Wetumpka Herald June 21 2023

Page 1


Millbrook woman dies in Montgomery County crash

Holtville High School basketball coach arrested

A

An early Saturday morning automobile accident in Montgomery claimed the life of Marcia J. Lasinski, 54, of Millbrook.

Wilson

ALEA released a statement Saturday about a two-vehicle accident on U.S. 331 about 12 miles south of Montgomery

in Montgomery County.

investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”

“Lasinski was fatally injured when the 2006 Honda Accord she was driving collided head-on with the 2008 Dodge Ram truck driven by

Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.

Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office have the alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well.

Solomon L. Smith III, 39, of Wetumpka,” ALEA said in the statement. “Lasinski was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The crash happened at approximately 1 a.m. Saturday. Nothing further is available as Troopers with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.

“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary

“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”

RIVER AND BLUES

“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.”

Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being

Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members

ext month the Wetumpka River and Blues Music and Art Festival returns. The idea blossomed in 2012 as city leaders were looking for something to offer residents to highlight life in a small river town. At the time Wetumpka City Clerk Tiffany Robinson was the events specialist and on the committee of city and community leaders organizing it.

The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday. The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gath

Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD

“We wanted to offer quality entertainment and music for our citizens,”

More work will soon be underway at 17 Springs. At its Tuesday meeting the Millbrook City Coun-

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.

cil unanimously approved accepting a bid to complete Phase 2 of the project on Highway 14.

“Phase 2 is the pulse rate of 17 Springs,” Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley said. “This has been

“Kyle Futral is an exception al principal and is very proac tive and innovative in his think ing and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a shift in a

worked on now for several years.”

Millbrook project manager Stuart Peters reminded council members the project has already been in the works for four years with master planning of Phases 1 and 2 and the construction of Phase 1. The first phase includes four soccer fields, 12 tennis courts and 12 pickleball courts.

man no longer suspected

Futral looking forward to building on success in

Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.

Wetumpka

Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle.

Kyle Futral wasn’t looking for a new job; it came to him.

a family,” Futral said. “It gets me closer to them. It made sense to do it for my family.”

According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.

For the last seven years

Futral was principal at Holtville High School and content on being there for a while longer.

“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”

Futral likes to learn and grow and the Wetumpka opportunity allows for that professionally.

This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.

“I was as happy as I could be,” Futral said. “I could die at the office in Holtville and I would’ve been just fine. Wetumpka just offered an opportunity to do things on a bigger scale and with the city and all they have done attracting economic development.”

“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.

Benton didn’t want to speculate on the

“I was intrigued about the position because it is a new challenge with a bigger school,” Futral said. “I think it will stretch me some and cause me to have to learn some new things to operate on a bigger scale.”

See SHOOTING, Page A3

Futral said the challenge at Wetumpka is more personal than anything else as he doesn’t need to turn around a failing school.

Dr. Robbie Slater leaving Wetumpka High School for the Elmore County Board of Education Central Office left a job Futral couldn’t ignore because of family.

Futral’s family lives in Wetumpka and his children attend Redland schools.

“They play youth league sports in Wetumpka and we spend a lot of time there as

“It is on an upward trajectory already and I’m looking forward to being able to jump in there and continue to push it forward,” Futral said.

Futral is looking forward to furthering programs Holtville doesn’t have due to staffing and the size of the school.

“TV production does a

WILSON

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Obituaries

ROBERT JACKSON “BUDDY” GROSS, JR.

Robert Jackson “Buddy” Gross, Jr., 86, of Wetumpka, Alabama went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 13, 2023. He was born June 20, 1936. A celebration of life service will be held at Linville Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the service to begin at 11:00 am with Michael Gross officiating. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Jackson Gross, Sr. and Hattie Inez Gross and brothers, Elzie Gross, Jerry Gross, and Sam Gross. He is survived by sons, Michael (Marcilla) Gross and Pete (Betty Ruth) Russell; daughters, Jayne Russell and Lisa (Cliff) Bufford; grandchildren, Dawson Gross, Cora Ann Bufford and Allen Bufford; sister, Ann Robertson; niece, Donna Jo Darnell; nephews, Robert Gross, Wendell Robertson and Wayne Robertson. A lifelong resident of Elmore County, Buddy worked at Mount Vernon

JOHN THOMPSON

MONTGOMERY, John

Thompson, a resident of Wetumpka, Alabama passed away Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the age of 85

The family will receive friends, Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Gassett Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Gassett Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Colquitt officiating. Burial will be at Deatsville Cemetery.

Police Reports

WETUMPKA POLICE

DEPARTMENT

JUNE 12

• Criminal mischief was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

• Theft was reported on Orline Street.

JUNE 8

• Harassment was reported on Coosa River Parkway

JUNE 6

• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

TALLASSEE POLICE

DEPARTMENT

JUNE 19

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Kent Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on North Johnson Street.

• A verbal altercation was reported on Grimes Street.

• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.

JUNE 18

• A suicidal subject was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Third Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Zion Street.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Cliff Street.

• Gunfire was reported on Third Avenue.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Main Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Carr Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Delta Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• Theft and harassment was reported on Wesson Drive.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious vehicles were reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic incident was re-

Mr. Montgomery is survived by his wife Bernadette R. Montgomery; daughter Christine Blake; son-in-law Joseph Blake, Jr.; son John Foster Montgomery; daughterin-law Deborah Montgomery;

ported on Freeman Avenue.

• A white female was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

JUNE 17

• Gunfire was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Highway 229.

• Harassment was reported on East Patton Street.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Washington Boulevard.

• A vehicle accident was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A suicidal subject was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to another agency on Weldon Road.

• Burglary was reported on Washington Street.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• Reckless driving was reported on Wood Street.

• Animal control was requested on South Ann Avenue.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.

JUNE 16

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Central Boulevard.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Log Circle.

• Harassing communications was reported on Bobwhite Court.

• Harassment was reported on Hanil Drive.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white male was arrested on Gin Shop Hill Road.

• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Freeman Avenue.

• A tree was reported in the roadway on Lower Tuskegee Road.

Mills for 40 years, retiring in 1999. He enjoyed sitting on his front porch, where a good game of dominos might ensue, while waving at all the people that passed and honked. Many a world problems were solved on that front porch and that corner of the world will never be the same without him. Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory Eclectic, Alabama

grandson William Blake & wife Wendy Blake; granddaughter Jennifer Hagans & husband Michael Hagans; great-granddaughter Makayla Blake; great-granddaughter Ella Hagans; step-granddaughter Tanisha & Nadia Kanno; step-grandson Chas & Alejandra Smith; step-great-granddaughter Maddisyn Benefield; brother Charles Montgomery & wife Claudia; sister Mary Nell Jones; sister Emma Hoppes & Don Griffith. He retired 1st Sergeant, in the US Army after 27 years of service. Retired Chief of Police in Wetumpka, Alabama after 15 years of service. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Gilmer Avenue.

JUNE 15

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A noise complaint was reported on First Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• A private-property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A fight in progress was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Central Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Cliff Street.

• A Black female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on Peachtree Street.

• Roadway blocked was reported on Friendship Road.

• A tree in the roadway was reported on Upper River Road.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Claire Street.

JUNE 14

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Little Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on Herd Street.

• A hit and run accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Wall Street.

• Animal cruelty was reported on Cliff Street.

• Animal control was requested on South Ann Avenue.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• An animal complaint was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Assistance was given during a power line down call on North Harper Street. JUNE 13

• Suspicious activity was reported on South Wesson Street.

• A fight in progress was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A suspicious person was reported on Bent Oak Lane.

• A suspicious person was reported on Noble Road.

• A tree was reported in the roadway on Oak Heights Road.

• An intoxicated driver was reported on Kent Road.

• Trespassing was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A stolen vehicle was reported on Preer Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A stolen vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Harassing communications was reported on Hickory Street..

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Tallassee Highway.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

JUNE 12

• A fight in progress was reported on Elm Street.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic complaint was reported on Carr Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on Lilly Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.

• A domestic complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Harassing communications was reported on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• A white male was arrested on Notasulga Road.

