Elmore County kennel fined in dog abuse case
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Are missing or stolen pets being used for animal testing in Elmore County?
High School basketball coach
According to documents from USDA, it might have happened. Inspectors have dropped by the Blue Ridge Kennels on Rifle Range Road over the years and started noting issues such as malnutrition, inadequate facilities and repeated lack of veterinary care starting in 2020. The facility has been cited more than 80 times since then, and this has attracted the attention of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
Pillar of Coosada dies
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Jackson family has been a part of western Elmore County for generations. It now mourns the death of Theodore Jackson Sr. who was instrumental in the founding of Coosada. He was on the town council from incorporation until his retirement in 2018. In that time he served multiple terms as mayor pro tem and interim mayor of the small town. But he wasn’t a politician. Jackson was a pillar of the community. Jackson’s youngest son
“Blue Ridge Kennel really needs to do the right thing,” PETA vice president of laboratory investigations cases Dr. Alka Chandna said. “They just need to get out of the business and let these dogs have a second chance.”
A 2022 USDA report noted the facility didn’t
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday. erings but the chamber celebrated the successes of ple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
SUBMITTED | TPI
Theodore Jackson Sr. was the last prinicipal at W.B. Doby High School in Wetumpka. He was also one of the original councilmembers for the town of Coosada serving from 1975 to 1977. He died March 14 at the age of 90.
of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
NEW HOHENBERG CREATES MORE OPPORTUNITIES
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
If you build it, they will come. For generations, families and athletes have come to Hohenberg Field for fútbol Americano. Now they will come for traditional fútbol after the ribbon was cut on new soccer fields at the City of Wetumpka park.
Former school CNP employee seeks answers
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
It is all part of quality of life projects the Elmore County Commission has put together with the help of various partners. Two new turf soccer fields were constructed just out from under the lights once used on Friday nights. They will help a growing sport in Wetumpka and demonstrate the city and county’s efforts to improve life.
“It will allow the soccer community to grow here,” Wetumpka Parks and Recreation director Tiffany Chandler said. “We are excited about it.” The Hohenberg Field project came to life about the time the concept of 17 Springs in Millbrook came about. In Millbrook, it was a
homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton. Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
SHOOTING, Page
Staff Report
Elmore County Board of Education officials are mostly steadfast in saying issues regarding an audit last year of Elmore County Child Nutrition Program are resolved. Almost six months later, it remains an issue for a retired CNP employee and a current Elmore County
Board of Education member.
Eclectic resident and CNP retiree Becky Blackmon and board member
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
Leisa Finley called on superintendent Richard Dennis as to why no action had been recommended to the board at its Tuesday meeting.
Blackmon explained she
New board of education member sworn in
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed
It was almost fireworks for Bill Meyers’ first meeting as a member of the Elmore County Board of Education. Meyers was appointed earlier this month See SWORN, Page A7 See CREATES, Page A5
the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 per cent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
WILSON
Members
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, center, cuts the ribbon on the newly renovated Hohenberg Field in Wetumpka.
See KENNEL, Page A7
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI Bill Meyers, left, of Millbrook is sworn in as a member of the Elmore County Board of Education by Elmore County District Court Judge Patrick Pinkston. Meyers replaces Col. Dale Bain who retired from the board last month.
job is extensive. In order to be paid, it is important that the community supports newspapers by purchasing a subscription. Their mission is to make the community a better place through unbiased, accurate reporting. A subscription costs far less than not knowing.
2 arrested for chemical endangerment of children
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A traffic stop turned into arrests after drugs were found near young children.
Tyler Montgomery, 30, and Ashley Little, 35, of Prattville soon found themselves in the Elmore County Jail.
According to court documents, Elmore County deputy sheriffs noticed a vehicle not observing traffic laws and weaving earlier this month and initiated a traffic stop. Montgomery was driving and opened the console of the vehicle to retrieve required documentation such as vehicle registration and driver license.
“I witnessed what I recognized to be a prescription pill bottle protruding from the console,” a deputy said in an incident report. “[He] pushed it further into the console out of my view.”
The deputy also noticed two young children in the car and “an overwhelming aroma of marijuana.”
Little was sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle and two other adults were in the
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARCH 19
• Burglary was reported on U.S. Highway 231. March 18
• Theft and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported on East Tallassee Street.
• Forgery and theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
MARCH 17
• Theft was reported on Chapel Lakes Loop.
MARCH 15
• Criminal mischief and harassment was reported in Wetumpka.
• Burglary and unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on U.S. Highway 231. MARCH 13
• Theft was reported on Cap. Crommelin Road.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARCH 24
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.
• A person with a gun was reported on West James Street.
• Menacing was reported on West James Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Third Street.
• Harassment was reported on Cotton Ridge Road.
• A domestic dispute was reported on East Patton Street.
MARCH 23
• A noise complaint was reported on North Ashurst
vehicle as well. The adults were removed from the car and the deputy began to search the vehicle, finding the pill bottle had been moved to a spot near the radio. A glass pipe was found near the children.
The deputy confronted Montgomery and Little.
“[Little] freely and openly stated all four adults had abused marijuana inside the vehicle, but the children were not present,” the deputy said. During the search, evidence of marijuana and methamphetamine was found as well.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources was contacted and took custody of the children who passed them to Montgomery’s family.
“[They conducted] a home visit the following morning,” the deputy said in the report. The other adults told deputies the reason for not immediately
Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on North Ann Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on North Ann Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A hit and run accident was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Redden Avenue.
• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Jordan Avenue. MARCH 22
• Menacing was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on West Patton Street.
• Trespassing was reported on East Patton Street.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassing communications was reported on Willow Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
stopping was to hide the evidence of drug use. Some were hidden at the children’s feet, other items were passed to Little.
Little was searched during the arrest and booking process.
‘[She] was found to be concealing suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and eight suboxone in her crotch,” the report stated.
“Little made the comment, ‘I was just trying to hide [it].’ She informed me that it was in fact methamphetamine, marijuana and suboxone.”
Little was charged with two counts of chemical endangerment of children, two counts of possession of controlled substances, promoting prison contraband, second-degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence. She has a $83,000 bond available to her.
Montgomery was charged with two counts of chemical endangerment of children, first degree possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with physical evidence, improper lane usage and failure to signal. He posted a $53,000 bond.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Indian Trail. March 21
• A suspicious person was reported on Redden Avenue.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Poplar Street.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Mooney Hollow Road.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Identity theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.
• A suspicious person was reported on West Butler Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A welfare check was conducted on Recreation Center Road.
• Assault was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on Third Street.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
• Harassment was reported on McNeal Street.
• A noise complaint was reported on Sims Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gen. Chappy James Street. MARCH 20
• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Honeysuckle Lane.
• Criminal mischief was reported on North Johnson Lane.
• Gunfire was reported on Wall Street.
• A Black male was arrested during a domestic incident call on Jacob Court.
• Trespassing was reported on Gen. Chappy James Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on Harris Street.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Identity theft was reported on Mt. Hebron Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on East Patton Street.
• A white female was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.
• A white male was arrested on U.S. Highway
231.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Lakewater Drive.
MARCH 19
• Assistance was given to another agency on Hickory Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.
• An animal complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A structure fire was reported on Floyd Lane.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on North Ann Avenue.
MARCH 18
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Cobb Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• A fight was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Harassment was reported on Hicks Store Road.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An animal complaint and harassment was reported on Magnolia Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Evergreen Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Washington Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A civil dispute was reported on Hicks Store Road.
• Identity theft was reported on Paxton Drive.
• Harassment was reported on Hicks Store Drive.
• Theft was reported on Highway 229.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.
• Harassment was reported on Ranson Drive.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Manning Circle.
MARCH 17
• Gunfire was reported on Poplar Street.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on James Street.
LITTLE
MONTGOMERY
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Poison prevention important for pets too
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
This is National Poison Prevention Week and while we all certainly need to be knowledgeable to protect our families, our pets also need protection from accidental poisoning. The Pet Poison Helpline is a valuable resource and below are the most common poison risks to our pets (and also to our children):
1. Over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen, naproxen, cold medications and herbal supplements. Make sure to keep all medications out of paws’ reach and check with a veterinarian before giving any new medication (prescription or not) to your pet.
2. Human prescription medications such as ADHD medications,
antidepressants and heart medications are in many homes and need to be kept out of reach of pets..
3. Food items and ingredients such as xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.
4. Chocolate! Keep candy and baked goods away from your pets.
5. Veterinary products mostly due to accidental or unintentional exposures. Many pet medications are flavored so pets may mistake these for treats. Giving medicine meant for one pet, or for another species (dog topical flea products are deadly if put on cats), to another accidentally is also possible so make sure to know what you are giving your pet. And remember a “childproof container” does not mean it is pet-proof.
6. Household items
including paint, glue and cleaning products are often too easily accessible.
7. Rodenticides & Insecticides. Remember that pets, along with rodents, find baits very tasty. Rat or mouse bait ingestion can be deadly for our pets and today’s products are even deadlier than those of years ago.
8. Insecticides include items such as ant baits, bug sprays and yard products. Make sure to read all labels and keep your pets out of the affected area when using any of these products.
9. Indoor and outdoor plants, as well as bouquets, can all be sources of potential problems for pets.
10. Garden products like fertilizers, herbicides and soil enhancements can prove irresistible to a play-
ful pet so watch your pets when you are out working on the lawn or garden.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG OR CAT IS POISONED?
1. Remove your pet from the area.
2. Check to make sure your pet is safe: breathing and acting normally.
3. Collect a sample of the ingested item if possible.
4. Do NOT give any home antidotes.
5. Do NOT induce vomiting without consulting a vet or Pet Poison Helpline.
6. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
If in doubt, contact &/or take your pet to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Max is 2 years old, weighs about 65 pounds and is just an absolute love. Sadly he came as a stray and was never reclaimed. Max deserves better as he is incredibly gentle and sweet and loving. He is great with other dogs and children. The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic
immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
Former ADOC officer sentenced to federal prison
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A former Alabama Department of Corrections officer will serve 63 months in prison for using excessive force and then lying about it. Devlon Williams was a sergeant at ADOC’s Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County. He was transporting an inmate who was suicidal from Staton’s chapel to receive healthcare. Williams stopped short of the infirmary and out of sight of other inmates and assaulted the prisoner by striking him with a baton.
Witnesses said the prisoner was
not resisting and that Williams punched and kicked the inmate.
Another corrections officer was there. Larry Managan Jr. also participated in the beating.
According to court records Williams and Managan then tried to cover up the beating. Williams falsified the report and coerced others to lie about the incident as well.
Managan pleaded guilty to obstructing justice and testified against Williams.
Williams was found guilty by a federal jury of deprivation of rights under color of law, falsification of records and obstruction of
justice and was sentenced.
The U.S. Justice Department Civil Rights Division helped prosecute the case against Williams. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clark said Williams was supposed to be the one other officers looked up to.
“Instead he callously abused his authority and brutalized a vulnerable inmate during a time of need,” Clarke said. “The Justice Department will not tolerate this type of violent conduct inside our jails and prisons, and we will continue to prosecute corrections officials who violate the constitutional and civil rights of people in their custody.”
Milestone marked by county for energy savings
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Elmore County Commission celebrated saving $2 million in energy costs over the last eight years.
The commission contracted with Schneider Electric in 2014 to cut costs in utilities and operations. Over the next two years simple changes were made such as installing LED lighting, more efficient HVAC systems and building automation systems for efficiency.
“We have a 20-year guarantee in place and to be where we are at just heading into the eighth year is fantastic,” Schneider’s Zach Murph said. “We continue to see great benefits here.”
Murph said the county’s staff on site gets much of the credit. The $2 million in savings come from a 38% reduction in operations energy cost.
The contract guarantees at least a $4.4 million savings over 20 years.
The commission honored Aidan Cockrell of Prattville Christian Academy for winning the 285 pound AHSAA Class 1A-4A wrestling. It also honored Tallassee wrestlers Mason Nelson, Land Bell, Ramon Lozada for winning the 5A championships at 106, 144 and 120, respectively.
The commission adopted a 10-year Joint Solid Waste Management Plan with Autauga Coun-
ty. The commission held a public hearing on the matter in February.
A plan for solid waste management is required by Alabama law. Partnering with Autauga County results in some savings.
Consider authorizing Chairman to execute the Resolution to adopt the Joint Solid Waste Management Plan for Autauga and Elmore County for a ten-year planning period
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved the minutes of the March 11 meeting.
• Approved warrants and purchase orders in the amount of $6,530,349.30 for the period March 2 - 15.
Titus man arrested for arson
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office has been investigating woodland fires in Elmore County for more than nine months.
Last week the fire marshal’s office arrested James Sherman Floyd Jr., 30, of Titus and charged him with eight counts of setting woodland fires in the Titus area.
“He was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon after numerous hours of surveillance by Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office
Special Agents,” a release from the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office said. According to court records, Floyd was seen setting fires on June 11, 2023; Oct. 22, 2023; Dec. 20, 2023; Jan. 14, 2024; Feb. 15, 2024; Feb. 21, 2024; Feb. 22, 2024; and March 20, 2024. Floyd was taken to the Elmore County Jail. He has a $120,000 bond available to him.
• Awarded an annual bid for Nyloplast Drain Basin Inlets.
• Approved a proposed plat for The Preserve Plat 10.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. April 11.
Pet of the Week - Max
FLOYD
Kenneth Boone, Chairman
Tippy Hunter, General Manager Lizi Arbogast Gwin, Managing Editor
Page A4 • March 27, 2024
Time to unplug some
Isat in amazement in the halls of Stanhope Elmore High School earlier this month.
I looked around and saw something I haven’t seen in a while — students didn’t have phones. They were talking with each other and with the school’s faculty and staff.
I noticed it was a little loud, which was something principal Ewell Fuller prepared me for.
If I didn’t know better, I would say I was a high school senior again. Cell phones were only something I saw on The Jetsons some three decades ago.
Speech was the No. 1 form of communication. There were no texts, no Snapchats, no Messenger.
We communicated through folded notes slyly thrown across the classroom. I fondly remember conversations with my teachers at Dadeville, even when I asked smart aleck questions. I’ll never forget asking Mrs. Moncrief, “There are an infinite number of fractions and that means an infinite number of numbers between zero and one. So why are we here if we can’t get to one?”
I got the stare of death as the class snickered. I knew the answer. It’s all theory and we have to live with assumptions.
At Stanhope, it was much of the same — students talking with teachers, asking better questions than mine.
