Friends remember Stanhope junior Nate Jones
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Holtville High School basketball coach arrested
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: After our latest press deadline, The Herald was made aware of a second death of a Stanhope Elmore High School student. Our staff is working diligently to update the community as soon as possible. For more information, visit our website at www.thewetumpkaherald.com. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.
Jones who died unexpectedly and tragically the morning of Feb. 26.
Friends, family and students and staff of Stanhope Elmore High School gathered to remember the junior soccer player and encourage everyone to reach out for help in times of distress at vigil at the school.
his face. I never called him Nate. I called him ‘Nate the Great.’ I still call him that.
“He was a special member at our church and has touched a lot of lives.”
investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”
Coaches and pastors shared memories of Jones before candles were lit in the Stanhope Elmore Gymnasium.
“Nate was an amazing young man,”
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
Jones shared the soccer field with his teammates and coach Johanna Angelo on Friday night against Wetumpka. Angelo described the game as “hard and tough — lots of things happened,” but she noticed two things she will cherish of Jones.
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
Many have cherished memories of Nate
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.
Grandview Pines Baptist Church pastor Chance Sangster said. “He was funny, smart, kind. You always saw him with a smile on
“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary
“Nate gave me the most beautiful smile,” Angelo said. “It was a touching one that
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sher iff’s Office have the alleged vic tim’s phone. Authorities collect ed Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversa tion between the two,” 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.”
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
‘The Incredible Lunchroom Ladies’
Lunchroom staff join students in character parade at Wetumpka Elementary
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
‘A Failed Experiment’
District attorney explains hands are tied on keeping guilty behind bars
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Court dockets are packed and riddled with names.
Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected
Some of those names are repeat offenders and 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney C.J. Robinson said the Prison Reform Act of 2015 passed by the Alabama legislature has tied the hands of law enforcement, prosecutors and judges. Robinson said the 2015 legislation to control the prison population is “a failed experiment.”
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
“In 2015 our state put a price tag on public safety,” Robinson said. “We had to make a decision. Our state decided that instead of increasing prison capacity, we would prioritize who was going in.”
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Not to be outdone by Dr. Suess and other authors, the lunchroom staff at Wetumpka Elementary School joined in the fun for Read Across America.
Staff Report
Robinson said the state prisons were at 197 percent of capacity in 2014.
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
“That has shrunk once the prison reform act came in,” Robinson said. “For every one person that goes in, essentially two come out.”
But in reducing the prison population, Robinson said the
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.
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
Wetumpka council approves purchase of police vehicles
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
See SHOOTING, Page A3
New patrol vehicles are coming to the Wetumpka Police Department.
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
With their yellow aprons and kitchen utensils, the staff joined Thing 1 and Thing 2, Cat in the Hat, Harry Potter and more for the annual book character parade through the halls of the school. The parade completes the week of activities surrounding Read Across America where reading was celebrated. The program is designed to encourage students to read and learn how reading can help take them anywhere in life they want to go.
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year. The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Su perintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
The Wetumpka City Council approved the purchase of three new vehicles fully equipped at a cost of nearly $142,000.
“Kyle Futral is an exception al principal and is very proac tive and innovative in his think ing and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed dents, 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
“We are down five vehicles,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis told the council at its meeting Monday. “They have transmission and engine issues.”
Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton said some of those vehicles will come back to the department after repairs are completed.
“A lot of that is warranty work,” Benton said. “It takes months for that work.”
HOURS COULD CHANGE FOR ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The council held a first reading for amending the
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
WILSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD Friends and family attended a vigil in memory of Stanhope Elmore High School junior Nate Jones last Wednesday at the school gym after his unexpected death Sunday morning.
TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS
If you began working in a Textile Mill, Tire Plant, Paper Mill, Steel Mill or any other industrial setting before 1980: You may have a claim against the asbestos manufacturers.
Obituaries
OSCAR ABRAM BUTLER
CMS Sgt. Retired Oscar Abram Butler, a resident of Equality, Alabama passed away Monday, February 27, 2023 at the age of 98. He was born April 10, 1924.
Mr. Butler is survived by his son , Rickie (Holly) Butler; nieces Patty (Fred) Oliver, Brenda Forehand, Teena Blythe, Barbara Stearns; nephews Terry Butler and Andy Moore; brother & sistersin-law Mary Reeves, Joan Powers, Ruby & Lewis Gerish.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Miriam King Butler; brothers Solomon C. “Buddy” Butler, Andrew Butler, and Jack Butler; sisters Ruby Boddie, Addie Moore, Lois Stearns, and Lucy Collum.
Mr. Butler enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1942. He served during World War II, The Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. After 27
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARCH 1
• Domestic violence was reported on Stone River Loop.
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
FEB. 28
• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231. Feb. 27
• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card and theft was reported on Wilson Street.
• Domestic violence was reported on Company Street.
• Harassing communications was reported in Wetumpka.
FEB. 24
• Criminal mischief was reported on Government Street.
• Theft was reported on Commerce Street.
FEB. 22
• Harassing communications was reported in Wetumpka Garden Apartments.
FEB. 21
• Criminal mischief was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
FEB. 20
• Domestic violence was reported on Holtville Road.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARCH 2
• Suspicious activity was reported on Cobb Road.
• A prowler was reported on Redden Avenue.
JONES
Continued from A1
MARCH 1
• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Herren Hill Road.
• A civil dispute was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Freeman Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Central Boulevard.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Jordan Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Indian Trail.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Clay Street.
FEB. 28
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Washington Street.
• Animal control was requested on Willow Street.
• A civil disturbance was reported on Redden Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on South Dubois Street.
• A fight in progress was reported on Powers Extension.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Cliff Street.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Barnett Boulevard.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• A child custody dispute was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
just lit me up. I thought, ‘Oh look at that.’
Then I flipped back to coaching. I think my gift from him was that moment.
“The other was him chasing down Wetumpka’s defense like they had bones he wanted. I remember both of those moments because he was working so hard. He wouldn’t give up and let them go.
Those are the two moments from Friday I get to take forever.”
Sangster said he did see Jones on the soccer field a few times.
“Nate was very athletic,” Sangster said. “He ran like a gazelle. He would run and make it look like other kids were just walking. He was extremely fast.”
But Sangster said Jones educated him on many things only teenagers and children could.
“Not only was Nate athletic, he was also a gamer,” Sangster said. “I remember talking to him about Fortnite. I don’t know what Fortnite is and I don’t know what skins on Fortnite is but he was talking
POLICE VEHICLES
Continued from A1
years in the Air Force he returned to Alabama and was hired by the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and retired after 13 years of service. After retirement he enjoyed gardening, fishing, and was an avid bird hunter. He was also a Mason with the Penick Lodge in Eclectic, Alabama.
The family will receive friends, Friday, March 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Seman Congregational Church with Rev. Doyle Brown officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery with Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing.
Serving as pallbearers will be Terry Butler, Jamie Butler, Lewis Gerish, Jimmy Skinner, Andy Moore, and Scott Pritchett. Honorary pallbearers will be Rick & Jackie Dean, James “Bubba” Marsh, and Grady Hicks. Online Guest Book available at www. gassettfuneralhome.net
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A complaint of a fight was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
FEB. 27
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Shoplifting was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Criminal mischief was reported on South Ann Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Redden Avenue.
• Public lewdness was reported on Powers Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
• A Black male was arrested during a disorderly conduct call on Stewart Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Redden Avenue.
• A welfare check was requested on Benson Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft was reported on North Johnson Street.
• A vehicle accident was reported on Cherokee Trail.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Riverside Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Livestock was reported in the roadway on Dolan Road.
FEB. 26
• Suspicious activity was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Barnett
away. He informed me a lot of what Fortnite is.”