• Trespassing was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• An animal complaint was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Paxton Drive.

• An assault was reported on Hickory Street.

• A white female was arrested during a domestic dispute call on Darnell Road.

• Tree in the roadway was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.

We put out a plea for dry dog food and want to thank everyone who immediately put in orders and dropped bags of food by the shelter. You are all giving the delivery drivers a true workout and we are most appreciative. If anyone needs a receipt or your donation, please contact us as the shipments from Amazon, Chewy and Walmart never include info on the donor. Thank you all so very much for your incredible support.

Summer is a time of high intake but low adoptions so if you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, now is a great time to adopt.

While cats, kittens and small dogs adopt well, it is the large dogs who languish. We understand for many families, a larger dog is just not a good fit for many reasons, but if you are open to a large breed, all shelters are bursting at the seams with large dogs looking for loving homes.

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.

The best way to see the pets we have for adoption is to check out the adoption websites like www.petfinder.com or www.adoptapet.com.

You will be able to see not only our pets but those from other shelters as well.

We work hard to keep our available pets posted so you can see their photos and read their info. We try to put their personality info; important things to know like if a dog is good with children, other dogs or cats; age and size or expected size if a puppy; activity level; and any special needs they might have.

If you see a pet that interests you, our adoption info is also in the narrative and right below that is our online adoption application which is the first step in our adoption process. Once we receive and approve an application, we will contact the applicant to set up an appointment for you to come meet the pet in question.

As applications come in via email, we respond via email so please make sure to look out for our response from hselco@bellsouth.net.

We set up appointments between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

We also like playing “matchmaker” via our Wish List Adoption Application (on the home page of our website: www.elmorehumane.org ) where you can fill out the app telling us what you are looking for.

With that, we will contact you if we receive a pet that might be a good fit for what you are looking for. We have fulfilled quite a few wish adoptions this

way. This process works best for adopters and our staff. Once approved and an appointment is set, that pet will not be adopted out from under the applicant as it is on a temporary hold for the approved applicant.

We have more time to work with the applicant during the appointment so if the pet applied for is not a good fit we can help see if we have an alternative pet that will meet the adopt -

to please be on time for your appointment and if something comes up, please

Page A4 • June 21, 2023 Kenneth

Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.

Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth

Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.

Waiting is the longest game. It’s unpredictable, especially when there seems to be no end in sight.

It’s been just over two months since the April 15 shooting in downtown Dadeville, and there are still virtually no answers. True crime documentaries and television makes it seem like a crime, arrest and trial can all happen in virtually no time, but the reality is it’s a long, long waiting game.

Although the five suspects who are being tried as adults have been indicted on a total of 145, it could be months or even years before a trial is held. Questions like, “Why did this happen? What was the motive? What exactly happened inside Mahogany Masterpiece that horrible night?” are going to take so long to answer.

In the case of my brother’s death, Dylan died on a military base, which means a full investigation has ensued and we still have no answers. We don’t even know his cause of death, and it’s been more than six weeks since his passing.

That lingering questions of, “What were the final minutes like for him? Was he around people he loved? What really happened to my brother-in-law?” make the grieving process even more difficult. You don’t fully know how to grieve when you still have questions that need to be answered.

But just like my family, the stories you

Going through the motions

read on these pages of Dadeville in the weeks and months since the shooting show strength, poise, graciousness and support.

“We were a close family anyway,” said Latonya Allen, the mother of the late Phil Dowdell, a victim of the April 15 shooting.

“We always came together. But when this all happened, all of us hurt the same. When I am hurt, my daughter, my brother, my sister hurts. All of us. There were some that came and supported me that I never knew would come.”

Allen spoke of going to her son’s graduation in his place, receiving his diploma and how emotional it was. Although Allen doesn’t know why her son was murdered and she doesn’t have all the answers, she puts on a brave face and continues the walk of life.

Going through the motions is better than the alternative — and that’s what I keep telling myself each and every day. The past is the past; nothing can change the past.

bring back our loved ones. Those answers won’t take away our hurt.

ting one foot in front of the other, and Dadeville has done just that — and so much more.

were talking and I mentioned being from Charlottesville, Virginia, and one of our reporters said, “Isn’t there where the KKK thing was?”

Yes, nearly seven years ago now, my hometown was where a young girl was murdered by someone driving their car through a crowd of people during a “Unite the Right” rally. That was seven years ago, and it’s still what people think when they hear of my hometown.

have that same stigma attached to it for years to come. But the stories on these pages show Dadeville, Alabama is not just a place where something bad happened. It’s a community where good people come together, help each other and build

Back in 1971, television networks instituted what came to be known as the Rural Purge.

They canceled all older-skewing programs — Ed Sullivan, The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Lawrence Welk, HeeHaw, Red Skelton and several others.

Actor-comedian Pat Buttram (Mr. Haney of Green Acres) remarked, “They canceled everything with a tree in it –including Lassie.”

Within a few months, however, Lawrence Welk and Hee-Haw found new life in first-run syndication and decades of success followed.

Roy Clark even had a hit single in 1972 with “The Lawrence Welk-Hee Haw Counter-Revolution Polka.”

It seems we are at one of those defining moments in popular culture today. This time, some people say the influence of Judeo-Christian principles is on the wane, while others say they are on the rise. I will cite a few examples.

You have probably noticed the month of June was declared Pride Month to recognize LGBTQIA+ persons.

It can be a bit confusing sometimes, I know. I work in a field, music and fine arts where I have been around these lifestyles and attitudes my whole professional life and never really thought anything much about it. The way I have always seen it is it’s none of my business and I am certainly not in a position to judge anyone else.

And yet, what some are calling an agenda has been pushed to the forefront of our popular culture of late. One cannot watch a television show or even commercials that do not somehow feature representation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or non-binary persons in a variety of roles — as couples, outrageous stereotypes, cross-dressers or whatever.

Entire religious denominations have recently split over issues related to transgender and non-binary ministers and members and same-sex weddings happening in the church. In the past few

As painful as it is not to have all the answers, those answers won’t change what’s happened. Those answers won’t

The woke pride counter-revolution?

years, there have been schisms within the Presbyterian, United Methodist, Episcopal and Lutheran churches. It has been said the devil is the author of division. Well, he is probably pretty pleased with himself for bringing so many Christians to this point. Our culture is awash in cynicism and disrespect. Our celebrities just get more and more out there with their behavior, public statements and appearances. We are so far beyond being shocked that literally nothing is shocking.

We have had the Bud Light and Target controversies this summer — if you haven’t heard about them, look them up.

Even the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a group that mocks nuns and religious orders by dressing in drag costumes, mocking Christianity in every possible way as they flagellate “hunky Jesus” men tied to crosses. Even members of the MLB denounced the Dodgers for allowing Pride Night to be hijacked by such a polarizing group.

But back up just a minute and let’s look at some things going on in our culture that point to a far more positive present and future than you might have thought.

Last week, Variety published a story on the success of the television series “The Chosen,” written and directed by Dallas Jenkins, which focuses on the ministry of Jesus as he gathers the disciples.

The first season was crowd-funded and posted to a website, later an app. By the second season, the show was streaming on Amazon Prime and Hulu. And now, Variety reports, The CW is bringing the series to mainstream network television

beginning next year.

In other words, a very fine version of the New Testament went beyond viral: it went global. “The Chosen” is not only available now to anyone with a computer or smartphone but can be viewed by anyone with an antenna — and it all happened organically.

How about Harrison Buttker of the Kansas City Chiefs? His game-winning field goal at the end of this year’s Super Bowl made him the darling of football fans everywhere. But he went way beyond just thanking God after the game: he openly gave his testimony to anyone who would listen and continued to be an altar server at his church.

There was Dolly Parton’s spontaneous performance of a cappella gospel music at the ACM Awards this spring, too — one of many examples in which an entertainer was able to be him or herself within the context of the greater event.

And how about the Asbury Revival earlier this year?

It all started when college students stayed late after a chapel service one night in February to continue singing and praying — and didn’t leave. Other students joined in and didn’t leave, and it went on for a week then another week, then a month.