Because of the lack of cell phone use, Fuller says test scores are up for report cards and standardized testings. Teachers have adjusted to the new volume level.
I look back on my time in high school, with no phones of course, and I think many things were better. I don’t recall the bullying to be near the issue I hear parents report to be today.
See UNPLUG, Page A9
What’s
your
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 E-mail: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com
Obituaries: 35 cents per word with a $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.
Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 25 cents per word and $15 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.
We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all.
The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call Erin Burton or Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281
Here’s what I’ve learned about grief: It’s cyclical more than anything.
Some days are better than others, some weeks feel never-ending while others go by quick as a flash. Sometimes you like a reminder of the one you lost, and other times those reminders hit you like a knife in the heart.
It’s coming up on a year since the April 15 shooting in Dadeville and the first anniversary of my brother-in-law’s death. These weeks are hitting harder than most.
I visited my brother’s grave the other day to drop off an Easter basket and some spring-colored flowers. I noticed a sprig of grass that made me stop in my tracks –just the smallest bit of green, not even 2 inches long. But it held so much weight. It meant the grass was coming up over Dylan’s grave. It meant Mother Nature wasn’t waiting around for our grief anymore. It meant life was still going on, grass was still growing, the sun was still shining. It all felt impos-
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Tallassee is a city with much to tell in the ‘Story of Alabama’, especially with respect to its early 19th century industrial history, beginning in 1844 with the origin and development of the Tallassee Falls Manufacturing Company, which later became the Mount Vernon Mills around the turn of the 20th century. When the mill ceased operations, the surviving physical plant, over time, began suffering greatly from years of neglect and other causes, tragically compounded with enormous damage by arson in 2016. Many worthwhile thoughts and ideas have been proposed about what to do with the property, yet no proposals have been realized thus far. This is not to say that an initiative couldn’t succeed, and yet, with the greatest respect to any who are interested in improving the property, perhaps there is still opportunity to suggest
sible.
That’s another thing I’ve learned about grief — it’s impossible. Impossible to explain, impossible to get over, impossible to move on.
I recently had a family member tell me he didn’t want to burden others with his depression over our brother’s death. He said he felt his grief was exhausting for others.
I’m here to tell you grief is exhausting, and every day feels like a mountain. Because you don’t just grieve for those you lost. I don’t only grieve for Dylan, my brother. I grieve for the family we once were. I grieve for the six siblings who are now just five; I grieve for the father who lost his youngest son.
an idea for this setting –namely, to preserve the historic site and it’s remnant of buildings as ‘ruins’ - which the collection of buildings on the site really are – ‘ruins of the Industrial Age’; and why, one might ask, would it be better to let the site remain as ruins?
To answer this very fair question – it would seem that even now, the ruins of the old mill, together with the site’s natural and geological features, quite naturally lend themselves to the idea of a ‘historic archeological park’. That being said, it would be needful to fully realize such a concept with careful and selective treatments, so that the site of the old mill could very well become a unique and spectacular example of industrial history in the setting of a natural environment for all to enjoy – where users could enjoy walking along shaded trails among the ruins of the old mill buildings with wonderful green space
The fact that it was all foretold made this week all the more powerful as events unfolded two thousand years ago. I am no theologian nor scholar, but the story of Holy Week should give us all pause as we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while Pontius Pilate entered with troops. The crowd shouted Hosanna at this unlikely king during the holiest of times, Passover.
Jesus preached in the Temple for the next three days and called out the moneychangers, throwing them out as he said that they had “turned it into a den of thieves”. It was during this time that Jesus spoke in parables and visited the Mount of Olives. He said one would betray him (Judas did, for silver), and one would deny him three times (Peter did, then realized it too late).
Pilate, in a power grab worthy
shooting. There was so much more lost that day than the four lives that were taken too soon. I often visit the site of the shoot ing — unfortunately I don’t know where Phil Dowdell, Keke Smith, Marsiah Collins or Corbin Holston are buried, so I haven’t been able to pay my respects. But I sit outside the old Mahogany Masterpiece, and I think of them. I think of all the kids who were there that night, whose lives changed forever. I think of the families who lost their babies and the ones who know how close they got. grass, the For Rent sign hit me like a ton of bricks. I know the building has to be
and recreational opportunities. Observing birds and wildlife, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are very ideal activities, while, at the same time, the site could also be an interpretive history park with display panels throughout which chronicle the historical account of all documented history and connections which are highly significant and relevant to the vicinity, the city, and the site. By observation, it seems very apparent that some features of the ruins also lend themselves completely to being a natural venue for outdoor events and public performances in a most beautiful setting by the river.
A love stronger than death
of a reality show competition, allowed his audience to vote on whose life would be spared. Barabbas, known as a guilty criminal, was freed and Jesus was condemned. Pilate literally washed his hands of the issue.
On Thursday, Jesus celebrated Passover with the disciples. Today, Christians call it Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday, and there are foot washing rituals. Overall, we recall the words Jesus spoke as he offered His body and blood: “do this in memory of me”.
Condemned to death, Jesus spent Good Friday being ridiculed, spat upon, humiliated, beaten, and tortured in violent and gruesome ways. A crown of thorns was weaved for him, and he was whipped and scourged. He took his place with two other criminals at Calvary, after having to carry his own cross through town, and was nailed to the cross. Above his head was the inscription I N R I, meaning “Hail, King of the Jews”.
Most importantly, for this idea to work, and to work well, it would be necessary to add more ‘green’ in, and keep large areas of ‘hard/shiny’ surfaces out, as well as structurally stabilizing the ruins without changing their historic character. As a crowning feature, uplighting the ruins at night would be a stunning
effect from all vantage points. Picturesque viewsheds both within and without the park would be awe-inspiring if the site were developed in this way, and it is very hard to believe that people would not come from far and wide to see the beauty of the old mill’s ruins in a natural setting with so much to offer each and every visitor. Of course, such a venture would need to facilitate a gift shop, dining, and comfort needs, yet in a way which is very modest, contextual, and appropriate to the overall concept of the site. All things considered, for Tallassee to have a historic archeological park with the intrinsic amenities of nature and recreational opportunities would be the perfect complement to an already historic and beautiful city situated on the bluffs of the Tallapoosa River – indeed such an initiative would be epic. Let it be ruins.
Thomas Kaufmann Montgomery, Alabama
This religious leader who had led and lived so humbly was now suffering a most brutal death surrounded by people who, through an outrageous scene mob mentality, hated Him. There are numerous quotes attributed to Jesus as he hung on the cross, but out of all of them the one that always makes me cry, realizing His true gift as our Savior, is what he said to the dying thief.
“Today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Indeed – for all of us, God loved the world so much that he sacrificed His only son. That love is what we should express, not that judgmental version of Christianity that we sometimes see and hear. That politicized version of
of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The
partnership of Millbrook, the county, the Elmore County board of Education and Grandview YMCA. In Wetumpka the project is an effort of the county, Wetumpka and the board of education.
The county contributed $6 million and the city $1.5 million.
“I think when you realize we are stronger as we come together than we are individually, we can get a lot more accomplished,” Wetumpka
Mayor Jerry Willis said. “This has worked. You wouldn’t see the development going on across the county without cooperation.”
Willis said between the Hohenberg Field project and paving on the west side of the Coosa River in recent years, it shows the city’s commitment to reinvestment and growth. It has drawn the attention of others.
“Everything on the westside is getting pretty much refurbished,” Willis said. “It has been something that needed to be done. Others are interested. They are calling wanting to invest in projects.”
The old Wetumpka High School sits just south of the project. It is still used by county schools in a variety of ways. The school and original football field was possible because of a generous gift from the Hohenberg family decades ago. The gift now lives on and will help Wetumpka grow.
“It allows you to expand programs,” Willis said. “We have been
limited at times because we didn’t have enough facilities.”
At the field, there are sidewalks and paved parking lots. The new fields will allow more recreational activities for area residents. It will also allow the recruitment of tournaments, bringing visitors who likely will spend money in restaurants and shops.
Officials are also looking to the future. Phase 2 at Hohenberg Field includes an artificial turf for the original football field. There is property immediately north of the project for future expansion.
This goes along with the 175 acres the City of Wetumpka owns in the Wetumpka Sports Complex. A new football stadium with a track, tennis courts and baseball and softball fields are already constructed, but Willis said there is more coming.
“There are other areas we haven’t developed yet,” Willis said. “There are other things on the horizon where we hope to one day be able to do. We are currently looking at partnerships for an arena.”
Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer knows the improvements at Hohenberg Field are just the latest in a line of projects to make the quality of residents better.
“All across Elmore County we are working with other partners to make improvements for our citizens to enjoy,” Mercer said. “As we all know, Elmore County is growing and we want to continue to make it a place to live, work and raise our families.”
had worked in child nutrition for 23 years and retired from the cafeterias in Eclectic. She is communicating almost continuously with current and former employees of the Elmore County CNP program.
“They are scared to come to the superintendent,” Blackmon said. “They are scared to come to the director. They are scared to come to [the board of education.]”
In October, the Alabama State Department of Public Examiners publicly released an audit of the ECBOE CNP program noting a “significant deficiency. It said an employee misused BOE accounts.
“Items were purchased using the board’s online accounts that were for personal purposes,” the audit states.
“Some of these purchases were paid using an employee’s personal credit card. However, additional amounts charged to the school account were repaid when brought to the employee’s attention. In addition expenditures for food, lines, small kitchen equipment and other supplies for catering events and test kitchen activities were not adequately documented to support the allowable purpose of the expenditures.”
Elmore County Board of Education superintendent Richard Dennis said in October there was no money missing and involved online ordering. The issue was self-reported and related to orders placed on Amazon across five years totaling less than $160.
“That is my (chief school finance officer) and finance department doing an investigation,” Dennis said. “Then that is followed up by the state examiners doing a much broader, more in-depth investigation to make sure.”
Dennis said the other issue
CommunityCalendar
THURSDAY, MARCH 21
KELLY ROAD TRIP: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts is hosting another Kelly Road Trip March 21. This visit will go to the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery. Those interested need to sign up at The Kelly and meet at 9:30 a.m. at The Kelly to carpool.
involved one activity of less than $500.
Finley asked Dennis Tuesday about a recent 1819 News article noting the purchase of 12 flat screen televisions and three loveseats through the CNP program.
Dennis said those are currently in use in schools and offices across the county.
“You have seen those items before because we have had board meetings in those locations where they are located,” Dennis said.
In February, the board met at Stanhope Elmore High School and took tours of the facility including the newly renovated cafeteria. Last school year, the board met at the new constructed Redland Middle School in the cafeteria just days before students roamed the halls.
Dennis has previously said no board of education money was missing and anything noted in the audit had been repaid. More steps were put in place for purchasing to prevent the issue from happening again. It is part of the board’s response to auditors. Auditors said they appreciated the board’s response, but stood behind their findings.
“Procedures should be in place to ensure school accounts are never used for personal purchases,” the audit states.
State law only allows school boards to act on items brought to it by the superintendent. In this case, Dennis has brought no personnel issues to the board related to the audit.
Finley asked why an action hadn’t been brought to the board. Dennis explained the matter had been investigated and didn’t warrant action by the board.
“We submitted it to the DAs office, the Justice Department, the ethics department, the state department, the school board attorney, we submitted all this information,” Dennis said.
“Whatever actions have been taken have been concluded.”
Finley noted the ethics commission wasn’t perfect and had its own issues, but not the only issue with the ethics commission looking into the matter.
“If I read the information given to the ethics commission, I’m not so sure I would proceed in action either,” Finley said.
Both Blackmon and Finley said all employees should be treated fairly and equitably but are not sure that is the case at the moment.
Blackmon said many CNP employees who have tried to report issues have been reprimanded. Many have left, including those with years of experience.
“To get a job in child nutrition somebody had to die,” Blackmon said. “Now they can’t keep employees. They are leaving left and right, like everyday. I just got a phone call [Tuesday] with two more leaving. This is a direct conflict with the director. She does not get along with people. She makes it very hard.”
Cacye Davis is the Elmore County Board of Education Child Nutrition Program director. Blackmon said employees had been punished by the director for reporting issues. Some had been demoted and transferred. Blackmon believes Davis is responsible for the issues of the audit, but has been allowed to stay employed and keep her position. It is an issue that Blackmon has brought up privately with board members.
“I was told it was different for the director to do what she did even though we were told on a weekly basis that if we so much took a plate of food out the back door, that we wouldn’t go to jail,” Blackmon said. “We would go to prison — federal prison because it was federal dollars.”
Farm Vintage will be hosting a Spring Barn Market starting at 10 a.m. May 11. Applications are currently available for interested vendors. Email poppylaynefarm@gmail.com for more information. Live music will be featured.
SATURDAY, MAY 18
FRIDAY, MARCH 22
BINGO: Paintball 111 in Wetumpka will host a Ladies Only Bingo Night from 6 to 9 p.m. March 22. Tickets are $20 and each bingo card is $1. Doors open at 6 p.m. and bingo begins at 7. Wine is complimentary for women ages 21 and older.
SATURDAY, MARCH 23
TEA PARTY: Annie Rae of Downtown Eclectic will be hosting a special tea party for girls ages 5 through 12 with delicious snacks and refreshments. Wear your favorite Easter attire and enjoy photos with the Easter bunny. The cost is $35 per person. Call 334-639-0086 for more information.
SUNDAY, MARCH 24
EGG HUNT: First Methodist Church Wetumpka will be hosting a glow-inthe-dark Easter egg hunt from 5 to 8 p.m. March 24. Ages birth through sixth grade will be allowed to participate. Food will be served.
event features music and art vendors. COMMUNITY CLEANUP: The Reuben Thornton Memorial spring cleanup will be held April 6. Breakfast will be served from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Red Hill Community Center followed by the trash cleanup at 8 a.m. and lunch with live music at Lake Martin Mini Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dumpsters will be located at the Red Hill Community Center and Lake Martin Mini Mall.
THURSDAY, APRIL 11
LIVING HISTORY SATURDAY: Ft. Toulouse-Ft. Jackson is hosting demonstrations of how people lived in the area as settlers began to arrive on Saturday, May 18. ART SHOW: The Wetumpka Downtown Artists will host an art show on Company Street in downtown Wetumpka at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 18.
ONGOING SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@aol.com.
MONDAY, MARCH 25
GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce will host its annual golf tournament at 12:30 p.m. March 25 at Wynlakes Country Club. There will be hole-in-one, closest to the pin, longest drive and putting contests. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 29
CROSS WALK: First Methodist Church Wetumpka will be hosting its annual Cross Walk around downtown Wetumpka on March 29. Meet at the flag-pole at 11 a.m. to begin.
