now known for is still something Smith is learning.
“Recently this band has had lots of acting going on, that is something I’m new to,” Smith said. “We are figuring out where the actors go in the drill. It is something new for me and exciting to see it unfold.”
Smith hasn’t changed the idea of the Maroon Machine’s show that started coming to life in the spring.
“It is a very cool show,” Vittore said. “It has a good storyline. It is something you don’t want to miss. It has an old school feel to it with a modern twist.”
Smith is also thankful for his other help. His wife Brittany is helping with the color guard and other help is coming from the parents and boosters.
“This is a whole family move for us,” Smith said. “We had friends here. Mr. V is a friend and so are a lot of band parents. I asked them if they were willing to help babysit and watch the girls.”
Vittore grinned at the remark. Vittore is pleased to see another generation growing up in music. He has a child playing tuba and another saxophone.
Seeing it unfold makes Vittore sad about leaving but comfortable in the decision to leave the Maroon Machine too.
“When you have a good thing like the students, administration and community, why would you want to leave?” Vittore said. “That was one of the big things I had to tackle in this decision. It’s an opportunity to go to a higher level and see if I can be successful. I can’t imagine being anything else but a band director. I have so much passion for music. If one student can get that from me there, it is all worth it.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE OBSERVER
Cotton Corner Cotton Festival preps for its 30th year
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
As the big event of the year in Eclectic, most might not have even realized the Alabama Cotton Festival is hitting its 30-year milestone.
Town event coordinator Carmen Winslett said the first year she organized the festival it had 52 vendors and last year the festival had more than 300. Attendance has seen a similar growth going from 3,500 to 5,000 people to having over 17,000 people last year.
Winslett said much of the early success of the event goes to former organizer Verdie Nummy. Nummy died earlier this year, which Winslett said left a hole in the community.
Continuing to grow the festival, the goal for this year is 20,000 attendees and Winslett hopes people see how great this small town is.
“There’s so many things that change and Eclectic strives to maintain that small town feel,” she said. “The fact that we are able to grow this event but stay in a small town, I think is very important to most people.”
The planning for the next festival starts the day of the current festival. Winslett said the morning after the festival, she will already be sending out the forms for next year. By January, the festival committee is reaching out to sponsors.
“The vendors and sponsorships are the one thing we really work on all year,” she said.
“This time of year is when it really starts picking up. People realize I didn’t send my form in. They are starting to sign up for events. They are starting to ask questions.”
This year, the committee added cornhole, opened the Cotton Queen pageant back up to all Alabama residents and added a 65 years and older category. The festival will also have a dog show and a classic car show with a motorcycle category.
Winslett said this year the Montgomery Zoo is not coming, but the festival will have the wildlife federation, Raptor Ridge Wildlife Education, Dr. Aimee’s mobile vet, the Ag in Action trailer, a local monster truck, the rock wall from the National Guard, Bama Air
Dogs, a military vehicle display, Elmore County Humane Society and the Eclectic String Alongs.
The cotton festival is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 14 with the Cotton Queen pageant held the week prior.
The Alabama Cotton Festival is back in Eclectic on Oct. 14. This year is the cotton festival’s 30th anniversary.
LEFT: Zach Smith has taken over as band director at Elmore County High School. Anthony Vittore has left to be director of bands at Huntingdon College.
ABOVE: Band camp is going strong for the Elmore County High School Maroon Machine. All last week the band was working on drill and music for its fall show. The show has been in the works since March and has an old school feel to it with a modern twist.