Everyone shared memories of Jones but also wanted everyone to learn from his tragic death. Richie Beyer coached Jones in soccer from a young age along with his son. Beyer is also a volunteer coach at Stanhope Elmore.
“[This] is a moment of reflection and hope,” Beyer said. “Let’s not only remember the good moments with Nate but take something away from this.”
Sangster said time is one of two special gifts given to everyone by God.
“Time is something you can never buy back, but you spend it everyday,” Sangster said. “Time is something you are never guaranteed to have. Some people have a lot of time on this Earth. Some people have a little.”
Sangster said everyone at some point in their lives will experience “trouble, heartache, difficulty and bad days.”
“Everybody has burdens they bear, griefs they take on,” Sangster said. “If I could encourage you to do anything it would be to share those burdens with people God has blessed you with in your
ordinance governing the Arts and Entertainment district. The change would be to extend the hours to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
The measure could be voted on by the council at its next meeting. Also at its next meeting the council will take up the renewal of a lease to Congressman Barry Moore’s Office for space in the city administration building. It will also vote on the purchase of two golf carts for use at the Wetumpka Sports Complex and the purchase of fencing for the splash pad.
Willis recognized members of Scout Troop 50 who were in attendance at Monday’s meeting who are working towards
Boulevard.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Roosevelt Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Adams Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Hickory Street.
• A stolen vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Reckless endangerment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious person was reported on Sims Avenue.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Street.
• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A Black male was arrested on Third Avenue.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Dorman Avenue.
• A burglary was reported on Third Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on Lee Street.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Barnett Boulevard.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
life. Go to a mommy or daddy, a teacher, a pastor, a grandmother or grandfather so those moments you are overwhelmed with life, that you have somebody to pick you back up and help you on this journey we call life.”
Angelo reiterated everyone will have troubled times in their lives but advised everyone to not allow it to become permanent. Angelo encouraged those feeling stuck to seek help.
“Whenever these things happen, we don’t know what to think,” Angelo said. “We feel the sadness, anger and grief and guilt and all the things in between. You can feel all these things but you can’t live there. You don’t live in the grief; you don’t live in the anger. You don’t live in the pain and you don’t live in the sadness.
“If you find that you are living there, then come find us. Feel all the things but don’t ever live there.”
Funeral services for Jones will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Stanhope Elmore High School Gymnasium. The family will receive friends in the gymnasium from noon to 1 p.m. Interment to follow at Brookside Memorial Gardens.
merit badges. In other action the Wetumpka City Council:
• Approved minutes of the Feb. 21 meeting.
• Approved the purchase of asphalt for pickleball courts totaling $17,835.
• Approved the purchase of light poles for South Main Street.
• Approved a non-profit tax-exempt special events license for the National Wild Turkey Federation banquet.
• Granted Main Street Wetumpka permission to use Merchants Alley and Gold Star Park for its annual fundraiser CoosaPalooza Brewfest.
The next scheduled meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is 6 p.m. Monday, March 20.
Councilmember Kevin Robbins was absent from the meeting.
BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM REOPENS
Just in time for Black History Month the Elmore County Black History Museum reopened last week.With new paint and HVAC system, curator Billie Rawls welcomed visitors once again.The museum has new hours. It will be open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays,Thursday and Fridays and every first and third Saturday of the month. A re-grand opening is being planned for a later date.
public is now at a higher risk of becoming a victim.
“We have early release,” Robinson said.
“We have more parole hearings. We have smaller sentences, more cases, more people on probation, fewer people getting revoked.
We have more criminals on the street than we have ever had. It all means more victims.”
Currently a second offense of possession of marijuana is a Class C felony with a mandatory one year in prison. The Prison Reform Act of 2015 created a Class D felony. Possession of methamphetamines is a Class D felony but instead of going to prison after a second or third offense, offenders can get away with a “slap on the wrist” for up to eight offenses.
Robinson said on the first offense charges might get dropped for providing information that leads to a bigger “bust.” But then the second offense comes around.
“Maybe the next time you do pretrial diversion — first time offender, trying to get help and get you back on the right track,” Robinson said. “But it doesn’t always take. Third time you go to drug court with intensive supervision. More programs that last longer.
“Next time, again drug court. These do not result in a conviction if you complete those programs.”
Robinson said at the fifth arrest a defendant is out of deferred options.
“Now the system runs its course,” Robinson said But because of the Class D felony created under the 2015 legislation, there are still hurdles.
“You cannot go to jail,” Robinson said, “You cannot go to prison. The next three convictions cannot go to jail or prison.”
Robinson said after the eighth arrest the defendant now has three prior felonies.
“That puts you in a Class C felony; that is a year and a day up to 10 years,” Robinson said. “Now jail or prison is a possibility. But wait, it’s not that simple.”
Robinson said the way the end of sentence is calculated and good time issued, someone sentenced 15 years can get a parole hearing in just over a year.
“We have people getting parole hearings
on 15-year sentences in less than two years,” Robinson said. “That should not happen. Fifteen-year sentences were cut to five. In addition to a five-year sentence, they serve a fraction of that five years. That is the reason you see the revolving door. It doesn’t end there.”
Once out on parole or probation and out of an Alabama Department of Corrections [DOC] prison, Robinson said it is difficult to get a defendant revoked and back in prison due to the system of dips and dunks. Robinson said the system was created to keep the prison population down.
“If you fail a drug test, you get a dip, 48 hours in the county jail,” Robinson said. “You got to have three dips before you get dunked. Dunked is 45 days in the DOC. By the time DOC comes to get you, your 45 days, you will sit that in the county jail.”
Robinson said it will take three of those cycles before a defendant can be revoked.
Robinson said a recent defendant in Elmore County is evidence the new sentencing guidelines under the 2015 legislation do not work. He spoke of Michael Padilla’s arrest earlier this year. Padilla now has more than 90 arrests on his record and Robinson has victims calling him asking how he got out of prison.
“In January 2021 he was convicted of three felonies,” Robinson said. “At that time, he had 20 priors. He was given 100 months. He got a chance on community corrections.”
But even on monitored release, Padilla was quickly behind bars again to serve 100 months. But Padilla was never transferred to a DOC prison
“He was paroled out of the Elmore county jail after one year,” Robinson said. “He never set foot in the department of corrections. He stayed at Elmore County Jail. He never got picked up.”
Robinson said the system created in 2015 forced Padilla’s early release.
“His [end of sentence] was two years, seven months with goodtime. With mandatory release he is only serving a year and seven months. You still have the parole hearing kick in.”
Robinson said the parole hearing starts at 30 months before the end of sentence.
“This is happening time and time again,” Robinson said.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
District Attorney C.J. Robinson, left, speaks with the Elmore County Commission about the case load his office has. Robinson also addressed issues of how some defendants are constantly related.
Kenneth Boone, Chairman
Tippy Hunter, General Manager
Lizi Arbogast Gwin, Managing Editor
Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
Page A4 • March 8, 2023
Mission
The
elsewhere.
What’s your
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 E-mail: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com
Obituaries: 35 cents per word with a $15 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.
Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth
Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 25 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us
Herald or The Tribune.
Follow The Wetumpka Herald at www.thewetumpkaherald.com or on Facebook and Twitter.
We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all.
The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call Erin Burton or Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281
Well, y’all had to know it wouldn’t take too long for me to write a column about sports. In fact, I’m impressed with myself for holding off for more than a month.
But alas, here we are.
If y’all don’t know me from my time as sports editor, then you may not know I am a huge hockey fan — the Washington Capitals to be specific. Readers listened to me as I griped about never winning a championship, in any of my sports fan life actually. I’m also a Detroit Lions fan, so that’s fun.
However, you also got to read as the Caps and I worked ourselves through the playoffs in 2018 and finally — finally — won the Stanley Cup. It was an emotional journey, probably more so for myself than for you. But I felt like you were there with me.