More than 50,000 students and visitors came to the campus to pray, and untold millions were watching on TikTok, Instagram and other social media platforms. Similar revivals cropped up at Lee, Cedarville and Samford universities during this same period.

I am no theologian, but my conclusion is we should allow the Lord to do His work in His time and for us not to worry so much about pointing out what is woke or broke.

The only thing we can control is ourselves.

Michael Bird is a music teacher with Tallassee City Schools.

Robinson said. “We want to continue to build on the quality of life we have to offer.”

The annual festival has highlighted both music and art since Day 1. The committee has tried to keep it going after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city is a big part of the event, but Robinson said it takes the involvement and sponsorships from the community to pull off the event.

Even with a couple pauses the event has grown from one band with no stage to what it is today with music stretching from 4 to 11 p.m. July 15 at the city admin building. Five groups will perform headlined by Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band from Louisiana.

In addition to the city’s event the Down -

town Artists are holding a show on Company Street to help move guests back-and forth from Gold Star Park and downtown.

The Elmore County Art Guild is also holding an opening reception for its summer art show from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Wetumpka Depot.

“We put a big stage in the parking lot,” Robinson said. “It is kind of contained to this area. The vendors will be here too. The food will be up top. The other vendors including some of the artists will be towards the bottom.”

Performing at this year’s festival are:

4 p.m. The Fabulous Fliptones

5 p.m. The Greensprings

6 p.m. Kat Riggins

7:15 p.m. The Jukebox Brass Band

9:15 p.m. Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band

ville and working in Wetumpka some until his replacement is hired by the Elmore County Board of Education.

ton,” Futral said. “I have seen a lot of things Kyle Gooden has done and I’m really looking forward to helping. There is so much that program can do so much for public relations and getting the word out on all the good things going on at the school.”

Futral also likes Wetumpka’s theater, robotics and STEM programs.

Futral is looking forward to the future but he is not forgetting Holtville where he first became a principal and where he won Alabama High School Principal of the Year in 2022.

Futral believes there is a good foundation for the next principal. He is helping out in Holt-

“Dr. Slater is still in Wetumpka and handling dayto-day with summer school,” Futral said. “I’m bouncing back and forth. We have several positions we have to hire. I’m trying to jump in and those will be people I will work with and be on my team.

“I still care a lot about (Holtville). It was really good to me. I enjoyed my seven years there. I can’t imagine a better experience the first time as a principal. I really care about that community and school. I hope it is primed and set up for somebody else to step right in and carry on the good things.”

MILLBROOK

Continued from A1

But said Phase 2 will be more dramatic as it comes to life.

“I think everybody has been pleased with Phase 1,” Peters said.

“This is going to be a game changer. This is going to be a generational project that is going to change the landscape of Millbrook. It is already starting to do that. It is a big deal moving forward.”

Phase 2 of the project includes an 85,000 square foot building able to hold four basketball courts, a football and track stadium and six softball fields — all capable of hosting large scale events. Stone Building Company of Vestavia Hills was the sole bidder on the project. The bid was more than $80 million but currently Millbrook and Elmore County are going

through the value engineering process to eliminate unnecessary items or more economically build certain parts of the project. The hope is to get the price tag down to the $70 million range.

Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer said the county would use bond revenues acquired about three years ago for the project.

Peters said the city would evaluate its funding sources.

Work has already begun to clear the commercial area — The Marketplace at 17 Springs. Peters said work on Phase 2 should start soon.

“It will be completed before the first quarter of 2025 and we will be stepping foot in it,” Peters said.

IN OTHER ACTION THE MILLBROOK CITY COUNCIL:

• Approved minutes of the May 23 and June 6 meetings.

• Learned city attorney Kelly Lee has submitted her resignation as she moves towards retirement. Lee will stay on until a replacement is found.

• Appointed Majorie Bowden to the Carastar Health Board of Directors.

• Granted public assembly permits for Praise in the Park from 5 to 9 p.m.. on June 17 and July 15 at Village Green Park and stage; Dixie Abate of Alabama for noon to 4 p.m. June 17 at Legacy Park Pavilion; Butler “Family Fun Day” from noon to 7 p.m. June 24 at Minney Massey Park; Davis “Free Meals for Kids” from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Thursday through July 27. The next meeting of the Millbrook City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 27.

• Amended the rental tax ordinance increasing it from 3.5% to 4.5%.

The Wetumpka River and Blues Music and Art Festival draws a huge crowd each year.

Extending the family at Bar J Farms

Johnny Boyd is following his dream.

He is living off the land and extending his family on a farm on Redland Road.

Bar J Farms came to life more than 30 years ago as Boyd was riding around with his sister Jennie Barrett and her husband Nealy in 1992. Boyd was in the timber industry having sold saw heads in the 1980s and managing a saw mill in North Carolina.

“I decided I needed to come back home,” Boyd said. “We saw this place and it was owned by Kenneth Banks.”

Boyd said Banks was wanting to sell the 58-acre farm so he bought it. The Barretts live up the hill from the farm and Boyd has been farming ever since. Boyd isn’t a generational farmer. His father wasn’t a farmer but his grandfather was. Boyd keeps a tractor from the Sprague farm.

“When he died, I got it and fixed it up,” Boyd said. “It runs. I keep it as inspiration. He was my mentor.”

The gray and red Ford tractor is parked just outside the newest addition to Bar J Farms — Casper’s Meat Market. At first Boyd was reluctant to allow a donkey named Casper to be a mascot as part of the farming operation.

“From a farming standpoint he doesn’t

produce nothing,” Boyd said. “He just stays around here and eats. But everybody in the community loves him. I’m slowly developing a likeness for him now.”

Casper had been in the feeding area with cattle Boyd was finishing off before selling them.

“We turned him out in the pasture about the same time we decided to put together

a Facebook page for Bar J Farms. We started getting comments wondering where Casper had been. I had talked to several people in the community. They would tell me they named him different names.”

Several months before the public started to take notice of Casper, visitors showed up at Bar J Farms. Roxanne Galyen moved to the area

with her husband Tyler and children to be near her sister. Tyler worked from home but wanted more. After applying at a few places the Galyens pulled down the driveway at Bar J Farms.

“My husband got bored one day,” Galyen said. “We pulled in here because he loves cows.”

Tyler and Boyd talked one morning. Boyd said Tyler seemed

like a good fellow but didn’t offer him a job on the spot.

“I thought about it for about five minutes,” Boyd said. “I called him back. I don’t think I need to let you get away from me. Somebody is going to hire you.”

Roxanne said as soon as Boyd called, others were calling offering Tyler jobs as well. “It was God sent

Pet of the Week - Courtney

we pulled down the driveway,” Roxanne said. “We didn’t know we were coming here. We just saw it. We are here because we are supposed to be here.”

A month later the Galyens moved onto the farm. Tyler helps with day-to-day operations. Roxanne does whatever is necessary.

“When I moved out here, I said no one is

Courtney is a 4 year old female who weighs about 40 pounds. She looks like a lab and pit bull mix; she was found as a stray. Courtney loves attention, is super sweet and is great with other dogs.

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.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
Casper’s the donkey has quickly turned into a mascot for Bar J Farms. The farm recently started offering beef at its Casper Meat Market. On Saturdays customers can meet Casper.

Splash pad opens to fanfare

someone is going to honk out there on the road.”

cutting this yard but me,” Roxanne said. “I love it. It is my time.”

The Galyens and Boyd got more comfortable with conversations on swings at the bunkhouse. Those conversations led to expanding Bar J Farms into a meat market.

About the sametime Roxanne was making posts about Casper on the farm’s Facebook page. The posts teased those riding by to honk their horns.

“That got the community interested,” Boyd said. “Just about every few minutes

With a name settled, Boyd and the Gaylens went to work. Boyd decided on an opening day in early June.

“We didn’t know where to start,” Boyd said. “We said we are opening one Friday. We couldn’t get that together so we opened Saturday.”

Casper was in a stall nearby. Roxanne started offering crackers for Casper to customers who made a purchase. Now Casper is an attraction along with the beef.

