Holtville High School basketball coach arrested
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Within the last two weeks, Stanhope Elmore High School has experienced the unthinkable — two tragic and unexpected deaths of students. Immediately, community leaders have come together to provide support and counseling for other students.
A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.
“Our hearts grieve for our
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
students and we know the entire Millbrook community is heartbroken as well,” Stanhope principal Ewell Fuller said in a letter to parents. “We understand the current events will impact our students, staff members and their families. Questions will be asked and the need to talk with others is expected. We have put together some resources that will be helpful and available to you
and yours during this difficult time.”
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.
With a high focus on grief counseling, the school has been equipped with several hands on deck this week.
investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”
Community pastors, grief counselors, local school counselors and members of the Montgomery Association Council on Substance Abuse are stationed at the school this week for constant support.
“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
Representatives from Carastar, formerly Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority, have been providing grief counseling and Autauga Baptist Association members offered chaplaincy support. Even local law enforcement agencies have been available for additional grief counseling.
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
In the letter, Fuller also said the staff will be getting training with Mental Health
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office have the alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
First Aid to learn warning signs and how to talk about possible issues. He cited the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which can be reached by dialing 988.
Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.
“Please know that the students are our main focus and highest priority,” Fuller said in the letter. “We would like to remind everyone that we have several resources in place, and we ask for your
Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last cou ple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
See CHAMBER, Page A3
Quilts of Valor honor
Redland resident
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
ohn Miller will feel a little warmer now.
Jcontinued help in reporting any concerns. We will continue to tell our students, staff and families that if they hear something or know something to say something.” Fuller also provided a list of potential questions surrounding the suicides, including how to cope, learning the warning signs and what to do if you believe someone is suicidal.
Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.
County commission recognizes Tallassee wrestler
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
Tallassee High School sophomore Land Bell is making the rounds in Elmore County after winning the AHSAA Class 5A state championship at 132 pounds.
The Elmore County Commission recognized the wrestler at its Monday meeting after the Tallassee City Council recognized Bell and his team for a successful season earlier this month.
Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected
“The Elmore County Commission recognizes the achievements of our students in individual and team sports when they win a championship,” Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer said. “Tonight we are recognizing Land Bell for his accomplishments.”
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
Bell finished the season 43-3 with all three losses while wrestling at higher weight classes.
Bell’s coach John Mask called Bell “dominant.”
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
“At the state championship level, it is very rare to pin your opponent,” Mask said. “Much less everybody you wrestle. He had probably the most dominant performance at a finals I have seen in my 23 years. He was undefeated [the entire season] at 132.”
Commissioner Henry Hines said he also wrestled at
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.”
After it was given to him by Quilts of Valor, Miller can now seek warmth and comfort from a handmade quilt by Quilts of Valor volunteer Karen Daniels of Newnan, Georgia.
“We make quilts to cover service members and veterans who have been touched by war to provide comfort, honor and gratitude for services and sacrifices,” Daniels said while delivering the quilt to Miller at his Redland home.
Staff Report
Miller was nominated for receiving the quilt by his nephew Dennis Oaks who saw a ceremony for Quilts of Valor in Warner Robins, Georgia.
Wetumpka Chamber takes off to Italy
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
See SHOOTING, Page A3
Couples, friends, mothers and daughters and even a grandmother and grandson are flying with the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce to Italy for 10 days.
While Janice Whorton normally mans the phone at the chamber everyone is challenging her to break the mold and just enjoy herself as she travels with her daughter Carol.
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
“I didn’t know anything about it until about two or three weeks ago,” Miller said. “I served but I’m no hero or anything like that.”
The Quincy, Pennsylvania native might
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.
See HONOR, Page A3
“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
leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to
shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
“I told [chamber director] Shellie [Whitfield] to begin with I couldn’t go unless I had a family member to go; they grabbed on it,” Whorton said. “We are going to have a great time.”
The perennial planner was still at work before the 35 travelers boarded a bus to catch a plane to Rome on Wednesday; she was making sure everyone had arrived. Whorton’s co-travelers know her tendency to take charge and encouraged her to give the task to someone else.
“She is going to not work; she is going to chill out,” traveler Carol Matthews told Whorton and others while they were getting ready Wednesday.
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
WILSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Redland resident and Korean War Veteran John Miller was given a quilt by Quilts of Valor volunteer Karen Daniels in Miller’s home Thursday.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Redland resident and Korean War Veteran John Miller watches as his quilt is unveiled.The quilt was given by Quilts of Valor volunteer Karen Daniels.
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:
Obituaries
JACKIE RALPH HAMMOCK
Mr. Jackie Ralph Hammock, a resident of Wetumpka, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the age of 78.
Jackie was born and raised in Tallassee, AL, which was a place near and dear to his heart. He attended Auburn University, and received a Bachelors degree in Business Finance. He then completed a Masters degree in Education from the University of Montevallo. He taught at Elmore County High School and Wetumpka High School. Jackie then worked as an Education Specialist with the State Department of Education’s Driver and Traffic Safety division. He took pride in teaching young drivers the rules of the road and taught local private courses until his health began to decline.
Jackie had many favorite pastimes, such as restoring antique cars and quail hunting. He found much joy in fishing with friends on the Tallapoosa River and Lake Martin, and was an avid outdoorsman. He never passed up an opportunity to visit with friends, old and new, and family members. He genuinely loved people, never hesitating to lend a helping hand, and truly never met a stranger.
Jackie accepted Jesus into his heart at the age of 6 and dedicated his life to serving His Savior, his church and spreading the good news of the Gospel. He was
GRADY COLQUITTE
ROWELL JR.
ROWELL, Grady Colquitte
Jr., a resident of Titus, Alabama passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the age of 91.
The family will receive friends, Friday, February 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Wetumpka with Rev. Matt Albritton and Rev. Walter Albritton
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARCH 7
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
• A domestic incident was reported on Forrest Avenue.
MARCH 6
• Domestic violence strangulation was reported on Harrogate Springs Road.
• Domestic violence was reported in Hillside Trailer Park.
MARCH 2
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. Feb. 23
• Harassment was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARCH 9
• Theft was reported on Third Avenue.
MARCH 8
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Freeman Avenue.
• An animal bite was reported on Friendship Road.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.
MARCH 7
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Friendship Road.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on
officiating.
a member of First Baptist Church of Wetumpka for 45 years and proudly served as a deacon during most of that time. He loved his wife and daughters and was the epitome of a girl dad, attending ballgames, competitions, and performances. He felt grateful and blessed to have 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson, and took every opportunity to be an active, godly example to them.
Jackie was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ralph and Florence Hammock, and his brothers Leon Hammock and Morrell Hammock. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Janice Montgomery Hammock, children Christina Hammock Burroughs (Beau), and Lucy Hammock Townsend (Turner), and grandchildren Virginia, Mary Austin, and Alice Townsend, and Grace and Rafe Burroughs.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 10 am, in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church Wetumpka, with the funeral service directly following at 11am. Burial will be at Carrville Cemetery in Tallassee, AL, with Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing.
In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Wetumpka, 205 West Bridge Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092.
Online Guest Book available at www. gassettfuneralhome.net.
Mr. Rowell is preceded in death by his parents Grady and Adrin Rowell; and his sister Dr. Anella Trobaugh Smith. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Celestra Maddox Rowell; daughter Lisa R. (Ed) Hughes of Montgomery, Alabama; son Grady C. (Brother) Rowell III of Baddour Center, Senatobia, Mississippi; grandchildren Jason (Elizabeth) Ray of Atlanta, Georgia, Karlie Hughes of Auburn, Alabama; greatgrandchildren Jackson Ray, Henry Ray, Mary Colette Ray, and Ellie Ray all of Atlanta, Georgia.
Highway 229.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Hicks Store Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Red Hill Road.
• Harassment was reported on Hanil Drive.
• Assistance was given to medics during a medical call on Cliff Street.