Since then, the Caps are basically back to status quo circa 2008 — decent enough to make the playoffs, but disappointing in the end. We’ve lost in the first round of the playoffs every year since, and now we’re in a rebuilding phase. Friday was the NHL trade deadline, and all week, the Caps have been unloading player after player — mostly for draft picks and youngsters. But Wednesday, they traded Lars Eller.
“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.” —Thomas Jefferson
Celebrate the big moments
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
stay relevant, it has to happen. In pro sports, it’s very rare someone is going to stay in one place his whole career. It’s impossible not to feel the struggles eventually.
They’ve been the best ever since I was like 10, it feels like. However, Tom Brady leaves and it’s a whole different story. The whole team has to be rebuilt around a new set of faces.
All of this is to say, as an avid sports fan, I’ve learned to celebrate the good moments to their fullest. Sometimes you have to be OK with a season where the Lions go 9-8 and almost make the playoffs. Realize when you’ve got someone special, and enjoy it while it lasts. When your team does finally win the championship, celebrate like no one’s watching.
Recent changes in the newspaper landscape in
Alabama have us wanting to share some good news about newspapers. Alabama newspapers are alive and printing.
Like most every industry in the world, our industry is experiencing changes some have characterized as the end of newspapers.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Alabama has 109 paid circulation newspapers that have a print edition at least every week.
Newspapers have evolved in how they deliver news to their readers but not in their mission to provide quality journalism in their communities. Their print products are now complemented with various platforms, including websites, electronic editions, social media and video. Online-only newspapers, in their new frontier, still continue to provide a valuable service in their communities for local news.
March 15 — does it really mean anything extraordinary?
The soothsayer gives a foreboding warning the soon-to-be-exRoman emperor Julius Caesar on this day back in 44 BC: “Beware the ides of March.”Of course, by the time Julius Caesar made it to the Capitol, he was stabbed 23 times. His final words were, “et tu, Brute?”
Full moons, black cats and broken mirrors aside, there’s something ominous about the William Shakespeare play “Julius Caesar,” and it may be this famous line that has made us feel so uncomfortable all these years.
According to Roman history, the calendar was based around lunar phases. There were other names, such as Kalends and Nones.
Ides, however, referred to the first full moon of a given month. Like this week, these usually fall somewhere during the week that includes the 13th, 14th and 15th. Prior to the connotation discussed in this article, the Ides of March was actually a time of rejoicing.
Since the time of Shakespeare 500 years ago, however, the phrase has become more and more sinister. If a television series has an episode with these words in the title, look out.
Bad things didn’t happen for a Chicago-area rock group that took the name the Ides of March back in the early 1970s. Led by guitarslinger and songwriter Jim Peterik, the Ides of March created one of the most memorable brassrock songs of that or any era: “Vehicle.”
In fact, to this day, many marching bands across the country (including our own) perform this song.
An interesting side note – Peterik went on to form another band, Survivor, in the 1980s. It had a No. 1 hit we still hear all
Yes, I realize that name means absolutely nothing to you, and that’s OK. But Lars Eller, phew; he scored that famous goal, the one that finally got us there — the game-winning goal in the Stanley Cup Finals. That one hit harder somehow; there are very few remnants of the Stanley Cup winning team anymore. If you do know anything about hockey, you know Washington star Alexander Ovechkin is hunting down Wayne Gretzy’s all-time scoring record. Ovechkin isn’t getting any younger, and he’s still 81 goals away. He’s also in his 18th season. That’s pretty much the main focus for the Caps right now and deservedly so. With the past four seasons ending in an early boot and a roster full of a ton of newcomers and young guys, it’s official rebuild time. And no sports fan ever wants to admit that because it means starting from the bottom again. However, these phases are necessary. Every team goes through it, and to
Alabama newspapers are not disappearing
This multimedia combination delivers the greatest exposure of news, entertainment and public notices available in any community in our state.
And our newspapers remain a reliable and important source. A recent market study, conducted by the independent research firm Coda Ventures, reports 3.2 million, or 81%, of Alabama adults rely on newspapers every month for local news and advertising. That is strong.
The study also found that among consumers who plan to shop for specific products and services, the targeted reach of newspapers is unrivaled.
Our newspapers are an unmatched source of information because they help people know what’s going on in their community, and this promotes a sense of social engagement. The news you receive
See NEWSPAPERS, Page A6
Beware the Ides of March
the time, “Eye of the Tiger.” Peterik’s name may be unknown to the average music fan, but his musical compositions are heard constantly all over the world. In the case of “Eye of the Tiger,” we hear it much more often in Tallassee and Auburn than in most places.
The Smithsonian Institution has listed the top 10 reasons why we should beware the Ides of March. In conclusion, I submit these 10 memorable events from the Smithsonian, with their comments included.
1. Assassination of Julius Caesar, 44 B.C.
“Conspirators led by Marcus Junius Brutus stab dictator-for-life Julius Caesar to death before the Roman senate. Caesar was 55.”
2. A Raid on Southern England, 1360
“A French raiding party begins a 48-hour spree of rape, pillage and murder in southern England. King Edward III interrupts his own pillaging spree in France to launch reprisals.”
3. Samoan Cyclone, 1889
“A cyclone wrecks six warships— three U.S., three German—in the harbor at Apia, Samoa, leaving more than 200 sailors dead.”
4. Czar Nicholas II Abdicates His Throne, 1917
“Czar Nicholas II of Russia signs his abdication papers, ending a 304-year-old royal dynasty and ushering in Bolshevik rule. He and his family are taken captive and, in July 1918, executed before a firing squad.”
5. Germany Occupies Czechoslovakia, 1939
“Just six months after Czechoslovak leaders ceded the Sudetenland, Nazi troops seize the provinces of Bohemia and Moravia, effectively wiping Czechoslovakia off the map.”
6. A Deadly Blizzard on the Great Plains, 1941
“A Saturday-night blizzard strikes the northern Great Plains, leaving at least 60 people dead in North Dakota and Minnesota and six more in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.”
7. World Record Rainfall, 1952
“Rain falls on the Indian Ocean island of La Réunion—and keeps falling, hard enough to register the world’s most voluminous 24-hour rainfall: 73.62 inches.”
8. CBS Cancels the “Ed Sullivan Show,” 1971
“Word leaks that CBS-TV is canceling “The Ed Sullivan Show” after 23 years on the network, which also dumped Red Skelton and Jackie Gleason in the preceding month.”
9. Disappearing Ozone Layer, 1988
“NASA reports that the ozone layer over the Northern Hemisphere has been depleted three times faster than predicted.”
10. A New Global Health Scare, 2003
“After accumulating reports of a mysterious respiratory disease afflicting patients and healthcare workers in China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore and Canada, the World Health Organization issues a heightened global health alert. The disease will soon become famous under the acronym SARS (for Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome).”
Michael Bird is a music teacher at Tallassee City Schools.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Let shelters help in reuniting pets and owners
By REA CORD
HSEC Director
We want to give a huge thanks and shoutout to Heady Scoops n Smoothies for setting up at our Tail’s End Thrift Store on Saturday to sell chicken tacos and drinks! The tacos were yummy to say the least; the crew was simply awesome; and more than $1,000 was raised for our animals.
We are truly humbled the business owners wanted to do this for our shelter and all the animals in our care;
they have been wonderful supporters of ours for many years now and we ask everyone to please stop by their shop at 2872 US-231 in Wetumpka. Check out all the great stuff offered and say thanks for being huge animal lovers and shelter supporters. Throughout March, our shelter will receive $1 from every $2.99 Community Bag sold at our local Wetumpka Winn-Dixie. As we see a lot of folks shifting to reusable shopping bags, there is no better time than now to swing by Winn Dixie
Vehicle Title Problem?
