Wetumpka man charged with murder in Monday morning shooting
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Holtville High School basketball coach arrested
Sheriff Bill Franklin, Elmore County deputies responded at approximately 4:20 a.m. Monday to a mobile home on Ceasarville Road.
seat of a vehicle.
extremely high.”
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.
The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office is still trying to get to the bottom of a Monday morning incident that left Christian Baker, 19, dead after a shooting on Ceasarville Road. Currently Jason Gosdin, 39, of Wetumpka, sits in Elmore County Jail charged with murder and no bond available to him.
According to Elmore County
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
“It seems that there was a party going on out there at a mobile home,” Franklin said. “Our problem that is sort of hampering our efforts right now, the level of inebriation that a lot of these people at the party experience is making it doubly difficult to try to piece some of this stuff together. The level of inebriation is
Wilson was the head basketball coach at Holtville High School and was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis.
“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary
Aerospace industry supplier lands in Tallassee
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
High paying aerospace jobs are in Elmore County. Velocity Composites has located its new U.S. headquarters in Tallassee. The facility will supply GKN Aerospace with cut carbon shapes. Initially the company has hired about 40 full time employees and hopes to double that number in the near future.
Franklin said it is still early in the investigation but it appears Gosdin received a phone call from someone at the party.
“We are trying to determine exactly who that was,” Franklin said.
investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”
“He got pistol whipped by Mr. Gosdin,” Franklin said. “According to [Perry], just as soon as he gets hit with the first lick, the first strike, he pretty much knocks him unconscious.”
“[Gosdin] drives to this trailer where his ex-wife was.”
Franklin said the initial investigation revealed there were several 19 year olds there including Login Perry who was sitting in the front
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office have the alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
Baker is soon injured in the incident.
Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.
“He tells our deputy, who shot him and where it took place,” Franklin said. “We have a dying declaration. He is telling us before he expires what happened to him.”
Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.
Franklin said Gosdin left the See MURDER, Page A6
“There is a round that is fired in that vehicle by Mr. Gosdin that strikes Christian Baker in the back seat,” Franklin said. “He gets shot in the groin. Mr. Baker then opens the door and tries to flee on foot. He evidently collapses.” Baker is found by first responders still alive and speaks with law enforcement.
Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
“At the moment we have one contract with GKN and obviously we will be
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
See AEROSPACE, Page A2
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gath erings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last cou ple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each CHAMBER, Page A3
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD Velocity Composites strategic operations director Jeff Armitage looks over work done in the clean room. The company is gearing up to supply GKN and others with cut carbon pieces.
Workforce Development and Recidivism
Ingram State helping solve two problems serving only the incarcerated
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
COMING TO LIFE
Elementary
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
H
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. According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.
students use living museum to teach Black History
istory came to life at Redland Elementary School. Twenty two third and fourth graders studied up and dressed in costume to help their classmates learn about Black History. The likes of Kamala Harris, Octavia Spencer, Mae Jemison, Eleanor Roosevelt, Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy, Katherine Johnson and more were brought to life by the students.
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in “It’s not a good way to start out the new Benton didn’t want to speculate on the , Page A3
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
Staff Report
Ingram State Technical College (ISTC) is unique. Unlike other technical schools and community colleges, its entire student population is either serving or has served time in prison. According to Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward, ISTC is the only school in the United States entirely behind the fence and
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 Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
See INGRAM STATE, Page A3
“I wanted to do something different,” Redland Elementary School counselor Brittany Brown said. “The living Black History Museum is teaching our students diversity, cultural differences and empathy.”
The presenters delivered a brief biography of who they represented in the cafeteria.
“I believe the students may learn and remember more this way,” Brown said. “Before coming in today, some were asking what their friends will be. I think they will listen to their fellow students more than a teacher and learn more about the people represented by their classmates.”
“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to
shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
WILSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Redland Elementary School fourth grader J.D. Bailey, right, is dressed as President John F. Kennedy as he speaks to other Redland students during a Black History Living Museum.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Redland Elementary School third grader Chelsea Brown dressed as Octavia Spencer speaks to other Redland students during a Black History Living Museum.
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
FEB. 21
• Criminal mischief was reported on Indian Hill Drive.
• Criminal mischief was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Austin Street.
FEB. 17
• Domestic violence was reported on Bristol Lane. FEB. 16
• Criminal mischief was reported on U.S. Highway 231. FEB. 14
• Identity theft was reported on Country Club Loop.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
FEB. 24
• Gunshots were reported on Third Street. FEB. 23
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on South Wesson Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Property damage was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Central Boulevard.
• A Black female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on East Patton Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on East Patton Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Tallassee Highway. FEB. 22
• A noise complaint was reported on Herd Street.
• A civil disturbance was reported on Herd Street.
• Reckless driving was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Central Boulevard.
• A fight was reported on Third Avenue.
• Interference with child custody was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Thelma Drive.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A fight was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Trespassing was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Log Circle. FEB. 21
• Trespassing was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Tallassee Highway.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on North McKenzie Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on Third Street.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on North Johnson Street.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Honeysuckle Lane.
• A Black female was arrested during a domestic dispute call on Hillcrest Street. FEB. 20
• A suspicious person was reported on Cherokee Trail.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Riverhills Drive.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Willow Street.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Highway 229.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Dark Corners Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on South Dubois Street. FEB. 19
• An intoxicated driver was reported on Tallassee Highway.
• Gunfire was reported on Parker Street.
• Animal control was requested on Harris Street.
• A hit and run accident was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Joy Street.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Joy Street.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Gladys Street. FEB. 18
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Sims Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Quail Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Gladys Street.
• Assistance was given to another agency on South Wesson Street.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Washington Street.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Disorderly conduct was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Loitering was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious person was reported on Sistrunk Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Jordan Avenue.
• Two white females were arrested during a domestic dispute call on Dorman Avenue.
• A fight in progress was reported on Parker Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on Sims Avenue.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Kent Road.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue. FEB. 17
• A domestic dispute was reported on Riverside Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Kent Road.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Central Boulevard.
• Criminal mischief was reported on East Patton Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on West Butler Street.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hillcrest Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
FEB. 16
• A juvenile complaint was filed on Barnett Boulevard.
• A noise complaint was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Harassment was reported on Central Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on James Street.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was provided during a medical call on Burt Mill Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on North Ann Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on Tallassee Highway.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Central Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Camellia Drive.
• Animal control was requested on Peachtree Street.
• Animal control was requested on Noble Road.
pursuing other contracts in the United States again in aerospace but all conducted from here in Tallassee,”
Velocity Composites strategic operations director Jeff Armitage said. “This first contract represents about 50 percent of the capacity that we have here in Tallassee. We have set this factory up to do twice as much as we have a contract for. That is twice as many jobs. Initially it is 40 plus jobs and hopefully more than doubling that in the not so distant future.”
Velocity Composites is a British company and so is Armitage, but the company wants to be local.
had help from the Tallassee Industrial Development Board,” Van Wagner said. “This will be their U.S. headquarters and first U.S. facility. It will be very high tech and state of the art.” It is so state of the art the cutting machines are available from only Australia. But it’s the technology that sets Velocity apart according to Armitage.
“We get more out of a meter of material because of the technology in the nest, it is our intellectual property,” Armitage said. “We don’t have waste because we nest them very close together.”
Velocity has already cut some of its first carbon pieces but currently is training employees hired at its first job fair.
“It is being set up as a U.S. company; it is its own company,” Armitage said. “Velocity Composites is an American company and will be American staffed and American runned. Once the Brits have set it up, we will clear off and leave to local Americans to run and local Americans to manage. The plan is not to have a full time UK presence here. We will make it a self contained U.S. facility.”
Velocity’s efforts to be a local company with a local workforce started as it completed the build of the facility on Tallassee Highway just up the road from its main customer, GKN.
furthest we have gone is Montgomery. Fire and alarms are Tallassee people. I saw them as I was driving down the road. A company that employs vets has done all the IT. We have tried to be very local.”
Armitage said the goal is for everyone employed to be local while avoiding employee turnover and absenteeism.
team that doesn’t leave for 50 cents on the dollar by providing a quality job and quality work environment. We are a source of good jobs.”
Future jobs will be offered through job fairs with AIDT. The work environment is almost sterile. In order for the high-tech machinery to work, employees enter a clean room. The temperature and humidity is controlled.
“We are practicing on paper,” Armitage said. “Right now it’s practice, practice right now. These would be done in carbon fiber. We cut them out and put them in a kit. At GKN they take them out and assemble them.”