• Theft was reported on Herd Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on East Patton Street.
MARCH 6
• A welfare check was conducted on Barnett Boulevard.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Roosevelt Street.
• Animal control was requested on Hillcrest Street.
• A private property accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A domestic dispute was reported on North Johnson Street.
• Theft by deception was reported on Hudson Place.
• Menacing was reported on Manning Circle.
• A person with a gun was reported on Central Boulevard.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Hillcrest Street.
MARCH 5
• Gunfire was reported on Camellia Drive.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Gen Chappy James Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Trespassing was reported on
Elmore County Community Calendar
MARCH 20-25
BEAUTIFUL TABLE SETTINGS: May Eason is bringing back the Beautiful Table Settings Bash March 20-25 at the Wetumpka Civic Center in two different sessions. To sign up or for more information, visit https://beautifultablesettingsllc.stor.co/.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25
COMMUNITY CLEANUP: The Reuben Thornton Memorial
WRESTLER Continued from A1
132, “many years ago.”
“I think I have put on a few pounds since then,” Hines said. “I wasn’t dominant like that. I had to win by points. In the state championship I got beat by the Talladega Blind School gentleman. You have done a great job.” Mask said Bell excels at things other than wrestling too.
“Land is not only great on the mat, he
Mr. Rowell was a graduate of Wetumpka High School in 1950 and attended Auburn University. He joined the U S Navy in 1953. Grady worked for Bendix Engineering, as a field engineer in Barstow, CA., Pasadena, CA., Olney, TX., and Chandler, AZ. He retired at the U S Space Surveillance Station at Lake Jordan, AL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Kitchen Fund, 306 West Tuskeena Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 or Baddour Center, P.O. Box 97, Senatobia, Mississippi 38668.
Sims Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.
• Harassing communications was reported on Dusty Road.
• Reckless driving was reported on Friendship Road.
• Reckless driving was reported on Ashurst Avenue.
• Assistance was given to the Tallassee Fire Department on Burt Mill Road.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Washington Street. MARCH 4
• Assistance was given to another agency on Martin Road.
• Gunfire was reported on Oak Heights Road.
• A civil dispute was reported on Central Boulevard.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Thompson Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Log Circle.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on East Roosevelt Street.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Cliff Street.
• Reckless driving was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.
• Trespassing was reported on Lakewater Drive.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Second Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Clover Street. MARCH 3
• Assistance was given to medics on King Street.
• Suspicious activity was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Highway 229.
• A verbal altercation was reported on Clover Street.
• Criminal trespassing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.
• A Black male was arrested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on Freeman Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Notasulga Road.
• An animal complaint was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Theft was reported on Old Bridge Street.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Redden Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Ashurst Avenue. MARCH 2
• A welfare check was conducted on Wallatchee Drive.
• A suspicious person was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Dolan Road.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Dolan Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on West Gantts Mil Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Outer Drive.
• A child custody dispute was reported on Little John Drive.
Spring Cleanup will be held March 25. Breakfast will be served at the Red Hill Community Center from 7 to 8 a.m., and the trash cleanup will take place from 8 a.m. to noon. Dumpsters will be located at Red Hill Community Center and Lake Martin Mini Mall, where there will be live music and lunch starting at noon. This cleanup is hosted by the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association.
SATURDAY, APRIL 15
COOSAPALOOZA: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting the 2023 CoosaPalooza Brewfest from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 15.
is great in the classroom,” Mask told the commission. “He is a leader on and off the mat.”
In other action the Elmore County Commission:
• Approved minutes of the Feb. 27 meeting.
• Approved warrants and purchase orders totaling $1,695,790.39.
• Recognized graduates of the most recent training class of Community Emergency Response Team.
• Approved retail beer off premises
only and retail table wine off premises only licenses for Dollar Generals on Central Plank Road and Cain off no comments during a public hearing.
• Authorized the chair to execute a five-year contract with Pitney Bowes for a mailing system for the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.
• Rejected a bid network endpoint security.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. March 27.
ROWELL JR.
Continued from A1
Whorton said, “I’m the perennial worry wart and I’m going to try my best not to worry.”
Whorton said she already has the itinerary memorized. After an overnight flight from Atlanta, the trip starts in Rome with stops in Assisi, Perugia, Cortana, Florence, Venice, Murano Island and Milan. Featured on the itinerary is a chianti winery and cooking class,
“It has been 44 years since I have been to Europe,” Whorton said. “I was too young then and I’m too old now. (But) I had a great time then and I’m going to have a
HONOR
Continued from A1
great time now.”
Despite Whorton’s daughter Carol and friend Jenny Barrett’s best attempts, Worton had already found something to be nervous about before the trip even started.
“Of course, I even had all my clothes ready but the weather forecast is changing,” Whorton said.
Barbara Bennett, on the other hand, was nothing but smiles about traveling with her daughter, Jamie Morgan.
“I’ve been (to Europe) before, but this is her first time to go,” Bennett said. “I just get to tag along. She is looking forward to this. It’ll be great. We have been on a few trips together but not to Europe. We have been to New York City. We are going
be a bit humble about his service in the U.S. Army from June 1950 to June 1953.
“I got out of high school in 1950,” Miller said. “Jobs were a little hard to find. A friend of mine said, ‘Let’s go join the service.’ We went to go see a recruiter.” Miller said he wasn’t set on a branch until the conversation with the recruiter.
“It was four years for the Air Force and three years for the Army,” Miller said. “I said, ‘I think three years will be enough.’” Daniels explained Miller’s service record in Korean Conflict — in particular in the Chosin Reservoir campaign. She said the battle took place about a month after the People’s Republic of China entered the conflict and sent the People’s Volunteer Army to infiltrate the northeastern part of North Korea.
“On Nov. 27, 1950, the Chinese force surprised the US Corps in a brutal 17 day battle in freezing weather,” Daniels said. “In December 1950, 30,000 United Nations troops, later nicknamed ‘The Chosin Few’ under the field command of Maj. Gen. Oliver P. Smith were encircled and attacked by about 120,000 Chinese troops who had been ordered to destroy the UN forces.”
Daniels said the UN forces broke out of the encirclement and made a fighting withdrawal to the port of Hungnam while inflicting heavy casualties on the Chinese.
“The retreat of the US Eighth Army from northwest Korea in the aftermath of the battle and the evacuation of the U.S. soldiers from the port in northeast Korea marked the complete withdrawal of UN troops from North Korea,” Daniels said.
Daniels said more than 1,000 U.S. soldiers and Marines died in the Chosin Reservoir campaign.
“Thousands more were wounded in the battle or incapacitated by cold weather,”
to take my granddaughter who is 17 on her senior trip,” Bennett said.”
Whitfield was also one of the 35 travelers and said the trip is a first for the chamber.
“I never thought we would get this many,” Whitfield said Wednesday. “I’m pleasantly surprised by the participation. It will be super fun.”
The trip is designed for everyone to enjoy the sites and tastes of Italy but Whitfield sees a benefit for Wetumpka — returning with new, fresh ideas.
“This is so good; it will elevate the arts and food,” Whitfield said. “Seeing different communities and what they have to offer widens people’s visions. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Daniels said.
The moment wasn’t lost on Miller, who joked about his selection of branch of service.
“Maybe I should have gone in the Air Force,” Miller said. “I would have been a lot better off.”
After Korea, Miller was stationed at Camp Rucker in south Alabama until his discharge in June 1953.
Quilts of Valor currently has about 10,000 volunteers from across the country who make quilts for veterans and service members, but the organization started small in 2003.
“Katherine Roberts founded Quilts of Valor when her son was deployed to Iraq,” Daniels said.
Roberts awarded the first quilt at Walter Reed Hospital just to say “someone cares about you,” Daniels said. It took about three years for a small group to make the first 100 quilts.
By 2014 the 100,000th quilt was given to a service member at Walter Reed. Miller’s quilt was No. 340,406 and they bring a three-part message.