We have a Solution!
Unclaimed/Abandoned Vehicles, Mobile Homes & Surety Bonds
JSE:Alabama's Vehicle Title Recovery Service !
We can help with most Titled Vehicles in Alabama, including Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, RV’s & Trailers. Stop in, by phone or online! Free Phone Consultation Call 1-205-267-5735 www.J SEAL .com
to pick up a bag or two or three. One of the most frustrating things in the shelter world is all the animals that come to us that no one ever reclaims. About 15% of dogs are reclaimed by owners and only about 1% of cats sadly. We are constantly screening the lost and found reports that have been called in to see if we might have a match; nothing makes us happier than reuniting a lost pet with its very relieved owner.
We are also looking at all the lost and found pages on Facebook daily and the main one for our area is “Elmore County Alabama Lost & Found Pets.” We highly recommend you post a lost pet to this page, your personal page and any
neighborhood pages for your area as Facebook does truly help in reuniting lost pets. More than 90% of pets coming into our shelter have no collars and of those with collars only a small fraction have rabies or ID tags. When we get an animal in with a rabies or ID tag the very first thing we do is call the veterinarian to see if we can get help reuniting the pet and owner. And it does work — in most cases an animal with a tag can be reunited with its owner the same day.
For those who say their pet loses its tags we highly recommend two other methods of identification — microchip and writing your phone number on your pet’s collar. We scan every animal coming into
Pet of the Week – Harvey
Harvey looks to be about 3 years old. He is a male — perhaps a Shepherd/ Mastiff mix — who weighs about 75 pounds. He was a stray in a neighborhood for weeks until he was brought to the Humane Society of Elmore County. Harvey is a super nice boy, good with his female kennel partner, loves people, is pretty laid back and doesn’t have high energy.
HSEC’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old; cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough, and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Harvey or any of HSEC’s pets, the first step is filling out an adoption application which can be found online. Once approved, someone from the shelter will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt.
HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. It can be reached at 334-567-3377 and online at www. elmorehumane.org for more information.
NEWSPAPERS
Continued from A4
in your community newspaper is news you cannot get from any other news source.
Local newspapers keep residents up to date on births and deaths; updates from local schools and stories about students who are making a difference; information on civic clubs, fundraisers, and community events; in-depth coverage on local sports teams; openings of new businesses and industries; and updates on arts and entertainment events.
A local newspaper’s focus is to make your community stronger
our shelter for a microchip, which is placed by a veterinarian under the skin between the shoulder blades of your pet via a simple injection.
If a pet has a microchip our scanners will pick it up; we then contact the chip maker who can then put us in touch with that pet’s owner. It works! Please contact your vet to ask about getting your pet microchipped; it is simple and takes only a few minutes.
For those who find pets, the same applies. Call us with the pet’s description as we have reunited many lost pets without it ever coming into our shelter. But one very important thing is to take the found pet to the closest vet or shelter to be
scanned for a microchip. Also very importantly, a found pet is not the finder’s to just keep or give away as, under law, any finder must do due diligence to find the proper owner. This is why it can be best to bring a found pet to your supporting shelter as we do this day in and day out and make sure to validate ownership before a pet is released. Sadly some people can be — how shall we say — less than gracious about someone “finding” their pet, so let us deal with those situations at the shelter where we keep the identity of finders, owners and adopters confidential.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
and safer and to encourage its readership to be more involved.
These days, we hear a lot about transparency. Your local newspapers play an important role in making sure relevant information citizens need to make informed decisions is disclosed. They act as a form of communication between governments and the citizens they serve. They hold local governments accountable to the taxpayers. They are there to cover city council, county commission and school board meetings where decisions are made that affect your everyday life. Lastly, a good newspaper is the record of a public voice. Articles on key issues affecting
communities, letters to editors, and guest columns offer citizens and elected officials alike the opportunity to share their views, demands and grievances, criticisms and appreciation of governmental activities.
By offering a place to air complaints and discuss problems, newspapers help strengthen the bonds of their communities and facilitate the exchange of ideas.
So, don’t believe everything you hear about newspapers going away. There are 109 voices in Alabama that disagree.
Felicia Mason is the Alabama Press Association executive director and Darrell Sandlin is the APA President.
In Our Prayers
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I do hope everyone reading this column is doing well and enjoying the arrival of spring. We are probably due for snow on April Fool’s Day, but that is nothing more than the reality of weather in central Alabama.
One of the most common responses to challenging news is “You are in my (our) prayers.”
The expression is intended to demonstrate empathy and solidarity. When we hear of the struggles of others, a pledge of prayer is a natural human response.
The response should not be taken lightly. In recent years, some have commented, in the face of tragedy, the words “Our prayers are with you” are meaningless. This comment recognizes that praying
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
for something and doing something about it are not the same thing.
First, we should all recognize praying about something can be doing something about it. If the pledge of prayer for something or someone is sincere, the healing powers of empathy and solidarity begin to flow. If the pledge of prayer is not sincere, they do not.
Perhaps it is a better thing to consider prayer as the first step in doing something. Is it possible praying for something or someone is not an end in itself but actually
the beginning of a process? I don’t know about you, but I believe it can. Take a recent tragic reality in our community as an example. Within one week’s time, two students attending Stanhope Elmore High School committed suicide. There is no connection between the two events. Neither student fit anyone’s profile for student’s at risk for suicide.
The first and best response to such news should always be prayer for all affected. Lift up the families of Nathen Jones and Makayla Reaves. Lift up the family of Stanhope Elmore and the community it serves. That should be our collective starting place.
If any of us wonder whether or not such a first step has any merit, we need only ask people who are
Church Briefs
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
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.
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-
working their way through such tragic news. Does prayer fix things? No, it does not. Does prayer make a difference? Yes, it does.
The practice of prayer requires speaking first and listening second. Most of us are pretty good with the first part, but we struggle with the second. Our county board of dducation has numerous programs and plans for addressing teen suicide in place. Those programs and plans are continuously updated and refined. The goal is to prevent such occurrences. The simple truth is that neither Nathen nor Makayla came under the radar of those programs and services.
What does this reality lay on your heart? Does it cause any of us to think our school system is failing its students? Does it cause any of us to continue to lose hope in the
generation coming of age? Does it make any of us think if we could only perfect programs and services we would never hear such tragic news again?
I do not know what this reality lays on my heart, much less what it lays on yours. What I do know is if I am sincere in prayer for this situation and those affected by it, God will lay upon my heart what God needs me to hear. I’m not special. God does this for everyone. Regardless of the nature of our personal relationship with God, no one can contend with God’s gift of prayer. Speak what troubles your heart. Open it to God’s response. Act accordingly.
Jonathan Yarboro is
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
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.
Rev.
the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Wetumpka.
Free gets Edgewood over the hump, claims AISA state title
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Edgewood Academy basketball coach Darryl Free knew his boys team had the chance to be special this season, but his team had to learn how to win the close games.
Edgewood finished a measly 11-17 last season and lost in the quarterfinals of the playoffs. While the losing record isn’t impressive, it didn’t necessarily show how high Edgewood’s level of play truly was.
Nine of Edgewood’s 17
losses from a year ago came from six points or less. Free knew if his team could get over that hump, he’d have a special group on his hands.
The Wildcats did exactly that and won close games against Abbeville Christian, Macon-East and Evangel early in the season. That led to gaining confidence, and his team carried that confidence all season.
Edgewood went 23-4 and claimed the AISA Class AA boys state title. Free is the 2023 Elmore County Boys Basket-
ball Coach of the Year.
“We struggled winning close games last year, but I really felt like we could be successful if he could get over the hump,” Free said. “When we beat Abbeville by one point at their place, I knew we could be special. After that game, we kept finding ways to win even if it wasn’t pretty.”