Armitage is hopeful the new team of employees will be using carbon fiber in place of the practice paper. When they do swap over, it will be the first of many repetitions for the machines and employees.
“We used local suppliers to do electrical work, building work,” Armitage said. “The
“We have two machines right now, a third one arriving in May,” Armitage said. “Two more arrive later and double our capacity. It will be 100s of thousands of these in a year. 40 to 50 thousand every month. It’s massive quantities when we get into it.” AEROSPACE
“We want it all to be local jobs with us doing training, safety training and paying competitive rate of pay,” Armitage said. “We give competitive medical insurance. We are trying to create a
Elmore County Economic Development Authority’s Lisa Van Wagner said the recruitment of Velocity was rather fast.
“We started last year and
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
ABOVE: Velocity Composites employees train in the clean room for upcoming production. The company is gearing up to supply GKN and others with cut carbon pieces.
BELOW: Velocity Composites is located just up the road from GKN in Tallassee, one of its main customers.
INGRAM STATE
wire of prison.
“This is the only technical college in the United States that caters solely to those incarcerated and post incarcerated,” Ward said. “I have seen the success and the data doesn’t lie.”
Ward said recidivism is about 30 percent in Alabama.
“In other words, about three in ten will commit another crime within three years of release from prison,” Ward said.
Ward said those who are released from prison who complete mental health and drug addiction programs along with getting training and certificates offered by ISTC are far different.
“Latest numbers show that if a person successfully completes that program, the number goes from 30 percent to 4.1 percent,”
Ward said, “How can we be against that?”
Statistics provided by ISTC said for every $1 spent, the state saves $45 on recidivism.
Ward said he knows someone released from prison who became a certified welder through ISTC.
“He left parole making $85,000 a year starting off,” Ward said. “That guy is not coming back.
We want people to be successful, to get out and pay taxes.”
ISTC has now consolidated all of the post-secondary education efforts in Alabama’s prisons under its umbrella. It is something appreciated by Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm.
“Uniformity has helped us out hugely,” Hamm said.
“The partnership is working well.”
Now ISTC serves 17 correctional facilities and 12 Alabama Pardons and Parole Facilities in 20 of Alabama’s counties.
“This has been a big consolidation for us,” ISTC President Annette Funderburk said. “We appreciate the department of corrections working with us across the state. It was a great vision of our chancellor to do this. It is one like no other in the United States where we solely serve the incarcerated population through a post secondary system.”
ISTC has had successes.
One graduate owns a trucking company with many trucks based in Minnesota and a hub in Atlanta. Other graduates are working in barbershops and the construction industry.
“About 10 years ago, about the only option when an inmate got out was to work in fast food,” Hamm said. “Now through the programs we have employers coming to us, coming routinely asking when they are getting out.”
Last year ISTC was given a state legislative apparition of $12.8 million. It had another $2 million in federal grants and $8.7 million in state grants. It has 108 employees with a payroll
of $10 million. The total economic impact created by operations and alumni in 2021 is estimated to be $135.3 million with more than 1,900 jobs supported.
One student to be released from the prison system in May is Richard Redmond. He will return to the Mobile area with his GED and will go to work in the shipyards while continuing his education at Bishop State Community College. Redmond has been noticed by the staff of ISTC.
“He is a hard worker,”
ISTC Associate Dean Julliana Probst said. “He is one of Ingram State’s best. He stays busy trying to better himself. I see in him a responsible citizen and lifelong learner.”
Redmond said ISTC and its programs are a life-changer for him.
“Ingram has been a blessing to me as I strive to rehabilitate myself to reenter society ready for the challenges of being a productive citizen in the workforce,” Redmond said. “I came to Ingram with only the education level of the eighth grade, but with the help of the faculty, I earned my GED on the first try. This was a proud accomplishment for me. I didn’t know if I could do it after being away from school for so long.”
Since getting his GED, Redmond has been tutoring other prisoners towards getting GEDs. Redmond also serves as a student ambassador for ISTC and has a 4.0 GPA.
Options abound for students at ISTC. It offers 20 credit and non-credit technical training programs, industry certifications, adult education, and life skills training.
At the ISTC Draper campus students can learn to be a barber, computer coding, plumbing, diesel mechanics, get a CDL license, electrical, masonry, carpentry and more. Every student gets certified to operate a forklift and work in a warehouse through the campus’ inventory control.
“We start with inmates at intake and move all the way
around to end of sentence (EOS),” Funderburk said. “Then with work release and as they parole.”
Some of the state’s prisons fall in the area represented by State Sen. Will Barfoot who is proud to see the ITSC’s success and would like to see it expanded for the betterment of the state.
“The work done here is not important for just Elmore County but statewide,” Barfoot said. “As you know the prison issue melds very well with the workforce issue. At some point in time the incarcerated population will be getting out. We need to make sure that we have them able to contribute to society.”
State Rep. Troy Stubbs’ district is solely in Elmore County. Even though he has yet to cast a vote in Montgomery, he understands the importance of the programs at ISTC through his time on the Elmore County Commission. Stubbs said he has a chiminea on his back patio made by ISTC students and state prisoners. “I get to tell my children and guests about it,” Stubbs said. “I get to tell them where it came from and who did it, how that gave them a purpose and focus in life. Hopefully it gave them the hope to move through the program at Ingram and be a contributing member of society.”
State Sen. Clyde Chambliss represents Elmore County and has heard the stories from the students of ISTC. It gives Chambliss a special reason to make sure prisoners are given an opportunity to better themselves and become productive citizens.
“I really enjoy hearing some of the testimonies of some of the inmates who have completed the program and come back,” Chambliss said. “One of those stories is this man who talks about what he did. He said, ‘I may have made a mistake but it doesn’t make me a mistake.’ Yes he made a mistake and hurt someone else but he moved through that and learned from that to become productive in life. That is what this program is about.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
LEFT: Ingram State Technical College President Annette Funderburk, left, speaks to state officials in the barber shop as they tour the Draper campus last week. RIGHT: Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm speaks to state officials as they tour the Ingram State Technical College Draper campus last week.
County commission recognizes Tallassee championship swimmer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Elmore County Commission recognized Tallassee High School swimmer Macey Stewart at its Monday meeting.
Stewart is Tallassee’s most decorated swimmer and recently won two state championships at the AHSAA State Swimming and Diving Championships. Stewart claimed the championship in both the 100-yard backstroke in Class 1A-5A with a time of 55.31 seconds and the 100 freestyle in Class 1A-5A with a time of 51.15. She has won both contests in back-to-back years.
Her time of 55.31 in the 100 backstroke sets the new Alabama state record for fastest backstroke in Class 1A-5A. She beat her own previous record of 55.31.
Stewart has now won seven individual AHSAA State Swimming and Diving Championships.
In other action the Elmore County Commission:
• Approved minutes of the Feb. 6 meeting.
• Approved warrants and purchase orders totaling $2,882,209.80 for the period of Jan. 28 to Feb. 17.
• Reappointed Ron Harris to the Elmore Water and Sewer Authority Board.
• Reappointed Conrad White to
the Central Elmore Water and Sewer Authority Board.
• Set a public hearing for 5 p.m. Monday, March 13 for a Retail Beer, off premise only and Retail Table Wine, off premise only for a Dollar General at 11387 Central Plank Road.
• Set a public hearing for 5 p.m. Monday, March 13 for a Retail Beer, off premise only and Retail Table Wine, off premise only for a Dollar General at 55 Cain Road.
• Amended the Elmore County
Cattlemen make generous donation
Temporary Premium Pay Policy to address the pending expiration of the National Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 on may 11.
• Approved financing five 2022 Caterpillar Motorgraders with First Community Bank.
• Approved the sale of surplus equipment.
The Elmore County Commission is scheduled to meet again at 5 p.m. Monday, March 13.
scene but was quickly located by deputies.
“We make contact with him via phone call and he is initially going to turn himself in,” Franklin said. “That started about 6:30 or 7 a.m.”
Franklin said Gosdin didn’t turn himself in.
“He got in a vehicle with his mother and they were traveling in the Wetumpka area,” Franklin said. “We did a traffic stop and he was in the vehicle. We apprehended him and brought him to the Elmore County Jail and charged him with murder.” Gosdin was booked into the Elmore County Jail at 9:38 a.m. according to jail records.
Gosdin will make an initial appearance before a judge in the next few days. Franklin said it is possible the charge could change.