“We honor you for your service and your sacrifices,” Daniels told Miller. “We honor you for protecting us from the effects of war. We can never know all that you sacrificed to serve our country,” Daniels said the second was to thank Miller for his service and what he endured.
“We thank you that we are free to meet here today,” Daniels said. “We can choose our place of worship on Sunday and our children can go to the schools of their choice.”
Third, Daniels said the quilt offers both comfort and warmth and is meant to be used.
“Throughout history when young men left to fight in a war, many of them took a quilt that was homemade by a family member,” Daniels said. “It may be all they had warmth and for memories of loved ones back home.
“These quilts still have the ability to offer a source of both comfort and warmth. We want you to use this quilt. We don’t want you to hang it on a wall.”
ITALY
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
ABOVE: The Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce has sponsored a 10-day trip to Italy and 35 boarded a bus and plane Wednesday.
LEFT: Janice Whorton, left, checks attendance before loading a bus for the airport. She is one of 35 people traveling with the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce to Italy for 10 days.
Kenneth Boone, Chairman
Tippy Hunter, General Manager
Lizi Arbogast Gwin, Managing Editor
Opinions
Page A4 • March 15, 2023
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Editor’s Note: This article involves talk of suicide, self-mutilation and depression. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the 9-8-8 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
There’s never a good way to talk about suicide and death. It’s never an easy conversation to have.
Over the course of the last two weeks, Tallapoosa Publishers has had a pair of suicides and another death of a student. It’s not easy for me as an editor, and it certainly hasn’t been easy for our reporters who are on the ground.
Suicides are one of the hardest questions a news editor faces. How delicate should you be when reporting on them? How do you report the cause of death? Should you? Is it a personal matter, or was it a public figure? Was it in a public place? These are all questions we have had to deeply consider the past two weeks.
Another thing we were forced to consider, and obviously wanted to avoid, is the possibility of suicide contagion.
According to an article by Boston Children’s Hospital, suicide contagion doesn’t just affect the friends and family of the person who died.
“After suicide, the person’s closest friends aren’t necessarily the ones at greatest risk,” said Kimberly O’Brien, clinical social worker in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Boston Children’s Hospital, in the article. “The kids at greatest risk are the ones
Obituaries:
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The dictionary definition of harrowing simply says, “acutely distressing.”
If there were a word beyond harrowing, I would use it to describe a new documentary series streaming on Hulu and airing on Freeform: “Stolen Youth: Inside the Cult at Sarah Lawrence.”
The series was profoundly disturbing. Yet I found myself glued to the TV, simultaneously gripped by disbelief and disgust at the story that was unfolding.
Sarah Lawrence College is a prestigious and progressive liberal arts college located north of the Bronx in New York City. These students obviously had the academic standing to attend beyond their freshman years — as well as the financial ability. In other words, this is no junior college or even a state school; this is an expensive and selective private school.
The series begins in the fall of 2010. College sophomores Talia, Max, Dan, Gabe, Claudia, JuliAna, Santos, Isabella and Raven had the opportunity to move into a dormitory house in which everyone would have their own room: Slonim Woods Building 9.
Enter Larry Ray.
Talia’s father, Larry, was around 50 years old when he started visiting his daughter and her housemates at Slonim Woods 9. Larry had just gotten out of prison — wrongly convicted, he said. He regaled the college kids with tales of conquest on the world stage: he was a friend of Mikhail Gorbachev; he was a Marine; he negotiated insider deals with New York City officials from Wall Street to the NYPD. The groundwork for this mythology had already been laid by Talia, who idolized her father and brought him into the lives of her friends.
Larry started staying over. He ingratiated himself into the lives of the coeds by grilling steaks, buying groceries and hosting game nights.
Larry seemed like a great guy and had an uncanny ability to get inside the heads of the young people, listening
who are already emotionally vulnerable and those who believe their classmate solved their problems through suicide.”
Either way, suicide is something that needs to be talked about. Whether it be the newspaper diving into services offered and mental healthcare in the area or a conversation between a parent and child, suicide prevention is something that should be at the forefront.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the No. 3 cause of death for people ages 15 through 19. It’s something that cannot be ignored.
But how do you talk about suicide?
I’m not a parent, so I haven’t had to face that challenge yet. However, I have had to deal with suicide head on, and the only thing I know to do is tell you my story.
If you’ve read my columns before, you’ve heard me say a million times,
“High school is the worst place on earth.”
TheWetumpkaHerald.com
time for me. I considered suicide on multiple occasions and became a regular self-mutilator.
about me. I used to feel like I was alone and couldn’t talk about them to anyone. It was “taboo.” But now, more than 15 years removed from high school, I say to heck with what’s taboo and what isn’t. These are serious issues that could be facing you, your child, your best friend, your nephew — anyone in your life. The idea that some people don’t “show the warning signs” seems like a bit of a copout. Everyone should know at this point that everyone in high school struggles. thoughts; I won’t pretend I know that much. But I do know when I got onto the other side, I quickly learned how lucky I was I never went through with. I really wish these kids had a crystal ball because things do get better. my heart all week, and I’ve been racking my brain for
I’m not even sure the popular kids would tell you 10 years later they enjoyed high school.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
When I was in high school, I became very depressed. Between constant bullying, whacked out hormones, feeling weird in my own body and so much more, high school was just a really bad
intently to their problems while asking probing questions about their upbringing. In fact, the first episode features everyone saying generally good things about the guy. And then, it gets dark — quick. The first target was Isabella, a quiet and shy girl from Texas. Strangely, Larry began staying in Isabella’s room having all-night “sessions,” in which he was supposedly counseling her through her problems, which included heretofore unknown abuse and neglect from her parents. In reality, he was engaging Isabella in deviant sexual role-playing and other activities.
Isabella was his first victim, the last one to stand by his side at the end, and the damage done to her is incalculable as she forever stopped speaking to her family. She went to prison last month.
Larry rented a high-rise in Manhattan. What college students wouldn’t be attracted to a free, allexpenses-paid life in New York City with this wise, generous older man guiding the way? Larry lured all the housemates to his apartment — and there they would live, in cramped quarters, for the next few years.
From Larry’s perspective, Dan seemed confused about himself. Larry decided to make Dan as masculine as possible and forced him into hard labor situations to keep him from being gay.
Claudia also began staying in Larry’s room. He would eventually sell Claudia into slavery and prostitution, extorting $700,000 in money made from her activities to pay what he called “damages.” But all of that was to come.
The whole crew from the Manhattan apartment migrated to family land in North Carolina, where Larry put them into a hard labor camp. Footage shows him standing
The sad story of ‘Stolen Youth’
over them like a slave driver, while the young people dutifully follow every maddening directive. But all these stories, terrible as they are, pale in comparison to the complete destruction of the family at the center of the series.
Santos was dating Talia when Larry entered the picture. Santos and Larry spent hours together, discussing family problems. Santos’s parents, who didn’t speak English, – who spoke no English, worked very hard to get their children an American education. All three of their children were drawn into Larry Ray’s web and moved into the Manhattan apartment.
Over time, all three were brainwashed to believe their parents were part of a conspiracy led by New York City police commissioner Bernie Kerik and Mayor Rudy Giuliani to defraud and defame him. Strangely enough, all three siblings believed it to the point they convinced their parents to give their house, cars and life savings to Larry.
Perhaps the most shocking transformation in the series is Felicia, who we see transition from a happy, smiling, well-put-together medical student to a shrieking, wild-eyed, totally dependent shell of a woman. In the series, she crawls around crying, hanging on Larry and begging him to tell her what to do next. It makes one want to scream at the television. How could these smart, wealthy, progressive-minded college students so easily fall under the spell of a cult leader?
“It is literally impossible to evaluate Mr. Ray in the usual clinical manner,” read the psychiatrist’s report presented at Larry Ray’s sentencing in the series. “He is able to manipulate and control almost any situation in which he finds himself. He is calculating, manipulative, and hostile.”