While the Abbeville win helped give the team confidence early, it was a two-game series with Macon-East that
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
2023 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor FIRST TEAM
DILLON BARNES, STANHOPE ELMORE SENIOR Barnes had already proven himself to be one of the top basketball players and scorers in the county, and he reassured that during a stellar senior season in 2023. The Mustangs’ star player got it done all over the floor, averaging 16.3 points, 4.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game.
AUSTIN CHAMPION, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY SENIOR After being the Edgewood Academy catalyst for the past few years,
Edgewood’s senior point guard finished his career on top of the AISA. Champion capped off his stellar career with a state championship win while averaging 15.2 points, 4 rebounds and 3.7 steals per game this season.
G: D’MARCUS PEAKE, WETUMPKA SENIOR When coach Steven Thomas took over the Wetumpka program, he was instantly impressed with Peake’s ability to play basketball. Peake showed why that was during his standout senior season and was one of the most versatile players in the county. He averaged 16 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals this year.
NATE ROGERS, WETUMPKA JUNIOR
For the second-consecutive season, Rogers proved he can score at will on opposing teams while helping lead the Indians to a 15-win season. Whether he was driving to the basket or shooting 3-pointers, the 2023 Elmore County Player of the Year averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals per game.
F: KAYDEN SLAY, TALLASSEE SENIOR Slay, who consistently went viral on social media for his high-flying dunks and impressive ability to grab rebounds at will, was another player who jumped onto the scene during
See TEAM, Page B2
Rogers uses strength, balance to dominate as a guard
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
When Wetumpka junior Nate Rogers wasn’t named the county’s top basketball player in 2022, he took it upon himself to make sure that mistake wasn’t made again. Rogers had a stellar sophomore season, but he knew he needed to be a better all-around player. So he worked hard on his fundamentals. On offense, he wanted to improve his shooting percentages while working on his defense and becoming a better teammate and passer.
He did exactly that as had one of the best overall seasons in the county and averaged 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game. While doing so, he helped lead Wetumpka to 15 wins under firstyear coach Steven Thomas. For his play, Rogers has been named the 2023 Elmore County Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
“I worked really hard this offseason to achieve my goal of being Player of the Year,” Rogers said. “I made sure I put in the time and effort to get to where I am this year. I really worked on my fundamentals and my shooting. I wanted to improve all of my percentages across the board. I became a better defender and worked on being a better teammate.” Rogers has always been able to knock down a
rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game.
COUNTY COACH OF THE YEAR
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Edgewood Academy coach Darryl Free coaches his team in the state championship game against Autauga Academy. The Wildcats went 23-4 and won the AISA Class AA state title.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers has been named the 2023 Elmore County Player of the Year after averaging 18 points, 6
ELMORE COUNTY PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DILLON BARNES
D’MARCUS PEAKE NATE ROGERS KAYDEN SLAY
AUSTIN CHAMPION
TEAM Continued from B1
his senior season. The Tallassee star averaged a double-double this year with 12 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. He also added 59 assists and 53 blocks.
SECOND TEAM
G: Garrett Allen, Elmore County senior
G: Jarquez Brown, Holtville freshman
G/F: Sami Kochi, Stanhope Elmore senior
G: Payton Stephenson, Elmore County senior
G: Tim Washington, Tallassee senior
HONORABLE MENTION
Edgewood Academy: Cooper Hall, G, Sr., Brody Whitt, G, Jr.; Elmore County: Logan Pack, G, Sr., Carson Willis, F, Sr.; Holtville: Sadrick Myrtil, G, Sr., Caleb Blackmon, F, Jr.; Stanhope Elmore: Tyrone Williams, G, Jr., Collin Ross, F, Jr., Corian Gilder, G, Jr.; Tallassee: Rowan Thornton, F, So., Jamarrion McCoy, G/F, Jr., Jaiden Gordon, G, 7th; Wetumpka: Malik Owens, F, Jr.
ROGERS
Continued from B1
3-pointer at any given moment, but his shiftiness and strength he gained during football season and the offseason has allowed him to find success in the paint.
Rogers isn’t usually the biggest player on the court in any given game. Standing at 6-foot, he runs the point for Wetumpka but has as much success as any given player in the paint.
When he goes up against someone bigger and taller than him, he uses his strength and balance he gained from the weight room to withstand contact and still score effectively.
He also grabs rebounds at an impressive rate for a guard, and that’s due to his ability to block out and withstand contact from bigger bodies than his.
“He’s a strong kid,” Thomas said. “You can look at him and see he’s dedicated to the weightroom. You can thank the football team for that. He has a good center of gravity and is balanced well. You won’t knock him off when he’s driving and you won’t disrupt him because he’s stronger than most kids out there. He’s able to explode off the jump quickly past opponents and is able to get to the rim with his pure strength.”
While he has all the tools and skills to be an effective basketball player, one of the things that helped him the most this year was the emergence of another guard.
Last season, Rogers was the leading guard and was a one-man show at guard sometimes.
This year, he had senior D’Marcus Peake to help play guard. Both players shined in their duo role and both were named to the All-County First Team because of it.
Together, the duo put up impressive numbers that can rival any duo across the state. They combined for 34 points per game, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals.
“D’Marcus kept me in the game a lot of times,” Rogers said. “He would make sure I was good before he was going to do anything, So I thank him for that. He was my backbone. He kept my head on. It’s always good to have someone who helps me. I can’t do everything by myself, so it helps having him there to take over at times.”
While the duo dominated the backcourt for the Indians, it was Rogers who really led things both on offense and defense.
Thomas said Rogers’ level of play would set the tone for Peake then it would trickle down to others such as forward Malik Owens and so on.
Wherever Rogers went, the rest of the team went with him.
“He really stepped up this year on the court,” Thomas said. “He set the tone defensively for us every game, and you would see that triple down the rest of the team. He would pick up the effort, then D’Marcus would, then the rest of the team would. He’s an all around great basketball player and that’s just a testament to his dedication to the sport.”
FREE Continued from B1
was the turning point of the season for Edgewood.
Edgewood and Macon-East played each other Dec. 10. Edgewood was winning that game by 15 points in the second half, but eventually saw Macon-East storm back to win, 43-41.
Ten days later, the two teams met again and Edgewood took out its own frustrations. MaconEast was up by 15 points early. Much like the Knights did to them, Edgewood rallied back and forced overtime. The Wildcats eventually won, 56-54.
Following that game, Edgewood went on to win 17 of its last 18 games and stormed past most of its opponents.
“That was such a huge game,” Free said. “We knew we could compete with teams in our classification, but that game showed us we could compete with any team in AISA. I really think that was a catapult game for us moving forward into the season.”
Edgewood kept its win streak into the playoffs, but it only got tougher for the Wildcats there. After a blowout win in the quarterfinals, Edgewood was scheduled to face a tough Patrician Academy team in the semifinals.
That ended up being what Free said was his team’s best game of the season, and Edgewood won by 14 points and punched its championship ticket. The biggest issue, however, is star point guard Austin Champion went down with
Elmore County Player of the Week
Through 14 games this season, Holtville
at-bats. Boone is the Elmore County Player
Holtville’s Boone shining in leadoff spot
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Bailea Boone has been the perfect leadoff hitter for Holtville this season. Boone, a sophomore slap hitter for the Lady Bulldogs, proved last year she could get on base at an astonishing rate at the top of the Holtville lineup. That hasn’t changed in 2023. She’s helped lead Holtville to a 9-3-2 record through three weeks, and she’s gotten better each week. In eight games this week, Boone finished 16 of 26 at the plate while scoring eight runs and stealing two bases. She recorded multiple hits in six games and recorded three hits twice.