“The last four people were here for Casper,” Roxanne said. “There

was this man in his 40s. He said, ‘The meat is great but I’m just here to see Casper today.’ It is all hilarious.”

Boyd said he has dreams of expanding Bar J Farms more but is holding those ideas close at hand. He has shared them with the Barretts, the Gaylens and cousin Tracie Setzer, all of whom help keep Boyd going.

“I give a lot of credit to Roxanne and Tyler. I couldn’t have done it without them — the meat shop,” Boyd said. “They have inspired me and helped me along with this — Tracie too. Everyone has been great.”

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
Johnny Boyd has grown Bar J Farms over the years. It offers feed for area farmers and raises cat-

football stadium. Her children didn’t slow down at all despite access to swimming at home.

“It’s our first time here,” Driver said. “We will have to come here again. We have a pool at home. They seem to like it here better. It’s because it is entertaining.”

The new splash pad has water features for everyone regardless of swimming ability. Everything is much like a shower with water sprays or waterfalls and no standing water. The spark features rings spraying water, water fountains coming from the ground, water falling from mushrooms and a crowd favorite, the big water dumps from two different buckets in the tower.

Wetumpka Parks and Recreation Department director Tiffany Chandler said the new splash pad is meant to keep everyone entertained.

“ It has random cycles,” Chandler said. “It is not going to be exactly the same. No one will be able to memorize a timing. It will keep our youth and kids engaged.”

Weston Taylor, a 5 year old who’s starting kindergarten at Redland in the fall, agrees with Chandler.

“It’s fun,” Weston said. “I like it. I like it when the big buckets of water come down.” Weston was at the splash pad with his “Meme” Jane Taylor who was laughing along with her grandson. It is such memories Chandler hopes area families are able to create at the city’s newest attraction.

“It is really nice to have something for babies and toddlers that a mother wants to walk under fall -

ing water,” Chandler said. “Toddlers will be able to run freely and safely through it as family watches or takes part in it. It is nice to have something for all of the community.”

Chandler said the splash pad isn’t yet complete. The water features are all there but there are installations coming in the next two months to make the splash pad more family friendly.

“It is still a work in progress,” Chandler said. “We wanted to open to the community for the summer. In July expect permanent shade, picnic tables and benches to be installed.”

The new items will be inside the fenced-in area and match the style and colors of the splash pad. Once those are installed Chandler said she can see the splash pad being used for birthday parties and other events.

The splash pad is free for the public to use. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays. Chandler said she and parks and recreation staff will maintain a close watch of weather and close as needed for the safety of all. It is similar to what the staff already does for baseball, softball, tennis and other activities in the complex.

Chandler said the splash pad makes the Wetumpka Sports Complex appealing to more residents.

“I’m excited for our Sports Complex, especially in the direction of providing something for our youth and younger community members,” Chandler said. “It will allow our families to get outdoors and for parents to participate in something with their children. I know what we have at the Sports Complex is for all ages.”

LOCAL BREAKING NEWS

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
ABOVE: The City of Wetumpka Parks and Recreation Department officially opened its Splash Pad next week.
BELOW: Weston Taylor, 5, of Wetumpka enjoys the new Wetumpka Parks and Recreation Splash Pad Friday.

Dad got a free ticket to Heaven

God sent

cial

to live on our earth the year Herbert Hoover was president in 1930.

Ninety-three years ago, a little green eyed rambunctious boy was born to Dan River Mill workers, who lived in the Mill Village in Dadeville. Life was hard for working folks!

This little boy was a star athlete playing fullback for Tallapoosa County High School.

The archrival were the Wildcats from Alex -

BETHLEHEM EAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m.

Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.

ander City and “old Bruiser” scored several touchdowns to solidify a win his senior year.

Love struck at 19 years old, he married the cheerleader/Glee Club singer who was only 15, and the journey lasted for 61 years.

My dad was a unique individual! He was a

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,

hustler and he worked hard. He could flip a house or a car before Flipper was ever thought about.

He raised cows (but we never ate them as they became pets); he raised food in our garden; and he was always on the right side of the law being in law enforcement most of his adult life.

He taught me so much, I could “zing” a bullet pass on target at 25 yards, could hit a 3-pointer before that was ever heard of and did well on the

diamond playing with ladies 30 years my senior. I was taught to crank an airplane by manually turning the prop; I could ride a Harley with the best. I learned to be a “jack-leg” carpenter and mechanic. My dad always told me this world is tough and you have got to know how to do things because the time will come when you might have to do it yourself.

My mom “drugged” me to church by herself as my dad did not attend.

Church Briefs

and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the church

website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in

Worship With Us

HARMONY

One Saturday night, life changed for my dad. He told my mom they had to go talk to the preacher because if he died, he did not want to bust Hell wide open.

That night in the early 1970s, my dad secured a free ticket to Heaven and he used that ticket on Aug. 10, 2010.

The Book of Romans tells us, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Hallelujah!

My dad taught me a lot but the most important was the security of knowing the passage from this life to eternity with God is the most important. Thank you for being my dad.

Happy Father’s Day, Billy Gene Brown, aka J.R., Junior, Billy, B.G., and most importantly, my dad! See ya one day!

Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a Chaplain with Alabama Disaster Relief Team.

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

KK Dismukes hired as Wetumpka softball pitching coach

Wetumpka head soft -

ball coach Daryl Otwell

added a big name to his coaching staff last week.

Otwell and the school announced former Holtville and Auburn star

KK Dismukes has taken a job as Wetumpka’s new pitching coach.

Dismukes has spent the last four seasons at Auburn where she

recorded a 9-7 overall record and a 2.45 earned run average before medically retiring in 2022.

At Holtville, she was a four-time All-State selection and Gatorade Player of the Year winner. During her senior season, she went 33-7 with a 1.23 ERA and 316 strikeouts and hit .587 with 23 home runs and 70 RBIs.

“Our coaching staff just got a whole lot bet -

Murphy names top 5, preps for senior season

As Elmore County ris -

ing senior Jabari Murphy enters his final football season in a Panthers’ uniform, the star receiver is setting up his college options.

Murphy, a three-star receiver and ranked as the No. 33 overall player in Alabama in 2024 by 247sports, recently named his top five choices in future colleges.

The top five are Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Kentucky, West Virginia and Penn State. He has not announced a commitment date and has visited four of his five top schools.

He has offers from other schools, such as Appalachian State and Liberty among others, and he has been in talks with schools such as South Alabama, Auburn and Alabama.

“It’s looking pretty good,” Murphy said of the recruiting process.

“It’s sped up a lot this summer. A lot of schools have been contacting me, but they want to see me in person before they offer. So far, I’ve mostly been talking with my top schools and going on visits with them.”

Murphy visited Mississippi State back in March, then Florida in April. He’s also visited Kentucky and Ole Miss in the past.

His most recent official visit was with one of his top five schools, West Virginia, the weekend of June 9-11. The only school in his top five he has not visited is Penn State, but he plans to try and schedule a visit soon.

The recruiting process was a little distracting at first for Murphy, but he has long passed that point. So instead of focusing on visits and how many offers he has, he’s now focused on get -

ting ready for his senior season.

“At the beginning, it was a little distracting but I just came to a point where I knew it was just going to keep coming so I can’t stop working,” Murphy said. “I have to achieve the goals I want to achieve in high school, so I just push that to the side while I work.”

This offseason, Murphy has been working on footwork and explosive drills to make himself an even bigger threat at wide receiver. Murphy has already shown to be nearly unstoppable against his competition as he recorded 55 catches for 793 yards and a county-best 10 touchdowns last year, but he wants to get better at his routes, releases and high-pointing the football on deep routes.

He will continue to play mainly slot receiver but will also be used as a running back. He scored a rushing touchdown last season, but the team features CJ Wilkes in the backfield.

Wilkes rushed for 1,303 yards and eight touchdowns last year, good for 7.3 yards per carry.

The two of them are the team’s top two offensive returners, and Murphy has high hopes for the duo.

“Our team looks pretty good and possibly better than last year’s team,” Murphy said. “Our offense has the chance to be really dangerous with me and CJ together. CJ is a dog. Whenever you see him get the ball, you know it’s going to be positive yards almost every play.”