“We will likely present this to a grand jury in April,” Franklin said. “When we do it could be that this charge is elevated to capital murder.”
Franklin said shooting into an occupied vehicle causing the death of another person can lead to a capital murder charge.
“That is something the grand jury will determine,” Franklin said. “I’m sure the district attorney’s office will go over the protocol for that.”
MURDER
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Tallassee High School junior Macey Stewart poses with the Elmore County Commission as the commission honors her for winning two AHSAA State Swimming and Diving Championships.
SUBMITTED THE HERALD
Elmore County Cattlemen president Mark Matthews presents a $15,000.00 check to the president of the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund Judge Glenn Goggans. Funds were raised during a ribeye steak sandwich sale on Saturday Feb. 4 at the Wetumpka Winn-Dixie store. Thank you to all the sponsors, donors and everyone who worked and purchased a steak sandwich at this recent fundraiser.
Do you pass the test?
he
Tdaily portion. It appeared, was gathered and consumed each day. It was, literally, daily bread. The exception was the sixth day, when double the manna a family needed could be gathered and the Sabbath portion held over until the following day when no new manna appeared.
God was providing not only food but a test to see if the people would trust and obey Him instead of being led by their selfish desires. As we humans tend to do, the Israelites did poorly. Anxious hoarders who tried to store up the manna found it
BETHLEHEM EAST BAPTIST CHURCH
infested with worms the next day. And the people who disregarded the instructions about gathering on the Sabbath found no manna, just as the Lord had said. You and I can see the instructions were so simple and gracious, and the Israelites were so stubborn and faithless in their disregard. What part of “daily” could they not understand? If we had a similar arrangement for God’s provision, we’d act in trusting faith, wouldn’t we?
It seems to me we do have such a daily plan and I (maybe you?) don’t always do better than they did. Consider these texts: “The steadfast
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. 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.
love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him” (Lamentations 3:22-24). And, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).
God promises daily mercy for daily troubles. We slip into hopeless despair when we think we don’t have the strength or the grace to face tomorrow or next year, because we don’t. God dispenses his mercy in daily portions. You cannot fight tomorrow’s battles on today’s mercy. Today’s strength can’t be bottled and saved for some future spiritual conflict. It’s every day provision. We have to trust him it will be there when we get there. Our confidence stays rooted in
Church Briefs
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blankets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334312-4913.
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 informa-
God instead of our own cleverness when we approach life’s obstacles this way. And God is the ideal partner for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s needs. He is absolutely trustworthy. As Jeremiah said, “Great is your faithfulness.” Paul said it, too: “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). When God told the Israelites the manna would be there, it was there. When he tells us his grace and mercy for every day will be there on that day, it’s foolish to doubt him about today or next week. It will be there when you need it. Our ancient Hebrew predecessors learned to trust God’s provision in the wilderness. But they frequently forgot the lesson. They grumbled. They magnified their enemies and minimized God’s promises. They suffered needless defeat when they tried to do things their own way
tion, visit the church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet
Worship With Us
and turned to other sources of help. Centuries later Paul explained why their history was recorded: “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:11-12).
If you and I can remember God’s promises and trust him for daily grace, we can live with joy and confidence and be saved from much worry, agony and shame.
Michael B. McElroy is the preaching minister for East Tallassee Church of Christ. He is the author of The Abiding Companion—A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, and Christmas Pilgrims—A Journey to See Jesus. His next book will be a 150 chapter daily devotional based on the Psalms.
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.
MIKE McElroy Columnist
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Elmore County Coach of the Year: Franklin leads Holtville to new heights
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Five years ago, Holtville was on the verge of ending its girls basketball program.
Principal Kyle Futral approached athletics director Jason Franklin and laid out a few options for the program. They could think about ending the program; they could hire someone already at the school tocoach, or Franklin could coach the team himself.
With Franklin’s daughter, Kelsey Franklin, on the team, he decided he would coach the squad starting in the 2018-2019 season.
2023 All-Elmore County Girls Basketball Team
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
FIRST TEAM
G: Lindsey Brown, Edgewood Academy junior For the second-consecutive year, Brown helped lead her Edgewood Academy team to the AISA Class AA state championship and a perfect 27-0 record. An Alabama volleyball commit, Brown shined on both offense and defense for the Wildcats. She averaged a team-high 16.5 points and 4 steals per game.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD Edgewood Academy’s Lindsey Brown drives against Lakeside in the AISA Class AA state championship. Brown averaged 16.5 points per game as she led the Wildcats to an undefeated 27-0 record.
G: Zariah Fannin, Wetumpka senior Fannin continued her elite scoring ways during her senior year, helping to lead Wetumpka to 14 wins in the process. Fannin averaged a team-high 19.3 points per game while adding 3 rebounds per game. Fannin was an elite 3-point shooter during the season, often knocking down multiple per game.
See TEAM, Page B2
His first team went winless, but he kept the program going and saw the girls improve year after year. Now in his fifth season coaching the Bulldogs, Franklin’s squad set reached new heights as it finished 27-6, won the Elmore County Tournament and clinched the playoffs — both for the first time. For that reason, Franklin has been named the 2023 Elmore County Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. “I’m somebody that isn’t going to halfway do anything,” Franklin said. “I’m going to give it everything I have. When I took over, I put my nose to the ground and
started recruiting the halls. We had eight girls the first year, and we just progressively got better. We found a group of girls at the middle school who played basketball and we just took our lumps with them. We knew it was going to be rough for a while, but we knew we would eventually be able to turn the corner with this bunch.” It didn’t come easy at all, and it certainly didn’t come fast for the Bulldogs.
Franklin and his squad set realistic goals once he took over. His first goal in 2019 — to score 20 points in a game. He didn’t care
ELMORE COUNTY PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Holtville’s Nekolna dominates all facets of the game
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Holtville senior Julie Nekolna’s entire life has changed in the last year.
Nekolna, a 6-foot-3 foreign exchange student from the Czech Republic, has always wanted to play college basketball. After her older brother had a positive experience with the situation, she decided to become an exchange student to hopefully get on the radar of college basketball teams in the United States. She ended up at Holtville, succeeding in her goal. She excelled in her only season playing for the Bulldogs and jumped on the radar of college coaches in and out of state.
Nekolna averaged 21.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 2.6 steals per game as she led Holtville to a school-record 27 wins and its first-ever playoff appearance.
For her success on the court, Nekolna is the 2023 Elmore County Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
“Being a senior, my biggest goal this season was to try and play college basketball, so I worked really hard in the summer with my dad trying to prepare for this season,” Nekolna said. “This year has been the biggest change in my life. I was in the Czech
Republic for my entire life, so moving over here has been a huge change for me.”
Her life wasn’t the only thing different when she moved to Alabama. The game of basketball in America is much different than it is in Europe, and she had to adjust her style of play to be able to succeed. When her and her dad started working toward playing in America, she had to improve on her shooting while also just getting more athletically ready for the style and frequency of play in Alabama.
She hit the gym almost every day, working on her endurance by running, running and more running.
That proved successful as she played in all but two games for Holtville this season. She took 152 shots more than the next closest person on the team, and she shot the ball with precision.
She finished the year shooting 56% from the floor and 32% from 3-point range. She also added nearly 100 more rebounds than the next closest teammate.
“I would say the style of play here is more based on individuals, whereas the style in Europe is much more collective,” Nekolna said. “That was an adjustment, but it gave me so much more confidence that I would not have gained if I was still playing in
Europe.”
Her skills, height and athletic ability made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Standing at 6-foot-3, she was taller than the majority of players who lined up to defend her. The ones who could match her height were usually slower, and the ones who were shorter couldn’t contain her height inside the paint.
Eventually, teams began to double and triple team her in the paint, and she got around that by hitting 37 3-pointers on the year. When she wasn’t making triples, she was taking the extra defender and finding an open teammate for an easy basket. She finished second on the team with 113 assists and was one of only two Bulldogs to finish with over 50.
“You have a girl who is 6-foot3 and can handle the ball and she’s just a complete mismatch,” Holtville coach Jason Franklin said. “She can score from 3-point range, she can drive to the basket with ease, and she can hit the mid-range shot. If I was the other coach trying to figure out how to defend her, that would be a tough job. Once they started double teaming her, she really opened up the floor for everyone else. Her ability to score allowed her to become a truly outstanding passer of the basketball.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Jason Franklin, in his fifth season coaching the Holtville
basketball team, led the Bulldogs to 27 wins and a playoff appearance for the first time in school history.