She scored a run in seven games and reached base via walk two more times. On the base paths, she added
a fractured foot and the championship was the next day.
So with no practice days and no time to heal his injury, Free and company had to completely change the game plan.
Champion still played, but the team couldn’t press on defense because of his mobility.
Champion was also the main player who would take the ball up the court on offense, which he couldn’t do either.
So Free put the ball in the hands of eighth grader Thomas Justiss and senior Cooper Hall, running the offense through them against Autauga. He knew his players had the talent to do it, but he had never asked them to because he had Champion. So in the biggest game of the year, he put his faith in his kids.
It paid off.
In a 43-40 championship win over rival Autauga, Justiss and Hall combined for 26 points. The non-pressing zone defense didn’t work like Free wanted to, so he made his team begin pressing in the second half. Champion fought through his injury to do so, and the team held Autauga to only four third-quarter points in the process.
“Winning that last game is just a testament to our guys,” Free said. “We had some good, smart basketball players on this team. We were outmatched athletically a lot of times, but everything came together at the end. That win meant everything to me. This group of boys winning a state championship will always be a highlight of my career, no matter what happens going forward. I will cherish that forever.”
Vote for your Fans’ Choice Player of the Week online now!
two stolen bases. For that reason, she has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week.
“Bailea has been paramount to our success throughout the early part of the season, especially this past week,” Holtville coach Reese
Claybrook said. “Anytime you have a lead off that is batting over .600, your offense is bound to flourish. Her versatility and selflessness at the plate make it extremely difficult for the defense to come out on top when she’s up to bat.” During her week-long hitting spree, Holtville finished 5-2-1 and had a successful outing in the Trojan Classic at Troy. While she slapped the ball around the field and scored runs every game, she also came through in big moments with runners on base. She drove in five RBIs this week, including two against Maplesville and two against Eufalua. Her success at the plate has been steady this season. Over the first six games, she was batting .600 and was 9 of 15 at the plate. After her stellar week this week, she’s now hitting a county-high .609.
Edgewood Academy coach Darryl Free hugs a player after winning the AISA Class AA State Championship. Free won both the girls and boys titles this year. DALTON MIDDLETON
sophomore Bailea Boone has a county-high .609 batting average with 25 hits in 41
of the Week.”
Wetumpka softball just keeps winning
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Wetumpka softball team is off to the best start in program history.
Through three weeks of the 2023 season, Wetumpka is off to a 21-0 start. No team in program history has ever won its first 21 games to start a season. While winning every game they’ve played this year, the Indians have also claimed three tournament championships along the way. They won the Prattville Tournament the opening weekend, the Glencoe Tournament last weekend, and they won their own tournament involving 30 teams this weekend.
Wetumpka went 6-0 this week-
end, claiming a win over Vestavia Hills in the championship game.
“With the way everything ended last year, something we harped on in the offseason was to keep that fire going this year,”
Wetumpka coach Daryl Otwell said. “They’ve worked hard and now that we’ve had so much success out of the gate, the challenge is to keep ‘stacking the days.’ We want to get better every day. We aren’t focused on the record, we just want to have a chance to play in Oxford at the end of the year. The win streak is special, but we’re just trying to get better.” This weekend looked to be the toughest of Wetumpka’s tournaments yet. Filled with 29 other teams, Wetumpka’s victory did not come easy. The Indians
opened up the tournament with Dothan in pool play, and Wetumpka led only 2-0 before a big Mya Holt 3-run bomb pushed the game to 5-0. After a blowout win over Smiths Station, Wetumpka turned its eyes on Class 5A Rehobeth.
Wetumpka took an early 2-1 lead on a Mari Beth Parette home run and eventually won 4-3.
In the championship against Vestavia Hills, Wetumpka used a two-run bottom of the fourth to lead 3-1 and it held on for a 3-2 win. The two one-run victories were only the third and fourth games this season in which Wetumpka did not win by five runs or more.
“We played some really good teams this weekend,” Otwell
said. “After a close first game, we challenged the girls to pick up the intensity. We re-focused and found some energy and they answered the call. I was very proud of them. It was a good learning moment for us. Early in the year, it’s good to have those close games and feel that pressure and excitement.”
In both close games this weekend, Wetumpka had some key players step up in big-time moments.
Parette’s two-run home run — her second of the weekend — helped lead Wetumpka past Rehobeth in the second round. Ava Farmer then followed with an RBI single and Riley Dismukes hit a sacrifice fly in the win. Farmer had a big weekend for
the Indians out of the two-hole, collecting eight hits and six RBIs. She added an RBI single in the title game. In the championship, it was Lily Davenport who collected the big hit. Tied 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth, Ella Watson led off the inning with a walk. Davenport stepped to the plate and on a 1-2 count, drove a line drive over the center field wall to put the Indians up, 3-1.
“We’re getting a lot of production from throughout our lineup so far this year,” Otwell said.
“That’s one of the reasons why we’re having the success we’re having during our win streak. We’ve had a lot of girls contribute and just get big hits when we need them.”
Annual lip sync contest benefits scholarship fund
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Lips moved to the hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s at the annual “Puttin’ on the Past” lip sync contest hosted by the Alpha Iota chapter of Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa.
Students from fourth through eighth grade treated the audience with fun songs of the past at Wetumpka High School last week.
“Many thanks to all the performers for their enthusiastic contributions,” Elissa Ritchey said.
“Everyone did terrific.”
The contest was won by Dollie Dolls featuring Kenlee Allison and Zoe Simpson who performed the 1968 hit “Harper Valley PTA” by Jeannie C. Riley. Second place was awarded to Sugar and Spice featuring Isabella Richardson, Sophia Arant and Madalyn Gordon who sang a “Grease Mix” from the 1978 movie. The Double Stars earned third place, featuring Ansley Green and Makayla McCullers singing “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers.
To help close out the show Gracie Hankins, Abby Mullino and Ashley Britt with the Wetumpka High School Theatre Guild performed “Naughty” from the group’s upcoming spring musical “Matilda.”
June Carpenter emceed the evening and the contest was judged by current Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa president Kay Taylor, Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa treasurer Edwina Aaron and Hands on the River Region 211 information referral specialist/outreach coordinator Michael Bryant.
Ritchey thanked Wetumpka High School for use of its facilities; Jeff Glass, director of the WHS Theatre Guild and WHS Theatre Guild students, Wetumpka Middle School, Wetumpka Elementary School and Redland Middle School administration and staff for their behind-thescenes help; and Winn-Dixie for stage decorations.
“Puttin’ on the Past” is sponsored by the Alabama Alpha Iota Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for female educators united in the ideals of education. Alpha Delta Kappa promotes excellence in education, altruism and world understanding. Endeavors encompass the recognition of outstanding women educators, the building of fraternal fellowship, the promotion of educational and charitable projects, the sponsorship of scholarships, including cooperation with worthy community programs relating to education and charities as well as contributions to world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
The proceeds from “Puttin’ on the Past” fund two $1,000 scholarships at Auburn University Montgomery — the Emily Milner and the Annie May Morris Memorial Scholarships named for two charter members of the Wetumpka chapter. The scholarship recipients must be graduates of or teach in the Elmore County Schools.
Alpha Delta Kappa members also support the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children in Birmingham, the Alzheimer’s Association and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
Good
Redland Elementary students finish Read Across America with sock hop
Crazy hair, Harry Potter, Thing 1 and Thing 2 were a common sight at Redland Elementary School last week. After all, the students and staff joined students from across the country in celebrating Read Across America Week. Thursday saw celebrities from the Wetumpka High School join Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall in reading to students. And no week of work needs to go by without a little fun. Friday the students enjoyed a sock hop dressed in poodle skirts, jeans and white Tshirts.