TUESDAY, APRIL 2
CHAMBER CHOIR: The McCraneyCottle Arts Council is hosting the Auburn University Chamber Choir at 7 p.m. at the Tallassee High School Performing Arts Center. Adult tickets at $10 and student tickets are $5.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
PICKETT FEST: The Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival is April 6 at Cooters Pond in Prattville. The annual
MIXER & SILENT AUCTION: Paintball 111 in Wetumpka will be hosting a small business mixer and silent auction from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 11. The proceeds will benefit a charitable organization, and the night is an opportunity to network and unlock potential for business growth. Tickets are $10 per person plus one silent auction item per business. Tickets are for adults only and reserved for small businesses in the area.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18
COFFEE & CONNECTIONS: The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce will host its Rise & Shine Coffee & Connections event at ASE Credit Union. It will be held from 7:30 to 9 a.m. April 18 and is an opportunity for local professionals and community leaders to connect. Coffee will be provided.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
WAR ENCAMPMENT: Ft. ToulouseFt. Jackson is holding its annual French and Indian War Encampment with demonstrations Saturday, April 20.
COOSAPALOOZA: Main Street Wetumpka is hosting its annual Coosapalooza Brewfest April 20 in Merchants Alley and Gold Star Park. The event is one of the largest fundraisers for Main Street Wetumpka and features samples of craft beer, music and fun.
SATURDAY, MAY 11
SPRING MARKET: Poppy Layne
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: After more than a year long hiatus, Preschool Storytime has resumed at the Wetumpka Public Library. Storytime will take place every Friday at the library at 10 a.m. year-round.
ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL
MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.
NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.
OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.
RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB
MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
quality of life project aims to grow recreational opportunities in Wetumpka and attract new residents, businesses and tournaments.
to replace the retiring Col. Dale Bain. When Meyers walked into the boardroom, he saw an unexpected crowd.
“My son was up front with me before I was sworn in,” Meyers said.
“He saw all the people and asked why they were all here. I said they were here to protest me. He was all worried.”
Instead, the crowd was Elmore County students and their parents. There were actors, writers, artists and wrestlers all getting recognized by the board.
After Judge Patrick Pinkston swore in Meyers, he joined other board members to congratulate wrestlers who placed in the state championships including from Elmore County’s Tyler Payton and Myles Eyerly; Wetumpka’s Noah Smith, Zach Crosthwait, Christian Preston, Willie Cox and Juliana Eldridge; and Stanhope Elmore’s Kristian Seals.
The Wetumpka Theater Guild was recognized for its accomplishments in the last few months.
Board member Wendell Saxon recognized winners of the Black History Month Essay and Poster Contest. The theme of this year’s contest was African Americans in the Arts.
The elementary school poster contest winners were: first place Bentley C. Macon of Wetumpka Elementary School and second place Haidyn Anderson of Wetumpka Elementary School. There was a tie for third place between Wetumpka Elementary School’s Zoey Medley and Millbrook Middle School’s Jason Strickland.
The middle school essay contest winners were: first place Tervarion Bullock of Wetumpka Middle School, second place Zaiden Mabien of Wetumpka Middle School and third place Wetumpka Middle schooler Chase Washington. Winners in the high school essay contest were first place James Abrams of Wetumpka, second place was a tie
Continued from A1
have necessary documentation showing where the animals came from.
“The facility acquired no less than three dogs under false pretenses,” an inspector’s report said. “...Facility records show that the facility has acquired dogs from non-exempt, unlicensed individuals/entities without obtaining a certification that the animals were born and raised on that person’s/entities premises and that the person/ entity has sold fewer than 25 dogs or cats that year.”
Certification must prove dogs are obtained from legal sources; this also ensures random source dogs are not being used in research.
The USDA demanded Blue Ridge to correct this issue by informing those who provide animals to the kennel the intended use of the dogs is for research.
Chandna has been following Blue Ridge for more than a year as USDA documents are public record.
“They cannot guarantee the dogs weren’t stolen from someone’s backyard,” Chandna said. “There could be citizens in the area who have lost their dogs and don’t know where their
with Stanhope Elmore’s Aysia Jackson and Wetumpka’s Alana Eaves. Third place was Madison Mitchell of Stanhope Elmore.
There were 124 posters submitted, 99 essays in the middle school division and 113 essays in the high school division.
“On the high school essays we had a lot of ties,” Saxon said. “We went to a few decimal places and still couldn’t break them.”
As Dennis was giving the board a status update on happenings in the school system, Meyers and other board members experienced a first — a fire alarm went off. Luckily, there were no more students or parents in the building. Board chair David Jones was content with presiding over the meeting as the alarm blared.
“You are supposed to evacuate,” a central office employee said. “When the fire alarm goes off, jump up and go out.”
It was 55 minutes into the meeting. Everyone evacuated before getting the all clear sign five minutes later.
ON THEIR RETURN THE BOARD RETURNED TO BUSINESS BY:
• Approving a memorandum of understanding for quality of life projects in Eclectic and Holtville.
• Approving a bid for HVAC renovations at Eclectic Elementary School in the amount of $989,500.00.
• Accepting lawn bids in the amount of $28,500 for the Holtville schools and in the amount of $31,000 for Millbrook schools.
• Renewing the contracts of principles at Wetumpka High School, Redland Middle School, Holtville Middle School, Holtville Elementary, Wetumpka Middle School, Redland Elementary School and Eclectic Middle School
• Approving the transfer of a teacher from Eclectic Middle School to ECAP.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Board of Education is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. April 16.
dogs are.”
USDA documents note dogs by the names Party Girl and Blue are in dire need of veterinary care. According to the USDA records, Party Girl had severe dental disease and mammary masses not found on documentation at the facility. Blue had issues moving in her enclosure. She was noticed by inspectors in January 2023 and subsequently taken to a vet twice. But Blue’s records at Blue Ridge made no note of the dog’s hind limb issues, results of an examination or a plan for treatment.
Other citations against the facility include fencing in disrepair that could harm dogs, lack of sanitation of food bowls and chipping paint in kennels.
“These dogs are sitting in some dilapidated kennel, not being fed properly and are not being given veterinary care,” Chandna said.
Earlier this month the USDA has worked out an agreement where Blue Ridge will pay $48,000 of an $80,000 fine over four years and be on probation for another four years while remaining open.
Three more citations were made public by the USDA last week. Facilities were still being questions as inspectors noted a dome structure in the play yard with exposed screws that
PILLAR Continued from A1
Don remembers as a child going everywhere with his father. One trip was to Birmingham just a year after the town was formed in 1975 to visit with the authorities of what is today known as the U.S. Housing and Urban development Department.
“They were trying to build a community center,” Jackson said. “The town of Coosada submitted for a grant to buy playground equipment, build a baseball field, buy bleachers, and outfit the community center. It is still operating and quite popular today.”
But the town of Coosada and its community center are not the only things the elder Jackson is known for. He was born in Elmore County in 1933 and baptized Pine Grove Church. It is a church his family gave property for. It is the same family that can trace its roots to slavery in the area. Jackson went to schools when they were segregated and Jackson’s father raised funds so his son had desks and supplies in the all Black schools of the time.
Young Theodore took notice and developed a work ethic and love for Elmore County.
“My father had five passions in life — faith, family, public education, the Town of Coosada and sports,” Don Jackson said.
After graduating high school Jackson enrolled at Alabama State University.
could injure dogs. Inspectors also noted several of the doggie doors were in need of repair. A paperwork deficiency in record keeping was also reported.
PETA contacted 19th Judicial Circuit District Attorney C.J. Robinson in hopes of seeing Blue Ridge owners or employees prosecuted under Alabama’s cruelty to animals law.
“The USDA’s actions don’t preclude local law enforcement from getting involved,” Chandna said.
Robinson said he has heard from PETA about issues at Blue Ridge.
“The DA’s office is not an investigatory body,” Robinson said. “We work alongside investigations. This has been passed along to investigative agencies including [Alabama Law Enforcement State Bureau of Investigation].”
In Alabama, cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor, meaning a maximum of one year in jail if found guilty. ALEA said it could not comment about the possible investigations.
Blue Ridge uses dogs to test products for the companion pet industry in order to help develop pet foods and flea and tick treatments. Chandna said the testing process can be vicious as vet care is normally withheld during the studies.
“Provisional vet care would
Before he could finish, he was drafted into the Korean War. After he was discharged he completed his degree and started teaching at schools many have forgotten about — Cathamagby, Atkin Hill, Carver-Eclectic and W. B. Doby High School, all of which were segregated.
Jackson also completed his masters degree and a specialist degree in education administration from Alabama State.
He was the last principal at Doby. Theodore’s son has talked to many in the last graduation class and many have the same remarks about the deceased Jackson.
“They all talk about the influence he had in their lives,” Jackson said. “He was dad but when you hear the impact he had on other people, I don’t think he recognized it. It has been humbling.”
After Doby, Jackson served as principal at Millbrook Middle/Junior High School until retirement in 1996.
Don rode with his father to school and learned of sports. The elder Jackson helped create two different Black baseball leagues in Elmore County.
All four of Jackson’s children completed college, most played collegiate sports. The children got no favor in school, nor did any other child.
interfere with the scientific objectives of the testing,” Chandna said. “This is pretty much across the board when looking for toxicity tests and such.”
One such test could be to see how a dog reacts to a tick or flea ointment. Chandna explained the manufacturer wants to see over a period of 40 to 60 days if the dog becomes sick and with what symptoms, such as possible frothing, salivating and or fever.
“They can’t interfere,” Chandna said. “They have to leave the dogs alone so they can see what eventually happens.”
In the case of humans, product testing, even on animals, is heavily monitored and documented through the FDA. Results can be found in scientific journals and information such as who contracted the testing facility can be found.
Finding who contracts Blue Ridge and other testing kennels is nearly impossible. There is little public documentation of the process until major citations are issued by the USDA. Even then, little to nothing is known about the manufacturer unless the information shows up in scientific documentation.
Chandna said the facility has about 100 dogs and PETA wants Blue Ridge to surrender
“That series meant more to those communities than baseball,” Jackson said. “It was an acknowledgement of the importance of people being able to get along and get beyond race, gender and economics. That is what my father tried to do his entire life, especially in public education.”
Jackson was recognized by the Elmore County Board of Education for his dedication and fairness.
Board member Wendell Saxon graciously presented a resolution to the board for approval.
“He showed great vision and embodied the highest standards of leadership and has represented the board in the most distinguished manner,” Saxon said.
Fittingly, Jackson’s funeral was at Stanhope Elmore High School over the weekend. It is a community and area he has served for decades as an educator, coach and leader.
“He was an exceptional man,” Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said. “He made a huge impact in Elmore County.”
But Jackson remembers Theodore Jackson Sr. best by the name dad.
“I’m extremely sad but I’m proud of the things he stood for,” Jackson said. “It gives me a lot of comfort.”
“He was strict,” Jackson said of his father. “There was discipline and he treated everyone the same. I’ve heard it more than 100 times since he died.” Jackson coached a Dixie Majors team in 1974. They met Sonny Smart and Holtville for a three game series with more importance off the field.
the dogs and cease operation.
“We want to see the dogs taken care of,” Chandna said. “We believe this is best done by rescuing the dogs.”
Blue Ridge was founded in 1975 by Janice Plessner as a training and breeding facility. She died in October 2022 and her obituary referenced teaching numerous obedience courses across the River Region at locations such as the Montgomery YMCA, Gunter and Maxwell Air Force Bases and Elmore County’s Emerald Mountain.
Her obituary said Plessner and the facility worked with pet food companies for more than 30 years to help make a better product. She also helped develop toys, bowls, dog beds and more for the companion animal industry.
The USDA agreement lists Plessner’s son John as CEO of Blue Ridge.
The Herald has attempted to contact John Plessner but a phone number listed online for Blue Ridge is disconnected. Messages were left with an attorney representing Blue Ridge noted on the USDA agreement allowing Blue Ridge to stay open. The messages were not returned. The Herald also visited Blue Ridge’s location but could not get onto the property due to a locked gate.
KENNEL
Pinkston replaces Lewis on ballot for judge
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The appointment of Judge Bill Lewis to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals left a vacancy for the 19th Judicial Circuit Place that serves Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties.
Lewis had qualified as a Republican for reelection to circuit court for the November General Election. Now the Alabama State Republican Party has put Elmore County district court judge Patrick Pinkston on the ballot for circuit court.
Like Lewis, Pinkston is unopposed and will take office for a six-year term after the Nov. 8 election. Pinkston has primarily served Elmore County through family and juvenile courts.
“It has been a pleasure to serve alongside my dedicated juvenile probation staff over
the last decade,” Pinkston said. “Helping the children and families of Elmore County as presiding juvenile judge has been both a privilege and an honor.”
According to state law, Place 1 of the 19th Circuit Court is to be filled by an Elmore County resident. The selection process started with the Elmore County Republican Party holding a nomination and interview process to make a suggestion to the state party. Pinkston has served the community for more than 28 years. He has been an Elmore County district court judge for more than 10 years. He has served as a special circuit court judge and was the presiding juvenile judge in Elmore County.
Alabama Republican Party chairman John Wahl believes Pinkston brings a lot of valuable experience and knowledge of
the legal system.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Judge Pinkston has consistently demonstrated a steadfast dedication to upholding the values of the Republican Party and the principles enshrined in our Constitution,” Wahl said in a release. “We are confident of his unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and the rule of law. He will ensure that all individuals receive fair and impartial treatment in circuit court,"
Pinkston will join circuit judges Amanda Baxley, Joy Booth and recently elected Dee Dee Calhoon on the 19th Judicial Circuit serving Elmore Autauga and Chilton counties.
“I look forward to working with the existing circuit judges in Alabama’s 19th Judicial Circuit,” Pinkston said. “I believe we will make a fine team.”
ECTC hosts employer showcase
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Students and employers got a chance to network at the annual Elmore County Technical Center Employer Showcase.
The program gives students a chance to visit with multiple employers in the matter of a couple hours. The program came together in 2019 thanks to one of ECTC’s career coaches Lindsay Jordan realizing multiple companies were contacting the school to speak with seniors.
“We love for them to do that,” Jordan said. “We have an entire day for career day for them to speak to them. But we also have 10th and 11th graders too.”
Information gained by high schoolers is very valuable.
“We don’t want the students to wait to be seniors to decide what they want to do,” Jordan said. “We want to give them a chance to explore that early.”