See FRANKLIN, Page B
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
Holtville senior Julie Nekolna, a foreign exchange student from the Czech Republic, has been named the Elmore County Girls Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 21.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD Wetumpka’s Zariah Fannin drives against Stanhope Elmore in a rivalry matchup earlier this season. Fannin averaged 19.3 points per game during her senior season.
G: Ariel Gilchrist, Stanhope Elmore
junior Gilchrist was the county’s best defender, and arguably the best across the entire state. The junior point guard totaled 313 steals on the year, good for 11.2 per game. She turned her defense into easy offense, averaging 17.2 points per game and shooting 62% from the floor. Her play helped lead Stanhope Elmore to a playoff appearance.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD Stanhope Elmore’s Ariel Gilchrist drives against Wetumpka in an area tournament game. Gilchrist averaged 17 points and 11 steals per game during her junior year.
F: Julie Nekolna, Holtville senior
In Nekolna’s only season in Elmore County, the Czech Republic foreign exchange student proved she was the best player in the county. She averaged a double-double this season, scoring 21.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. The 2023 Elmore County Player of the Year added 3.6 assists, 2.6 blocks and 2.6 steals per game.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD Holtville senior Julie Nekolna, the 2023 Elmore County Player of the Year, averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds per game. She helped lead Holtville to a 27-6 overall record.
G: Holly Smith, Holtville junior Smith had already proven herself as one of the top defenders in the county, but she took on a bigger role in all facets of her game this season. The star guard averaged 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3 steals per game as she helped Holtville to a school-record 27 wins and a playoff appearance.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD Holtville’s Holly Smith was one of the most versatile players across the entire season this year. She averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals per game.
SECOND TEAM
G: Ana Brown, Holtville sophomore
G/F: Khloe Harris, Wetumpka senior
G: Emily Mason, Elmore County junior
F: Tamira Smalls, Stanhope Elmore junior
G: Jaylyn Strength, Edgewood Academy senior
HONORABLE MENTION
Edgewood Academy: Madison Martin, F, Jr., Lexie Smith, G, 8th; Elmore County: Kyasia Brown, G, Jr.; Holtville: Kaila Higgins, G, So.; Stanhope Elmore: Jada McLeod, F, Jr.; Tallassee: Cheyann Easterling, G, 8th, Jhakhia Anderson, G, So.; Wetumpka: Emily Smith, G, Jr.
Sims scoring goals left and right for Wetumpka
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Wetumpka junior Morgan Sims is making a name for herself on the soccer pitch this season.
The Indians, which are normally known for a strong defense, are proving they can play offense this season too. That is largely in part to Sims, who has scored a team-high 11 goals this season.
Four of her 11 goals came this week, and she has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week because of that.
“She’s doing really well,” Wetumpka coach Jessica Holbert said. “She loves the game of soccer and she’s trying to make some noise. … She has improved so much this year. She loves to drive down the sideline, but she’s really improved on keeping her head up better and learning when to cut in and take advantage of opportunities.”
Vote for your Fans’ Choice Player of the Week online now!
Surprisingly, Sims’ scoring pace has actually slowed down this past week. The star offensive player scored five goals in a 5-0 win over Chilton County two weeks ago, and teams have keyed on her since.
That’s allowed other players like Emily Smith to step up and score goals, but Sims is still finding the back of the net no matter how many defenders she has on her.
In a matchup against Beauregard last Tuesday, which was the Indians’ senior night and their first game at the new stadium, Sims turned on her scoring to get the night started.
She scored the first goal in the new stadium, and eventually scored two more for another hat trick. She paced the Lady Indians in the 8-0 win.
To start sectional play Friday, Sims and company traveled to 17 Springs and took on rival Stanhope Elmore. Wetumpka won, 5-1, and Sims added another goal before the rest of the team took care of scoring duties.
“She’s shooting the ball where the defenders are sending her, and she’s making them more often than not,” Holbert said.
Edgewood’s Martin hits game-winning home run in tournament championship
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Edgewood Academy softball team showed out in front of some of the state’s best teams this weekend.
Hosting nine AISA teams in the 2023 Edgewood Varsity Tournament, the Wildcats won the tournament championship late Saturday night after winning four games.
The Wildcats went 4-1 on the weekend. They started pool play by going 1-1 and entered the single elimination portion of the tournament as the No. 6 seed. They then won all three games Saturday and claimed the championship.
“There were some really great teams in this tournament,” Edgewood coach Kim Brown said.
“We had the 1A state champion, and multiple teams in 2A and 3A that were in the semifinals and championships. Having some good competition in the tournament and coming out on top kind of makes you stand out a little bit. “
Edgewood had a slow start to the season due to the basketball team winning the state championship, so Brown said her girls are still starting to wake up when it comes to hitting the ball.
The Wildcats scored 26 runs across five games, but more importantly, they always came through in clutch moments. Down 2-1 in the quarterfinals against No. 3 Macon East, Edgewood Academy scored five runs in the final inning. After taking a small lead on an error, Lexie Smith belted a bases-clearing triple to put the game away.
Edgewood scored a season-high nine runs in the semifinals against Bessemer then was deadlocked in a 1-1 game with Lee-Scott in the championship when the bats came through in the clutch again. With one out in the fifth inning, Madison Martin walked up to the plate and hit her first career home run over the leftfield wall to give Edgewood the 2-1 lead and eventually the win due to time restraints.
“I feel like our bats have started to wake up,” Brown said. “Some of our girls haven’t seen a lot of pitching yet, and it usually takes longer for the hitting to catch up early in the year. They’re coming along now.”
WETUMPKA KEEPS WINNING
STREAK HOT Wetumpka is only two week-
ends into the softball season but it’s already claimed two tournament championships. After breezing through the Prattville Tournament last weekend, Wetumpka traveled to the Glencoe Tournament and flexed its muscles for the second-straight weekend. Wetumpka went 5-0 and claimed the championship. The Indians improved to 13-0 on the year.Wetumpka cruised through its first three games, winning 8-0, 9-0, and 13-0. They then took on Sand Rock in the semifinal game and won 6-3.
In that matchup, Mya Holt hit her 10th home run of the young season while Ella Watson hit a triple and drove in three runs. The two combined for the win on the mound and struck out five batters while allowing four hits in four innings. In the championship game,
also against Sand Rock, Holt pitched a complete-game one-hitter in the 2-0 win. Leadoff Ashlynn Campbell had three hits, while Lily Davenport ended the game with a walkoff.
With the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth inning, Davenport crushed a 2-0 pitch into centerfield. Campbell and Holt came around to score and ended the weekend with another trophy.
HENDERSON HITS WALK-OFF GRAND SLAM
Stanhope Elmore took to the road and participated in the Jefferson Davis Tournament this weekend. The Mustangs went 3-3, winning three of its last four games. The real highlight of the weekend, however, came in Saturday’s win over Pike Road. Down 9-6 in the bottom of the fifth inning with one out, ninehole hitter Kenlee Henderson stepped up to the plate and delivered the biggest hit of the young season for Stanhope.
On the first pitch of the at-bat, she knocked out a walk-off grand slam over the leftfield wall to give the Mustangs a 10-9 victory. The win avenged an earlier weekend loss to the Patriots and gave Stanhope some momentum. In the tournament, Stanhope beat Pike Road once and St. James twice. The Mustangs lost to Pike Road once and Brew Tech twice.
The Mustangs are now 5-8 and have played a very tough schedule up to this point. Five of their losses have come to Brew Tech and Wetumpka, both of which have Division I pitchers in the circle.
BRIAN TANNEHILL | FOR THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Morgan Sims has scored a team-high 11 goals in six games this season for the Lady Indians. Wetumpka is off to a 5-1 start and is 1-0 in area play.
BRIAN TANNEHILL | FOR THE HERALD
Edgewood Academy’s Madison Martin hit the game winning home run against Lee-Scott Academy in the Edgewood Varsity Tournament championship on Saturday. It was Martin’s first career home run.
Four Edgewood Academy athletes sign to college level
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Four Edgewood Academy ath-
letes signed National Letters of Intent to play at the next level on Wednesday.
Football player Austin Champion signed with Huntingdon College, softball player Anna Guillot signed with Chattahoochee Valley Community College, and Elena Adams (Cottey College) and Karlee Mainor (Lees-McRae College) both signed to play volleyball.
The four athletes have combined for 11 state championships in three sports while at Edgewood.