In January, convicted of sex trafficking, extortion, and forced labor, Larry Ray was sentenced to 60 years in prison.
Michael Bird is a music teacher at Tallassee City Schools.
Bridge Street trees dedicated to memory of local residents
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
For decades Wetumpka has celebrated Arbor Day and this year was no different.
Now, three trees along East Bridge Street are named in memory of Martha Carol Murchison, William ‘Weasel’ Ross and Freddie ‘Fred’ Slaughter. Forester Ron Hilyer has been a part of Wetumpka’s Arbor Day celebration for about two decades.
“Wetumpka has been recognized as a Tree City USA for 37 years,” Hilyer said. “Every year we have a tree planting in memory of a resident and have a celebration. Every year we have planted a tree or trees and recognized someone. I feel that it is very important.”
The first tree dedicated is next to a Magnolia tree on East Bridge Street where Ross would sweep up its leaves as a City of Wetumpka employee working downtown. The second tree was dedicated to life-long educator Murchison and the third tree was dedicated to Slaughter outside the drug store where he worked as a pharmacist.
Hilyer said Arbor Day got its start when J. Sterling Morton moved from Detroit to Nebraska in the mid 1800s as a newspaper editor.
“Morton had an enthusiasm for trees and advocated strongly for individuals and civic groups to plant them,” Hilyer said. “On Jan. 4, 1872, Morton first proposed a tree planting holiday to be called ‘Arbor Day’ at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture.”
Hilyer said it is estimated more than 1 million trees were planted in Nebraska the first year and countless more have been planted since all around the world.
Valencia Johnson spoke on behalf of the City of Wetumpka at the short dedication of the trees.
“Everyone benefits either directly or indirectly from trees and forestlands,” Johnson said. “Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas and beautify
our community.”
• Murchison was born Nov. 9, 1938 in Bainbridge, Georgia. She attended school in Bainbridge where she graduated before attending Troy State University. Murchison met her husband Bobby at Troy and they were married on Sept. 16, 1959. She taught school for Elmore County Schools in the second, third and sixth grades for 34 years before retiring in 2000.
Murchison has two daughters, Tanya Hibbard and Paige Atkisson; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
• Ross was born April 23, 1943 and graduated from W.E. Doby High School in 1962. As a young adult, Ross worked as a taxi driver for a company owned and operated by the first Black deputy sheriff of Elmore County. The job afforded Ross the opportunity to know most everyone around.
In 1974 Ross started to work for the City of Wetumpka.
“Rain, sleet or snow, he ensured
streets of historic downtown Wetumpka were clean,” Ross’ bio stated. “He took pride in his job and did it to the best of his ability.”
After 41 years he retired. Ross is survived by his former wife Ella Fitzpatrick; four children; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.
• Slaughter was born Nov. 8, 1934 in Reeltown and graduated from Tallassee High School. He then graduated from Samford University with a Doctorate of Pharmacy.
Ross practiced pharmacy for 50 years. He came to Wetumpka in 1959 to be a pharmacist at Little Drugs. He became a partner with Al Harris at Cousin’s Harris pharmacy and became the sole owner after Harris retired. After 10 years he sold to CVS and worked part-time until he was 80.
Ross was married to Jean Slaughter for 62 years. They had two sons, four granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren.
Harris to recount her Wetumpka experience at library
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Sophia Bracy Harris grew up in Wetumpka as a Black girl going to school during integration.
But instead of using that as an excuse for not getting an education, Harris channeled her experiences into motivation to “break the cycle of inadequacy that I first experienced as a young girl,” she said. The Wetumpka native went on to become an advocate for women’s equality and civil rights writing a memoir of her self-discovery, “Finding My Own Way: A Journey to Wholeness Against the Odds.” Harris will be the featured author and speaker for the Friends of the Wetumpka Library (FOWL) book talk at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23.
“The book she wrote is like the local tip of the iceberg,” Wetumpka Public Library director Susan Hayes said. “She is a really interesting person that has done amazing things.”
Harris’ book was published
last year and a copy is at the Wetumpka Public Library.
“It has circulated well,” Hayes said. “We are happy she is willing to come and talk about her book and her experiences, especially here in Wetumpka. I think she is a fascinating person to get to know.”
Harris and her sister expe-
rienced the loss of a home and persecution while being part of the first 12 African American students to walk the halls of Wetumpka High School.
The sisters knew it would be tough but they had their reasons and it wasn’t about being the first Black student.
“Our interests was not being with white folks,” Har-
ris told The Herald in February 2022. “The interest was to get a better education so we could better ourselves.”
The sisters had left W.B. Doby School where their aunt taught seeking a better education, but it was not without issues.
“Her experiences here are quite remarkable,” Hayes said. “That might be what she mainly talks about because there is a lot of local interest.”
Harris found allies to help make life easier as a student at the freshly integrated Wetumpka High School. Her experiences helped lead her to a life of advocacy beyond Wetumpka.
“Not only did she make her way locally but she was able to take her story and passion beyond Wetumpka and Elmore County,” Hayes said.
FOWL had hoped to get Harris to the library for Black History Month but Hayes said Harris was pleased to serve another purpose.
“Ms. Harris was quick to say she would be happy to come to honor Women’s History Month,” Hayes said.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
Wetumpka City Clerk Tiffany Robinson, right, presents a certificate to the family of William Ross marking the dedication of a tree in Ross’ memory.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
The City of Wetumpka’s Valencia Johnson, center, speaks at an Arbor Day tree dedication on Bridge Street. The tree closest to the intersection of Bridge and Main Street was dedicated to the memory of William Ross who as an employee of the city took pride in keeping the streets clean and sweeping up the leaves of a nearby magnolia tree.
FILE THE HERALD
Sophia Bracy Harris, left, autographs her book last year at the Elmore County Training School. The book details Harris’ experiences growing up in Elmore County, integrating Wetumpka High School. Harris will be at the Wetumpka Public Library next week to talk about her book and experiences during integration.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Things to consider before buying from a breeder
By REA CORD HSEC Director
We know not every dog or cat lover will get their next pet from a shelter.
People obtain pets from many sources — pets being rehomed by family, neighbors and friends; puppies and kittens from unplanned litters; pet stores; farm auctions; flea markets; newspaper ads; flyers posted in public places; and breeders.
While many pets obtained from any one of these sources live wonderful lives and are well loved, far too many end up again needing new homes or, worse, being neglected by owners who were not prepared or quickly lost interest. Adding a living, breathing animal to your family should be a deliberate, well-thought out process. Many people are quite surprised we have an adoption application. The application process
attempts to ensure the adoption is a good fit for the pet and new owner. Questions about lifestyles, home environment, the adopter’s expectations, children, etc. help us match the right pet with the right family.
We do this because far too many animals in the shelter are there because someone took on a pet without really thinking it through and it turned out to be a bad fit for all concerned.
Just like there are good and not-so-good shelters, there are wonderful breeders but there are breeders who are only in it for money.
Good breeders care about the homes they are placing their animal in. Good breeders question potential buyers thoroughly to ensure the new owner can provide a good home for the pet for its entire lifetime. Good breeders do not just sell a puppy or kitten to the first person who can pay the purchase price.
Pet of the Week – Cola
Cola looks to be about 2 years old; she is a female who weighs about 40 pounds. She is super loving and sweet. She knows how to sit and has good leash manners. She excels at playing fetch and loves tummy rubs. She will get all excited at first for attention but then settles down and loves to get and give loving. The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane. org.
All our pets leave fully vaccinated to what’s age appropriate. Our puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks old before we place them for adoption; this gives them time to socialize with kennelmates and get at least the two sets of vaccinations complete.
We say this as conscientious breeders will also ensure their babies are healthy, vaccinated and ready to leave the mother and littermates.
If you do turn to a breeder, here are some helpful hints. Reputable breeders:
• will not sell at a flea market, auctions or out of the trunk of a vehicle.