Elmore County enters the 2023 football season in coach Kyle Caldwell’s second year at the helm. The Panthers went 7-4 last season and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

ter,” Otwell said. “When somebody of her caliber reaches out and wants to coach, of course you get excited. I’m excited to see what our pitching staff can do under her.”

Dismukes has always wanted to coach, whether that be at the high school level or as a graduate assistant at Auburn. And when she reached out to Otwell to see if he knew of anything, it was perfect

timing.

Wetumpka just had its pitching coach position open up, Otwell is Dismukes’ former high school coach, her former principal Kyle Futral just became principal at Wetumpka, and her uncle, Michael Dismukes, is the Indian baseball coach..

“I’ve always wanted to teach and I thought

HOLTVILLE’S POTTS COACHES SONS TO STATE TITLE

It’s going to be hard to get Joey Potts a better Father’s Day gift than he received last month.

A 2000 Holtville graduate and now assistant baseball coach, Potts helped lead the Bulldogs to the AHSAA Class 5A state championship on May 19.

Not only did he help his alma mater to its first state championship in 40 years, but he did so with two of

Coming off a AISA Class AA semifinals appearance a year ago, Edgewood could have a tough go of it this football season. The Wildcats graduated a handful of star players, including three-year starting quarterback Austin Champion.

The Wildcats face a tough test this season with their schedule as they host two defending state champions in Lowndes Academy (A) and Lee-Scott Academy (AAA) as well as multiple teams which reached the state semifinals.

Edgewood’s 10 opponents from a year ago had a combined 60-51 overall record a year ago, while four teams had seven wins or more.

his four kids on the team. In the Holtville starting lineup was senior Tanner Potts and junior Braxton Potts. Tanner served as the leadoff hitter, starting third baseman and No. 1 pitcher. Braxton was the starting right fielder and hit fifth in the lineup.

His wife Brittany, oldest son Kolby and daughter Zoey cheered from the stands. Potts said he and his family will likely be around a grill and a body

of water this weekend as they celebrate Father’s Day, but getting him a better gift than the state championship will be tough.

“I don’t think they could give me anything this weekend that could make me any more happier than that did,” Potts said. “It was so special to me to just see the excitement and joy on their faces as they won. This weekend, as long as I’m just around the four of

See POTTS, Page B2

Edgewood will open the season with three of its first four games coming against teams that had a losing record

KK Dismukes was a star in high school for Holtville’s softball team. Since then, she’s graduated from Auburn and has returned to Elmore County as the pitching coach for Wetumpka.
HIRED, Page B2
FILE | THE HERALD
Elmore County’s Jabari Murphy, who led the county with 10 touchdown catches last season, is racking up the college offers heading into his senior season.

Stanhope baseball sends 8 to next level

Stanhope Elmore’s senior class continues to impress on the baseball diamond.

Since the season ended, three more Mustangs have committed and signed to play baseball at the college level. Brodie Cockrell has signed with Huntingdon College, Tevin Landrum has signed with Faulkner University and Winston Person signed with Wallace Community College in Selma.

That now makes eight signees from Stanhope Elmore’s senior class, joining Zach Stevens (South Alabama), Colton Walls (Troy), Colin Woodham (Jacksonville State), Evan Duncan (Gulf Coast State College) and Chase Williams (Northwest Florida).

The only two members of the 10-man class who have not signed are TJ Lambert and Matthew Gainey, but both are going to the college level as well. Lambert is visiting campuses and will play college baseball, while Gainey earned a full ride scholarship to Auburn for ROTC.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the whole class,” Stanhope coach Kaleb Shuman said. “Having this many players earn an opportunity to play at the next level is the result of a lot of hard work. This group has spent the last four years working all the time and going above and beyond what was asked of them. They are all talented, but these opportunities weren't gifts. They were earned.”

Cockrell’s decision to play at Huntingdon was an easy choice, and now he can make an instant impact out of the bullpen there. During his visit, he loved the coaching staff and

facilities.

“It means the world to me to play at the next level,” Cockrell said. “I’m very grateful to get this opportunity and I’m going to make sure I make the best of it. I feel like I can bring the ability to be put in any situation on the mound and be able to execute and do my job no matter the pressure.”

Cockrell had a successful senior season where he recorded a 1-0 record with two saves and a 1.00 earned run average. He pitched 21 innings of relief and struck out 27 batters compared to only eight walks.

Landrum did most of his damage on the base paths and in the field as he recorded a .311 batting average with 28 hits and 18 stolen bases. He had only three errors this year and will

look to play immediately at Faulkner.

Person first visited Wallace CC last fall, and the team and coaching staff remained in constant contact with the Stanhope pitcher. That motivated his decision, and he said it means a lot to him to get the opportunity to play at the next level.

In his last two seasons, Person recorded a 2.33 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP with 20 strikeouts and only eight issued walks. Opponents recorded only a .195 batting average against him as Shuman said the Mustangs used Person as their “get out a jam” reliever.

“I’m definitely going to bring some positive energy to the team,” Person said. “When the moment comes up there on the mound, I’m going to do my job and pound the zone.”

Nine county baseball players named AlaBCA All-Stars

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

Nine of the county’s best returning baseball players recently wrapped up AllStar events.

The Alabama Baseball Coaches Association had its Upperclassmen All-Star

POTTS

Continued from B1

my kids, I’m happy.”

Event last week at Troy University, and Elmore County was well represented. The nine players who participated in the event were Wetumpka’s Jacob Smith, Caden Wooldridge and Noah Golden; Stanhope Elmore’s Dylan Dent, Tyler Woodham, Jackson Stallworth, Luke Payne and Ethan Walls; and Elmore County’s Austin Davis.

The nine players were among 120 rising juniors and seniors invited to the event. During the week, they were able to show off

of those moments where you’re just happy. You want to sit back and enjoy it because of how happy you are.”

When Holtville pitcher Drey Barrett fielded the game-ending ground ball and Holtville players dog-piled for the title, a massive influx of emotions hit Potts. After playing baseball for Holtville in the late ’90s and coaching the Bulldogs for eight years, he finally got that coveted state championship for his alma mater. He then saw his kids’ faces filled with joy on the field and looked up to see the Holtville faithful cheering alongside the rest of his family.

But before he could even take in what had happened, he wound up with Braxton’s arms around his neck. Braxton was the first player to find Joey, and the two celebrated accordingly.

“That was one of those ‘Holy crap, we just did it’ moments,” Potts said. “Having Braxton be the first one to come find me and just seeing the fulfillment and the emotions in his face made that moment even more special. It’s one

HIRED Continued from B1

that Wetumpka was a good place for me to reach out,” Dismukes said. “It kind of all fell into place for me. It’s pretty cool how that worked, and I think it’ll be cool to see the other side of things with Otwell as a player and now as a coach.”

As a pitching coach, Dismukes couldn’t have landed with a better team. She will not have to start with scratch with anybody as Wetumpka has arguably the most talented pitching staff in the state of Alabama. Wetumpka’s pitching staff has two college-bound pitchers on it. Troy commit Mya Holt, the 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year and

Potts had the pleasure of coaching all three of his sons, but it hasn’t come without its oddities. He said there is a fine line to tread between father and son both at home and at the ballpark, but he believes he has done it well.

Potts coaches the outfielders, so he didn’t one-on-one coach Kolby or Tanner as much. But with Braxton, he spends every day working with him in right field.

At the park, he treats his sons no differently than he does any other player because he knows they’re all out there trying to do the job and achieve the goal the team set out.

But that doesn’t stop him from getting a little quiet or stressed in big moments like his kids went through this season.

“It’s hard to separate being a dad and coach sometimes, especially in those big situations like Tanner throwing a complete game or Braxton getting so many fly balls over and over again in

two-time Elmore County Player of the Year, is a rising senior in this class.