Last week ECTC hosted 27 local employers in the showcase. Internet and power companies were there as were fire departments, medical care providers, plumbing companies, HVAC training companies, welding companies, hospitality companies, banks and the Alabama Department of Corrections.
“Basically the entire campus becomes a career fair,” Jordan said. “The students visit classrooms with employers. They get to spend about 15 minutes with the employers and are able to ask questions.”
Students were given a chance to visit with some of their favorites in one class period. Most of the students were also required to visit an employer that wasn’t at the top of the list.
“They sign up for three to go to. It is likely they went to two they liked and one they might not have,” ECTC director Emilie Johnson said. “That is OK too as part of the goal is to help identify early things students don’t want to do.”
Jordan said students who find out a career field isn’t for them at the showcase is just as valuable as finding what they want to do. Some students have tried a program at ECTC in the 10th grade and realized it wasn’t for them. The students move on to another program in 11th grade. Hopefully it works out but there have been some students in a third program their senior year.
“We want them to find something they like to do everyday,” Jordan said. “We are trying to help students realize you can go to work here and make a good living.”
Central Access had representatives at the showcase. Jeremy Brown and Lee Gantt spoke with students about their role in installing fiber optic internet. They demonstrated how they splice the fiber. But they did more. They introduced the students to other career fields within Central Access and its parent company Central Alabama Electric Cooperative. Brown and Gantt explained the companies have jobs in engineering, line on the electrical side and customer service representatives that are beyond their roles.
Jordan said the employers and their representatives also do a good job of explaining the basic skills they are looking for in potential employees.
Johnson credits Jordan with the idea of the showcase.
“She does all the work,” Johnson said. “She finds and invites the employers.”
The employers like the showcase as many students have been hired as a result of it. One student visited with Madix but wasn’t old enough to be employed there. The student hung onto the contact of the human resources representative.
“When he turned of age, he called them up,” Jordan said. “They hired him and are essentially training him through an apprenticeship type program.”
The Alabama Republican Party has selected Elmore County District Court Judge Patrick Pinkston to replace Judge Bill Lewis on the November ballot for the 19th Judicial Circuit Place 1. Pinkston takes the place of Lewis who was appointed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.
ABOVE: Central Access’ Jeremy Brown, left, and Lee Gantt speak with students at the Elmore County Technical Center during career day last week. BELOW: Representatives at Thompson Caterpillar speak with Elmore County Technical Center student about the various opportunities at the company. Students inquired about what was needed to work on electric generators and excavation equipment.
BOTTOM: Students at the Elmore County Technical Center listen to a representative from Four Star Freightliner about the opportunities as a diesel technician.
Family Tradition
By MARLEE JACKSON Special to TPI
Jeremy Childers’ gaze followed his daughter, Callie Rae, as she led her Commercial Division champion heifer in the final drive of the Jr. Livestock Expo Beef Show in Montgomery.
That last lap around the ring was the culmination of months of work and decades of tradition for the Morgan County farm family.
“For 46 years, someone in our family has been exhibiting livestock at this show,” said Kip Childers.
He’s Jeremy’s brother and uncle to JLE exhibitors
Caden, 18; Callie Rae, 15; and Colt, 12. He’s an integral part of their support system, too, offering encouragement, advice and hands-on help as the family travels the show circuit.
Showing livestock is a worthwhile, albeit time-consuming, family activity, Jeremy said.
“Most people don’t realize the amount of time and effort it takes. We have to be a team,” said Jeremy while gesturing to Colt, who tag-teams with his siblings to care for their herd.
That team effort was on display during JLE March 9-16. The Alabama
State livestock show legacy spans generations
SUBMITTED | TPI
ing to our son’s room,” said Jeremy’s wife, April. “Caden’s senior photos used those banners on the side of a cattle trailer and featured his reserve grand champion Simmental heifer from last year.”
This year, it’s Callie Rae’s turn to bring home the banners. A soft smile spread across her face — and her family members’ — as she and her Commercial heifer clinched fifth in a tough competition among overall breeding heifers. Her All Other Breeds Continental heifer earned fourth in the Alabama bred-and-owned contest.
Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance coordinate the annual JLE, which includes beef, swine and dairy shows and is held in conjunction with the SLE Rodeo. Across all three shows, teams of family, friends and fitters (experts in grooming animals) filled barns and the arena as exhibitors’ yearlong projects came to a close.
Their anticipation built as judges circled the ring selecting top livestock based off qualities like strength, soundness and structure. Other competitions focused on showmanship, or an exhibitor’s ability to control animals in the arena.
Claps and cheers erupted as winners were chosen. That joy carried over
to the photo area manned by professional photographers Reba Hicks and Morgan Graham Flowers.
Following commemorative shots with judges and a Federation representative, each exhibitors’ support system crowded around for a final photo.
Hicks and Flowers understand the value of camera clicks capturing
memories. They’re former exhibitors whose families still treasure snapshots from JLE, the state championship of livestock showing.
The Childers family does, too. Those photos are special, as are the banners they’ve won over the years.
“Banners, ribbons and trophies line the wall lead-
She and fellow Top 5 winners across contests exhibited in the Parade of Champions March 16 at the SLE Rodeo. That display helps thousands of consumers see agriculture’s strong legacy while showing up for “the greatest show on dirt,” Jeremy said. “The one thing that makes (livestock showing) different in the day in which we live is the kids’ ability to work and stick something out. It’s not easy, and you’ve got animals that aren’t tame yet. Do you give up, give in or give it all you’ve got? We’re teaching our kids to give everything they’ve got.”
County schools make verbal commitment for performing arts
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Children have creative imaginations.
They build quilt forts. They play cowboys and Indians. They play cops and robbers. Children are rarely limited in what they can do in their minds. As children grow older, some imaginations shift to reality. But the Wetumpka Theater Guild does more than imagining as it produces plays in the Wetumpka High School cafeteria.
Sheets create the walls of the theater, covering doors to offices and classrooms. Spotlights are rolled out on the floor. Props are wheeled down the halls. It is all a common occurrence for the guild, but it has limited the quality of performances.
For years, Wetumpka theater director Jeff Glass and students have figured out how to pull off a tremendous show. The talents of all have been recognized across the state, besting schools such as Hoover, Mountain Brook and Opelika.
“These students don’t have a theater, workshop, costume shop or any of the amenities of most of the schools we compete against,” Glass said.
But it didn’t stop the students. The program has been one of the top three programs in the state competing against 400 other high school programs the last two years.
Senior Monica Velma has been honored as the best actor in a leading two years in row.
“It is the equivalent of someone being chosen as Mr. Foot-
Continued from A4
Fuller and his staff believe removing the cellphones from the equation have lowered cyberbullying in the school.
After the visit to Stanhope I examined my habits more, especially the time I spend on devices. It got me thinking
ball two years in a row,” Glass said. With limited facilities, the students, staff and volunteers were able to mesmerize the crowd at the annual district Trumbauer competition with its version of Alice By Heart. It brought home best scenic design, best costume design and best all around technical design. Those awards come as Wetumpka competes against programs with more than one full time theater teacher. Schools with performing arts centers. Schools with more money and resources. Magnet schools that can recruit. Schools with middle school theater programs that feed into them.
“None of that we have,” Glass said. “It is a testament to the rigorous work and the quality of work they do. They do it regularly.”
Even without the resources, other theater programs recog-
how much I misinterpret things based on a message or email with a few letters and maybe an emoji. How much do I overreact on information that is far more inferior than real conversation? It is a lot of the time, especially if I don’t slow down and think. What is the solution? It is simple. I need to put
nize members of the Wetumpka Guild when they walk into district and state competitions and conventions.
“They have fans from other schools across the state that follow them around,” Glass said.
But the history of success goes further than the last two years. It stretches almost two decades.
“They are breaking more than one leg over there at Wetumpka,” Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said.
Several members of the guild joined Glass as the guid was recognized by the Elmore County Board of Education last week.
“What you all do is more than acting, it is a skill,” board chair David Jones said. “You are evoking emotion, you are touching hearts.”
Board member Leisa Finley attends many of the productions of the guild. She also
the devices down and engage in real conversation more often. The real talk puts things into a better perspective than a quick misread text.
Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff. williams@thewetumpkaherald.com.
helps with fundraising.
“What you do is just as important as anything else in this school system,” Finley said. “The coolest thing is to see this burly football club on stage acting.”
Dennis said the students in the guild are learning some of the best life skills out there.
“You are doing what is the greatest fear most people have and that is getting in front of a group of people and speaking in a public setting,” Dennis said. “When you are able to get up in front of an audience and perform, and the confidence it instills and builds inside of you, it is invaluable. It is going to help you go on to do so many more things.”
Dennis was principal at Wetumpka when Glass shifted from being a part time theater director to full time. A new gym was built at the school as Dennis left, but its location was decided on in such a way to leave room for a performing
Continued from A4
Christianity is what our culture criticizes and ridicules – and rightly so, because it is a corrupted version. The Jesus of the Scriptures walked among the poor, and at every stop preached forgiveness and mercy to all. He was the ultimate example of turning the other cheek. While He called out
arts center between the gym and school.
“They are at the top of the list,” Dennis said. Some guild seniors introduced themselves well before the meeting through letters explaining their want for facilities and resources. They challenged the board to provide the program amenities provided to other students such as in athletics. Dennis and board members acknowledged those letters with verbal commitments to help provide the program with its needs.
Board member Wendell Saxon acknowledged receiving the letters.
“I promise I’m going to see it through,” Saxon said. “We are going to get the facilities and stuff you need.”
The message was echoed by board vice chair Michael Morgan.
“We will commit to try and find the resources to do what we need to do as a board,” Morgan said.
Board member Joey Holley empathized with the guild as well.
“This is coming from a dad whose daughter is making a living in the arts,” Holley said.
“This is just as important to them standing on that stage as the athletes under Friday night lights.”
Dennis said similar needs were at Stanhope Elmore High School. There, plans are to convert the old gym into a performing arts space.
“We have these needs around the county for these programs and programs like this,” Dennis said.
sinners, He also showed that everyone is welcome to believe, no matter what they look like or where they live.
On Easter, let the world recognize this love once again as that crucifixion audience did so many years ago: “He really was the Son of God!”
Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Wetumpka High theater director Jeff Glass, left, speaks about the accomplishments of the group’s efforts the last few years. Glass along with the students are advocating for a performing arts facility.
Lauren Clardy of Elmore County exhibited the Junior Fourth Overall at the Jr. Livestock Expo Dairy Show held on March 9 in Montgomery. Her animal was also the Jersey Junior Breed Reserve Champion. She is pictured with Judge Ross Neles, left, and Dairy Show Director Colton Christjohn.
Let my lifesong sing to you
And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. -- John 3:14-17
This is probably the most well-known passage from the Bible. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most misunderstood.
Jesus compares himself to the serpent that was lifted up by Moses.
This gives us a simple explanation why we keep Jesus on the cross. The Cross itself, like a stick for a serpent, is without any special meaning by itself.
It is about who is hanging on it.
Jesus became a sinner for us so
BETHLEHEM
the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.
MELINDA BLAIR Columnist
that we can be redeemed. He took every sin upon Himself, every sin everyone in history ever thought of or committed, while he hung on that cross. It is this point where we enter into the world of some serious misunderstandings between ourselves and many of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Christ told us that He will be lifted up on the cross and honored that way as was the serpent on the desert. And what do we do? We take Jesus down from the Cross, saying that he is risen and he doesn’t need to be there anymore.
Christ told the apostles after
Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blan-
His resurrection to go and forgive people’s sins, and what do we say?
I can talk directly to God, I don’t need to go to the Priest to confess my sins. I can eventually accept an altar call - but not confession. I can’t say my sins out loud to my pastor!
Christ told us that it is necessary that we eat his Body and drink his Blood. And what do we do? We say it’s just a symbol, it’s just a sign, we can worship from our homes or couches, we can focus on good music or fulfilling preaching. Consuming Him is too much or too boring. Church isn’t enough about us, or I don’t feel spiritually nourished, or it’s not entertaining enough.
Christ told us that if you look on another person with lust you have already committed the sin of adultery in your heart. And what do we do? We willfully put adultery everywhere. About 50% of all media that goes on the internet is porn. Who watches it?
Christ told us that if we don’t
Church Briefs
kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the
forgive our neighbor from our heart we won’t be forgiven. And what do we do? We hold grudges for days, months, years or decades.
Christ told us that whoever believes in Him and is baptized will be saved. We say that we need to profess our Lord and Savior and that profession of faith saves us. And it doesn’t matter anymore that as St James says faith without works is dead. Most people prefer to say we are saved by faith alone. No works necessary and that’s definitely not in the Bible.
Christ told us who sees me sees the Father. And we say we cannot display paintings of Jesus.
Christ told us not to judge others because we don’t know the other person’s heart. And what do we do? We constantly judge and condemn, we think we know better and that we have the right to treat people the way we think they deserve.
Christ told us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute
us. And what do we do? We play games, we don’t talk to each other, we avoid each other, we are dry and hurtful to each other. We prefer to live in our own hell then let it go and accept forgiveness and offer forgiveness and be reconciled with God.
What’s a better symbol of sin than a serpent in the desert?
We are so bad that we killed God’s beloved Son.
God’s response to our darkness is the morning of resurrection.
And so we keep Christ on the Cross because that he told us to do it: by looking toward Him, who is crucified on the cross, our faith will be our strength. Moses lifted up the serpent on the stick to be looked up to with Faith. And so do we, as we survey the wondrous cross.
Matt Rudzik is 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.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17
– Proverbs 10:12
Fr.
pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Tallassee and St. Joseph Church in Tuskegee.
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Wetumpka’s Holt one-hits Elmore County
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
A two-out dribbler in the sixth inning is all that kept Mya Holt from pitching her fourth no-hitter of the 2024 season on Thursday night. Holt and Wetumpka went on the road and beat Elmore County, 6-0, the day after beating Class
7A Auburn, 8-4. Against Auburn, Holt allowed an uncharacteristic four earned runs on six hits, so coach Daryl Otwell sent her back out to the circle against Elmore County with a chance to redeem herself.
She did just that as she allowed just one hit, a dribbling single down the third
base line, and struck out 13 Panthers in the complete game shutout. She had a perfect game going through 5 ⅔ innings before the sin
gle. She walked no batters and threw 66 of her 89 pitches for a strike.
“Mya pitched great
allowed just one hit with no walks and struck out 13 Panthers.