• will not ask to meet in a parking lot because “the house is too hard to find.”
• will decline a sale if they don’t think it is in the best interest of the animal.
• care more about the animals than the money.
• help by becoming mentors to those
who purchase and stand by their pets.
• are there for the puppies and kittens even years after the sale if the need arises.
• work very hard to teach responsible pet ownership and have much expertise to offer.
Next time you are thinking of adding a new pet to your family, take your time. Do your homework; make sure you are ready. Check with a shelter perhaps, and if you do choose to purchase from a breeder, take the time to do your research.
One way to find a conscientious breeder is to ask area veterinarians; caring breeders will be good clients of veterinarians.
Getting a pet is a serious commitment in terms of time and money so please make sure you are truly ready to commit to that pet for the next 15 to 20 years of its life.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Free Little Library comes to downtown Wetumpka
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
G.M. Contracting and the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) Montgomery Chapter partnered to install a Little Free Library in downtown Wetumpka to celebrate the 25th year of Women in Construction (WIC) Week.
The Little Free Library in The Alley is one of six the NAWIC has built and installed throughout the River Region to celebrate WIC Week.
“We are thrilled to add a Little Free Library downtown,” Main Street Wetumpka director Haley Greene said. “We are thankful for community partners such as NAWIC and G.M. Contracting, who strive to make a difference in their local community.”
She said the mission of NAWIC aligns with Main Street.
“Our organization is dedicated to being a catalyst for revitalization and economic development downtown and we love working with other organizations who share similar goals of being the catalytic change for their community,” Greene said.
Main Street Wetumpka is one of 33 designated Main Street Alabama communities. Main Street’s mission is to revitalize its once-bustling downtown business district.
The Montgomery Chapter No. 267 of NAWIC has been in the River Region since 1979. NAWIC offers its members education, support and networking to help advance their careers in the construction industry.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
A Free Little Library is now in The Alley of downtown Wetumpka. Main Street Wetumpka partnered with G.M. Contracting and National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) Montgomery Chapter to create the new library in honor of Women in Construction Week.
Faith is all about the things you can’t see
It is difficult to imagine unseen things. Each of us have experienced imaginations that led us to see or believe things that really were not there. But for the Christian, what about heaven?
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor Ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him,” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV).
God is so much greater than we are. He is unlike we are. He is the One who has no end or no limits; God is so big He made
JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist
the universe by a mere word. If we apply what no eye has seen to what awaits us in heaven, we can correlate it to many rewards promised in scripture.
The unique thing about all of this is faith.
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” (Hebrews 11:1).
A pastor by the name of Ray Palmer penned the words to one of the most loved hymns produced by an American Christian. He grew up in Boston and spent most of his life as a minister of God’s word. At a young age of 22, Rev. Ray was quoted as saying, “The words of the hymn were born of my own soul,” a private poem of faith that ended up as a hymn. Hebrews 11 is known as the faith chapter, and I challenge you to read it. Faith is being sure of what you do not know; it may sound crazy, but that is how the heroes of faith lived.
A perfect example is when God told Abraham to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice; he obeyed with the reasoning that God’s promise to bring a great nation through him could still happen somehow.
Abraham took Isaac to the mountains along with his knife. Now Abraham did not act on what he did not know, he acted on what he did know. He knew God is the creator; God had guided him; God had rescued him; he also knew God did not condone human sacrifice; he knew God had given him a miracle son once — from
an aged womb — and He could do it again! That is the essence of faith!
“My Faith Looks Up to Thee,” explains, “All thru life’s transient dream, until death’s sullen stream shall o’er me roll, blest Savior, with Thy love, fear and distrust remove; make me thy grace to prove, transform my soul.”
Without faith, one will never see or hear what God has in store.
Jackie Wilbourn, a member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team.
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-
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.
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Undefeated Wetumpka Indians earn national ranking
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
With an eye-popping record to start the season, it isn’t just locals who are turning their heads for the Wetumpka softball team, which earned a Top 25 ranking by Maxpreps.com. The Indians (23-0) are ranked No. 11 nationally and No. 1 in the state of Alabama.
Wetumpka is one of only nine undefeated teams in the rankings and have the most wins of any team included.
“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 after reaching 21-0 last week. “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.” A special season is definitely underway as the Indians have
already set the school record for most consecutive wins to begin a season. While having the best start in school history, Wetumpka also leads the state of Alabama in wins and has won all three of its tournaments this year.
After reigning victorious at the Prattville and Glencoe tournaments, the Indians grabbed a win at home, most recently claiming the championship of the Wetumpka Tournament, which featured 30 other teams. Even more impressive,
Stanhope Elmore’s Russo dominates the mats
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Stanhope Elmore senior Connor Russo had a wrestling season for the ages.
Russo, who has been one of the team’s top wrestlers since he was in eighth grade, capped off his career last month. He finished his senior campaign with a dominating 48-1 overall record and claimed the AHSAA Class 6A state championship in the 170pound weight class.
After suffering his lone loss in the sectional finals to Aiden Knight, Russo bounced back and beat Knight in the state finals, handing the defending state champion his only loss. Russo is the 2023 Elmore County Wrestler of the Year.
“This season was really good for me,” Russo said. “A lot of my match-
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
FIRST TEAM
LAND BELL, TALLASSEE SOPHOMORE
Bell joined an impressive list of state championship wrestlers from Tallassee when he won the AHSAA Class 5A title in the 132-pound weight class. The sophomore went 43-3 across the season and won multiple tournaments including the Hornet Slam and the Julian McPhillips Invitational.
WILLIE COX, WETUMPKA JUNIOR Cox turned in one of the most impres-
es were quicker matches, but they got harder towards the end when we got to sectionals and the state tournament.
My only loss of the year was to the kid I beat in the finals and he won state last season. All-in-all, it was a really good way to finish out my high school wrestling career.
Not only did Russo have the best record of any county wrestler, he also was one of the most dominant point spreads in the state. In his 49 matches, Russo outscored his opponents, 40810.
Russo wasn’t taken down the entire season, and six of the 10 points against him were penalties and stalling calls. He had 15 matches end by tech fall, which is a win given when a wrestler is ahead by 15 or more.
Stanhope coach Hunter Adams has coached a lot of great wrestlers such as Holtville’s Hunter Scott and Stan-
hope’s Tobias Harris, but he has yet to see a season as dominant as Russo’s.
“I’ve never had a kid do anything close to that,” Adams said. “The thing about Connor is that he’s so prepared and studies the craft so well that he already has the answer to your next three possible moves in his head. He just smoothly transitions from one to the other and once he gets into a position he’s confident in, he’s relentless.”
Russo’s only loss of the season came in the sectional finals to Knight. While Russo did not give up a single point to Knight, he still walked away with a 4-2 loss. He took down Knight to go up 2-0 before stalling penalties gifted Knight the win.
The entire next week, Russo knew he would see Knight again in the state championship. So he studied around
Tallassee’s Mask leads Tigers to duals title appearance
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tallassee wrestling coach John Mask knew his team would be talented, but he didn’t know how quickly the Tigers would adapt to the varsity level.
Tallassee graduated seven senior starters in 2022 — half of the Tigers’ starting lineup. His replacements had the skills, but most had never wrestled at the varsity level. Despite the youth and inexperience, his team continued to step up this year. Tallassee’s duals team went 32-1 and finished runner-up in AHSAA Class 5A. The Tigers reached the duals state championship for the first time in program history, losing by a narrow five points to state champion Jasper.
For those reasons, Mask has been named the 2023 Elmore County Wrestling Coach of the Year.
“Every year is different when you start out,” Mask said. “You always hope and plan, and we thought we had a good group. They really grew and progressed as each week passed. They worked hard and we had countless kids step up. That’s what it takes to have a good year as a team. 32-1 is a very hard record to achieve. That’s just a testament to their hard work.”