SUBMITTED | THE HERALD
The winners of the annual ‘Puttin’ on the Past’ lip sync contest hosted by the Alpha Iota chapter of Alabama Alpha Delta Kappa gather for a photograph after the contest. The event featured fourth through eighth graders lip syncing to classic songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
The ribbon was cut on the Millbrook Art Mill Cultural Arts Center Thursday. The Elmore County Art Guild celebrates its 38th year with the first exhibition in the new center under the vision of Millbrook Cultural Arts and Events Director Danae Morgan.
MARILYN HAWKINS | THE HERALD
Lake River & Classi eds
no biggie. The good news is that your luck will improve slightly, which gives you an edge over all the other signs. Tonight: Work.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Solitude in pleasant surroundings will appeal to you today. This is a playful time, which is why you might be socializing, attending sports events or enjoying fun activities with kids, as well as romantic diversions. Take time out today to catch your breath. Tonight: Play!
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) A heart-to-heart talk might be meaningful for you today. You will welcome even a slight suggestion that there is a bond between you. It’s good to have bonds with others. We like to feel needed, loved and appreciated. Tonight: Cocoon. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today and tomorrow, for
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
more County ANDREW WRIGHT 472 S. Lawrence St. Montgomery, AL 36104
Attorney for Trent Williams Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2023
29-DR-2023-900040.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 833-449-1307.
BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work… You reap the Rewards! Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 888-283-4780
LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America's Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534
EDUCATION
ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).
HEALTH/BEAUTY
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.
ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828.
FOR SALE
DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108
NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916.
UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165. Ask about our specials! Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005
GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions.
1-877-323-5516
2017 Kubota 2510 tractor with less than 500 hours. Can be seen in Abbeville, AL. Several attachments $32,000 Please call Walter Morse at (518) 534-9363.
AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT THE BLIND! Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.
AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBER: A2021-011 TO: LEE DAVID COLLINS, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, THE FATHER OF B.S.C.M.L.W.C. AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition for -
BILLY JOE THORNTON and
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
JEFFERY J. COURTNEY
A2021-011
PUBLIC NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBER: A2022-045
TO: DOUGLAS JAMES GRAY, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, THE FATHER OF R. J. S., A MINOR AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition for -
as Petitioner, for the adoption of -
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
A2022-045
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
PUBLIC NOTICE 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 El-
Public Notices
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. X. W. AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition foras Petitioner, for the adoptionten 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
LEGAL NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that E. Cornell Malone Corporation, Contractor, has completed the ConPortions Wetumpka HS, Old Wetumpka JHS Gym and Wetummpka JHS 8th Grade Wing, Job #21-189 at Elmore County Board of Educatoin, Wetumpka
Schools for Project #2021410, ECMC JN 21-1437 for the State of Alabama and the City of Wetumpka, Owner(s),, and havement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify McKee & Associates, Inc. 631 S. Hull Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 E. Cornell Malone Corporation 439 Dory Street Jackson, MS 39201
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
In accordance with the Code of Alabama 39-1-1(f), notice is hereby given by the Elmore County Commission that the Public Works contract for concrete work at Wetumpka Stadium Tennis Courts under Proceed Order 2023-PW1-1, per Bid Inquiry 2023-PW1, has been completed.
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15, 22 and 29, 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
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
CATED 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
by 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
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
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA RENE A. BROWN V. WILLIAM R. BROWN. Civil Action No. CV 2021-900022 JAB NOTICE OF SALE
TO: the general public.
Clerk
CV 2021-900022 JAB
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 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, 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 HEPBURN 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 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 thissidering such Petition without further notice to you. JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR.
Jerry@GADanielLaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: EST/BRASH, W.
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
at auction by the Circuit Court
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
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
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Webb Builders, Inc. has completed the Contract for Construction of Millbrook Police and Municipal Storage Facility 3900 Grandview Road Millbrook, Al 36054 for City of Millbrook, AL, Owner, and have made request for All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify DLM Architect P.O. Box 710 Auburn, Al. 36831 Webb Builders, Inc. P.O. Drawer 608 Millbrook, Al. 36054
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
HOLTVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM FENCING BID # 23-013
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR FENCING SYSTEM INSTALLATION AT THE HOLTVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE HOLTVILLE HIGHSCHOOL LO-
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8 and 15, 2023 EST/HENDERSON, M.
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
Public Notices
Public Notices
Public Notices
Public Notices
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 & COUNSELORS 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 PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH WAYNE FISHER, SR., DECEASED. CASE NO. 2023-052 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE
TO: KENNETH WAYNE FISHER, JR. and CHRISTIAN FISHER, WHO ARE NON-RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND WHO ARE NEXT OF KIN OF KENNETH WAYNE FISHER, SR.; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF KENNETH WAYNE FISHER, SR., DE-
CEASED AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on February 24, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of KENNETH WAYNE FISHin the Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by WANDA JEAN FISHER, 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 KENNETH WAYNE FISHER, SR. or as an interested party. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court withincation of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you. Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: LINDA BENSON ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 780818 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-5800 JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15 and 22, 2023 EST/FISHER, SR. 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: 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 PAUL JAMES FOSTER, WHO IS ALSO KNOWN AS: JAMES PAUL FOSTER, DECEASED, CASE NO: 2023-062 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Es-
tate of PAUL JAMES FOSTER, who is also known as JAMES PAUL FOSTER, deceased, having been granted to CAROL FOSTER REYNOLDS on March 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. CAROL FOSTER REYNOLDS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF PAUL JAMES FOSTER, WHO IS ALSO KNOWN AS JAMES PAUL FOSTER, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: J. CLIFF HEARD
BENKWITH & HEARD, P.C. 4001 CARMICHAEL ROAD, SUITE 200 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36106 334-395-9899
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15 and 22, 2023 EST/FOSTER, P. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JIMMY LEE GALLANDER, IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2022-315 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: BRENDA MACON, SYLVIA MULDER, GREG GALLANDER, BRYAN GALLANDER, MIKE GRAY, KIMBERLY HILL AND JENNIFER GRAYGREEN, HEIRS-AT-LAW AND NEXT-OF-KIN OF JIMMY LEE GALLANDER. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 12th day of October 2022, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of JIMMY LEE GALin the Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, PAMELA S. LOFTIN, 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 JIMMY LEE GALLANDER. Unless an objection to admission to Probate of
such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition. JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: D. Jason Britt, Esq. STONE, BRITT, & WEBB, LLC 114 South Main Street
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15 and 22, 2023
EST/GALLANDER, J. 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 & COUNSEL-
ORS 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 BARBARA LYNN HUFFSTETLER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-050 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BARBARA LYNN HUFFSTETLER, deceased, having been granted to LAURA LYNN HUFFSTETLER on March 2, 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. LAURA LYNN HUFFSTETLER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA LYNN HUFFSTETLER, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: FRANK E. BANKSTON, JR. ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 239 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0239 334-264-9472
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15 and 22, 2023
EST/HUFFSTETLER, B.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRADLY DAVID JOHNSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023064 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES, Petitioner, STEVEN-
of BRADLY DAVID JOHNSON,-
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: -
EST/JOHNSON, B. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS JEAN LAMBERTH, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023051 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Es-
y tate of LOIS JEAN LAMBERTH, deceased, having been granted to CHARLES FRANKLIN LAMBERTH on March 3, 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. CHARLES FRANKLIN LAMBERTH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS JEAN LAMBERTH, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: MICHAEL S. HARPER ATTORNEY AT LAW 213 BARNETT BLVD PO BOX 780608 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6855
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15 and 22, 2023 EST/LAMBERTH, L.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF STCLAIR MCINTYRE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-054 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of STCLAIR MCINTYRE, deceased, having been granted to D. JASON BRITT on February, 28th, 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.