GOLSON LEADS WETUMPKA BASEBALL PAST BEN RUSSELL
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There was nobody bigger than Wetumpka senior Noah Golson on Wednesday. Golson, who usually starts shortstop for the Indi Russell, 11-5, in a non-area game. Golson allowed just three earned runs on eight hits and no walks while he struck out four Wildcats. At the plate, he went 2-for-4 and delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the fourth
beat him off the mound. He really stepped up and he got that big hit for us as well.” The game didn’t start the way Golson wanted though. After getting a fly out to start the game, Ben Russell’s Charlie Lumpkin singled to centerfield. Three pitches
Pitchford to lead Holtville girls hoops
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Clint Pitchford believes he’s the perfect man for the job.
Pitchford, who has nearly 10 years of coaching experience and has been an assistant coach on the Holtville staff the last two seasons, was named the new Holtville head girls basketball coach. He will replace
Jason Franklin, who led the team for each of the last six seasons. “I think the transition here will be pretty smooth,” Pitchford said. “I’ve been here two years so there’s familiarity with me and the girls. I’ve also been a head coach a couple of times so I have experience, and I think that helps with transition as well. I know the
McLing makes pro supercross debut
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The moment Michael McLing has worked for his entire life has finally happened.
McLing, who has been racing dirt bikes since he was seven years old, made his professional supercross debut this month.
The Edgewood Academy graduate hit the course at Birmingham’s Protective Stadium on March 9 in the AMA Supercross Championship Tour. McLing’s race was Round 9 of the 17-round tour.
“This was a dream come true for me,” McLing said. “This is what every little kid who plays this sport dreams of. Everybody wants to race professionally.”
Round 9 of the tour was McLing’s first race simply because he didn’t know he was eligible for the event.
Racers have to earn a specific amount of points from events to earn their professional card, and he earned all of his points in one spot but did not know it. That was at the amateur national championship in August held at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Tennessee.
He needed to place in the Top 20 to earn his points, and finished in 18th place overall. That gave him his professional license for this year’s tour, but he didn’t know he had it until his manager called halfway through the season.
He checked, saw he had his points, and Birmingham’s race was up next.
“When I saw that my first race was going to be in Birmingham, which is my home track, it really made me want to race that even more,” McLing said. “It was amazing, it really was.”
In the event, McLing was placed in Group C qualifying races in the 250SX division.
McLing did not qualify for the heats, but he did have a successful event. The requirement for qualifying is to have one of the fastest lap times. Out of 18 racers in his group, McLing had the ninth fastest lap time. He was consistent, and had a better average lap (1:13.0755) than 15 of the 17 other racers, but his fastest lap was just 1:10.6850.
In the second qualifying race, McLing cut down on his fastest lap time but it still wasn’t enough to place him in the heats. He finished with a fastest lap of 1:03.2510, which was 12th of 19 racers.
“It only takes one good lap to get into the heat races,” McLing said. “You have to put down a really good fast lap down, which I didn’t manage to do. But I learned a lot from my first event. The biggest thing for me is that I learned there’s a whole bunch of people from Alabama who support me and came to watch me.”
McLing is going to try and continue racing this tour, but he doesn’t think he will be able to follow the tour across the country every weekend.
Instead, he will continue working his full time job at Uniti Fiber and riding on the weekends when he can. The next race he thinks he will race is Race 14 of 17, which is held at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
This summer, he will race in a few events of the outdoor pro nationals, but he is taking this first year as a professional slow as he continues working full time.
“This is a learning experience for me,” McLing said. “I’ve been doing a lot of working out of town so I haven’t been getting the riding time I need, but next year will really be where
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI Wetumpka’s Mya Holt pitched a complete-game shutout over Elmore County. Holt
SUBMITTED TPI
Michael McLing, an Edgewood
SUBMITTED | TPI Holtville coach Clint Pitchford has been named the new head girls basketball coach at Holtville. Pitchford has been an assistant with the Bulldogs for two seasons.
DALTON MIDDLETON
TOP: Wetumpka’s Caden Wooldridge (10) catches a pick off attempt trying to get Ben Russell’s Charlie Lumpkin.
ABOVE: Wetumpka’s Noah Golson pitched six innings and earned the win over Benjamin Russell.
See HOLT, Page B2
GIRLS, Page B2 See GOLSON, Page B2
against Auburn, but she didn’t feel like it was her best performance,” Otwell said.
“We talked and looked at the Elmore County game like a late-season regional game where she might pitch two days in a row on little rest. We want to make sure she’s in shape to do that. It was great to see her compete at a high level the last two days.”
Wetumpka did all of its damage in the third and fourth innings, scoring three runs in each frame.
Those came on an RBI triple from Holt and a two-run single from Lily Davenport, then on a Ella Watson triple, a Maribeth Parette bases loaded walk and an Alyssa Brown single.
The Indians slugged four triples in the game and nine hits overall, but they couldn’t seem to find the big hit when needed.
They left 13 total base runners on base and left the bases loaded in three consecutive innings at one point.
And while Otwell is not complaining about his team’s .352 batting average or the 24-2 overall record, hitting with runners on base is a point of emphasis for his team.
“We’ve had a good first half of the year and we’re hitting the ball well, but I’ve really been challenging them to take better at-bats in certain situations,” Otwell said. “We’ve had some big strikeouts or given away at-bats in critical moments that could blow games open. We’re a good lineup, but I think we can be better offensively than we are right now.”
Wetumpka is primed for another state championship run, and the Indians are playing exactly that way as they have won 15 games in a row en route to their 24-2 record. Both losses came in the same weekend, and both to Class 7A teams.
In the Hoover loss, Wetumpka was close to winning but came up short in some critical at-bats late. Since then, the Indians have shut out seven opponents and outscored teams 129-23.
The Indians were ranked No. 1 in the Class 6A by the ASWA this week, but Otwell doesn’t care about the win streak or the rankings. He just wants his team to be playing well when the wins start to matter.
“The biggest challenge for us is staying focused throughout the whole season,” Otwell said. “I think this team is composed and they don’t panic. We don’t talk about the wins. We talk about the day-today. The wins are great, but our only goal is to keep getting better. We want to play our best softball late in the season.”
Fawcett nearly perfect in leadoff spot
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Wetumpka baseball team is starting to find its stride, and a big reason for that is sophomore catcher Logan Fawcett.
Fawcett, who started last season as a freshman, returned to the Indians’ lineup this season as one of the biggest power hitters on the team. And while that is still true, the left-handed slugger is getting on base at an elite level.
After getting moved to the leadoff spot, Fawcett helped Wetumpka to a 4-0 record last week against Benjamin Russell, Carver twice and Chilton County. In the process, he went 7-for-9 at the plate with two doubles, five singles, six RBIs, eight runs scored and four walks.
For his efforts, he is the Elmore County Player of the
GIRLS Continued from B1
girls are excited.”
Week. “We put him in the leadoff spot for a reason,” Wetumpka coach Michael Dismukes said. “He’s definitely producing and he’s not just hitting singles. He’s showing power and coming around to score. He jumpstarts our offense.”
Fawcett isn’t just bullying bad pitching either. In the two games against Carver, Fawcett only went 1-for-2 with two
Pitchford started his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Chilton County boys team, then after a few seasons was promoted to the Chilton County girls head coach.
After quitting coaching for a short period of time, he was hired to lead the Verbena boys team. He then left Verbena for Holtville, and now he’s going to be a head coach for the third time in his career.
His stints at Chilton County and Holtville are quite similar.
Much like Holtville, Chilton County’s girls team did not have a lot of history of success within the program. Chilton County had never won an area championship before he took over the program, but he led the Tigers to the area title and a playoff berth in his first season.
Holtville has also never won an area title, and the Bulldogs only have one playoff appearance (2023) in program history.
MCLING Continued from B1
I hit it hard and set some high goals for myself.”
McLing’s dreams are still there, but he’s realistic and knows he has to maintain his
GOLSON
Continued from B1
Tied at 4-4, Golson stepped up in the biggest at-bat of the game.
Logan Fawcett and Fuller singled, then Caden Wooldridge walked to load the bases with one out. After taking a ball in
the dirt on the first pitch, Golson doubled to center field and drove in two runs, 6-4. Trent Parshall then hit a sacrifice fly, and Golson came around to score from second on a throwing error.
“I was really just trying to pick up my teammates,” Golson said. “The bases were loaded and it felt really good to get that one
walks and two runs. He was pulled after two at-bats in each game.
In games against Ben Russell and Chilton County was where he did the majority of his damage. He went 3-for-4 against Ben Russell and UAH signee Jaxon Hay on Wednesday then capped the week off with a 3-for-3 day with two doubles against Chilton County.
On the season, he’s hitting .498 and has 33 hits.
“He’s doing all of this against everybody, not just bad pitching,” Dismukes said.
“He hasn’t had an 0-for game against anybody this season. What he’s doing is hard to do against anybody. It’s even hard to do if you throw it up in the air in slow pitch softball and hit the ball.”
Fawcett’s offensive outburst last week came at a good time. The Indians were in a bit
“Coach Franklin has done a good job moving this program from rock bottom to finding recent success,” Pitchford said.
“We’re hoping to build on that. We’ve only been to the playoffs once, so we’re going to want to compete for an area championship and get back to the playoffs and take it from there.”
Holtville went 1-3 in area play this season, and missed the playoffs by just one game. The Bulldogs lost to rival Elmore County, 53-36, in the area tournament to end their season.
A positive, however, is that Holtville only graduated one senior and returns nearly all of its production from a year ago.
That includes leading scorer and rising senior Ana Brown, along with rising senior Ragen Roberts. Those two bring the senior leadership, while some young girls will play big roles as well.
Gracie Ratliff and Hailey Phelps, who will be in the 10th and 9th grades next year, played big roles this season.
“Our eighth and ninth grade classes were about 50% of our varsity playing time this year, so we will have a really good mix of
full time job and is not pursuing racing full time. At least not yet. Instead, McLing is working on keeping himself in physical shape and racing when he’s not out of town for work. When he is out of town, he uses hotel gyms to try and
down and pick up my team.”
The four-run lead was more than enough for Golson as he allowed just two singles in his last two innings of work.
Garrett Myers came into the game in the seventh and pitched a 1-2-3 inning to secure the win.
As Golson held Ben Russell’s offense in check, the Indians
of a rut, not playing their best ball, but Fawcett and company are starting to roll now. Wetumpka went a perfect 4-0 on the week and is now 2-0 in Class 6A, Area 3. Not only did they go undefeated, but they scored double digit runs in all four matchups. The lowest offensive outburst was 10 runs against Chilton County, but the Indians totaled 58 runs in the four games.
Fawcett scored eight of those himself, and that was while being taken out and missing up to three at-bats against Carver each game.
“He jumpstarts our offense,” Dismukes said. “If you can score like that early and get someone on base like that, it gives our team some energy and confidence. He’s a catalyst for us and he’s helping our team play some winning baseball on the offensive side.”
veterans and youth,” Pitchford said. “Our future freshman and sophomore class have the potential to have the most athletic class we have had come through in a while. The future is promising.”
Much of Holtville’s success the last few seasons have come on the defensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs have recorded 12 and 13 steals per game the last two seasons, to go along with over three blocks per game each year.
Despite only going 10-11 this year, Holtville allowed just 36.2 points per game.
So Pitchford is going to keep much of his defense the same and try to strengthen the offense that scored over 40 points only eight times this year.
“We’re going to take what we’re already good at and keep those things,” Pitchford said. “We want to keep our strong defense, and I’m a defensive minded coach. I believe in ball pressure and I believe a good offense is created by a good defense. On offense, we will try to tweak some things and vamp it up to move at a faster pace. We want to become a transition team.”
maintain a regular workout schedule.
Then when he’s back in town, he’s riding before work, after work and on the weekends. He is riding at Monster Mountain at Tallassee trying to improve his game.
“I’ve only been riding
were slapping the ball all over the field.
Wetumpka had 12 hits in the games from seven different players. Fawcett and Fuller, the top two hitters in the lineup, had three hits each and reached base seven total times.
Batters six through nine in the lineup also recorded three hits
Supercross since around February while everyone else has been doing this for 10+ years,” McLing said. “I’m a little behind on my schedule there, but I’m just trying to ride and keep myself in shape physically while maintaining my full time job.”
and three walks and scored multiple runs for the Indians.
“We had some really great at bats up and down the lineup,” Dismukes said. “The top of the order did their job and we had some big hits and walks from our bottom of the lineup. It was a competitive day for our lineup.”
Wetumpka’s Logan Fawcett was nearly perfect at the plate last week as he reached base on 11 of his 13 plate appearances. He had 7 hits and scored 8 runs.
Elmore County boys soccer back on track
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Panthers are getting back on the right track.
After dropping the first two Class 5A, Area 3 soccer matches of the year, coach Josh Pack knew his team needed to get back in the win column or the Panthers would be missing the playoffs just a year after making the Final Four.
Two weeks later, Elmore County is now sitting at 2-2 in area play and has won three of its last four games.
On Thursday night, the Panthers beat area opponent Beauregard, 6-1, to reach the midway point of the area schedule.
“I think they’ve stepped up to the challenge,” Pack said. “We came out a little flat against Tallassee and Brewbaker Tech and we just had to get re-focused. Having some non-area games has really helped us start to gel better.”
Elmore County has won each of its last two area games over Valley and Beauregard by a combined score of 16-1. Now in third place in the five-team area, the Panthers have to likely win out to make the playoffs.
The Panthers won the area championship last season with two losses, but both losses came to one team. This year, they have to beat at least one of the teams that already beat them to have a chance to be one of the two
teams to make the playoffs.
Elmore County lost to Tallassee at home, 3-2, after leading by two goals with 15 minutes left. Three days later, they lost on the road to Brewbaker Tech, 2-1. Both games were winnable for the Panthers, and Pack knows his team will play with the urgency needed when the rematches come in April.
“I think we’re as focused as we’ve been all year,” Pack said. “We’re going into Spring Break playing well and we’re going to come back and try to make a run to get us back to Huntsville.”
In Thursday’s match,
Elmore County jumped out to an early lead behind two goals from Dragos Patrov in the first 10 minutes of the match.
Beauregard then earned a goal, but Tate McNeely got the goal back before the half. That 3-1 lead held until 20 minutes left in the match when the Panthers doubled their score.
Asher Justice, Tom Overdiek and Emmanuel Vado all added goals late and the Panthers walked away with the blowout win.
“We really played better in the second half,” Pack said.
“We started passing better and possessing it. We used our speed to our advantage and really started to pull away like we should have early.”