She’s joined by teammate and fellow All-State member Ella Watson, a West Alabama commit. Between the two of them, they had a 52-6 record and allowed only 47 earned runs in 333.2 innings while striking out 329 batters. The two combined had lower than a 1.00 earned run average. Dismukes knows her new pitchers already know the basics of pitching, so she will help in other ways. She wants to be a mentor and teach how to prepare for the ins and outs of college pitching. Pitching is as much mental as it is physical, and she knows what it takes men -

their skills through work outs, fielding chances, at-bats, and more in front of scouts. They were also able to attend a banquet for all the players and play in the All-Star games. Following the events, Davis was selected to participate on Team Alabama.

Game 2,” Joey said. “When they get into those moments, it can be hard to hold those emotions. You’ll see all of us coaches with sons on the team kind of tense up or get quiet when our kids are in a big moment.”

In the championship series, both Tanner and Braxton played massive roles in the Bulldogs’ sweep over Sardis.

Tanner started Game 1 and pitched a complete-game win in the final. He allowed two earned runs on seven hits while striking out four. He was held hitless at the plate but drove in the game-tying run in the top of the seventh inning on a sacrifice fly.

Braxton was one of only four players in the Holtville lineup to record a hit in both games of the championship series, and he made some big plays in the outfield. He caught three fly balls in Game 2 and even helped start a 9-6-3 double play on a fly ball in the third inning that ended a scoring threat.

“Seeing them play that big of a role for their teams just makes me have that joy for them and for our entire team,” Potts said.a

tally to be a college pitcher and excel in the circle.

“There’s always something to fix pitching,” Dismukes said. “You have to be focused and you have to take the time to perfect each pitch. I think taking time to help them with little things they may not know will help them. I can help them with the stress and the pressure side of things.”

Wetumpka isn’t just returning its two premier pitchers. The Indians, which won their second state championship in program history this year after winning a state-best 56 games, return eight of their nine starters for the 2024 season. The only player not returning is shortstop Ashlynn Campbell, who grad -

EDGEWOOD Continued from B1

Abbeville.

Edgewood is 0-4 in its last four matchups with Autauga Academy, and the Wildcats have not won since 2013. On the other hand, Edgewood has won seven-straight against Fort Dale and has not lost since 2009.

Edgewood will play Hooper in mid-October, and the Wildcats have dominated the matchup this century. Edgewood has won nine-straight in the series and outscored Hooper, 90-20, the last three years. The most one-sided series on the schedule is Lakeside School, which Edgewood has won 13-straight against.

GAMES TO WATCH In the last four games between Edgewood Academy and Macon-East, the two teams have split 2-2. In two of those games, Edgewood has pulled out a one-point victory. In 2019, Edgewood won 70-69 in overtime. Last season, Edgewood won 35-34 on a failed two-point conversion attempt following a successful Macon-East hail mary pass. In a fairly new series, Edgewood will face Banks Academy again this year. The two teams met twice last season, both at home for the Wildcats. In the regular season, Banks Academy won by three touchdowns. But in the postseason, Edgewood’s defense stepped up and the Wildcats pulled out a one-score victory. The rivalry game between Edgewood and Autauga Academy is always fun to watch. The Generals have won fourstraight, including a 15-point victory last season, but the Generals lost some key players from last year’s squad. The matchup will be close again.

PLAYERS TO WATCH Clayton Hussey - Lowndes Academy quarterback Hussey proved last season to be one of the best players in all of AISA as he led Lowndes Academy to the AISA Class A state championship. In the championship game, he accounted for three touchdowns. The dual-threat star can score on any play through the air or on the ground.

DALTON NICKLES, MACON EAST LINEBACKER Nickles made his presence known last season as the star senior led the Knights in tackles. He is one of the best returning players in all of AISA and while he mainly plays middle linebacker, he will occasionally play safety or move to offense and play quarterback.

uated and is signed with Purdue.

The returning players for Wetumpka had a combined .355 batting average with 87 doubles, 14 triples, 49 home runs and 372 RBIs. With that much talent returning and Wetumpka being the clear-cut favorite to repeat in Class 6A next season, Dismukes is hoping to help any and every player anyway she can.

“I think I’ll just see where they need me,” Dismukes said. “Whether they’re wanting to go to college or they just need life advice. I want to be there for them and be someone those girls can come to for anything. Me being able to do that and impacting them in a positive way will mean the world to me.

QUENTERRIUS CHANDLER, BANKS ACADEMY DEFENSIVE LINEMAN/RUNNING BACK Chandler, which is one of the most physical players Edgewood will see all year, is a force to be messed with on the line. At 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds, Banks was constantly in opposing team’s backfields last year as he racked up over 10 tackles per game while also serving as one of the team’s running backs.

SCHEDULE Aug. 18 – Edgewood Academy at Fort Dale Aug. 25 – Edgewood Academy at Autauga Academy Sept. 01 – Chambers Academy at Edgewood Academy Sept. 08 – Edgewood Academy at Abbeville Christian School Sept. 15 – Lowndes Academy at Edgewood Academy Sept. 22 – BYE Sept. 29 – Edgewood Academy at Banks Academy Oct. 06 – Macon East at Edgewood Academy Oct. 13 – Edgewood Academy at Hooper Academy Oct. 19 – Lakeside School at Edgewood Academy Oct. 27 – Lee Scott at Edgewood Academy

FILE THE HERLAD
Stanhope Elmore’s Brodie Cockrell pitches in the playoffs this season.The senior reliever recently committed and signed to play college baseball at Huntingdon.

Lake River & Classi eds

Employment Job Opportunities

intellectual drive to learn and get to the bottom of something. If you want to persuade others, you will! Tonight: Be friendly.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You are admired today. People see you as nancially capable and ambitious, yet charming and likable. (There’s a winner combo.) In addition, your relations with partners and close friends are excellent today. Use this good press to achieve what you want. Tonight: You’re high-viz.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Go forward with your ideas to make travel plans. They will be successful, especially work-related travel. However, because Venus is in the picture, many of you will travel for pleasure as well. Discussions with partners and close friends will be lively. You might attract someone powerful to you today. Tonight: Do something different.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Issues at work will be easily resolved today. You might get an increase in your budget or equipment that you need. Third-party assistance is possible. Meanwhile, do join friends for happy hour, because this is a fun day to socialize! Work hard, party hard! Tonight: Check your nances.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Even though things are unfolding beautifully for you today, be prepared to compromise and go more than halfway when dealing with others. This will be your winning move. This is a strong day for the arts, sports and fun times with children. Tonight: Be patient.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Family discussions, especially about home repairs, will go well today. You might be able to recruit the assistance of others to help you achieve what you want to do. (Many hands make light work.) You won’t have trouble delegating, that’s for sure. “Build that bridge!” “Move that mountain!” Tonight: Work.

SUDOKU

Job Opportunities

Apprentice Lineman – West Operations Center (Verbena, AL)

Apprentice Lineman positions at its West Operations Center in Verbena, AL. Candidates in any level of apprenticeship training are encouraged to apply. Because this position will eventually require being subject to an after-hours on-call rotation which requires a quick response, residence within area boundaries is required.

Anyone with interest should visit

https://caec.coop/about-caec/careers/ for the complete boundaries map, and instructions to apply. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the applications and/or interview process should notify Central Alabama Electric Cooperative’s Human Resources Department at hr@coop.caec.com.

Application Deadline is 06/30/2023

CAEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace

Apprentice Lineman – East Operations Center (Titus, AL)

Apprentice Lineman positions at its East Operations Center in Titus, AL. Candidates in any level of apprenticeship training are encouraged to apply. Because this position will eventually require being subject to an after-hours on-call rotation which requires a quick response, residence within area boundaries is required.

Anyone with interest should visit https://caec.coop/about-caec/careers/ for the complete boundaries map, and instructions to apply. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the applications and/or interview process should notify Central Alabama Electric Cooperative’s Human Resources Department at hr@coop.caec.com.

Application Deadline is 06/30/2023

CAEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Angela Waites (334)252-0025 Ext. 3 Email: angela.waites@ learning-tree.org Bill Nichols State Veterans Home NOW-HIRING!!!