One of the most important aspects of duals wrestling Mask had to teach his young team is it’s not always about winning the match.
sive wrestling seasons across the entire state. The junior heavyweight went 43-2 while claiming the AHSAA Class 6A state championship. He has qualified and placed two times each in the state tournament.
JULIANA ELDRIDGE, WETUMPKA EIGHTH GRADER
The lone girl on the All-County wrestling team, Eldridge wrestled a perfect season and claimed the 107-pound state championship this year. The No. 1-ranked girls wrestler in the state went 25-0 and did not give up a takedown the entire season.
MYLES EYERLY, ELMORE COUNTY JUNIOR
Out of six Elmore County kids to qualify for the state tournament, Eyerly was the lone champion for the Panthers. The heavyweight wrestler had a superb junior season during which he won the Class 5A state championship and finished with a 40-6 overall record.
CADEN GRIFFITH, TALLASSEE SENIOR
One of the top dual-sport athletes in the county, Griffith placed fourth in the state at 182 pounds in Class 5A. The star linebacker and wrestler capped off his career with a 47-6 record in his senior season.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Mya Holt is 16-0 in the circle to start the 2023 season. As of March 13th, her 16 wins is best across the entire country.
AHSAA | MARVIN GENTRY
Stanhope Elmore’s Connor Russo (48-1) avenged his only loss with a win over McAdory’s Aiden Knight (89-1) in the 6A 170-pound finals.
Tallassee wrestling coach John Mask led the Tigers to a 32-1
Chad Strickland finished his senior year with
ELMORE COUNTY WRESTLER OF
COACH Continued from B1
Wrestlers have to do what’s best for the team, and that could include just getting a major loss instead of getting pinned, or sitting out of the match this week because there’s a better matchup for someone else.
Mask’s starting duals lineup consisted of only three seniors by the end of the season, but the veteran wrestlers really helped solidify it was a team event and trying to scramble at the end of a match for points could sometimes hurt the team worse than it could help.
“We had to get them to understand that they’re playing a role,” Mask said. “Even if someone loses, if they don’t get pinned and only give up three points, that’s helping our team. That’s sometimes really tough for young men to understand but our guys have always believed in doing what’s best for the team. That’s what our kids bought into this year.
Tallassee ran through the majority of its duals, but there was always one team in the back of the Tigers’ mind: Gulf Shores.
Gulf Shores eliminated Tallasee from the duals tournament in 2022 in blowout fashion, 59-9. That loss stayed with Tallassee throughout the offseason, and the two inevitably faced a rematch in the state semifinals.
Instead of being nervous, Mask saw his team determined to avenge last season’s loss. Every wrestler who was supposed to win did, and he even had a few kids who were outranked on paper or in the standings walk away with victories.
Tallassee ended up winning, 32-29, to advance to its first-ever duals state championship.
“Our guys expected to win and we had a lot of young kids step up and propel us to victory by pulling through their matches,” Mask said. “Our guys were excited about that opportunity from the beginning of the season. Our guys remembered what happened at home against them last year and they wanted to face them again.”
Following the end of the duals tournament, Tallassee turned its sights back to the individual championships. After a few years of not having anyone place in the state tournament, Mask was ready to see a few more kids get their names on the wall inside the team gym.
Tallassee had 11 wrestlers qualify for state in Huntsville, five more than any other team in the county. Of those 11, four placed, earning an etching of their names on the gym walls.
Sophomore Land Bell won the state championship in the 132-pound class, while seniors Caden Griffith and Rutland Phillips and sophomore Mason Nelson also placed.
“This year, the goal coming in was to put people on that wall,” Mask said. “We were able to do that with four guys. They did really well, and we had seven other guys who made it to state and that’s a tough feat to achieve. Our guys bought in. To have 11 kids qualify for state is a remarkable feat.”
RUSSO Continued from B1
50 of Knight’s videos and tried to prepare for whatever was going to be thrown at him.
The two each made it back to the finals, and it was a rematch for the ages for Russo. In a rare defensive match between the two, Russo found himself down 2-0 in the second period. When he found Knight getting comfortable, Russo capitalized and he nearly earned a pin.
Instead, he was given three points for the near-fall and led 3-2. He then turned on the defense and rode that score to the final buzzer, giving him his state championship and giving Knight (89-1) his only loss of the year.
“All week long, I drilled specifically for Aiden,” Russo said. “I wasn’t worried about other matches or opponents. I drilled a lot based on movement and tried not to let it get decided by a referee again. He was really confident against me in sectionals but at state, he guarded his legs a lot better and kept his stance back so I couldn’t get any shots in. I worked upper body with him and let him try to get some looks he wanted to throw him off. When he thought he had control, I’d turn it around on him. It felt great. It was a good feeling.”
TEAM Continued from B1
BRADY GOODWIN, HOLTVILLE SENIOR
Goodwin, wrestling at 160 pounds in Class 5A, placed fourth overall in the state tournament after winning the south super sectional tournament the week before. The senior is a Huntingdon wrestling signee.
RAMON LOZADA, WETUMPKA JUNIOR
Lozada transferred into Wetumpka from Elmore County this season and made an immediate impact for the Indians. The junior went 43-6 in the 113-pound bracket and is a fourtime state qualifier and two-time state-placer.
CHRISTIAN MCCARY, TALLASSEE JUNIOR
McCary put together one of the most dominant seasons of anyone in Class 5A this season. The junior rallied back from injury to finish the year 42-5 and was a state qualifier. He won three tournaments including the south super sectional.
MASON NELSON, TALLASSEE SOPHOMORE
At 113 pounds, Nelson went 41-4 during his sophomore season. The young wrestler won the south super sectionals before finishing third overall in his weight class in Class 5A at the state tournament.
TYLER PAYTON, ELMORE COUNTY EIGHTH GRADER
One of the youngest wrestlers in the coun-
Elmore County Player of the Week
Elmore County’s Pannell finding power swing
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Ashtyn Pannell was expected to be the team’s top power hitter this year, and the Elmore County senior is certainly fulfilling that expectation.
An Anderson University signee in the outfield, Pannell has belted out extra-base hit after extra-base hit this year. That was done at an exceptionally high rate this past week, when she smacked seven in six games for the Panthers (10-7). She hit two home runs, three triples and a pair of doubles while driving in nine RBIs. Pannell has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week for her play. “I felt like a lot of our success would be dependent on her having a
RANKING Continued from B1
Vote for your Fans’ Choice Player of the Week online now!
really good senior season, and she’s lived up to that up to this point,” Elmore County coach Mark Segrest said. “She does have several home runs and extra base hits so she’s providing a must-needed power surge in the middle of the lineup.”
Wetumpka is outscoring opponents, 198-19, allowing less than one run per game.
While the Indians are racking up national recognition, so is junior Mya Holt.
Batting in the No. 3 hole, she is expected to drive in runs and get extra-base hits. Through the team’s first six games of the year, she had only two extra base hits — a triple and home run. She then had an extra-base hit in three straight games, and Elmore County won all three of those games. On the year, she has three home runs, five triples and four doubles with a team-high 19 RBIs. ECHS is 5-3 in games where she has recorded an extra base hit.
“She’s critical to our success because we don’t really have a power hitting team,” Segrest said. “She certainly has that ability to be that for us this year. Our success really depends on her having impressive power numbers. A big slugging percentage will go a long way in helping us get back to Oxford.”
A Troy commit and the 2022 Elmore County Softball Player of the Year, Holt is currently No. 2 nationally with 12 home runs and No. 5 in the country with 36 RBIs. Holt has already broken the school’s records in season-season and career home runs.
While her hitting is impressive, her pitching tops the entire country. She currently sits at 15-0 in the circle, leading the nation in wins.
Holt isn’t the only Indian having an impressive season. Wetumpka has five girls hitting over .400, with three batting over .500. Shortstop Ashlynn Campbell, a Purdue signee, leads the team with a .597 average and a .679 on-base percentage.