Mainor has won a volleyball state championship all of her varsity seasons, and she hopes to bring that success to Lees-McRae in Banner Elk, North Carolina. After her first visit, Mainor quickly fell in love with LeesMcRae. She had always wanted to live in the mountains and found a camp after searching for schools
Continued from B1
what the outcome of the game was. He just wanted to score 20 points. That team still went 0-22, but it reached its goal.
In 2020, his goal was to win one game. The Bulldogs did exactly that. From there, he wanted to make some goals his team could move towards. He wanted to win five or six games then he wanted to break the school record of 10 wins in a season.
His teams did that in 2021 and 2022. Then he set the goal of winning area games this season. The Bulldogs had only one to that point.
This year, Holtville went 2-2 in area play and clinched a playoff appearance for the first time. Even in the two losses, the girls competed at a high level.
“It’s really nothing I’ve done,” Franklin said. “I’ve taken a group of girls who can actually play basketball and just put them in a system to be successful. One of the biggest things for them was knowing who the coach was going to be and if there would be a new face catching them. There was never going to be a question about who the coach was going to be. I told them ‘As long as you keep coming back, I’m coming back.’ I’ve done that every year.”
This season, Holtville started its year undefeated and reached 12-0 before the winter break. That matched the single-season school record set last season, and Holtville was headed down to the coast for a Christmas tournament against some tough teams.
After losing by four to Gulf Shores, Franklin initially worried how his team would respond to its first loss. But it bounced back better than he could have imagined. The Bulldogs returned the next day and knocked off Class 7A Alma Bryant for their 13th win, a new school record. That 13-1 record turned into 15-2, then 17-2 after beating Tallassee and Wetumpka in the county tournament. Holtville had never even won a game in the county tournament before.
in the area. Since then, everything has fallen into place for her “perfect” fit.
Mainor was dominant all season for Edgewood, which won its fourth consecutive state championship. She had 242 kills, 45 blocks, and 76 service aces.
“This really feels unreal,”
Mainor said. “It’s almost like it really is a dream come true.
I’ve wanted to play college volleyball since I was five so it’s a super unrealistic feeling and very rewarding. Hopefully, I can bring being a good teammate and bring encouragement to the team while I better my skills in college.”
Going even further away is Adams, who signed with Cottey, a private women’s college in Nevada, Missouri. It will be around a 10-hour drive from home to school.
That doesn’t bother Adams too much as she always wanted to attend college out of state, and Cottey coach Marla Kannady
Ending the regular season 26-4, Holtville beat Elmore County in the first round of the area
Foreman won her over after flying her family out for a visit and welcoming them with open arms.
Adams is also excited about the position she will take up in college. After playing at the front of the net in the middle in high school due to her height, she is being recruited as a right side hitter.
“It’s really exciting,” Adams said. “Being a senior, everything is so uncertain and now I’ve shown everyone that I can do it. It’s a proud moment for yourself. It was such a friendly environment and the campus was so pretty. I really loved everything about it. I’m super excited to get up there.”
Champion will be the closest to home at Huntingdon. The star quarterback has shined for Edgewood the last two seasons as he earned all-State and all-County awards en route to the AISA Class AA semifinals in 2022.
He has passed for more than 4,000 yards and 45 touchdowns at
tournament to clinch its first playoff berth.
“I told the girls that the undefeated streak
Edgewood. He has also shined on the baseball and basketball teams, which just won state. Feeling “at home” was the biggest deciding point for Champion to sign with Huntingdon. After his visit, it was an easy decision.
“It means everything to sign at the next level and it’s everything I’ve worked for in my career,” Champion said. “This has been a dream of mine for a long time and I’m excited to make it all come true today. I’m hoping to get better everyday at practice and we’ll see what happens at the next level.”
Guillot won’t be too far from home at Chattahoochee Valley CC in Phenix City.
The softball star has played third base as a Wildcat, and she has shined at the hot corner. As a junior, Guillot ended with a .390 batting average and a .427 on-base percentage.
Out of 40 hits on the season, 17 were extra base hits; she drove
was going to come to an end at some point,” Franklin said. “I told them to just not let the
in more than 40 RBIs to lead the team. In the field, she racked up a .830 fielding percentage at third. Before transferring to Edgewood, she didn’t know if she would ever play college softball. She was falling out of love with the sport, but she instantly got into a better mindset and got more comfortable as a Wildcat.
After having a stellar season, she earned a tryout — and an offer — at CVCC. She picked it because of how at home she felt — like she was playing at Edgewood still.
“CVCC was so welcoming and I loved that about them,” Guillot said. “Most of the places I went, nobody talked much. But they were very welcoming. Even if I don’t play as much on the field, I think I can still be a leader for them off the field. I’ve become a better player here and if someone at college doesn’t know something that I do, I can help them even if I’m not starting or on the field.”
loss derail them the rest of the season. After that first loss, we turned around and continued
competing and how we responded to that first loss set the tone for the rest of the year.”
FRANKLIN
Lake River & Classi eds
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MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Phillip Elton Day and Marie L. Day aka Emma M. Day, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for ClearPath Lending, on September 19, 2017, said mortgage recorded
Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2017 and Page 51299; the undersigned NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on March 16, 2023,
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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 5, according to the map of New Quarters Place Plat Number 1, as the same appears of record
Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 23, at Page 19.. Property street address for informational purposes: 45 New Quarters Rd , Tallassee, AL 36078. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE 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. NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 23-00631
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2023 23-00260
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NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION
Careen Ruth Enjehu Williams, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Trent Williams’ s petition for divorce and other relief by April 21, 2023, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case No. 29-DR-2023900040.00, Circuit Court of Elmore County. Done this 23rd day of February 2023.
MICHAEL DOZIER, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Elmore County ANDREW WRIGHT 472 S. Lawrence St. Montgomery, AL 36104 Attorney for Trent Williams Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2023
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You have the right to contest this adoption. Be advised that ifsponse with the Probate Court
notice. The Probate Court of
consider such Petition without JOHN THORNTON PROBATE JUDGE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMACOLE CLARK
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X. W. AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition for-
as Petitioner, for the adoption
ten response with the Probateof this notice. The Probate Court
consider such Petition without JOHN THORNTON PROBATE JUDGE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
JOHN T. WINANS THE HARRIS LAW FIRM, LLC MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
A2022-047
PUBLIC NOTICE
HOLTVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM FENCING BID # 23-013
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR FENCING SYSTEM INSTALLATION AT THE HOLTVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE HOLTVILLE HIGHSCHOOL LOCATED AT 10425 HOLTVILLE ROAD, DEATSVILLE AL, HOLTVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCATED AT 655 BULLDOG LANE, DEATSVILLE, AL, HOLTVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATED AT 287 WHATLEY DR., DEATSVILLE, AL, AND THE HOLTVILLE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER LOCATED AT 120 WHATLEY DR, DEATSVILLE, AL. FOR THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, WETU MPKA ALABAMA. Sealed proposals will be received at the Elmore County Board of Education, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama, opened and read aloud in the Maintenance Building Conference Room on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 10AM. This project shall be bid excluding taxes. The bids must be submitted on company letterhead and the company name, bid number, and proof of insurance are to be posted on the outside of the bid envelope. **This is required for the bid to be accepted and opened** No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of sixty (60) days. Five percent (5%) retainage will be held on the estimated amount of work done and the value of materials stored on the site or suitably stored and insured off-site shall be held until all work, and completion of work advertisements for 4 consecutive weeks are made in the local county newspaper. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors ($50,000.00) must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. The Bidder must display current General Contractor’s License Number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered or it will not be considered by the Owner. 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 thereby be promoted. A separate payable to The Elmore County Board of Education in ancent (5%) of the 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. The Contractor is responsible to provide a portable toilet for his employees to use for the duration of this project. All contractors bidding this project are encouraged to visit the sites and examine all existing conditions prior to submitting their proposal. All bidders shall have general liability insurance of no less than $500,000.00, and a current business license. The project shall be bid excluding taxes.