•RN/LPN Charge Nurse Full-Time

“Walk in Wednesday 10am-2pm to apply for any open position” Apply at: hmrveteranservices.com Contact: Brandy Holman 256-329-0868

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices

Public Notices

Public Notices

kit. Call 844-322-9935.

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Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2017 Page 54024 and Page 72532; the undersigned MidFirst Bank, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on July 20, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: All that certain property situated in the County of Elmore, and State of Alabama, being described as follows Commence at an iron pin at the NW corner of the East 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 26, Township 19 North, Range 20 East, Elmore County, Alabama, thence South 00 degrees 06 minutes 55 seconds East 492.63 feet to an iron pin, said point being the Point of Beginning, thence South 88 degrees 10 minutes 50 seconds East 624.69 feet to an iron pin, thence South 03 degrees 00 minutes 24 seconds West, 414.11 feet to an iron pin, thence South 89 degrees 45 minutes 55 seconds East 1277.84 feet to an iron pin on the West right of way of South Ann Street (County Rd. No. 73) 60 foot R.O.W. , thence along said right of way South 11 degrees 03 minutes 56 seconds East 30.31 feet to an Iron

thence

right of way North 89 degrees 46 minutes 38 seconds

1285.64 feet to an iron pin, thence South 02 degrees 52 minutes 11 seconds West 381.98 feet to an iron pin, thence North 88 degrees 10 minutes 50 seconds West 580.17 feet to an iron pin, thence North 00 degrees 06 minutes 55 seconds West 826.44 feet to the point of beginning The above described property lies In the East 1/2 of the NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 26 and the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 25 all in Township 19 North, Range 20 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 12.30 acres, more or less, according to survey of Ronald Burke, Ala. Reg. No. 16670, dated June 26, 2001.. Property street address for informational purposes: 2412 South Ann Street , Eclectic, AL 360246111. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law 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. MidFirst Bank, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 23-03956

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 7, 14 and 21, 2023 23-01029 PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

ASPHALT CONTRACTORS, INC. HEREBY GIVES NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF CONTRACT WITH ELMORE COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT FOR ELMORE COUNTY PAVING OF VARIOUS ROADS PROJECT 2023 PW2-1. ALL CLAIMS SHOULD BE FILED AT P.O. BOX 241447, MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36124 DURING THIS PERIOD. ASPHALT CONTRACTORS, INC.

Wetumpka Herald: May 31, Jun. 7, 14 and 21, 2023 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE. Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Rodney L. McCombs II and Anitria T. McCombs, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for Guild Mortgage Company, on June 5, 2018, said mortgage recorded Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2018

Page 25974; the undersigned Guild Mortgage Company, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on July 19, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 9, Block C, according to the Map of Brownstone Plat No. 1, as the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 14, at Page 62.. Property street address for informational purposes: 476 Brownstone Loop , Elmore, AL 36025. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Guild Mortgage Company, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 23-03921

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 14, 21 and 28, 2023 23-01047

PUBLIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBER: A2023019 TO: CODY FREE, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, THE FATHER OF L.B.G. AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition for -

MICHAEL CHANCE, as Petitioner, for the adoption of -

ELAINE GRIFFITHS on Februto contest this adoption. Be ad-

a written response with the Proof this notice. The Probate Court

consider such Petition without JOHN THORNTON PROBATE JUDGE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA KYLE C. SHIRLEY MCDOWELL, FAULK & SHIRLEY, LLC

A2023-019

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

SALE. Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by James M. Penn and Nicole Penn Husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for Everett Financial, Inc. dba Supreme Lending, on November 30, 2016, said mortgage recorded Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2016 Page 59649; the undersigned Matrix Financial Services Corporation, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on July 20, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate,

g situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at an iron pin at the Southwest corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 19, Township 20 North, Range 21 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence South 89 degrees 01 minutes 37 seconds East, along Quarter section line, 964.32 feet to an iron pin, said point being the Point of Beginning; thence leaving Quarter section line North 11 degrees 20 minutes 15 seconds West, 558.88 feet to an iron pin; thence North 50 degrees 11 minutes 45 seconds East, 383.00 feet to a concrete monument on the West right of way of Holley Mill Road, County Road Number 357, 80 feet right of way; thence South 39 degrees 52 minutes 55 seconds East, along said right of way, 1052.63 feet to an iron pin on the South line of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 19; thence leaving said right of way, North 89 degrees 01 minutes 37 seconds West, along Quarter section line, 859.45 feet to the Point of Beginning. The above-described property lies in the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter and the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 19, Township 20 North, Range 21 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 10.0 acres, more or less.. Property street address for informational purposes: 396 Holley Mill Rd , Eclectic, AL 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 ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price

pp 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. Matrix Financial Services Corporation, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 23-03740

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 14, 21 and 28, 2023 23-01060 PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY FRANKLIN CHANDLER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-158 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration over the Estate of JERRY FRANKLIN CHANDLER, deceased, having been granted to CHERYL FREE on June 16, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

CHERYL FREE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY FRANKLIN CHANDLER, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JACQUELINE E. AUSTIN ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 908 108 COURT ST WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-4874 jeaatty@aol.com

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 21, 28 and Jul. 5, 2023 EST/CHANDLER, J. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LESTER A. DAVIS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-142 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LESTER A. DAVIS, deceased, having been granted to KARON D. GILES on May 31, 2023 by John R. Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore

Public Notices

g County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

KARON D. GILES

EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF LESTER A. DAVIS, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Executrix:

ROBERT B. RENEAU LAW OFFICES OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 7, 14 and 24, 2023

EST/DAVIS, L. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBY GENE EIDSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-160 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BOBBY GENE EIDSON, deceased, having been granted to EVELYN C. EIDSON on June 15, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

EVELYN C. EIDSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BOBBY GENE EIDSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative:

JEFFREY J. COURTNEY COURTNEY & MANN, LLP PO BOX 100 WETUMPKA. ALABAMA 36092 334-567-2545

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 21, 28 and Jul. 5, 2023

EST/EIDSON B. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PERCY W. FILYAW, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-143 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of PERCY W. FILYAW, deceased, having been granted to SHANNON REBECCA FILYAW on May 31, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. SHANNON REBECCA FILYAW

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF PERCY W. FILYAW, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT B. RENEAU LAW OFFICES OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011 Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 7, 14 and 21, 2023 EST/FILYAW, P.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM HENRY FULLER, SR., DECEASED. CASE NO. 2023-144 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: JORDAN STRECKER and JONAS FULLER NON-RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM HENRY FULLER, SR.; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM HENRY FULLER, SR., DECEASED AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on May 26, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of WILLIAM HENRY FULLER, the Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by WILLIAM H. FULLER, JR., Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of WILLIAM HENRY FULLER, SR. or as an interested party. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you.

JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Address of Petitioner: 9164 Eastchase Parkway #102 Montgomery, Alabama 36117 Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 7, 14 and 21, 2023 EST/FULLER W.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY T. GIBBONS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-151 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DOROTHY T. GIBBONS, deceased, having been granted to KENNETH H. GIBBONS on June 15th 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

KENNETH H. GIBBONS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY T. GIBBONS, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT J. MORRIS ATTORNEY AT LAW 10365 HOLTVILLE ROAD

DEATSVILLE, ALABAMA 36022 334-569-1820

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 21, 28 and Jul. 5, 2023

EST/GIBBONS, D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LAURITZ C. JENSEN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-119 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LAURITZ C. JENSEN, deceased, having been granted to DEREK SCOTT SVEJDA on June 9, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

DEREK SCOTT SVEJDA PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LAURITZ C. JENSEN, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal

Representative: RODERICK B. PERDUE ATTORNEY AT LAW 2033 HOLTVILLE ROAD

WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092

334-567-7373

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 14, 21 and 28, 2023

EST/JENSEN, L. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DIANE A. MOSELY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-153 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of DIANE A. MOSELY, deceased, having been granted to KEITH VICKERS on June 7, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

KEITH VICKERS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DIANE A. MOSELY,

Public Notices

DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: TERRY P. WILSON WILSON & JACKSON. LLC 1785 TALIAFERRO TRAIL SUITE 6 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-260-9998 tpwlaw@proton.com

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 14, 21 and 28, 2023

EST/MOSELY, D.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ENICE HOWELL TURNER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-157 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to ALBERT NEAL TURNER, JR. as Personal Representative on the 13 day of June 2023, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092

ALBERT NEAL TURNER, JR. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ENICE HOWELL TURNER, DECEASED.