Right behind Holt’s team-high 12 home runs is Lily Davenport with seven bombs of her own. Ella Watson and Mari Beth Parette each have four.
ty, Payton didn’t show his youth as he finished with a 21-5 overall record. After qualifying for the state tournament, Payton went on to finish fourth place in the 152-pound weight class.
RUTLAND PHILLIPS, TALLASSEE SENIOR
Phillips, one of Tallassee’s star seniors, had a stellar senior season during which he went 49-4 and reached the state championship match in the 106-pound weight class. In the process, he overcame the 100-win milestone for his career and won a trio of tournaments.
CHRISTIAN PRESTON, WETUMPKA JUNIOR Wrestling at 220 pounds, Preston claimed the AHSAA Class 6A state championship this weekend. Preston finished his junior season with a 36-4 overall record and is a three-time state qualifier; he has placed twice at state.
CONNOR RUSSO, STANHOPE ELMORE SENIOR Russo put together quite possibly the most dominant season of a wrestler across the entire state of Alabama. The all-time school points leader finished the season with a 48-1 record and claimed the AHSAA Class 6A state championship at 170 pounds. In the pro-
cess, he outscored his opponents, 408-10
CHAD STRICKLAND, WETUMPKA SENIOR
Wetumpka’s star senior wrapped up an illustrious career with a state championship appearance in the Class 6A 138-pound weight class. Strickland finished his senior year with a 40-3 overall record. He is a four-time state qualifier and three-time state placer.
SECOND TEAM
Nolan Addeo, Tallassee freshman, 195 pounds
Avery Brantley, Tallassee freshman, 126 pounds
Hunter Chavis, Holtville sophomore, 182 pounds
Shawn Colvin, Elmore County junior, 138 pounds
Zach Crosthwait, Wetumpka sophomore, 154 pounds
Ethan Jones, Tallassee junior, 138 pounds
Roman McWilliams, Wetumpka sophomore, 120 pounds
Melvin Owens, Wetumpka senior, 160 pounds
Kristian Seals, Stanhope Elmore junior, 145 pounds
Noah Smith, Wetumpka junior, 126 pounds
Carson Thomas, Elmore County senior, 145 pounds
Jackson Wade, Stanhope Elmore junior, 152 pounds
Stran Webb, Elmore County eighth grader,106 pounds
Clark Wood, Elmore County senior, 182 pounds
HENRY ZIMMER | THE HERALD
Tallassee’s Land Bell finished his sophomore season with a 43-3 record and won the Class 5A state title in the 132-pound weight class.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Elmore County’s Ashtyn Pannell has seven extra base hits in her last six games. She is the Player of the Week.
Stanhope Elmore’s Ward named Girls Bowler of the Year
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Following one of the most successful seasons in program history, the Stanhope Elmore bowling team pulled in numerous statewide awards last Wednesday.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association bowling coaches announced its All-State teams for the first time since the sport was restarted in 2015. The teams featured the top eight girls and boys bowlers in any classification.
Along with All-State First and Second Team squads, coaches were also named to All-State teams for classes 1A-5A and 6A-7A.
After a stellar senior season, Stanhope Elmore bowler Alyssa Ward was named the All-State Girls’ Bowler of the Year. The Mustangs’ southpaw helped lead Stanhope Elmore to a state champi-
onship appearance. In the state tournament, Ward put on a show in the semifinals to advance the Mustangs to the state championship. She collected a state-high 692 score. In three games, she rolled 212, 234 and 246 in the final round.
Between her three regular games and her 10 baker matches, she bowled an impressive 39 strikes and 13 spares to lead Stanhope to a third-place finish in the championship. She was joined on the All-State First Team by teammate Samantha Wilson, while Peyton Warner was named to the All-State Second Team.
Stanhope Elmore coach Bridget Wilson was named the 6A-7A Girls’ Coach of the Year after leading her squad to back-to-back state championship appearances each of the last two years.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Wetumpka’s May Eason is grinning from ear to ear.
Despite working feverishly to organize the second annual Beautiful Table Settings (BTS) conference in Wetumpka later this month, Eason is proud of the accomplishments of the group of friends who started to gather on BTS Facebook page in 2019. In March 2022, the convention had more than 500 attendees for one two-day session and more than 115,000 followers on Facebook. But it is still growing.
“We now have more than 163,000 members on Facebook,” Eason said. “This year’s convention will be in two sessions so we can host more people.”
The Facebook page and convention surrounds table settings Eason believes aren’t as important with the younger generations.
“It’s to show your pretty things, the things you have inherited, the things you have collected, the things you registered for as a bride,” Eason said. “We want to get the younger crowd involved.”
Eason said younger people are mostly using things readily available.
“They are registering at Big Box stores,” Eason said. “They are only getting household stuff you can pick up everyday. When I was a bride you registered for sterling silver, china, crystal and that is where we got your nice things that you keep forever.”
Eason said the idea is to get people used to sitting down to eat using a “beautiful arrangement of plates, silverware and more.”
“We are trying to get people interested in setting their table again,” Eason said. “Tables are really the people around it but we want to show people how special they are by doing a pretty tablescape for them.”
The first session starts Monday, March 20 with the second starting March 22.
“As one session is leaving Wednesday, another is coming in,” Eason said. “We did two sessions because we are trying to get to 1,000 people. Wednesday is wine and charcuterie from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will be out eating and shopping on Wednesday.”
The sessions are filled with speakers, many of whom are active on the BTS Facebook page.
“We have Replacements from Greensboro, North Carolina coming to talk,” Eason said. “There is Jim Gatling. He is our page storyteller from Arkansas. He talks real Southern and tells the wildest stories. Justin Peters from Enterprise Estate Sales is going to do a mini-antique roadshow Monday and Friday. Jill Hastings will talk about linens and lace. Phillip Thompson is going to show centerpieces and tablescapes.”
Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Shellie Whitfield will speak as well, and Provisions will help Wednesday. Each day features other local eateries for lunch.
“I have Grumpy Dog doing food twice,” Eason said. “Woodcraft Cafe is doing food one day; Cooper House Deil is doing a day.”
But there will be more than just speakers and presenters. Eason said 25 vendors will be set up inside the Wetumpka Civic Center to help BTS guests find missing pieces to their collections.
Those vendors will be available for public shopping from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25. There is a $5 entrance fee for Saturday shopping.
SUBMITTED | AHSAA
Stanhope Elmore’s Alyssa Ward, who was the top overall individual bowler in the state tournament, has been named the 2023 All-State Girls’ Bowler of the Year.
FILE THE HERALD
ABOVE: Attendees last year’s Beautiful Table Settings Bash in Wetumpka take a look at some of the wares of vendors in attendance for the three day event.
BELOW: Jonathan Wood presents ways to use Japanese techniques in floral arrangements at last year’s Beautiful Table Settings Bash.
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Public Notices
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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-2023-
Public Notices
900040.00, Circuit Court of Elmore County. Done this 23rd day of February 2023.