Supervision: Contractor to ensure proper supervision of all work at each site. Questions may be directed to Kenneth Garner work - 334567-1420 Ext. 22007, mobile - 334-530-3956, ken.garner@ elmoreco.com or Mike Czerpak work – 334-567-1420 Ext. 22003, mobile 334-391-3029, mike.czerpak@elmoreco.com. Please see the RFP project on the ECBOE website under the “BIDS” tab. www.elmoreco. com
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE BID NOTICE
The Elmore County Commission will be accepting bids for Inquiry 2023-22, Network Endpoint Security, until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. All Bids should be mailed, or hand delivered not later than 2:00 PM on March 8, 2023 as follows: Elmore County Commission Attention: Shane Pittman 100 East Commerce Street, Ste. 200 Wetumpka, Al 36092tions and bid submittal may be obtained from the Chief Inforthe above address, or by contacting Shane Pittman, email: spechd@elmoreco.org , or telephone: (334) 514-5841, EXT. 1213.
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8 and 15, 2023 BIDS
PUBLIC NOTICE
Advertisement for Bids
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Millbrook shall receive and open sealed bids
Golf Carts at Millbrook City Hall located at 3160 Main Street
The Bid Invitation and other
Public Notices
q tlement of said Contract referenced as DCM (BC) Project No. 2022038. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this Contract should immediately contact Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC, 2660 EastChase Lane, Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36117, 334-271-3200. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on February 8, 2023 and ending on March 1, 2023. W. S. Newell and Sons, Inc. P. O. Drawer 241327 Montgomery, AL 36124-1327
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 8, 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
Dubose Construction Co., LLC hereby gives notice of completion of contract with the State of Alabama for construction of Project No. HSIP-2616(250) in Elmore County. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on 3/1/2023 and ending on 3/22/2023. All Box 117 Mt. Melgs, AL 36057 during this peroid. Dubose Construction Co., LLC
in any contract entered into
any or all proposals and to
CITY OF MILLBROOK Al Kelley, Mayor City of Millbrook
BIDS/GOLF CART
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
In accordance with the Code of Alabama 39-1-1(f), notice is hereby given by Hotel & Restaurant Supply, that the Public Works contract for Proceed Order 2022-PW6-1, Jail Walk In Freezer/Cooler and Shelving has been completed.
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
Global Management Group, Inc. hereby gives notice of completion of contract with the State of Alabama for construction of Project No. CRPAA-NR13(925) in Elmore County. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on March 1, 2023 and ending on March 22, at 948 South Main St. Graysville, AL 35073 during this period.
Global Management Group, Inc.
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39 Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that W. S. Newell and Sons, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Sitework/Enabling Works Construction Agreement dated March 1, 2022, for site grading for the New Men’s Corrections Facility in Elmore County Alabama, DCM (BC) Project No. 2022038, with the Alabama Corrections Institution Finance Authority (ACIFA), as assignee of the Alabama Department of Corrections, and has made request for set-
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2023 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF YVONNE SPANN BOONE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-029 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of YVONNE SPANN BOONE, deceased, having been granted to DAVID A. BOONE on February 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.
DAVID A. BOONE
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF YVONNE SPANN BOONE, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D. JASON BRITT STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2023 EST/BOONE, Y. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAXINE Y. HENDERSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-370 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of MAXINE Y. HENDERSON, deceased, having been granted to PAMELA SUE SINGER on February, 22, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
PAMELA SUE SINGER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MAXINE Y. HENDERSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: KYLE C. SHIRLEY MCDOWELL, FAULK & SHIRLEY, LLC 145 WEST MAIN STREET PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-365-5924
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8 and 15, 2023 EST/HENDERSON, M. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM HEPBURN BRASH, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-031 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL
A2022-045
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBER: A2022-047
TO: TAYLOR HENLEY, WHOSE WHEREABOUT ARE UNKNOWN, THE FATHER OF W.
Owner: Mr. Richard Dennis, Superintendent, Elmore County Public Schools 100 H.H. Robison Drive Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 Phone: (334) 567-1200. Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8 and 15, 2023
BID#23-013
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
MARCH 1, 2023
Public Notices FOR PROBATE
TO: MARY BRASH AND WILLIAM H. BRASH, IV, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND WHO ARE BELIEVED TO BE NON-RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA, AS NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM HEPBURN BRASH; AND TO: DANIELLE L BRASH, A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA,
ORDINANCE
2023-2
AMENDING ORDINANCE 2016-4
ADJUSTING THE BOUNDARIES OF COUNCIL DISTRICTS
WHEREAS, §1144F-2 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, authorizes the City Council to establish the boundaries of the Council Districts; and WHEREAS, the City of Wetumpka (5) Council Districts each District shall be formed of contiguous compact territory; and WHEREAS, the City Council, upon reviewing the 2020 Census data, has determined that changes in the population of each District warrant adjustments to the district boundaries to ensure equality in the voting process.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WETUMPKA, ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1
Ordinance 20164 amending section 34-2 of the Wetumpka Code of Ordinances is deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
C. Sec. 34-2. District Boundaries. Pursuant to the authority contained in 11-46-23, Code of Alabama 1975, the City Council of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, does hereby readjust and reestablish the boundary lines of Districts of the City and the territory composing each such District for purposes of City Council elections such that hereafter, said Districts shall be and are described using census blocks. The legal description for Districts described in Ordinance 2016-4 is re-described from metes and bounds to now be described by the 2020 census blocks attached
Public Notices
AS NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM HEPBURN BRASH; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF WILLIAM HEPBURN BRASH; AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the February 9, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of WILLIAM HEPBURN BRASH, who was also known as WILLIAM HEP-
hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. In accordance with the requirements of Section 11-46-23, Code of Alabama, 1975, the City Clerk is hereby directed to of this ordinance with the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama together with a map of the City depicting the Voting Districts as herein divided and described.
SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its publication one (l) time in the Wetumpka Herald, a newspaper of general circulation published in Elmore County, Alabama.
SECTION 4. All other sections or provisions of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, not specifically amended herein remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. Should any section or provision of this Ordinance or the Code of Ordinances of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, be held invalid, such holding shall not affect the validity of any section or provision thereof which are not of themselves invalid.
SECTION 6. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption and publication as required by law.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED THIS 21 DAY OF February, 2023. Jerry Willis Mayor ATTEST: Tiffany Robinson City Clerk
List of City Council Districts by 2020 Census Blocks
District 1:
010510308021013 010510308021004 010510308021012 010510308021011 010510308021003 010510308021016 010510308021018 010510308022052 010510308022051 010510308022046
Public Notices
BURN BRASH, III, deceased,
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 HEPBURN BRASH
010510308022050
010510308021007
010510308021031
010510308021034
010510308021032
010510308021033
010510308021005 010510308021006
District 2:
010510308012055
010510308012054 010510308012043
010510308012042
010510308012031
010510308012057
010510308012058
010510308012041
010510308012030
010510308012013 010510308012012 010510308012014 010510308012004 010510308012001 010510308012000
010510306002070 010510306002071 010510306002072
010510306002074 010510306002073 010510308012016 010510308012015 010510308012068
010510308012059
010510308012022
010510308012032
010510308012033
010510308012039 010510308012011
010510308012005 010510308012023
010510308012024
010510308012009
010510308012003
010510308012007
010510308012008
010510308012065
010510308012066
010510308012061
010510308012060
010510308012064
010510308012056
010510308012063
010510308012062
010510308012017
010510308021038
010510308021050
010510308012045 010510308012044
District 3:
010510308012053
010510308012047
010510308012052
010510308012048
010510308012051
010510308012050
010510308012049
010510308012040
010510308012029
010510308021060
010510308021043
010510308021055
010510308021053
010510308012025
010510308012018
010510308012026
010510308012027
010510308012019
010510308012020 010510308012010
010510308012036
010510308012067
010510308012037
010510308012028
010510308012021 010510308012035
Public Notices
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 -
sidering such Petition without further notice to you. JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE
Public Notices
Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR.