D. JASON BRITT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF STCLAIR MCINTYRE, DECEASED Name and Address of Administrator: 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: Mar. 8, 15 and 22, 2023 EST/MCINTYRE S.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JACQUELINE O. SUMNERS, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-058 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE
TO: ALL HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF JACQUELINE O. SUMNERS, DECEASED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 28th day of February, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of JACQUELINE O. SUMNERS, deceased, andbate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, SYLVIA COUNTS, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner be named as Executrix of such Estate. This Notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next of kind of JACQUELINE O. SUMNERS. Unless an objection to admission to Probate is submitted by you in writing to this Court within tention of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, PC 109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011 Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15 and 22, 2023 EST/SUMNERS, J. 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, 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
FORECLOSURE NOTICE
Default having been made in
discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “ASIS, WHERE-IS” BASIS, SUBENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RE-
Public Notices
CORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS 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 mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trust-die Mac Seasoned Credit Risk Transfer Trust, Series 2022-1 Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 30-FC-22-01218
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 15 and 22, 2023 FC/WALLACE
Public Notices
Public Notices
Public Notices
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
p 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 located 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 and being a part of the Southeast ¼ of Section 25, Township 18 North, Range 18 East Elmore County, Alabama. Together with easements as established by the Declaration of Easement, Restrictive Covenants and Maintenance executed by Bruno’s Supermarkets, Inc. to be recorded in Elmore County, Alabama covering the following property: Lot 1 of Bruno’s subdivision as recorded in Map Book 15, Page 84 in the for Elmore County, Alabama and begin more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Northeast corner of said Lot 1; thence South 10°59’25” West a distance of 112.44 feet to a point; thence S 10°59’25” West a distance of 104.28 feet to a point; thence North 79°04’38” West a distance of 127.67 feet to a point; thence North 10°56’41” East a distance of 72.52 feet to a point; thence North 78°59’59” West a distance of 317.24 feet to a point; thence North 10°55’37” East a distance of 24.31 feet to a point; thence North 85°54’02” East a distance of 460.89 feet to the Point of Beginning. Together with the rights, this and appurtenances hereto as described in that Amended and Restated Indentures of Establishment of Protective Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Grants of Easements between Bruno’s Inc., Quentin C. Crommelin, Henry Crommelin, Jr., Sally H. Crommelin Dell, and Harriett Crommelin Roberts dated September 1, 1995 and
p on Roll 167, at Frames 186206. THE PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS”, “WHERE IS” BASIS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. THE PROPERTY WILL ALSO BE SOLD SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, 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 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: Pursuant to AL Self-Service Storage Facilities Act 2021 and to satisfy Owner’s lien Storage
See and bid on all units 24/7, sale ending on March 20th, 2023, at 10:00 AM @ www.Storageauctions.com. Auctions subject to cancellation at any time for any reason until winning bidder takes possession of property. TERMS listed on auction website.
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 2023 STORAGE AUCTION
PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to the Elmore County Commission for a 050 – Retail Beer (off premises only) and 070 – Retail Table Wine (off premises only) Alcohol License Application for Dollar General Store 24515 by DOLGENCORP LLC at 11387 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092. The Public Hearing on said application is set before the County Commission at 5:00pm, Monday, March 13, 2023 in the Elmore County Courthouse Courtroom, 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama. Anyone desiring to speak either for or against said application should appear in person at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing to: Elmore County Commission 100 East Commerce St., Suite 200 Wetumpka, AL 36092 wrbechd@elmoreco.org
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 2023 LIQUOR LICENSE PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to the Elmore County Commission for a 050 – Retail Beer (off premises only) and 070 – Retail Table Wine (off premises only) Alcohol License Application for Dollar General Store 24630 by DOLGENCORP LLC at 55 Cain Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092. The Public Hearing on said application is set before the County Commission at 5:00pm, Monday, March 13, 2023 in the Elmore County Courthouse Courtroom, 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama. Anyone desiring to speak either for or against said application should appear in person at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing to: Elmore County Commission 100 East Commerce St., Suite 200 Wetumpka, AL 36092 wrbechd@elmoreco.org
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 8, 2023 LIQUOR LICENSE PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Council of the City of Wetumpka for approval of a 011- Lounge Retail Liquor- Class II (Package) License for the following. Name of Applicant: ANS PETROLEUM LLC Trade Name: TEXACO
Cleanup day coming to Red Hill
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
To honor the memory of Reuben and Jackie Thornton, the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association is continuing the tradition of an annual cleanup in the area March 25.
Red Hill Historical Preservation Association president Paula Castleberry said the organization is wanting to continue the tradition of the cleanup organized by the Thorntons.
“Reuben and his wife Jackie sponsored this,” Castleberry said. “They cooked breakfast and served it outside. It was always a pretty day. The Thorntons did it at Dirt Road Gourmet up on Highway 229 for several years. They were a sweet couple. Because they had done this for so many years we decided to do this in his memory.”
This year will be a little different than the Thorntons cleanup. Volunteers will be served breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Red Hill Community Center and lunch at noon at the Lake Martin Mini Mall.
But many things will remain the same; dumpster locations will be at the community center and Lake Martin Mini Mall.
“The Lake Martin Resource Association would have a big dumpster in the yard,” Castleberry said. “Everyone would bring the trash back to put it in. They also furnished safety vests, those orange vests, garbage bags, pickers. They organized and assigned roads for volunteers to go pick up.”
Castleberry said the cleanups are regretfully necessary.
“It is unbelievable what some people throw out on the side of the road,” Castleberry said. “People throw baby diapers, cans and all kinds of stuff. People dump tires too. Some people just don’t seem to care. They don’t seem to care about keeping the roadways clear.”
Castleberry said her age has changed what she can do during the cleanups.
“It’s been several years since I was able to get out and walk the road,” Castleberry said. “I won’t do that anymore but I will be cooking and serving breakfast. There will be plenty of coffee and juice.”
‘Oh
the places you will go’ Students celebrate Read Across America Week
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Thing 1 and Thing 2, The Lorax, Cat in the Hat and more made appearances at Eclectic Elementary School last week.
Students and staff celebrated Dr. Seuss and other authors as students dressed as their favorite book characters and listened to some of their favorite books read by local celebrities. The program is designed to encourage students to read and learn how reading can help take them anywhere in life they want to go.
“Making a splash” Chamber collected over $20,000 from polar plunge
By WILLIAM MARLOW Multimedia Reporter
The Polar Plunge is a time-honored Lake Martin tradition, but the fun annual event is making a splash in more ways than one.
Hundreds gathered January 14 at Kowaliga Restaurant to plunge into the new year during the 2023 Lake Martin Young Professionals Polar Plunge. However, according to Liz Holland, with the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, participants who either took the plunge or watched from the shoreline actually benefited the lake.
According to Holland, the Lake Martin Young Professionals is a program through the chamber, and since 2016, it has raised money from the event, largely from ticket sales, to support Lake Martin Resource Association.
“Strictly all profits and proceeds go directly to LMRA,” Holland said.
“It’ll go to benefiting
basically what I like to say is lighting up the lake, and making sure that they have lift buoys for safety,” she said.
In fact, over the past seven years, she said the young professionals have collected more than $20,000 for LMRA.
2023 was no exception, either, and Holland said the event raised $4,824 this January. Overall, Holland described the event as one of the chamber’s most unique traditions.
“The cool thing about polar plunge is it’s a little bit different than our other events in that it brings a different crowd, and more than just our local community but our community around the lake as well,” she said.
“Everyone there is always super kind, and we have a really good crowd every year.”
The chamber will host a check presentation March 24, during which the 2023 funds will be donated to LMRA board members.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE OBSERVER FILE | THE OBSERVER
This year’s Polar Plunge, hosted by the Lake Martin Young Professionals and the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, raised nearly $5,000 this year for Lake Martin Resource Association.