MICHAEL DOZIER, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Elmore County
ANDREW WRIGHT
472 S. Lawrence St. Montgomery, AL 36104
Attorney for Trent Williams
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2023
29-DR-2023-900040.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
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: A2022-047
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 for-
as Petitioner, for the adoption
ten response with the Probateof this notice. The Probate Court
consider such Petition without JOHN THORNTON PROBATE JUDGE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
JOHN T. WINANS THE HARRIS LAW FIRM, LLC
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
A2022-047 PUBLIC NOTICE 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
HOLTVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM FENCING BID # 23-013
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR FENCING SYSTEM INSTALLATION AT THE HOLTVILLE SCHOOL SYSTEM, TO INCLUDE HOLTVILLE HIGHSCHOOL LOCATED AT 10425 HOLTVILLE ROAD, DEATSVILLE AL, HOLTVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCATED AT 655 BULLDOG LANE, DEATSVILLE, AL, HOLT-
Public Notices
VILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LOCATED AT 287 WHATLEY DR., DEATSVILLE, AL, AND THE HOLTVILLE CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER LOCATED AT 120 WHATLEY DR, DEATSVILLE, AL. FOR THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, WETU MPKA ALABAMA. Sealed proposals will be received at the Elmore County Board of Education, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama, opened and read aloud in the Maintenance Building Conference Room on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 10AM. This project shall be bid excluding taxes. The bids must be submitted on company letterhead and the company name, bid number, and proof of insurance are to be posted on the outside of the bid envelope. This is required for the bid to be accepted and opened** No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of sixty (60) days. Five percent (5%) retainage will be held on the estimated amount of work done and the value of materials stored on the site or suitably stored and insured off-site shall be held until all work, and completion of work advertisements for 4 consecutive weeks are made in the local county newspaper. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors ($50,000.00) must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. The Bidder must display current General Contractor’s License Number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered or it will not be considered by the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. A separate payable to The Elmore County Board of Education in ancent (5%) of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract. The Contractor is responsible to provide a portable toilet for his employees to use for the duration of this project. All contractors bidding this project are encouraged to visit the sites and examine all existing conditions prior to submitting their proposal. All bidders shall have general liability insurance of no less than $500,000.00, and a current business license. The project shall be bid excluding taxes.
Supervision: Contractor to ensure proper supervision of all work at each site. Questions may be directed to Kenneth Garner work - 334567-1420 Ext. 22007, mobile - 334-530-3956, ken.garner@ elmoreco.com or Mike Czerpak work – 334-567-1420 Ext. 22003, mobile 334-391-3029, mike.czerpak@elmoreco.com. Please see the RFP project on the ECBOE website under the “BIDS” tab. www.elmoreco. com 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 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
Global Management Group, Inc. hereby gives notice of completion of contract with the State of Alabama for construction of Project No. CRPAA-NR13(925) in Elmore County. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on March 1, 2023 and ending on March 22, at 948 South Main St. Graysville, AL 35073 during this period. Global Management Group, Inc.
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that David Bulger Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for construction of 17 Springs Sewer Station & Gipson Station located at 3160 Main Street Millbrook, Al 36054 for the City of O()
Public Notices
Millbrook, 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 Millbrook City Hall 3160 Main Street, Millbrook, AL 36054 David Bulger Inc. 3904 Birmingham Hwy. Montgomery, AL 36108
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 15, 22, 29 and Apr. 5, 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
ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION
LEGAL NOTICE
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
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 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.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MYRA S. CRUCE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-039 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of MYRA S. CRUCE, deceased, having been granted to ED PARISH, JR. on March 6, 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. ED PARISH, JR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MYRA S. CRUCE, DECEASED Address of Administrator: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 15, 22 and 29, 2023 EST/CRUCE M. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES LEON EVANS, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023067. NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: MARIA EVANS CARABALLO, A NONRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND A NEXT OF KIN OF CHARLES LEON EVANS; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF CHARLES LEON EVANS, DECEASED, TO INCLUDE ANY DESCENDANTS OF TAMMY EVANS SMITH, DECEASED, WHO ARE NEXT OF KIN OF CHARLES LEON EVANS YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on March 3, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of CHARLES LEON EVANS, deCourt of Elmore County, Ala-tioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admittedsonal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of as next-of-kin of CHARLES LEON EVANS. Unless an oband 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 consideringtice to you. Name and Address D. JASON BRITT STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
EST/EVANS, C.
at auction by the Circuit Court
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., DECEASED 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, re-
Public Notices
p yppy address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any 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 RECORDS 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 NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment and performance of obligations secured by that certain Construction Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) dated December 27, 2018 executed by Premier Holdings, LLC (the “Mortgagor”) in favor of Max Credit Union (the “Mortgagee”) and recorded on January 8, 2019 in the of Elmore County, Alabama in RLPY 2019, at Page 998, the Mortgagee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance doors of the Elmore County Courthouse located at
Public Notices
y 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 on Roll 167, at Frames 186206. THE PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS”, “WHERE IS” BASIS AND WITH
Public Notices
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 is hereby given that application has been made to the Council of the City of Wetumpka for approval of a 050-Retail Beer (Off Premises Only) and 070- Retail Table Wine (Off Premises Only) License for the following. Name of Applicant: SHRI GANESH 21 INC Trade Name: KWIK SHOPS 126 Address: 602 US HIGHWAY 231
Public Notices
WETUMPKA, AL 36093 Public Hearing on said application has been scheduled for April 3, 2023 at 6 p.m., before the Wetumpka City Council at the City Council meeting, at the City of Wetumpka Council Chambers at 212 S. Main St., Wetumpka, AL. Anyone desiring to be heard either for or against said application may appear at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing by communication addressed to the City Council, 408 South Main Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Persons with disabilities who may need special assistance should contact the address or call (334) 567-1306 at least two business days in advance of the meeting. The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk /s/Tiffany Robinson Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 15 and 22, 2023 KWIK SHOPS 126
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Elmore County’s Hall strikes out 15, ties single-game school record
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County senior Payton Hall wanted to make last Wednesday’s game one to remember.
Hall lost his great-grandfather earlier in the week, so he’s been spending most of the week with his family and loved ones. His grandparents, who usually attend all of Hall’s games, had to miss Wednesday’s while dealing with the loss.
So Hall sought out to use his grandparent’s absence as motivation to play the best he could. He did exactly that as he pitched a complete game win over Montgomery Academy.
He allowed only one hit and struck out 15 batters, which tied the school record for most strikeouts in a single game.
“Dealing with everything this week just really made me think it’s a blessing to be able to wake up every day and be able to even play the game of baseball,” Hall said. “I told myself I wanted to make the game memorable for them. It just pushed me to go out there and do my best.”
Hall usually visits with his grandparents a few times a week as they live close to the school. He tried to stop by Thursday morning, but they weren’t there.
He called his grandmother after nobody answered the door, but he was told they were at his great-grandmother’s house. His grandmother then told him that she heard he did really great and was proud of him.
“Honestly, that just meant the world to me to hear her say that to me,” Hall said.
Hall’s school-record 15 strikeouts wasn’t a fluke game for the senior pitcher. Hall has been dealing all season long this year and has been the Panthers’ best pitcher.
Hall has pitched in six of the Panthers’
nine games this year, and he’s started four. He leads the team in appearances, starts, and innings pitched (19).
During that span, he has racked up a 2-0 record with a 1.4 earned run average and has allowed 12 hits, walked nine batters and struck out a whopping 36 strikeouts. He has 25 more strikeouts than the next closest player on the team.
“He’s always been a talented pitcher,” Elmore County coach Michael Byrd said.
“He was our most consistent pitcher two years ago, and then he struggled some last year, but he’s just matured so much and doesn’t let the little things bother him anymore. If he misses a spot or gives up a hit, he doesn’t put his head down. He just gets back on the mound and starts pitching again.”
While he’s been the top on the mound, he’s also been one of the team’s top hitters. Hall is one of six Panthers currently hitting over .400.
He has 10 hits in 24 at-bats, good for a .417 batting average. Eight of his 10 hits have been singles while he’s also roped two doubles and added eight RBIs. He’s been walked five times and has struck out only twice.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 300 pounds, Hall is the biggest kid on Elmore County’s roster. While that comes with its perks, it also makes it less likely for teams to throw him fastballs.
As a junior, Hall felt he did a bad job of hitting the fastball when it was thrown to him. So he set out in the offseason to hit the fastball over and over as it was his biggest weakness.
“I’m really trying to progress on hitting the fastball, and I feel like I’ve done a good job with that this year,” Hall said. “I’m a big guy. If they even throw me a fastball, I have to hit it.”
SUBNMITTED THE OBSERVER
Elmore County’s Payton Hall struck out 15 batters in a complete game win over Montgomery Academy. The 15 strikeouts tied a single-game school record for the Panthers.