Jerry@GADanielLaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: EST/BRASH, W.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE FARRELL, JR., DECEASED. CASE NO. 2022-330 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE
TO: GEORGE FARRELL, III,
010510308012034 010510308012006 010510308012038 010510308012002 010510308021057
010510308021058 010510308021048 010510308021037 010510308021036 010510308021047 010510308021049 010510308021052
District 4:
010510308021035 010510308021017 010510306002065 010510306002063 010510306002078 010510306002076 010510306002077
010510306002064 010510306001040 010510306001039 010510306001038 010510306002062 010510306001044 010510306001043 010510306001014 010510306001037 010510306001024 010510306002050 010510306002052 010510306003033 010510306002053 010510306002044 010510306002058 010510306002057 010510306002048 010510306002056 010510306003034 010510306002055 010510306001011 010510308011007 010510308011012 010510308011024 010510308011005 010510308011004 010510308021015 010510308021019 010510306002042 010510308021020 010510306002032 010510306002034 010510306002033 010510306002035 010510308021021 010510306002043 010510306002069 010510306002061 010510308011003 010510308011002 010510308011000 010510308011001 010510306002075 010510307023011 010510307023010 010510306002066 010510306002068 010510306001012 010510306001008 010510306002051 010510306002049 010510306003032 010510306003043 010510306001007 010510307023003 010510307023004 010510306001033 010510306001042 010510306001028
010510307023002 010510306001030 010510306001015 010510306001020 010510306001016 010510306001002 010510306001017 010510306001041 010510308011025 010510308011028 010510308011026 010510308011015 010510308011016 010510308011017 010510308011018 010510308011008 010510308011027 010510308011014 010510308011013 010510308011006 010510308011010 010510308011011 010510308011009
District 5: 010510307021015 010510307021051 010510308011054 010510308011042 010510308011034 010510308011031 010510308011041 010510308011053 010510308011040 010510307023031 010510307021025 010510307023030 010510307023029 010510308011030 010510308011023 010510307021036 010510307021012 010510307021048 010510307021013 010510307021026 010510307021024 010510307011031 010510307011039
010510307011028 010510307011026 010510307011032 010510307011027 010510307011024 010510307011023 010510307011021 010510307011029 010510307011017 010510307011018 010510307021023 010510307021037 010510307021031
010510307021040 010510307021038 010510307021027 010510307021020 010510307011019 010510307021046 010510307021047 010510307023017 010510308011032
010510308011029 010510308011039 010510308011020 010510307023023 010510307023021 010510307023019 010510308011022 010510308021064 010510308011019
010510308012069 010510308011021 010510307023022 010510307023018 010510307023026 010510307023020 010510307021014 010510308011048
010510308011051 010510308011049 010510308011050 010510307021005 010510308011043 010510308011045 010510308011046 010510308011044 010510308011033 010510308011035
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public
Notices
,, WHOSE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS WAS IN ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AN HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF GEORGE FARRELL, JR. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on October 25, 2022, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of GEORGE FARRELL, Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, LAURA LANGSTON, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner, be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next-of-kin of GEORGE FARRELL, JR.
Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court withincation of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner:
D. JASON BRITT STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC
ATTORNEYS & COUNSEL-
ORS AT LAW
114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 22, Mar. 1 and 8, 2023
EST/FARRELL, G. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JO HILL, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-041 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BETTY JO HILL, deceased, having been granted to BRENDA JO GOREE on February 17, 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.
BRENDA JO GOREE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY JO HILL, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D. JASON BRITT
STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC
ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST P O BOX 967 WETUMPKA. ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 22, Mar. 1 and 8, 2023
EST/HILL, B. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JACQUELYN L. KEEBLER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-028 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to SHARON LEE ADAMS as Personal Representative on the 8th day of February 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.
SHARON LEE ADAMS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JACQUELYN L. KEEBLER, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2023
EST/KEEBLER J.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS VIRGINIA KINSAUL, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-037 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of DORIS VIRGINIA KINSAUL, deceased, having been granted to DIANE KINSAUL REID on February, 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.
DIANE KINSAUL REID
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DORIS VIRGINIA KINSAUL, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator:
Public Notices
REGINA EDWARDS LAW OFFICES OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 22, Mar. 1 and 8, 2023
EST/KINSAUL, D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA GAIL KNOTT, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-004 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of BRENDA GAIL KNOTT, decease, having been granted to WILLIAM DAVID KNOTT February 10, 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.
WILLIAM DAVID KNOTT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA GAIL KNOTT, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JIM T. NORMAN, III LAW OFFICES OF JIM T. NORMAN, III, LLC PO BOX 680670 PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36068 334-365-9955
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2023
EST/KNOTT, B. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JASPER BEROUJON ROBERTS SR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-025 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JASPER BEROUJON ROBERTS, SR., deceased, having been granted to JASPER BEROUJON ROBERTS, JR. AND FOSTER BRETT ROBERTS on the 8th February, 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.
JASPER BEROUJON ROBERTS, JR. AND FOSTER BRETT ROBERTS CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF JASPER BEROUJON ROBERTS, SR., DECEASED
Address of Co-Personal Representatives: 3107 PINEHURST DRIVE MONTGOMERY. ALABAMA 36111 334-233-7074
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2023 EST/ROBERTS, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MALCOLM AUGUSTA SMITH, JR., DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-030 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: MARSHALL EARL SMITH AND ALL HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF MALCOLM AUGUSTA SMITH, JR., DECEASED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 9th day of February, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of MALCOLM AUGUSTA SMITH, JR., de-bate Court of Elmore County, SMITH MCMILLION, requesting that such Last Will and-
tative of such Estate. This Nois given to you as an heir at law and next of kin of MALCOLM AUGUSTA SMITH, JR. Unless an objection to admisand Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court withincation of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering JOHN THORNTONMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Name and Address of Attorney
REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ. The Law Firm of Edwards & Ed109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2023
EST/SMITH, M. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JESSIE DEAN VARNER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-036 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF THE ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JESSIE DEAN VARNER,
Public Notices
deceased, having been granted to JAMES FRANK LANIER on February, 13, 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 require within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
John Thornton JAMES FRANK LANIER
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JESSIE DEAN VARNER, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: MICHAEL F. BRAUN 5016 CENTENNIAL BLVD, STE 200 NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37209 615-378-8942
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 22, Mar. 1 and 8, 2023
EST/VARNER
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS FIX WALLACE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-034 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LOIS FIX WALLACE, deceased, having been granted to GLORIA F. DAVIS and KAYE KEEL on the 17th day of February 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.
GLORIA F. DAVIS and KAYE KEEL CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS FIX WALLACE, DECEASED Attorney of Record for such Co-Personal Representatives: HUGH C. HENDERSON ATTORNEY AT LAW 3414 OLD COLUMBIANA ROAD BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35226 205-979-2281
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 22, Mar. 1 and 8, 2023
EST/WALLACE, L. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY KATHERYN WELDON, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023- 023 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to SARA DIANE WELDON LOCKE as Personal Representative on the 7th day of February, 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. SARA DIANE WELDON LOCKE
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY KATHERYN WELDON, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq.
The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 15, 22 and Mar. 1, 2023
EST/WELDON, M.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Council of the City of Wetumpka
Tax Exempt Special Events License for the following:
Name of Applicant: National Wild Turkey Federation, Inc.
Address: 408 South Main Street, Wetumpka AL 36092
Public Hearing on the said application has been scheduled for March 6, 2023, at 12:00 noon, before the Wetumpka City Council at the City Council meeting, at the Administrative Building, at 408 S. Main Street, Wetumpka, Al.
Anyone desiring to be heard either for or against said application may appear at a said time or may indicate their wishes in writing by a communication addressed to the City Council, 408 S. Main Street, Wetumpka, Al 36092.
Persons with disabilities who may need special assistance should contact the City Clerk’s call (334) 567-1306 at least two business days in advance of the meeting. The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 2023
LICENSE PUBLIC NOTICE
FORECLOSURE NOTICE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness described in and secured by that certain mortgage executed by ROY R. DUNCAN and BRENDA B. DUNCAN, as Mortgagor(s) to Union Bank & Trust Company, now known as Regions Bank, as Mortgagee, dated the 22nd day of December, 1993, and recorded in Roll 145, Page Frame 000429, et
Public Notices
g of the Judge of Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama; said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the undersigned will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bidder during legal hours of sale, on the 29th day of March, 2023, in the city of Wetumpka, at the front door of the Court House of Elmore County, Alabama, the following described real property situated in the County of Elmore, State of Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the Northeast Corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 34, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, and run thence South 00 deg. 58 min. 50 sec. East 321.77 feet to the south right of way line of a proposed road, thence along said south right of way line North 88 deg. 39 min. 07 sec. West 430.08 feet, thence run Southwesterly along a cul-da-sac radii (chord bearing South 55 deg. 22 min. 45 sec. West; chord distance 40.88 feet) to the point of beginning. From said point of beginning run South 10 deg. 23 min. 39 sec. East 737.46 feet, thence North 55 deg. 43 min. 33 sec. West 311.98 feet, thence South 86 deg. 48 min. 03 sec. West 220.40 feet, thence South 89 deg. 57 min. 54 sec. West 493.87 feet, thence North 01 deg. 31 min. 06 sec. West 300.00 feet, thence North 69 deg. 35 min. 48 sec. East 843.68 feet, thence in a Southeasterly direction along a cul-da-sac radii (chord bearing South 60 deg. 23 min. 43 sec. East; chord distance 64.27 feet) to the point of beginning and containing 9.84 acres, more or less. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, reservations and exceptions or those contained in the reof Probate of the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as 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. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying said indebtedness and the expenses incident to this sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, and the other purposes set out in said mortgage. The sale will betion that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcytion and audit of the status of the loan with the Mortgagee. REGIONS BANK Holder of said Mortgage Goodman G. Ledyard PIERCE LEDYARD, P.C. Attorneys for Mortgagee Mobile, Alabama 36616 (251) 338-1300
Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 22, Mar. 1, 8 and 15, 2023 FC/DUNCAN
Public Notices
eas and has determined that it has no practicable alternative.ment compliance with steps 3 through 6 of the environmental process, are available for public inspection, review and copying upon request at the times and location delineated in the last paragraph of this notice for receipt of comments. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in the environmental process and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about the environmental process can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancycial areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in the environmental process, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the Town of Coosada at the following address on or before 3/8/2023: Town of Coosada; P.O. Box 96; Coosada, AL 36020; Attention: James Houston, Mayor. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at 5800 Coosada Road, Coosada, AL 36020. Comments may also be submitted via email at mayorcoosada@ elmore.rr.com.