ELMORE COUNTY GIRLS
REMAIN UNBEATEN IN AREA PLAY
Beauregard struck early, but it wasn’t enough as the Panthers reached the midway point of area play with an undefeated record.
Elmore County beat Beauregard, 5-1, after giving up the first goal of the game. The Hornets scored 26 minutes into the game and led, 1-0, trying to knock off the
first place Panthers. That lead was short lived, however, as seventh grader Cadi Crews scored back-toback goals in a two minute span to give Elmore County a 2-1 halftime lead. She was assisted by Carlee Sides and Caden Jordan. Out of the half, Elmore County kept that momentum and extended its lead with two goals by senior Emily Spears and a final goal by sophomore Kristina Elmore. The Panthers are now 4-0 in area play, having beat each team once. They have outscored area opponents 18-4 in the process.
Pickleball craze still picking up speed
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The sport of pickleball isn’t just a funny name. It’s the fastest growing sport in the country.
According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has grown 85.7% in the last year and has seen an influx of 158.6% of new players in the last year alone.
That is seen throughout the entire United States, and certainly in Elmore County.
As pickleball has grown, it has been picked up by local athletes and parks and recreation departments.
Opelika was one of the first towns in Alabama to pick up the sport, but it has gained popularity as close as Wetumpka, Millbrook and Tallassee.
The Wetumpka Sports Complex opened a tennis and pickleball court in 2022, and it features eight courts and retractive nets for whichever
Wednesday, March 27
High School Baseball
4 Wetumpka at Pike Road, 12:30 p.m.
4 Wetumpka at Montgomery Catholic, 4 p.m.
4 Jonathan Alder (Oh.) at Elmore County, 2 p.m.
4 Stanhope Elmore vs. Chelsea (at Hoover Met), 4:30 p.m.
4 Stanhope Elmore vs. Vestavia Hills (at Hoover Met), 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 28
High School Baseball
4 Stanhope Elmore vs. Lincoln City (at Hoover Met), 4:30 p.m.
sport someone wants to play.
In Millbrook, 17 Springs recently opened 12 pickleball courts to go along with 12 tennis courts and four soccer fields among other amenities.
Tallassee doesn’t have a pickleball court, but Tallassee parks director Jamelle Jelks and the Parks and Recreations department open the court inside the rec center multiple times a week for people to play.
“The sport has grown tremendously, especially in our area,” Jelks said. “Opelika was the forerunner of the sport around here. They got the tail of it and it has just spread right over to us, and Wetumpka and Millbrook.
As the sport has grown, it has been included in projects such as the Wetumpka Sports Complex or 17 Springs alongside other sports.
In Wetumpka for instance, the courts were built alongside the foot-
Slapout Wood Bat Classic
4 Dothan vs. Wetumpka, 1 p.m.
4 Reeltown vs. Holtville, 3:30 p.m.
4 Elmore County vs. Opelika, 6 p.m. High School Softball
4 Benjamin Russell at Tallassee, 5 p.m.
Friday, March 29
High School Baseball
4 Stanhope Elmore vs. Bob Jones (at Hoover Met), 11:30 a.m.
4 Edgewood Academy vs. Lakeside (DH at Southern
ball stadium used by the high school, and softball and baseball fields.
After the courts were built, Wetumpka parks and recreation director Tiffany Chandler told the Herald in an interview that more amenities would be added to the pickleball courts.
That included seating and lights to allow players to participate after dark.
The switches to the lights are powered starting 30 minutes prior to dusk and turned off at 10 p.m. There are two push buttons tennis court users can use to turn the lights on for up to two hours during that time frame. The lights will always turn off automatically at 10 p.m. regardless of when the button was pushed.
“We have had so much interest, it was important to get those opened as quickly as possible,” Chandler told the Herald.
While Tallassee doesn’t have courts like Wetumpka and Mill-
Union), 1:30 p.m.
Slapout Wood Bat Classic
4 Wetumpka vs. Reeltown, 1 p.m.
4 Elmore County vs. Dothan, 3:30 p.m.
4 Opelika vs. Holtville, 6 p.m. High School Softball
4 Wetumpka, Holtville at Northside Tournament, TBA
4 Tallassee at Pell City Tournament, TBA High School Soccer
4 (G) Tallassee at Horseshoe Bend, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 30
High School Baseball
4 Demopolis at Wetumpka, 12 p.m.
brook, the town has likely seen the most participation of anywhere local outside of Opelika.
That has a lot to do with Jelks and his advocacy of the sport.
In June of 2023, Jelks began hosting regular pickleball days at the rec center. The number of participants started around eight on any given day, but it had nearly quadrupled by the time fall rolled around.
He was hosting up to 30 players on any given open session on Sundays at the recreation center, and it usually sat around 20.
The numbers dipped around the holidays, but Jelks is expecting it to get back to where it was as the new year comes around.
Because of his success in the open sessions every week, Jelks created a Tallassee pickleball league that ran in the fall. It was a six-week league that started with 14 teams – eight men’s, four mixed and two women’s
4 Clarke County at Wetumpka, 4:30 p.m.
4 Stanhope Elmore vs. Leeds (at Hoover Met), 9 a.m.
4 Stanhope Elmore vs. Auburn (at Hoover Met), 11:30 a.m.
4 Holtville Wood Bat Classic Tournament, 9 a.m. High School Softball
4 Wetumpka, Holtville at Northside Tournament, TBA
4 Tallassee at Pell City Tournament, TBA
Monday, April 1
High School Baseball
4 PCA at Stanhope Elmore, 7 p.m.
teams – but reached over 20 teams at its peak this fall.
“The league really grew leaps and bounds,” Jelks said. “It started off really slim but it took a turn for the best. We had over 20 teams that consisted of every category we had. We had both singles and doubles teams. It was a really good turn out.”
One of the factors that have led to the rise around the county is the fact that pickleball is made for everyone.
The game features limited movement and no running around, so anybody can pick up the sport and play without causing too much stress on their bodies. In a study by the SFIA, 52% of people who played pickleball more than eight times a year were ages 55 or older. Seventeen percent more were from ages 35-44.
A pickleball court is half the size of a normal tennis court, and the sport is relatively cheap
High School Softball
4 Marbury at Elmore County, 6 p.m.
4 Macon East Academy at Edgewood Academy, 6 p.m.
High School Soccer
4 Stanhope Elmore at St. James, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 2
High School Baseball
4 Sidney Lanier at Wetumpka, 4:30 p.m.
4 Tallassee at Brewbaker Tech, 5 p.m.
4 Holtville at Jemison, 6 p.m.
4 Elmore County at Thorsby, 6:30 p.m.
4 Stanhope Elmore at Carver, 4:30 p.m.
to get into. Because courts are already in place, it doesn’t normally cost to reserve places. And pickleball sets can cost as cheap as $20$30 at any local sporting goods store or on the internet.
“It’s not only a young person's sport, it’s a sport for all ages and classes,” Jelks said. “We have some people who play with us that are 70-years old. It’s a sport that hits every number and it’s just a fun sport. It’s something that everybody can do.”
As the sport continues growing, Jelks is hoping to continue building momentum in the local area. After the success he saw just in Tallassee, he is hoping to start and participate in a league with the surrounding areas. He is in talks to allow his Tallassee teams to begin league play against league teams from Opelika, and he wants to reach out to Millbrook and Wetumpka once that gets settled.
4 Edgewood Academy at Coosa Valley (DH), 4 p.m.
High School Softball
4 Wetumpka at Ben Russell, 6 p.m.
4 Tallassee at Elmore County, 5 p.m.
4 Holtville at Marbury, 6:30 p.m.
4 Chilton County at Stanhope Elmore, 6:30 p.m.
4 Edgewood Academy at Coosa Valley (DH), 4 p.m.
High School Soccer
4 Tallassee at Opelika, 6 p.m.
4 (B) Stanhope Elmore at Chilton County, 7 p.m.
4 Sylacauga at Elmore County, 5:30 p.m.
Wetumpka at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m.
LEFT: Elmore County freshman Emmanuel Varo (34) scored one goal in the 6-1 win over Beauregard on Thursday. Varo and the Panthers have won back-to-back area games.
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
RIGHT: Elmore County sophomore Carlee Sides kicks the ball away from a Beauregard forward. Sides, a defender, had one assist in the win.
PUZZLES & HOROSCOPE
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Don’t dismiss moneymaking ideas that might cross your mind today; they could be worthwhile. In fact, this is an excellent time to initiate something; however, this window will be brief. You will also be strong in all your nancial negotiations. Tonight: Maintain your possessions.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today the Moon is in your sign dancing with ery Mars, which makes you courageous and condent! This is why you will be a natural leader today, especially with groups of people. They will listen to what you say, because you will radiate an inner excitement about your ideas. Tonight: You win!
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Although this is a playful week for you, today you might enjoy some seclusion or privacy. You feel the urge to “get away from all this.” Therefore, look for ways to indulge your need to have some quiet time. Find a nice place with good food and drink. Tonight: Solitude.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
AQUARIUS
Tonight: Discussions.
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Instruction
LEVEL One ELDT LLC—SYLACAUGA, AL 35150
Class A
AlaScans
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-877-323-5516 today to schedule a free quote. power move.
Safe Step. North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-871-6175
Wesley Financial Group, LLCTimeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 866-605-5915
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 866-816-1208
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we're waiving all installation costs! to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/31/23 Call 1-877-205-0836 Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material - steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833-955-3163 AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT THE BLIND! Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.
AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943 WANTED 10 HOMES in your county needing Metal Roofs, Siding or Windows. March ONLY METAL ROOF $4,395 COMPLETELY INSTALLED. Payments $89/mo* SAVE $$$ Call 800-664-4856 *for details
Public Notices
FEET TO A 1/2” CAPPED REBAR; THENCE LEAVING SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SAID ROAD, NORTH 89 DEG. 27 MIN. 04 SEC. EAST, 388.77 FEET TO A 1/2” CAPPED REBAR; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEG. 53 MIN. 58 SEC. EAST, 50.05 FEET TO A 1/2” CAPPED REBAR; THENCE SOUTH 01 DEG. 54 MIN. 01 SEC. EAST, 100.00 FEET TO A 1/2” REBAR CAPPED MARTIN CA-563-LS; THENCE SOUTH 86 DEG. 28 MIN. 06 SEC. WEST, 485.85 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 1.62 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND LYING IN THE SE 1/4 OF SECTION 4, T19N, R18E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY OF NEIL MARTIN, ALA. LICENSE NO. 31574, DATED SEPTEMBER 9, 2019. Said property is commonly known as 1255 Thornton Road, Titus, AL 36080. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale.
Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 22-03174AL
Public Notices
g pp ty is more commonly known as 105 GILMER AVENUE, TALLASSEE, AL 36078 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 property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions those contained in the records Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto and subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable). This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust, Mortgagee/Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: COMMENCE AT AN IRON PIN (1” CRIMP-TOP PIPE) AT THE NORTHEAST
Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to growth in your home. Our trusted professionals dry out the wet area and do repairs to protect your family and your home's value! If you have water in your home that needs to be dried Call 24/7: 1-877-727-2344 Have zip code of service location ready when you call!
EDUCATION
ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).
HEALTH/BEAUTY ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.
ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828. FOR SALE DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108 NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916. UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from
VEHICLE TITLE Problems? We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.
Public Notices
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Christopher Ralph Sanders And Keisha Sanders Husband And Wife to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, its successors and assigns dated September 18, 2019; said mortgage being recorded on September 19, 2019, in Book 2019, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 28th day of February, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: COMMENCE AT THE SW CORNER OF THE SE 1/4 OF SECTION 4, T19N, R18E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE NORTH 88 DEG. 06 MIN. 32 SEC. EAST, 1506.72 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE NORTH 27 DEG. 07 MIN. 43 SEC. EAST, 200.00 FEET TO A 1/2” CAPPED REBAR ON THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF THORNTON ROAD (80’ R.O.W.) AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SAID ROAD, NORTH 27 DEG. 10 MIN. 35 SEC. EAST, 152.79 FEET TO A CONCRETE MONUMENT; THENCE ALONG SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SAID ROAD, NORTH 28 DEG. 01 MIN. 09 SEC. EAST, 45.60
www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herald 02/07/2024,02/14/2024,02/21/2 024,03/27/2024 AMENDMENT TO NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
The sale date under the above mentioned Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale has been postponed until April 11, 2024, and public notice thereof having been given, the above notice is hereby republished with this amendment.
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, 2024 22-03174AL PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from WEAVER INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LLC to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE, FOR LIMA ONE CAPITAL, LLC, on the 14th day of September, 2021, said mortgage recorded Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on September 22, 2021, in Deed/Mortgage Book 2021, Page 80408, Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust, by instrument recorded notice is hereby given that the undersigned Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022RTL1 Trust, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on April 10, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT NO. 551, BLOCK 50, ON PLAT NO. 2, ACCORDING TO MAP AND PLAT PREPARED BY WILLIAM R. SIZEMORE, SURVEYOR, OF PROPERTY KNOWN AS TALLASSEE MILLS, WEST TALLASSEE SUBDIVISION, DATED MARCH 31, 1951, AND RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OFMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN PLAT BOOK 3, PAGE 126. Said legal description being controlling, however the proper-
Rubin Lublin, LLC, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 3145 Avalon Ridge Place, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 Telephone Number: (877) 8130992 Case No. LMA-23-048233 Ad Run Dates: 03/13/2024, 03/20/2024, 03/27/2024 rlselaw.com/property-listing Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 228019 PUBLIC NOTICE SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION, CARE AND PROTECTION, TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, DOCKET NUMBER 17CP0105PY, Trial Court of Massachusetts, Juvenile Court Department, COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, Barnstable County Juvenile Court, 52 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360. (508) 747-8470. TO: Vinod Kumar: A petition has been presented to this court by DCF Plymouth, seeking, as to the following child: Bryson J. Perry that said child be found in need of care and protection and committed to the Department of Children and Families. The court may dispense the rights of the person(s) named herein to receive notice of or to consent to any legal proceeding affecting the adoption, custody, or guardianship or any other disposition of the child named is in need of care and protection and that the best interests of the child would be served by said disposition. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in this court, at the court address set forth above, on the following date and time: 05/07/2024 at 09:00 AM Hearing on Merits (CR/CV) You may bring an attorney with you. If you have a right to an attorney and if the court determines that you are indigent, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. If you fail to appear, the court may proceed on that date and any date thereafter to a trial on the merits and adjudication of this matter. For further information call the (508) 747-8470. WITNESS: Hon. Mary O’Sullivan Smith, FIRST JUSTICE, DATE ISSUED: 03/12/2024, Robert Palumbo, Clerk Magistrate.