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 21, 28 and Jul. 5, 2023

EST/TURNER E.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF Case No.: JU-2017-000012.05 BROWN JONATHAN WAYNE II PUBLICATION ORDER

In this cause it is made to appear to the Court on Motion For Service By Publication by the Cleveland, Esq., Attorney for Petitioner, that the whereabouts of the above-named child’s mother, Catherine P. Brown, are unknown and cannot be ascertained with reasonable diligence. It further appears that the underlying petition requests that the mother’s parental rights be terminated and that permanent custody of the child be vested in the father. It is, therefore, ORDERED that pursuant to Rule 4.3, Ala. R. Civ. Proc., service by publication be made upon Mother by Petitioner in The Wetumpka Herald, a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, County of Elmore, and any other newspaper as may be required under Ala. Code § 12-15-318 (1975), for four (4) consecutive weeks notifying Catherine P. Brown to plead to, answer, and demur to the petition in the this matter in accordance with Rule 1(B), Ala. R. Juv. Proc. after the last hearing on September 7, 2023 at 9:00 a.m., Elmore County Judicial Complex, 8935 U.S. Highway 231 North, Wetumpka, Alabama. DONE this 30th day of May, 2023. /s/ PATRICK D PINKSTON JUVENILE JUDGE Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2023 JU-2017-12.05

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: BAILYNN TAYLOR CASE No. JU-2022-229.02 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: JESSICA JOHNSON (Mother) You are hereby given notice thatBAILYNN TAYLORhereby given notice that you are-

August 09, 2023, at 2:30 P.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama

JU-2022-229.02

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS RE-ROOFING ECLECTIC MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION WETUMPKA, AL MCKEE PROJECT NO: 23220

Public Notices

Sealed proposals shall be received by Mr. Richard Dennis, Superintendent, at the Elmore 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama, until 2:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, June 29, 2023, then opened and read aloud for the above referenced project. A Pre-Bid Walkthrough shall occur at 9:00 AM Central Time on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 of the school. The project shall be bid excluding taxes. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will check or Bid Bond payable to Elmore County School District in an amount not less amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect. All bidders shall show such evidence by clearly displaying current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. PDFs of the project can be reviewed by going to the McKee website @ www.mckeeassoc.com and selecting “Project Bid List”. Also, if you are not receiving NOTIFICATIONS from us, please register on our website, “Project Bid List” by selecting documents may be viewed on-line and printed by General Contractors, SubContractors and Suppliers. Documents published through this procedure are the only documents endorsed by the Architect. The Architect is unable to monitor,sites that provide documents. Addendums will be provided to entities that have CONFIRMED bidding for this particular project. The Architect retains ownership and copyrights of the documents. If bidders require printed sets, please submit request to the Architect at mckeeplans@gmail.com. Include your name, address, phone number and the project name and number. Print sets are to be returned in reusable condition within ten days after bid opening. All RFIs and RFAs regarding the bid documents shall be sent and addressed through emails found on the RFI and RFA forms in the project manual. NOTE: ONLY THE RFI AND RFA FORMS IN THE PROJECT MANUAL WILL BE ACCEPTED. The Architect will not accept inquiries via telephone or fax. Completion Time: See scope of work in Project Manual. Supervision: Contractor to ensure proper supervision of all work. Owner: Mr. Richard Dennis, Superintendent, Elmore County Public Schools, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama

Architect: McKee and Associates Architects, Inc., 631 South Hull Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, Phone: (334) 8349933

Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 14, 21 and 28, 2023

PROJECT 23-220

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE STATE OF ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

By virtue of an execution on a judgment issued out of the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama in Case No. Case No.: CV-2012-000209.00 on or about August 20, 2013, for a total of $222,315.01 plus interest which has accrued since that date, plus costs in which William B. Cashion, et. al. is the Plaintiff and Steven Mark Hayden, et.al. is the Defendant, as well as the Final Judgment in Elmore County Case Number CV-2017900189.00 on or about January 22, 2022 wherein certain deeds and subsequent deeds were declared to be void I, Bill Franklin as Sheriff of Elmore County, Alabama will sell at public auction for cash between the legal hours of sale, on Monday, the 10 day of July, 2023 at approximately 1pm in front of the Elmore County Judicial Complex located at 8935 U. S. Highway 231, North, whatever equity the Defendant(s) may possess in and to the following described realty, to wit: Parcel: Commence at an iron pin at the Southwest corner of the Northeast Quarter of Section 10, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence South 87°09’19” East, along onehalf section line, 295.15 ft to an iron pin, said point being the point of beginning; thence North 38°08’59” East, 299.20 ft to an iron pin; thence South 53°11’36” East, 532.67 ft to an iron pin on the north right of way of Alabama Highway No. 14, Tallassee Highway, 80’ R.O.W.; thence southwesterly, along said right of way and curve to the right, having a radius of 2683.62 ft, 299.84 ft, chord being South 70°07’06” West, 229.77 ft to an iron pin;

Public Notices

p; thence leaving said right of way, North 17°43’53” West, 99.77 ft to an iron pin; thence North 57°30’16” West, 98.56 ft to an iron pin on the south line of the Northeast Quarter of Section 10, thence North 87°09’19” West, along onehalf section line, 282.06 ft to the point of beginning. Parcel ID: 17-02-10-0-000-002.001

Property address: 76297 Tallassee Hwy, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Any and all properties described above are subject to any and all restrictions, encumbrances, mortgages, reservations, rights of way, covenants, easements, setback lines, mineral and mining rights of record which affect the subject property. The Drafts-

Summer reading program successful in Eclectic

Children and adults alike are having fun as the Eclectic Public Library is hosting its annual summer reading program.

Library director Betty Coker said the theme this summer is “All Together Now” and every program hosted at the Eclectic Warehouse tries to promote unity.

“With our warm ups we dance to songs like ‘YMCA’ and ‘The Hokey Pokey,’” Coker said. “We sung ‘The More We Get Together’ and learned sign language for that.”

Other songs have included “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” and “You Are My Sunshine.”

Last week’s program included learning and signing “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”

“We did it for Flag Day,” Coker said. “We gave out flags as they learned the lyrics.”

Each week a different presenter provides a program. Most recently Alabama Department of Archives and History’s Christian Wysmulek spoke.

“He highlighted famous Alabamaians and the impact they had made on the state,” Coker said. “He helped with a craft. They cut out a string of paper dolls. They were joined together.”

Crafts also included making a homemade spinner.

Betty Stricker and her friend Ms. Molly the Miniature Horse provided the program the first week.

“I told a story of overcoming adversity,” Stricker said. “It’s a story about someone stumbling while speaking. I told them to help, just practice. Keep reading the words and it will come to you.”

Stricker said she uses Molly to encourage the kids to always be kind.

“They came up and gave her a hug,” Stricker said. “They got a kindness coin from Ms. Molly and afterwards they sat down together and made friendship bracelets.”

Coker said the program might be designed around children, but don’t tell the adults.

“We have just about as many adults as children in the programs,” Coker said. “We set up chairs for them. They get refreshments also. The children sit on a rug.”

The Eclectic Public Library’s summer reading program is at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays in June. The next program will include raptors. The last program of June will feature “The Bee Lady” Allyson Andrews of Wildy Blessed.

Everyone leaves the summer reading program with more than a craft or two and new friends.

“We saved up books,” Coker said. “We give out books to everybody. They get to pick out the ones they want.”

ABOVE: The Eclectic Public Library has been hosting its Summer Reading Program across the street at the Eclectic Warehouse.The programs have attracted adults to the traditional children’s program. BELOW: Alabama Department of Archives and History’s Christian Wysmulek presented a recent summer reading program at the Eclectic Public Library. The programs have been hosted across the street at the Eclectic Warehouse.

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