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 2023 FLOODPLAIN PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment and performance of obligations secured by that certain Construction Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) dated December 27, 2018 executed by Premier Holdings, LLC (the “Mortgagor”) in favor of Max Credit Union (the “Mortgagee”) and recorded on January 8, 2019 in the of Elmore County, Alabama in RLPY 2019, at Page 998, the Mortgagee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance doors of the Elmore County Courthouse located at 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 on March 22, 2023 between the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., all of the Mortgagor’s rights, title and interest in and to the following described property (the “Property”), to wit: Commence at the point known as the Northeast Corner of Section 25, Township 18 North, Range 18 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence West 1,680.32’ to a point; thence South 2,789.08’ to an iron pin; thence South 10°58’24” West 24.31’ to an iron pin and the Point of Beginning for the herein described parcel of land (said point also located on the East Right-ofWay (180’) of U.S. Highway No. 231); thence leaving said East Right-of-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway 231 South 78°57’12” East 175.00’ to a nail; thence South 10°58’24” East 170’ to a nail; thence North 78°57’12” West 175.00’ to an iron pin lo-
Public
Notices
p cated on the East Right-of-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway No. 231; thence along said East Rightof-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway North 10°58’24” West 70.00’ to an iron pin and the Point of Beginning. Lying
PUBLIC NOTICE FINAL NOTICE AND PUBLIC EXPLANATION OF A PROPOSED ACTIVITY IN A 100/500 YEAR FLOODPLAIN & WETLAND
To: All interested Agencies, Groups and Individuals
This is to give notice that the Town of Coosada has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order(s) 11988, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Wetlands Protection. The activity is funded under ADECA’s CDBG Program Project No. SM-CE-PF-22-026
The proposed project is located throughout the Town of Coosada in Elmore County. The Town of Coosada has considered the following alternatives and mitigation measures to be taken to minimize adverse impacts and to restore and pre-ties are not yet determined, the Town is taking this action as a cautionary measure so that it can remove slum and blight in all required areas of the Town. The reason this action is being taken is that slum and blight creates increasingly dangerous conditions for Town residents and/or visitors. The only alternative would be to take no action and not remove blighted strucwetland. The Town will remain in compliance with state andtection procedures as the project proceeds. The Town of Coosada has reevaluated the alternative(s) to -
LEASES, ENCUMBRANCES, RESERVATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND ALL MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. THE PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD 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. Payment terms are cash or cashier’s check (United States Dollars in immediately available funds) made payable to Mortgagee on the date of the public sale. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the Property and to credit its bid against the expenses of sale and the obligations secured by the Mortgage. The public sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Contact David B. Hughes at (334) 241-8076 prior to attendance. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the obligations secured by the Mortgage as well as the expenses of collection and foreclosure. MAX CREDIT UNION
Mortgagee ATTORNEY FOR MORTGAGEE: David B. Hughes, Esquire CAPELL & HOWARD, P.C. 150 South Perry Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 (334) 241-8076
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8 and 15, 2023 FORECLOSURE
‘Hard work gets you places’
Eclectic native serves with one of the Navy’s newest tilt-rotor aircraft squadrons
By ALVIN PLEXICO Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty
Officer
2nd Class Richard Ream, a native of Eclectic, serves the U.S. Navy aboard Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 located in San Diego, California.
Ream joined the Navy eight years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel the world and get to experience other cultures,” Ream said.
Growing up in Eclectic, Ream attended Elmore County High School and graduated in 2012. Skills and values learned in Eclectic are similar to those needed to succeed in the military.
“Hard work gets you places,” Ream said. “Getting promoted and getting better at my job was due to hard work. Working as part of a team, not just an individual, has helped me succeed in my career.”
These lessons have helped Ream while serving in the Navy.
VRM aircraft are the Navy’s version of the U.S. Marines’ V-22 Osprey. They are designed to replace the C-2A Greyhound, which have provided logistical support to aircraft carriers for four decades.
VRM aircraft are vertical takeoff and landing tilt-rotor aircraft, which have an increased operational range, faster cargo loading/unloading, increased survivability and enhanced communications compared to the C-2A Greyhound.
According to Navy officials, the mission of VRMs is to provide timely, persistent air logistics for sustained carrier strike group lethality, anywhere in the world.
With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a
strong Navy.
“Our mission remains timeless — to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Serving in the Navy means Ream is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combatready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we patrol international waters and protect from potential foes,” Ream said.
Ream has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is earning the rank of petty officer second class,” said Ream. “I’m also proud of the two deployments I’ve completed, which allowed me to visit other countries such as Singapore, Philippines, South Korea, Dubai, Bahrain, Greece, Italy and Spain.”
As Ream and other sailors continue to train, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy gives me an opportunity to be part of something larger than I could have ever imagined,” Ream said. “I’ve made friends that have become like family since we’re often away from our families. I’ve met many people from different cultures that I would have never met had I stayed in my small town.”
Ream is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to send a shout out to my mom and thank her for always supporting me in whatever choices I made,” Ream said.
All clear after ‘gun’ sighting near Eclectic schools
Staff Report
TPI Staff
No gun was said to be with individuals spotted near Eclectic schools last Wednesday.
The Eclectic Police Department said two individuals it was seeking came to the police department Thursday morning to clear their names.
“The sought after individuals from [Wednesday’s] event dealing with the Elmore County High School lockdown have been identified by law enforcement,” the Eclectic Police Department said in a release. “The two individuals were not juveniles but young adult black males.”
The police department said the two men saw on social media they were being sought after by law enforcement and came to the police department.
“When speaking with the subject who was said to have a gun in his hand he stated that had a bluetooth device in his hand and not a gun,” the statement said. “Both individuals saw a person in a vehicle recording them as they were walking and did not know why until later.”
The subjects will face no charges because no law was broken.
“If they did possess a gun, they were in their rights to have one open in the public according to how the law reads,” the statement said. “Both subjects were of age and were not felons. At the time of the incident they broke no laws that law enforcement could find during their
investigation into [Wednesday’s] events. The case has been closed.”
The investigation started Wednesday morning when a call from a citizen reported two juveniles, one with “what appeared to be a handgun” walking around town near Elmore County High School, prompted school lockdowns and response from law enforcement.
The Eclectic Police Department issued a statement Wednesday afternoon addressing the matter.
“The principals of each school were contacted and the schools were immediately put on lockdown,” the Wednesday statement said.
“The Eclectic Police Department, [Alabama Law Enforcement Agency,] Tallassee [Police Department,] Wetumpka [Police Department] and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department responded to the school to conduct a thorough search of the school grounds inside and out for these two juveniles. The two juveniles that were described to law enforcement were not located on campus.”
The police department said the schools remained on soft lockdown last Wednesday.
“[It is] for the safety of the students and staff,” the statement said. “The juveniles are still being actively sought after.”
The juveniles were described as being Black males about 15 years of age, one wearing a red hoodie and the other wearing all black with a black hat and black backpack.
LT. CMDR. RYAN MURTHA | THE NAVY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH
After graduating from Elmore County High School in 2012, Richard Ream has served in the U.S. Navy for eight years.