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 17CP0105PY PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from 3
REBAR) ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY OF JACKSON TRACE ROAD (FORMERLY U.S. HIGHWAY 231), 60 FOOT RIGHT OFERLY, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, CHORD BEING NORTH
BRANCH, 210.00 FEET THENCE LEAVING SAID BRANCH, NORTH 09 DEG. 02 MIN. 28 SEC. WEST, 210.00 FEET TO AN IRON PIN (2 INCH DEG. 49 MIN. 41 SEC. EAST, 210.30 FEET TO AN IRON PIN (1 INCH OPEN-TOP PIPE) ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY THENCE SOUTH 08 DEG. 57 MIN. 26 SEC. EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, 210.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY LIES IN THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 8, T18N, R19E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AND CONTAINS 0.99 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY OF RONALD BURKE, ALA. REG. #16670 DATED FEBRUARY 20, 2001. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 1003 JACKSON TRACE ROAD, WETUMPKA, AL 36092 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 property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions those contained in the records
Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto and subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable). This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
ppg the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust, Mortgagee/Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Rubin Lublin, LLC, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 3145 Avalon Ridge Place, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 Telephone Number: (877) 8130992 Case No. LMA-23-048135 Ad Run Dates: 03/20/2024, 03/27/2024, 04/03/2024 rlselaw.com/property-listing
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 228034
Do you have available jobs?
Call 256.277.4219 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Steven C Zeiser An Unmarried Man to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Rocket Mortgage, LLC, FKA Quicken Loans, LLC, its successors and assigns dated December 13, 2021; said mortgage being recorded on December 17, 2021, in Book 2021, Page 103673 inbate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Bookmore County, ALABAMA.
The undersigned, Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 23rd day of May, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: BEGIN AT THE NE CORNER OF THE NW QUARTER OF THE NE QUARTER OF SECTION 14, T18N, R17E, THENCE SOUTH 86’ 30’ WEST 696 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE TRACT OF LAND HEREIN DESCRIBED; THENCE SOUTH 3’ 30’ EAST 533 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 86’ 30’ WEST 150 FEET; THENCE NORTH 3’ 30’ WEST 533 FEET; THENCE NORTH 86’ 30’ EAST 150 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 1.8 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND LYING AND BEING SITUATED IN THE WEST HALF OF THE NE QUARTER OF SECTION 14, T18N, R17E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. Said property is commonly known as 1890 Mercer Rd, Elmore, AL 36025. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage.
ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC
F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 24-05798AL www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 24-05798AL
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Angela Freeman Smith A Married Woman to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Quicken Loans, LLC., its successors and assigns dated April 2, 2021; said mortgage being recorded on April 16, 2021, in Book 2021, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2022, Page 1110 inbate of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 9th day of May, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 3 Block C, according to the Replat of Lots 2,3, and 4 Block C, Crossgates Plat 3, as said replat appears of record in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 9 at Page 64. Said property is commonly known as 104 Scenic Dr, Elmore, AL 36025. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 22-03233AL www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 22-03233AL
Do you have available jobs?
Call 256.277.4219 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.
PUBLIC NOTICE
POSTPONEMENT OF NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Daniel L. Dean and Mary Hogan Dean, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Mortgagee, as nominee for Statewide Mortgage, LLC its successors and assigns, on March 2, 2018, said mortgage the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on March 5, 2018 at Book RLPY 2018, at Page 9507.Freedom Mortgage Corporation, the current holder, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Elmore County Courthouse, in Wetumpka, Alabama, on March 27, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 26, Block C, according to the Map of Brownstone Plat No. 1, as the same is recorded of of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 14 at Page 62. This Property will be sold on as “as is, where is” basis, without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use and/or enjoyment and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto.
Public Notices
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 part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expense of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tenof Halliday, Watkins & Mann, in the form of a wire transfer, bank or credit union’s cashier’s payable to Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C.. Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. If sale is voided, Mortgagee/Transferee shall return the bid amount to the successful purchaser and the Mortgagee/Transferee shall not be liable to the purchase for any damages. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the purchaser at the sale shall be only entitled to a return of the deposit and bid amount, if paid. The Mortgagee/ Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit is purchase price against the expenses of sale and indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. THIS FORECLOSURE SALE HAS BEEN CONTINUED TO May 8, 2024 AT THE TIME AND PLACE SET FORTH ABOVE. Freedom Mortgage Corporation (“Transferee”) Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. 244 Inverness Center Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 Phone: (801) 355-2886
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, 2024 AL21566
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FLORA JEAN HICKS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-060 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of FLORA JEAN HICKS, deceased, having been granted to JAMES M. HICKS, III on March 6, 2024 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.
JAMES M. HICKS, HI PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF FLORA JEAN HICKS, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: MONICA G. MANN COURTNEY & MANN, L.L.P. PO BOX 100 1881 HOLTVILLE ROAD WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-2545
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 2024-060 PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS RE-ROOFING WETUMPKA HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION WETUMPKA, AL
MCKEE PROJECT NO: 24-126
Sealed proposals shall be received for this project by Mr. Richard Dennis, Superintendent, Elmore County Public Schools Maintenance Building Conference Room, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama, until 2:00 PM Central Time, Tuesday, April 16, 2024 then opened and read aloud.
A Pre-Bid Walkthrough shall occur at 10:00 AM Central Time on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 the school.
The project shall be bid excluding taxes. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of ninety (90) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.
payable to Elmore County School District in an amount 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.
All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect. All bidders shall show such evidence by clearly displaying current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. PDFs of the project can be reviewed by going to the McKee
Public Notices
ygg website @ www.mckeeassoc. com and selecting “Project Bid List”. Also, if you are not receiving NOTIFICATIONS from us, please register on our website, “Project Bid List” by selecting documents may be viewed on-line and printed by General Contractors, SubContractors and Suppliers. Documents published through this procedure are the only documents endorsed by the Architect. The Architect is and maintain other websites that provide documents. Addendums will be provided to entities that have CONFIRMED bidding for this particular project. The Architect retains ownership and copyrights of the documents. If bidders require printed sets, please submit request to the Architect at mckeeplans@gmail.com. name, company name, address, phone number and the project name and number. Print sets are to be returned in reusable condition within ten days after bid opening.
All RFIs and RFAs regarding the bid documents shall be sent and addressed through emails found on the RFI and RFA forms in the project manual.
NOTE: ONLY THE RFI AND RFA FORMS IN THE PROJECT MANUAL WILL BE ACCEPTED. The Architect will not accept inquiries via telephone or fax.
Completion Time: See scope of work in Project Manual.
Supervision: Contractor to ensure proper supervision of all work.
Owner: Mr. Richard Dennis, Superintendent, Elmore County Public Schools, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama Architect: McKee and Associates Architects, Inc., 631 South Hull Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, Phone: (334) 8349933
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024
BIDS/24-126
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Council of the City of Wetumpka for approval of a 070-Retail Wine (Off Premises Only) and 050-Beer (Off Premises Only).
Name of Applicant: Publix Alabama LLC 2010 Trade Name: Publix Alabama LLC Address: 5039 US Highway 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092 Public Hearing on said application has been scheduled for April 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM, before the Wetumpka City Council at the City of Wetumpka Council Chambers at 212 S. Main Street, 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 City Clerk’s call (334) 567-1306 at least two business days in advance of the meeting. The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 APPLICATION
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice to Contractors
Debris, Removal, Reduction, and Disposal Following a Declared Disaster Alabama Department of Transportation Southeast Region –Montgomery Area Autauga, Bullock, Butler, Dallas, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Russell Counties
Sealed bids will be received by the Alabama Department of Transportation until 10:00 am on Friday, April 12, 2024, and at that time publicly opened for a retainer contract for debris removal, reduction, and disposal following a declared disaster, in the Southeast Region, Montgomery Area. The bid opening will take place at the Alabama Department of Transportation, Southeast Region, Montgomery
holding a current Alabama State license are invited to bid. This contract is for the purpose of re-tractor whose services would be employed in the event of a hurricane or other declared disaster.
be inspected and/or obtained at the following locations: Alabama Department of Transportation Southeast Region – Montgomery Area
Montgomery, AL 36110
Phone: (334) 241-8560
Digital copies can be found under the “Special Notice to https:// alletting.dot.state.al.us/
Sealed bids may be mailed or delivered directly to the Owner prior to the bid opening. Such sealed bids must be clearly and legibly marked “Debris Removal, Reduction, and Disposal Following a Declared Disaster – Montgomery Area”
Public Notices
gy on the outside of the envelope.
responsible, and highest ranked bid will be accepted with key consideration based upon theer, the Alabama Department of Transportation reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularity in the bids received, and to accept or reject any items of the bid for
No conditional bids will be accepted.
No bid may be withdrawn for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled closing date and time for the receipt of bids.
Transportation Director
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 BIDS/DEBRIS REMOVAL
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ITB NO. 2024-01
Elmore County Emergency Communications District 8917 U.S. Hwy 231 Wetumpka, AL 36092
Elmore County Emergency Communications District is issuing an Invitation to Bid (ITB) to for two (2) Radio Towers and Related Equipment in Elmore County, AL. A mandatory prebid conference will be held on March 27th, 2024 at 10:00 AM Local Time (CDT) at the Elmore County EOC located at the address above.
Sealed proposals will be received on April 10th, 2024 until 2:00 PM Central Time at the above address, at which time there will be a public bid opening. Award will be made only to competent and responsible bidders as mandated by Title 39 of the Code of Alabama who have thetions as set forth in the bid docrequired. Proposal documents may be requested at the above address during regular business hours or by emailing your request to lee.moore@911consult.com.
Elmore County Emergency Communications District reserves the right to reject any/ or all proposals, waive any informality in the proposals received, and to accept any proposal which, in its opinion may be in the best interest of Elmore County Emergency Communications District. Chris Dozier, 911 Director – Elmore County Emergency Communications District Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 106 as amended by Amendment 341 to the Constitution of Alabama 1901 that a bill substantially as follows will be introduced in the Session of the Legislature of Alabama and application for its passage and enactment will be made: A Bill To Be Entitled An Act Relating to Elmore County: to alter, rearrange, and extend the boundary lines and corporate limits of the City of Millbrook in Elmore County, Alabama, by annexing certain territory to the regard to the public necessity for the annexation; and to provide that the city shall exercise full municipal authority over the annexed territory. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA: Section 1. Findings: The Legis-mines that it is expedient, wise, necessary, proper, and in the best interest of the citizens of the State of Alabama, Elmore County, and the City of Millbrook to alter, rearrange, and extend the corporate limits of the City of Millbrook as herein provided, including, but not limited to, the purpose of generally promoting the welfare of the State of Alabama, Elmore County, and the City of Millbrook and speinitial purpose of facilitating the means whereby local businesses and residents who are located in an area that is non-contiguous to the corporate limits of the City of Millbrook can request to become part of the city and qualify for city services. Provided, however, the foregoing shall not be construed to limit in any manner or otherwise curtail the exercise of any municipal powers or authorities by the City of Millbrook nor prohibit future or subsequent annexations in accordance with Alabama law.
Section 2. Jurisdiction: All territory brought within the corporate limits of the City of Millbrook under the provisions of this act shall be subject to the laws and ordinances of the city, and the city council shall have and exercise the same jurisdiction over such territory as is exercised over any other territory within the corporate limits of the city. Section 3. The boundary lines and corporate limits of the City of Millbrook in Elmore County are altered, rearranged, and extended so as to include within the corporate limits of the municipality, in addition to the lands now included, all of the following territory: Mack post Jr. Subdivision ANNEXATION STATE OF ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY Lots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
Mar. 27 Apr. 3, 10 and 17, 2024 BILL PUBLIC NOTICE THE FOLLOWING WILL BE AUCTIONED OFF ON 4-26-24 BY J&J TOWING 3345581595 1999 DODGE DURANGO 1B4HR28Y9XF686669
2008 MERCEDES WDDNG71X88A195623 2017 HYUNDAI SANTA FE 5XYZU3LB8HG388174
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20 and 27, 2024 AV/99 DODGE PUBLIC NOTICE
INVITATION TO BID!!! P. F. Moon & Company, Inc. is currently accepting proposals from suppliers & subcontractors for the Camp Hill AL – 2022 CWSRF Lift Station No. 1 3 4 5 & 9 Rehabilitation project. P F Moon and Company, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage DBE/MBE/WBE participation. For more information regarding this and other projects P.F. Moon & Company is bidding, contact Jerry Eubanks 706.643.1524.
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Johns and Kirksey, Inc., has completed the Contract for, Holtville High School Roof Upgrades, Deatsville, Alabama, Elmore County Board of Education, Wetumpka, AL, Owner, and has made requesttract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this subject should immediately notify PH& J Architects, 807 S McDonough Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 in order to avoid Barring of Claims by Law. JOHNS AND KIRKSEY, INC. 5424 Metro Park Drive Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 13, 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES WILLIAM BENNETT, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-062 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CHARLES WILLIAM BENNETT, deceased, having been granted to DANNY EARL BENNETT on March 7, 2024 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.
DANNY EARL BENNETT PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES WILLIAM BENNETT, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: TERRY P. WILSON WILSON & JACKSON, LLC 1785 TALIAFERRO TRAIL SUITE 6 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-260-9998 tpwlaw@protonmail.com
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 EST/BENNETT, C. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGIE ANN CLAYTON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-034 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of PEGGIE ANN CLAYTON, deceased, having been granted to BILLY SETH CLAYTON, JR. on March 15, 2024 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.
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
BILLY SETH CLAYTON, JR. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGIE ANN CLAYTON, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: REGINA EDWARDS THE LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 EST.CLAYTON, P. PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that 5B Contracting, LLC of P.O. Box 210877, Montgomery, Alabama 36121 has completed all work on the contract ARPA Proj No 01051-061-221116-0015 Town of Eclectic Sanitary Sewer Pump Station & Force Main. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify the above contractor and the Engineer, Larry E, Speaks & Associates at 535 Herron St. Montgomery, AL 36104. Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL ANNE DOUCET, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-069 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to RICHARD M. DOUCET, JR. as Personal Representative on the 18th day of March 2024, by the Honorable JOHN THORNTON, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
RICHARD M. DOUCET, JR. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL ANNE DOUCET, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024
EST/DOUCET, C. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JULIE HIGHT, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-059 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JULIE HIGHT, deceased, having been granted to EMILY LAMBERT and JOANNA SANDERS on the 4th day of March, 2024, 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.
EMILY LAMBERT and JOANNA SANDERS CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF JULIE HIGHT, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Co-Personal Representatives: MONICA G. MANN COURTNEY & MANN, L.L.P. PO BOX 100 1881 HOLTVILLE ROAD
WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-2545
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 EST/HIGHT J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA J. NOBLES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-012 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BARBARA J. NOBLES, deceased, having been granted to FARRAH D. SPIVEY on March 1, 2024 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. FARRAH D. SPIVEY, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA J. NOBLES, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: 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. 13, 20 and 27, 2024
EST/NOBLES, B.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN JEROME GALLAGHER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-065 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of JOHN JEROME GALLAGHER, deceased, having been granted to SHAWN P. FISCHER on March 14, 2024 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. SHAWN P. FISCHER
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN JEROME GALLAGHER, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC POBOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 EST/GALLAGHER J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MERLE L. ROLAN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-281 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration with Will Annexed over the Estate of MERLE L. ROLAN, deceased, having been granted to LARRY LEE MCENDARFER, Jr. on the 14thday of March 2024 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.
LARRY LEE MCENDARFER, Jr. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MERLE L. ROLAN, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: REGINA EDWARDS THE LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 EST/ROLAN, M. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TOMMIE LEE SANFORD, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-072 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: JIMMY SANFORD
GERALD SANFORD
WILLIE SANFORD
SHERRY GRIFFIN
ANITRA SANFORD
KENDRICK SANFORD KELSEY SANFORD ANTHONY SANFORD MICHAEL SANFORD WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND WHO ARE POSSIBLY NON- RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA, ALL BEING NEXT OF KIN OF TOMMIE LEE SANFORD; DECEASED; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF TOMMIE LEE SANFORD, DECEASED; AND TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on March 14, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of TOMMIE LEE SANthe Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by BETTY LOIS SANFORD, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of TOMMIE LEE SANFORD. Unless an objection-to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: JAMES R. BOWLES ATTORNEY AT LAW 2 SOUTH DUBOIS AVENUE TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6548
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 EST/SANFORD, T. PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by JOHN
Public Notices
gg y MICHAEL LANIER in favor of FIRST COMMUNITY BANK OF CENTRAL ALABAMA, on June 7, 2022, said mortgage recordof the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Real Property Book 2022 at Page 37422 (the “Mortgage”), and, pursuant to the laws of the State of Alabama, the undersigned FIRST COMMUNITY BANK OF CENTRAL ALABAMA, under and by virtue of the power of sale provision and other terms contained in said Mortgage, elects to declare the entire indebtedness secured by said Mortgage due and payable, and will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder, for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse of Elmore County, Alabama, at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092, during the legal hours of sale on April 10, 2024, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: All that part of the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of Section 14, T19N, R19E, Elmore County, Alabama, lying E of the present Alabama Highway No. 9, and Westerly of the Old Central Plank Road, and bounded on the southwesterly side by lot this date conveyed to Jerry A. Lanier. The above-described real estate containing approximately 9 1/2 acres, more or less. This conveyance is subject to all restrictions, reservations, easements and/or rights-of-way appearing of record which affect title to the avove described property. Also includes on (1) 1997 28X74 Fleetwood Mobile Home, VIN: GAFLV34A254890K11.
Less and Except: Commence at an iron pin (railroad rail) at the NW corner of the SE 1/4 of Section 14, T19N, R19E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence North 88 degrees 39 minutes 33 seconds East, 208.42 feet to an iron pin; thence North 86 degrees 44 minutes 12 seconds East, 658.27 feet to an iron pin on the west right of way of Alabama Highway No. 9, Central Plank Road, 100’ R.O.W.; thence leaving said right of way, South 48 degrees 52 minutes 18 seconds East, 100.00 feet to a point on the east right of way of said road; thence South 41 degrees 09 minutes 03 seconds West, along said right of way, 183.11 feet to an iron pin in centerline of branch, said point being the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence leaving said right of way, southeasterly, along centerline of said branch, more or less, the following six (6) chord calls: 1) South 21 degrees 40 minutes 53 seconds East, 10.08 feet; 2) South 03 degrees 52 minutes 48 seconds West, 57.78 feet; 3) South 03 degrees 28 minutes 06 seconds East, 64.62 feet; 4) South 09 degrees 31 minutes 45 seconds East, 70.69 feet; 5) South 42 degrees 39 minutes 36 seconds East, 127.69 feet; 6) South 71 degrees 00 minutes 02 seconds East, 62.46 feet to an iron pin; thence South 22 degrees 43 minutes 05 seconds West, 460.84 feet; thence South 84 degrees 20 minutes 08 seconds West, 272.15 feet to an iron pin; thence North 27 degrees 12 minutes 37 seconds West, 310.16 feet to an iron pin on the east right of way of the afore-mentioned road; thence North 41 degrees 09 minutes 03 seconds East, along said right of way, 652.85 feet to the point of beginning. The above-described property lies in the NW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 14, T19N, R19E, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 5.51 acres, more or less. Said foreclosure sale and conveyance incident thereto are subject to the legal rights of any existing federal tax liens, mortgages, special assessments, easements, restrictions, and reservations appearing of record. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO TITLE, USE OR ENJOYMENT, AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a nonrefundable deposit of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) to Memory Memory & Causby, LLP Client Trust Account at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price by noon the next business day Memory & Causby, LLP at the address indicated below. FIRST COMMUNITY BANK OF CENTRAL ALABAMA reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. FIRST COMMUNITY BANK OF CEN-
Public Notices
TRAL ALABAMA reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. The sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Address: Memory Memory & Causby, LLP, 469 S. McDonough Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. By: /s/ Stuart H. Memory Stuart H. Memory, attorney for First Community Bank of Central Alabama Montgomery, Alabama 36103 Tel (334) 834-8000 smemory@memorylegal.com
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 FC/LANIER
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024- 073 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL AND PETITION FOR PROBATE TO: ROBERT STEVEN VANDERBILT AND ANY OTHER HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, DECEASED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 15th day of March; 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, deceased, Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, RUSSELL PARKER, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This Notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next of kin of ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court publication of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ.
The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, PC 109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27, Apr. 3, 2024 EST/VANDERBILT, R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRADYN STEVEN WHITE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-045 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration in the Estate of BRADYN STEVEN WHITE, deceased, having been granted to JASMINE MERRITT on the March 5, 2024, 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.
JASMINE MERRITT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF BRADYN STEVEN WHITE, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: MICHAEL J. CROW BEASLEY, ALLEN, CROW, METHVIN, PORTIS & MILES, P.C. PO BOX 4160 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36103-4160 334-269-2343 Mike.crow@beasleyallen.com Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 EST/WHITE B. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ERANELL WILSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-070 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of ERANELL WILSON, deceased, having been granted to JAN RICHARD HEIER on March 20, 2024 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.
JAN RICHARD HEIER
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ERANELL WILSON, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: TERRY P. WILSON WILSON & JACKSON, LLC 1785 TALIAFERRO TRAIL SUITE 6 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-260-9998
tpwlaw@protonmail.com
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 27, Apr. 3 and 10, 2024 EST/WILSON, E.
Public
Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GAIL BAXLEY HUGHES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-066 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GAIL BAXLEY HUGHES, deceased, having been granted to DEBRA A. BAXLEY on March 13, 2024 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.
DEBRA A. BAXLEY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GAIL BAXLEY HUGHES, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: KELLY LEE ATTORNEY AT LAW 164 WEST 5TH STREET PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-358-0685 kellylee@kellyleelaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20, 27 and Apr. 3, 2024 EST/HUGHES G.
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No. STPAA-0143(505) ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Thursday, April 11th, 2024, at 11:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE.
Southeast Storage 749 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36093
714: Oscar Melghem. 469 River Oaks Drive, Wetumpka ,AL 36092 Contents: totes,boxes, clothes 817: Oscar Melghem. 469 River Oaks Drive, Wetumpka ,AL 36092 Contents: totes,boxes, cabinet Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 20 and 27, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION PUBLIC NOTICE Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No. STPMN-2624(250) ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation -
Plans and Proposals are avail-
portation. Plans and Proposals
and are set forth in the adver-
lations.
and are set forth in the adver-
ny each bid as evidence of good on the decision to award this
ny each bid as evidence of good faith. on the decision to award this contract.
bids.
of Transportation.
sponse to this invitation and will
sponse to this invitation and will
consideration for an award. is reserved.
Transportation Director
STPMN-2624(250)
Transportation Director
STPAA-0143(505)
TEA WITH MOM
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There might not be any castles in downtown Eclectic, but there was plenty of room for a proper English tea for moms and daughters.
The Annie Rae boutique turned its party room into a dining hall from a castle. With its tall ceilings, brick walls and a long table adorned with flowers and towers of treats, little girls and their mothers were all set for a memorable time. It was all with a purpose in mind.
“When my girls were little, unfortunately too long ago, we went to a
tea party and had the best time,” Annie Rae’s Crystal Harmon said. “They still talk about it.” Harmon did more than just relive her memories with daughters.
“I thought about it and said I wanted to give mommas and their little girls a way to have a similar experience,” Harmon said.
Harmon and others set about Saturday morning decorating a long table with pastel flowers as light poured in through a window.
Mothers and daughters got ready at home. They dressed in their Sunday dresses and arrived to share time with each other.
The council also approved negotiations to hire a working supervisor with water and sewer certifications for the waterworks department.
Eclectic council approves quality of life projects
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Town of Eclectic joined the City of Tallassee, the Elmore County Board of Education, the Elmore County Commission and the Elmore County Economic Development Authority in signing off on the next round of quality of life improvements.
The projects include resurfacing athletic fields at Elmore County High School, the creation of a new road just south of Eclectic Elementary School to help with school traffic and it will surround new recreational fields.
All told the commission has pledged $5 million in cash and in-kind services and the town of Eclectic is only out some property near the sewage treatment facility.
The agreement was on the council agenda a week ago but was tabled to Monday’s special called meeting.
“I didn’t have adequate time to review all the information,” councilmember David Goodwin said. Goodwin and councilmember Stephanie
Stepney said they spent the week speaking with people and now felt comfortable with the arrangement.
One of the projects on the list is creating a walking trail in the pecan orchard owned by the town. It is a project to be funded by the town or grants. Mayor Gary Davenport said a grant application was in and the town was awaiting to see if it was awarded funding.
The council also approved negotiations to hire a working supervisor with water and sewer certifications for the waterworks department. It would save the town about $25,000 it pays to Alabama Rural Water to help keep the town in compliance.
Davenport informed the council there was a vacancy in the Eclectic Police Department. He said Chief Robert Head had started the background reports on an experienced officer and Davenport would conduct an interview later this week.
The next meeting of the Town of Eclectic Council is scheduled for Monday, April 15.
“Tea,” or rather orange juice, was poured for ladies of all ages in the formal setting.
“It’s fun,” five-year-old Carli Rankin said beaming with a wide smile looking at her mother Skye. It was a special moment for the pair.
“I’m enjoying having fun with her,” Rankin said. “It’s creating special memories with her.” It was a mission accomplished for Harmon. She was successful in creating a moment for all the little mothers and daughters in the “Annie Rae castle.”
“Maybe when they get older they will talk about it too,” Harmon said.
Moms and daughters create memories over tea
TOP: The Easter Bunny stopped the Annie Rae’s Tea Party Saturday morning in Eclectic.The event was created Crystal Harmon to create special memories to be shared by mothers and daughters.
ABOVE: Skye Rankin adjusts the crown on her daughter Carli’s head at Annie Rae’s Saturday morning.The tea party was created by Crystal Harmon as a way to build memories between mothers and daughters.
Playoff Bound
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The first baseball team in Elmore County has clinched its playoff berth.
The Panthers from Elmore County swept Brewbaker Tech in the three-game series, 9-0, 14-2 and 15-5, to claim one of the two playoff spots from Class 5A, Area 4.
With only Elmore County, Brewbaker Tech and Tallassee in the area, the Panthers have clinched the first playoff spot.
Brew Tech and Tallassee will play their threegame series on April 2 and 4, and then Elmore County and Tallassee meet on the 9th and 11th of April for the final area series and what will decide the final seeding for playoffs.
“The biggest goal coming into the season is to win that series and have the playoffs clinched early,” Panthers coach Michael Byrd said. “The way the schedule broke down, we have three weeks until we play for the area championship so now we have time to work on improving and not having to worry about results of games now.”
Elmore County baseball clinches postseason berth
playoff berth.
Elmore County’s pitching rotation held its own while allowing just seven runs across the three games, but it was the offense that really flexed its muscles.
Elmore County recorded 32 hits across the three-game series, batting .440, .483 and .500 in the three games.
The Panthers also hit for power with 14 total extra base hits, five of which were triples and home runs.
Elmore County only struck out four times in the three games, putting nearly everything in play.
“We’ve really been hammering on cutting down on strikeouts,” Byrd said. “The top of our order has been swinging the bat really well. But we’ve really been having one or two
more guys who are improving every game which is what we want to see. We don’t want to be our best right now, and we want all of the guys to swing it at the end of the year.”
Leading the charge on the week was Shea Darnell.
The junior hit in the two-hole for the Panthers and played both catcher and shortstop. He led the team in nearly every offensive category as he went 7-for-11 at the plate with three doubles, two triples, seven RBIs and seven runs scored.
On the base path, he had five stolen bases and set up some big hits from Brandon White and Jaden Eason out of the three- and fourholes.
“Shea is an aggres-
sive but smart player,” Byrd said. “He’s really focused and dialed in right now. He’s leading the team and being positive. He’s not out of control and staying within himself. Sometimes he can try to overdo it, but he’s playing really well right now.”
Elmore County now enters Spring Break on a seven-game win streak. The Panthers opened the season 7-0 and were the last team in the county to lose a game. Both losses came back-to-back with a one-run loss to Trinity and a two-run loss to Valley, a team Elmore County previously runruled.
Elmore County bounced back from those two losses with the three-game sweep over Brew Tech and wins against Pinson Valley, Ramsay, Park Crossing and Montgomery Academy.
During that stretch, the Panthers have outscored opponents 90-17.
“We just had a couple of games where we were getting guys on and couldn’t get the timely hit,” Byrd said. “Now we’re getting the guys at the bottom of the lineup going and rolling the lineup over and we’re getting bigger innings.”
Elmore County’s Ryals McNeely runs the bases earlier this season. McNeely and the Panthers have won seven-straight games and clinched a
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI