Wetumpka Herald May 3 2023

Wetumpka looks to extend tourism beyond HGTV

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Holtville High School basketball coach

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

What will be the next thing to attract guests and tourists to Wetumpka?

HGTV’s Home Town Takeover brought loads of attention and visitors to Wetumpka in the months after the show aired but as Season

Two prepares to air featuring another town, city leaders want to prepare for keeping the interest of tourists.

The Wetumpka City Council approved contracting with STAMP and Yellow House Publishing who have done numerous tourism projects for other municipalities for two purposes.

“They come in and identify everything that we have that could be a

part of a tourism package,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “They will classify it. They give us a road map of where these things are and how and best to implement a plan. Yellow House Publishing they operate [the plan] and make it work.” The idea is STAMP will identify resources in Wetumpka that could

we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.” Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes af

Chamber holds luncheon

MIRACLE AFTER MIRACLE

ter turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holt

‘Something must be done’ to stop gun violence

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Community leaders and officials agree violence, especially gun violence, has become a problem in today’s society.

The NAACP Elmore County Branch hosted a Stop the Gun Violence program Saturday. There may have been some differences, but all agreed the problem with youth and guns is an issue that needs to be addressed. But how?

of Commerce chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD

Elmore County deputies save life of infant who stopped breathing

“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each

See CHAMBER, Page A3

By CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI Staff

Veralee Grace Wooten might grow up addicted to adrenaline — and with good reason and the blessings of God. In the nearly four months of her short lived life, the Titus infant has scared her parents, grandparents and doctors, tested a seasoned lifeguard and even broken the speed

‘Innovative’

limit with a Dale Earnhardt Jr. imitater at the steering wheel. On April 16, Veralee was at home with her family, and everyone was keeping an eagle eye on the 3-month-old infant. After all she was born Jan. 4, 28 weeks into pregnancy, at Baptist South, weighing just 2 pounds, 2 ounces. Following nearly a three month stay in the NICU, the family had brought Veralee home on March

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

14 but Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) struck just a couple weeks later. Veralee was having breathing issues as doctors advised her mother Sabrina Kennedy to keep watch. Moments later, Veralee would change colors and stop breathing.

“She started turning purple,” Sabrina said. “The first thing I did was flip her upside down and

See MIRACLE, Page A5

Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected

NAACP Elmore County Branch President Bobby Mays said a mindset of all must change to address the issue of guns and young people.

“In too many communities, both Black and white, there is this ‘See nothing, know nothing’ mentality,” Mays said.

By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer

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

“We have got to get away from that. There is too much going on in our communities and there is nobody talking about it. We got neighbors next door selling drugs, we ain’t talking about it. We got neighbors next door selling guns, we ain’t talking about it.”

Mays said he believes the idea comes from no one wanting to be considered a “snitch.”

“There are too many closed mouthed people in our communities, Black and white,” Mays said.

Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle. According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.

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

“If you see something wrong, you ought to say something. That ain’t being a snitch. You can’t go around not saying something when you know something is wrong.”

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

Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year

The “forward thinking” Elmore County Schools Child Nutrition Program (CNP) Director Cacyce Davis has been named Alabama School Nutrition Association’s (ASNA) Director of the Year.

County Schools CNP

Director

Cacyce Davis, second from

the Alabama School Nutrition Association’s

the Year recently. Davis will be the president of the association in two years.The state association helps CNP programs improve food and participation in public school lunchrooms.

School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year. The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.

changes have improved student participation and improved the quality of food served from Elmore County Schools’ lunchrooms. But Davis won’t take any credit. In fact, she took 19 managers and assistant managers to the annual ASNA conference at the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center.

“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.

Davis has led several changes for the child nutrition program at Elmore County Schools over the last several years. Those

“I really don’t like attention on me,” Davis said.

See PRINCIPAL, Page A3

Chamber

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD

Tonya Kennedy, left, gives plaques to Elmore County deputies David Salum, center, and Bill Wilson while the rest of the Kennedy family looks on.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERLAD The murals in downtown Wetumpka attract attention and

right, was awarded

(ASNA)

of

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERLAD

NAACP Elmore County Branch President Bobby Mays helped plan and host a Stop the Gun Violence forum hosted by the Elmore County Branch of the NAACP Saturday. Mays said he hoped the forum would open the dialogue about guns and children in the community.

Obituaries

ROSE ANN BAK COTTER

Rose Ann Bak Cotter, 93, of Lake Martin, AL passed away at Bethany House, Auburn, AL, Sunday, April 23, 2023. She was born May 28, 1929. Visitation will be Friday, April 28, 2023 from 10 to 11am at

Elizabeth Ann Seton Center at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Tallassee, AL. Funeralservice will follow at 11 am in the church with Father Mateusz Rudzik officiating. Burial will follow inRose Hill Cemetery. She is preceded in death by

her husband, Timothy Cotter, Sr. and her daughter,Nadine Cotter. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Kathleen Cotter; her sons, Timothy (Lisa) Cotter Jr., Patrick (Dee) Cotter and Mark (Rhon-

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Verdie Mae Price Nummy, 78, went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on April 26, 2023 after a courageous battle with ALS. Verdie was born May 16, 1944 to Wayman and Lilla Mae Price. A lifelong resident of Eclectic, she was proud of her town and was always sharing what was happening in Eclectic. Verdie retired from the State of Alabama where she worked for the Alabama Forestry Commission for 38 years. Shortly after her retirement, she went to work as the events coordinator for the town and then for the newly established court system in Eclectic. Mayor Gary Davenport made September 8, 2014 Verdie Nummy Day because of her service and commitment to the Town of Eclectic. Verdie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eclectic where she was the pianist for approximately

‘Something

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Just how does musical theater and William Shakespeare mix?

That is the question the musical ‘Something Rotten!’ will answer and the Wetumpka Depot Players are putting it on the stage soon.

“If you are a hardcore Shakespeare fan, you are going to love this because it is making fun of it in the best and most positive way,” Wetumpka Depot Players creative director Kristy Meanor said. “If you don’t like Shakespeare you will still get all the jokes because it is making fun of Shakespeare in the best and funniest ways. It is the perfect musical because it has something for everyone.”

Meanor said ‘Something Rotten!’ will have everyone laughing throughout most of the performance.

“‘Something Rotten!’ is one of the funniest plays to have hit the Depot stage since probably our ‘Young Frankenstein,’” Meanor said. “People who like campy, funny musicals — this is the one for them.”

Meanor said ‘Something Rotten!’ is about the two Bottom Brothers in 1595 England who are desperately trying to get ahead as playwrights.

“Unfortunately they are overshadowed by William Shakespeare who is causing everybody to come out in droves to see his plays but not the Bottom Brother plays,” Meanor said. “They decide to consult a soothsayer and

da) Cotter; grandchildren, Craig (Grace) Cotter,Corey Cotter, Justin (Chelsea) Cotter, Timothy Cotter III, Cameron Cotter, Tristen Cotter and Skye Rowell; and great-grandchildren, Hunter Cotter, Colton Cotter and Jackson Cotter. In

50 years. She was also involved in An Eclectic Ministry where she served as a board member for 15 years. If you made a reservation for an Eclectic Christmas, you talked to her. She took pride in the fact that she personally spoke with everyone who made a reservation. She never met a stranger and had a gift for getting volunteers for this ministry. She was also a member of Eclectic the Beautiful. She made countless friends through her involvement and if you knew her, you know how much she loved to talk. The ALS robbed her of her ability to talk, but she would text her friends and family until that ability was taken as well. As much as she loved Eclectic, her love and pride for her family was even greater. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Modie McNeal. She is survived by her son, Alan Nummy (Robin); daughters, Jan Swiderski (Jim) and Nan Olszewski

lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be memorial contributions to St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Tallassee, AL or Bethany House, Auburn, AL. Share memories and condolences online at www.linvillememorial.com.

(John); grandchildren, Elizabeth Swiderski (Bryce Delevie), Michelle Swiderski, Lexie Olszewski Bell (Parker), Maddie Olszewski and Emma Nummy; great-granddaughter, Caroline Bell; and brother, McKinley Price. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Linville Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at First Baptist Church, Eclectic, at 10 am on Monday, May 1, 2023 with Rev. Britt Green officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations may be sent to the following: ALS Association – Alabama Chapter, 300 Cahaba Park Circle, Suite 209, Birmingham, AL 35242 www.alsalabama. org or An Eclectic Ministry, L.L.C., 1733 Claud Rd, Eclectic, AL 36024 www.aneclecticministry.org. Share memories and condolences online at www. linvillememorial.com.

Rotten!’ coming to Wetumpka Depot

ask him what they can do to get ahead of Shakespeare. He suggests a radical new idea which is to make a musical — put music in a play. It was unheard of at the time so the Bottom Brothers decided to write and perform the world’s first musical.”

‘Something Rotten!’ was on Broadway from 2015 to 2017. It is based on a book by John O’Rarrell and Karey Kirkpatrick. The music and lyrics for the production are by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick. It would go to be nominated for 10 Tony Awards.

“They are the most energetic writing team,” Meanor said. “I think the title ‘Something Rotten!’ is just so funny. A lot of the lines in the play, the text and the music are all clever funny punches at a bunch of Shakespeare lines.”

Meanor is directing the production for the Depot with musical direction by Dr. Damion Womack and choreography by Daniel Harms.

Meanor said the production is for everyone regardless of their knowledge of performing arts and it will provide entertainment for

Humane Society of Elmore County News – 1 May ‘23

By REA CORD Executive Director

Who doesn’t love holidays, pets and deals! We do and our Tail’s End Thrift Store at 271 Central Plank Road (Hwy 9) in Wetumpka has some great deals the entire month of May! Through May 31st all Holiday (including holiday pet items) will be 50% off. We also have lots of new pet sweaters. Even better, items marked with a pink sticker are only $3. Come on out for some great shopping! (The Tail’s End Thrift Store is co-located at the opposite end of the parking lot from our shelter).

Interested in volunteering for a very worthy cause? Chat with any of our Thrift Store volunteers while you shop. We love our volunteer family and want to see it grow. Volunteering in our Tail’s End Thrift Store is truly helping our animals as all the proceeds go to the humane shelter. This helps us do more now and in the future for all the pets who need us.

Last Saturday was World Veterinary Day, though we tend to think that should be every day of the year. Since the vast majority of us did not visit our veterinarian this weekend, please take a minute to send a note or make a call or just remember next time you’re at your vet’s office to thank them for all they do! Veterinarians are pretty special medical experts! They are general practitioners, surgeons, parasitologists, anesthesiologists, orthopedists, neurologists, behaviorists, oncologists, epidemiologists, gerontologists, dentists and so much more all wrapped up into one person. And, by the way, that knowledge is for far more than one species and includes breeds of each species that may have very specific medical needs and challenges. Never underestimate the medical knowledge and skills of your veterinarian as they are doctors who completed a rigorous, competitive & demanding educational hurdle to attain the title of ‘DVM.’ For those who don’t have pets, you should

performing theater enthusiasts.

“Anybody who enjoys theater will get the idea of a play within a play thing,” Meanor said. “They will get a chuckle.”

‘Something Rotten!’ is on the stage of the Wetumpka Depot at 7:30 p.m. May 4-6, May 11-13 and May 18-20 and at 2 p.m. on May 14. Tickets are $15 and are available online at wetumpkadepot.com or by mailing a check to PO Box 1031, Wetumpka, Al 36092. The Wetumpka Depot is located at 300 S. Main St.

also be thankful for those in the veterinary profession. They work diligently to keep our food supply safe, see to the welfare of animals in our food production system, zoos and natural environments and also protect us from disease and issues affecting animals and humans together through research and hands-on work. While thanking your veterinarian don’t forget their staff. Last week was also Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week and as any successful professional will tell you their success is dependent on the team that supports them. Veterinary technicians are highly skilled medical professionals in their own right and often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Besides all of the medical tasks the perform, they also provide compassion and love in huge doses on a daily basis. The care we see inside the veterinary field is truly something special and we thank all who work so diligently helping so many pets in need.

SUBMITTED | THE HERALD

Wetumpka Depot Players Jonathan Wilson, left, who is Nick Bottom, Sarah Kay who is Bea and Jay Russell who is Nigel Bottom are set to bring the musical ‘Something Rotten!’ to the stage in Wetumpka for three weekends.

BOND DENIED

By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN

Managing Editor

Bond has been denied for all six shooting suspects in connection with the mass shooting in Dadeville on April 15.

According to Mike Segrest, district attorney for the 5th Judicial Circuit, an order for no bond was entered for Wilson Lamar Hill, 20, and Willie Brown, 19, both of Auburn, as well as Johnny Brown, 19,

Tyreese McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, of Tuskegee. All five have been charged with reckless murder. The only other person charged in connection with the shooting, also arrested for reck-

less murder, is a 15-year-old male juvenile from Tuskegee whose name is not known at this time.

According to a release from Segrest’s office, that juvenile is also being held without

All 6 alleged shooters to be held without bail

bail. The release said the state intends to file a motion for him to be charged as an adult; a hearing will be held in the Juvenile Court to determine if the 15 year old’s case will be transferred.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

There is a new organization to help children in Elmore County — Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

CASA of the River Region, which has been serving Montgomery and Autauga counties, has added Elmore County to its service area. CASA volunteers act as another set of eyes for the family court system.

“We are the voice for the child,” CASA volunteer Dawn Acosta said. “We are appointed by a judge to go into a situation and try to determine what might be in the best interest of the child.”

Acosta said the children come from abuse and neglect situations.

“Sometimes they are in foster care and sometimes with a relative placement,” Acosta said. “Sometimes it hasn’t quite gotten to the point of foster care yet but has come to the court’s attention.”

According to the Elmore County Department of Human Resources, there are currently 81 children in the county in foster care. Acosta is not only a CASA volunteer, but she’s a foster parent as well.

“We just started in Elmore County in February,” Acosta said. “We are trying to get a

good volunteer base. We want residents in Elmore county to get interested in it.”

Acosta’s work as a CASA volunteer provides for a more unbiased, child-focused report for the judge.

“We go further than the guardian ad litem (GAL) or caseworker,” Acosta said.

“They only go so far because they get paid. We go in as a volunteer who has no personal investment or gain from the case; we are able to be a neutral voice.”

But at the same time

CASA volunteers work hand in hand with DHR social workers and guardians ad litem if one has been appointed. CASA meets with each child at least once a month but also takes its visits one step further.

“We would also go to the home of the biological parents to talk with them and get their perspective to try to figure out what is going on at their end, to see the living conditions,” Acosta said. “These are things nobody from DHR or GAL generally will do.”

As an adoptive parent, a CASA volunteer even visited Acosta.

“She was looking in drawers, looking in cabinets,” Acosta said. “She checked the refrigerator and pantry.

I’m like, “This feels a little strange. Did someone say something derogatory about our home?’”

After going through the training to become a CASA volunteer, Acosta now understands everyone is scrutinized when it comes to child.

CASA volunteers are part of the family court system in many other districts across the state.

Elmore County District Court Judge Patrick Pinkston, the county’s presiding family court judge, agreed to allow one case experiment before accepting CASA as part of the process in October.

“CASA volunteers are needed eyes and ears that report to the court,” Pinkston said. “This judge can [now more] optimally and better protect children while they are under this court’s orders. The association has been helpful so far. Together with DHR, GAL and even parent counsel, we are moving forward to assisting dependent children receive the help and protection they need.”

With the number of children involved in the courts, CASA doesn’t have enough volunteers, forcing courts to make decisions with less information available.

“It is a tough spot to make

decisions when a judge can’t be everywhere to see,” Acosta said. “If you are just going by policy and don’t have someone who can objectively see things, it can be a hazy place to make a choice.”

Applications to be a volunteer can be found at casaoftheriverregion.org/volunteer.

If accepted and a background check is passed, there is four weeks worth of training and a court observation. Volunteers are then sworn in by a judge to keep all information confidential.

“It is about six to eight hours a month,” “Acosta said. “You also get a month or

more notice of court dates.

“It has to be a passion for children that is driving (volunteers) — that is what we want. The greatest thing is

‘Wow, I made a

Page A4 • May 3, 2023

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

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

Don’t let this mass shooting be like all the rest

The last two weeks have been some of the hardest I’ve gone through. I’ve seen and heard horrible things; I’ve listened as mommas screamed for their children and a father gave his son’s eulogy. I’ve waited for hours and hours for news of more horrible things.

It feels like one day after another, it’s just been one more nightmare to deal with. One more problem to overcome.

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about spirituality and God, and how do bad things happen when God is so powerful?

Over the years of my sobriety, I’ve really built a relationship with “my God, as I understand him.” And I’ve looked to my God hundreds of times over the last two weeks, mostly to just give me strength and to give grace and peace to those around me.

But at the end of the day, bad things do happen, and I’ve heard so many people ask, “Why?”

I haven’t heard a lot of good answers, but I did hear something at the funerals of Phil Dowdell and Marsiah

JLIZI GWIN Managing Editor

Collins that resonated with me. Both of these young men — and I’m sure all the other victims and survivors — had a real impact on their communities. The auditorium at Dadeville High School was standing room only for Phil’s memorial service, and it was a packed house for Marsiah’s funeral Thursday. There were people supporting the families, supporting the victims. There were students and grandmothers, babies and aunties, coaches, friends and significant others. Young and old, black and white, it didn’t matter as these two men seemingly had an impact on everyone they met.

I didn’t know Marsiah, but I did know Phil — and boy that kid was just the best of us.

Many of the pastors and loved ones who spoke of Phil and Marsiah said the only explanation why this

happened is because God needed to make a big statement. “He needed a Phil,” someone said at Dowdell’s service.

There is so, so much hate, anger and divisiveness in this world, even in our small-town communities.

Maybe the only way to cure any of it is to take someone like Phil or Marsiah, someone who so clearly displayed the best characteristics. The people we all should strive to emulate.

It is truly amazing how much negativity we have experienced over the last two weeks, even from people who we consider friends, and it’s so hard not to want to say, “There are so much bigger things happening than needing to be mean to someone on Facebook.”

Old habits die hard, I guess, but so did Phil, so did Marsiah.

So all I suggest is, just before you decide to make a nasty comment or be rude to someone, think, “Would Phil say this?” If he wouldn’t, there’s no need. Have more concern for your friends and family than for making a point. Stop being mean to people just for the sake of

being mean. Let us all remember every day that life can be taken at any point.

I’ve experienced a ton of tragic deaths over the last five years, but if this doesn’t put an exclamation mark on the end of the sentence, “Life is short,” then I don’t know what will.

Remember to always tell people, “I love you,” because you never know when it will be the last time. Think about that rude comment you make before you make it and maybe think to yourself, “What if this person is taken from us? Is this the last thing I want to say to them? Am I OK with living with this forever?”

No one is perfect, and I know that. Everyone has bad days, and everyone knows I can get a little snappy when I’m stressed, but we can all try to just do a little better.

As James Taylor said, “Shower the people you love with love, show them the way that you feel.” You never know when it might be your last chance.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

Inside the Statehouse

abo Waggoner – An Alabama Political Icon

May 3, 2023:

As I stroll down the halls of the Alabama Senate during this current Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature, I will stop and visit in the offices of my favorite legislative buddies. My favorite and first stop is with my longtime friend Jabo Waggoner. Jabo, being the Dean of the legislature, has the first prime corner office. He also chairs the agenda setting Rules Committee.

Therefore, there is a throng of high priced lobbyists camped outside the door trying to get Jabo to put their bills on the Special Order Calendar.

Jabo and I will swap stories of bygone years and reminisce about past experiences. Jabo is a big sports fan and was a great college basketball player .In fact, Jabo was one of the founders and remains on the Board of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, which is located in downtown Birmingham. Jabo, Gene Hallman, and Edgar Welden were the pillars and founders of this prestigious Institution. One of Jabo’s and my favorite remembrances is going together to the Olympic Soccer Games held at Legion Field in Birmingham.

Recently while visiting Jabo, I thought, “I am with an Alabama political icon.” Jabo Waggoner has been in the Alabama Legislature for 50 years

this year. Folks, that is an Alabama record. Jabo Waggoner is the longest serving legislator in Alabama history. He served 17 years in the Alabama House of Representatives and is in his 33rd year in the Alabama Senate. Jabo was first elected to the Alabama Senate in 1990. The heart of his district has always been the entire city of Vestavia. He also represents parts of Homewood and Hoover. This is a very Republican area and therefore, Jabo is an arch Republican. Jabo is revered in Jefferson County, but his popularity extends beyond Jefferson and Shelby counties. When Kay Ivey was running for Governor for the first time in 2018, she asked Jabo to be her titular campaign manager. He introduced her as she announced her candidacy. Jabo is adored by his Senate colleagues, especially the younger state senators. They throng to him for tutoring and mentoring. The Senate leaders, Greg Reed of Jasper and Clay Scofield of Arab, seek his guidance on tricky

senate maneuverings.

Jabo was the Republican Minority Leader of the State Senate from 1999 until the Republicans gained a legislative majority in 2010. He was the first Republican Majority Leader, then relinquished that role to be the Rules Chairman where he currently serves.

Jabo is married to his high school sweetheart Marilyn. They have been married for over 60 years. I have never met a more beautiful or sweeter lady than Marilyn Waggoner. They had four children, three sons and a daughter. One of their sons, Scott, died at an early age in an automobile accident.

Jabo and Marilyn are ardent members of the Homewood Church of Christ. They attend almost every Sunday and sit with Jabo’s best friend Dr. Swaid Swaid and his wife, Christy. Jabo’s and Marilyn’s children attend the same church.

Jabo Waggoner has done a lot for Jefferson County for over 50 years. It would take a book to chronicle his legislative accomplishments and good deeds. In the 1970’s Waggoner sponsored legislation which spearheaded the purchase of 45 blocks in downtown Birmingham for UAB’s expansion. UAB purchased this property, which was valued at $8.5 million at that time.

The Day My Music Died

Remember 2009? Lo, these fourteen years have passed, and I have maintained a trusted companion that has seen me through times good and bad over this decade-and-a-half.

This device has been my friend when I had none. It has been on a sound system that played throughout every room in our house, and been played endlessly in each of the vehicles we’ve owned during that time on road trips all over the place. No skips, no corrupted files, no problem. Consistent quality. Just good music. But last month, my first-generation iPod touch

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

bit the digital dust. And I’m still sad about it. In 2009, I was hired to serve as the disc jockey for a class reunion and did not want to lug around a bunch of CD players to connect to the speakers at the place where I’d been employed to spin said discs. I brought a player that had been gifted me by George “The DJ” Howell, who had

used it for his various gigs around the River Region. George used fingernail polish to highlight the buttons so he could see them in the dark. It was a 1980s-era Sony CD player, a heavy little monster, but it worked great. Still, I wanted to be able to shift between the CD player and some other device, so the purchase of the original iPod touch was made. I spent several weeks taking every record and CD I had, transferring all of the songs to iTunes (the olden name of Apple Music). It took a long time to sync all of those files. There were

like seven thousand songs on the device when I was done. There were some changes through the years – Apple stopped servicing the device around 2012, so I was stuck with the last available operating system – but this iPod worked like a champ. When other things would break down, or when desktop computers or laptops or whatever other gadgets came and went, this 2009-era iPod rocked on.

I had curated playlists for jazz, blues, R&B, Broadway, country, rock, and everything in between. I had

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

started hitting her back. Then I couldn’t feel a pulse. I yelled out [to my mother Tonya Kennedy] to call 911 and started compressions.”

The scene was chaotic. Grandfather Edward Kennedy was crying about possibly losing his granddaughter. Sabrina was trying to revive her daughter.

Soon Elmore County Deputy Sheriff David Salum, AKA Lifeguard, and Elmore County Investigator Bill Wilson, AKA Dale Earndhardt Jr. were on the scene.

“They just jumped in there,” Tonya said. “They knew what to do.”

Veralee would soon recover11 days later ,providing everyone with excitement.

Veralee and family greeted the deputies to thank them for what they did. Now immortalized on plaques are nicknames to remember the day. Everyone retold the story as Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin listened in amazement.

Wilson recalled Veralee being blue on his arrival. Salum said he could see phlegm when he first arrived as he was handed Veralee.

“They were doing CPR but it wasn’t working because the airway was obstructed,” Salum said. “We turned the baby over to her stomach to do the Heimlich and were able to clear the airway. Once we got the airway clear, we could work on the breathing and circulation.”

Wilson was checking with the ambulance seeing how far out the medics were. But they were too far away — he knew he had to act.

Sabrina joined Veralee and Salum in the back of Wilson’s truck. Wilson would drive to the Elmore Community Hospital.

“I made a decision to get in the truck while [Salum] was working on her in the back and go to the hospital,” Wilson said. “That was the quickest thing that I could think of to get her the help she was going to need.”

The idea was to meet the ambulance en route and transfer Veralee over to medics. Salum was using skills learned as a teenage lifeguard.

“Once CPR starts, you don’t want to stop,” Salum said. “CPR was happening in the car with back compressions.”

Wilson grew up on his parents’ racetrack. He didn’t look in the rearview mirror and doesn’t recall much of what happened in the back seat on the ride.

“I forgot [Sabrina] was in the back seat until we got to the hos-

STATEHOUSE

Continued from A4

There is no telling what that land is worth today – probably well over $200 million to $300 million.

Jabo was first elected to the legislature in 1966. It is no coincidence that UAB has grown into one of the premier medical and research institutions in America and the Crown Jewel of Alabama during that same period. Although Jabo is an arch conservative Republican, he has forged a close working relationship with his fellow Democratic Senate leader Roger Smitherman to

pital,” Wilson said. “There is no telling what I said or did during the ride. I remember telling [Salum] you just work on the baby, I’ll drive.”

Salum said, “He promised me he wasn’t going to wreck.”

Everyone caught a small break about 10 miles into the journey speeding down the racetrack of U.S. Highway 231.

“Once we hit the Collier Bridge she opened her eyes and started crying,” Salum said. “She probably wasn’t excited to see me, but we were excited to see her. It was a relief.”

Wilson pulled into the emergency department at Elmore Community Hospital where Dr. Lee England and staff were on duty. Two staff members had just clocked out and were in the parking lot to see Wilson arrive with precious cargo.

They joined in the effort to save Veralee. Salum and Wilson stayed and watched.

“I wanted to make sure she was OK,” Wilson said. “We stood in the back of the room and prayed for the best.”

It was a miracle the deputies got to Veralee in time and got her to the hospital according to her family. But medical staff kept Veralee going. The hospital staff was communicating with staff at UAB. A specially equipped helicopter with a neonatal incubator and specially trained staff from UAB was soon en route to Wetumpka.

According to Wilson, Veralee crashed twice in the emergency room.

“They would go to work,” Wilson said. “They would get her back stable.”

The helicopter staff would help draw blood from the tiny Veralee, now weighing in at five pounds.

Nearly three hours after calling 911 Veralee was flown to Birmingham. Eleven days after calling 911 the infant dressed in pink was visiting with her “newly adopted uncles.”

“The face we were waiting to see that day was her screaming, crying and we were relieved,” Salum said. “Now we get to see her smiling. God is great.”

Salum noticed something from Veralee’s blue eyes Thursday afternoon in Franklin’s office.

“You are looking up like you actually like me,” Salum said to Veralee. “You didn’t like me the other day.”

Wilson wasn’t so sure he would see Veralee again, just 11 days before.

“When I got out I thought she was gone,” Wilson said. “I have been here almost 16 years and have seen a lot. I didn’t give her

work across the aisle for the good of Jefferson County.

In closing, in all my years of following Alabama politics, I have never seen a more modest or amicable leader than Jabo Waggoner, Jr. I have never seen or heard of anyone who has ever met Jabo that did not like him.

Jabo Waggoner is an icon of Alabama political history. See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

much hope.”

Veralee’s grandfather agreed with Wilson’s assessment of Veralee when the deputies responded.

“God put you in the right place at the right time,” Edward said.

“And gave you a NASCAR driver,” Salum quipped.

As Salum continued to hold Veralee he noticed she looked to their left at Wilson.

“You see Dale Earnhardt over there,” Salum said.

Wilson had a quick response.

“Yea,” Wilson said. “If she is an adrenaline junkie you will know where it comes from.”

Wilson credited Salum with saving Veralee.

Salum said he didn’t necessarily start lifeguarding to be a lifesaver.

“When I was 16 and wanted to become a lifeguard, it was because I wanted to wear a bathing suit and get paid for it,” Salum said. “It wasn’t because I thought one day at 35 years old I would be saving someone’s life.”

Salum trained lifeguards in a way CPR to help become instinct.

“The way we train it, it’s a reaction,” Salum said. “You do this, you do this so in the heat of the moment when it happens, you don’t have to think, you react and take care of it.”

Tonya believes the miracles of Veralee are for a reason.

“I think she is meant to be something,” Tonya said. “She is going to be sharp. After all she has already been through in her little life, she might be a future sheriff’s deputy.”

Now Veralee has even more family.

“She has inherited two new uncles,” Tonya said. “They will always be invited — proms, graduations. Her wedding, we want you there. We appreciate you Uncle Salum and Uncle Wilson.”

Franklin said anyone in the Elmore County Sheriff’s office would have tried to save Veralee had they been the one responding that day. But not everyone gets to see this side of law enforcement. He said they only see the arrests and think of officers as evil.

“I get that, but my problem is if you hate the police why are you going to call the police?,” Franklin said. “There are a lot of people we have helped, they know we helped them out but they won’t say it.”

As Tonya gave the deputies plaques with photos of Veralee and their nicknames she welled up with tears.

“Because of you Veralee is here today,” the grandmother said. “You are our unsung hero. We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Without you our family would not be whole.”

MUSIC

Continued from A4

even put some of our band and choir performances on there. And though my family hated, absolutely despised, how I would put it on “shuffle” and let it randomly select an eclectic bunch of songs to play through the house or on road trips, I think their musical education is probably a lot better than, say, most other people their age who might have a narrower choice of music.

I’d do it all over again for my own musical education. Apple changed the game in

VIOLENCE

Continued from A1

NAACP Alabama President Benard Simelton said the idea of the Stop the Gun Violence Rallies was planned before recent shootings across the country and Alabama, but the shootings bring up an often unpopular topic that must be addressed.

“As you know, crime is just ravaging our communities,” Simelton said. “We as community leaders, as parents, as officials need and must take effective action to reduce and eliminate crime. It’s something that in our Black communities that we don’t like to talk about — Black on Black crimes. But it is a reality.”

Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said the meetings and rallies are great but the people attending them are not the problems he sees. Franklin said his deputies often go into schools to speak about drugs and doing the right thing. But almost always notice at least one child going to sleep or not paying attention.

Franklin said soon after the program, deputies learn the children or parents of the children don’t like law enforcement or authority.

“The people that we need to be talking to aren’t here,” Franklin said of those in attendance at Saturday’s rally. “It’s like church. We want to fix things when we have problems. The people we need to address we can’t seem to get into the room to talk to. That is the first problem.”

Franklin said he believes the issue starts at home where discipline has been on the decline for years.

“We need strong daddies and we need strong mommas,” Franklin said. “The key is we need both a strong momma and daddy. It helps. We have excellent grandparents.”

Mays said parents should take back control in their own homes.

2001 when Steve Jobs introduced the iPod. The music industry was in a tailspin, fighting off Napster and Kazaa and a whole raft of pirates in the file-sharing culture. Record sales were down, cassette sales were going the way of the dodo, and compact discs were at a peak they’d never see again.

All of that changed immediately with the invention of the iPod. The streaming world we know today was made possible by this invention, as well as another from the Y2K era called Netflix.

Netflix was originally set up as a mail-order DVD service, similar to the old record clubs

“Too many times parents, for whatever reason, are afraid or refuse to go into a child’s room,” Mays said. “‘That’s his room.’ That’s her room.’ ‘I’m not going in there.’ Where is his room? In the parents’ house. A lot of times that is how you know what is going on with your kids.”

With parents checking on children in their rooms, May said they may discover issues such as playing inappropriate video games, drugs or even guns. But a child’s room and electronic devices let parents into another part of children’s lives.

“You have to be concerned about who they are hanging out with,” Mays said. “You find out those things in their room.”

Elmore County Commissioner and retired law enforcement officer Dennis Hill said everyone needs to connect with children.

“When they start using guns to solve their problems, there is never a good ending,” Hill said. “Kids pick up guns for a lot of reasons. Some of it is anger. Our society has become much more violent than when I was growing up.”

Hill believes the ever-present electronic devices are providing children 24/7 access to social media and not allowing for detachment from problems and people.

“When I was growing up, when we left school, we didn’t talk to them,” Hill said. “Now there is somebody pushing and pushing.”

Mays, Franklin and Hill were in agreement with Simelton that there needs to be reasonable gun control and the need to connect with those responsible for making such laws.

“We have got to talk to our legislators about consistent gun control,” Simelton said. “There is no reason for everyone walking down the street to have a high powered weapon.”

like Columbia House and RCA Music Service. Eventually, Netflix became a pioneer in streaming untold hours of content new and old.

Just last week, Netflix shut down its DVD service and mailed its final discs to loyal customers.

Right when my iPod died.

I suppose for those who seek beginnings or endings in things can perhaps see that, for this listener, the first generation of digital music devices have now become antiques along with the physical DVD and CD products themselves.

Thank you, first generation iPod touch.

West of the Old River Bridge

Tner of Bridge and Bridge. It is a glorious spiring morning as I write this week’s column. The sun is out but the heat has not accompanied it yet. We actually seem to be having a real spring this year in the city of natural beauty. Tomorrow, May 4th, is the National Day of Prayer. This event takes place the first Thursday of May every year. It was enacted into law by Congress in 1952, partly in response to the Korean War. It has persevered since and withstood at least a couple of legal challenges that claimed it to be a direct violation of separation and church and state. One significant aspect of the national law relates to its origin. The National Day of Prayer was enacted by Congress as a univer-

BETHLEHEM EAST

BAPTIST CHURCH

Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

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

sal appeal. Religious affiliation is not mentioned in the law. From its first observance, citizens of all manner of religious identification have participated. No particular affiliation has ever claimed ownership of observance. The idea is simple enough.

Citizens are called to engage in a time of prayer for the community. Typically, community observances lift prayers for the layers of community present in the earthly kingdom: family, town or city, state, nation, and world. Think about that for a minute.

Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

EAST TALLASSEE

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blankets,

At a time when our nation was engaged in a war on another continent in a land unfamiliar to many, Congress asked its citizens to be mindful of community. That request was formalized into law with the clear understanding that citizens were free to uphold the law in the way they saw fit.

I don’t know about you, but I cannot begin to imagine such a declaration coming from Congress in our time. I am certain there was suspicion and skepticism present in 1952, but it obviously did not rule the day. Coming together in the name of doing the right thing evidently was more important.

None of us should beat ourselves up about this reality. It is shared with the whole of humanity and has been since the dawn of creation. Human creation has always had the capacity to be

Church Briefs

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

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

mindful of others, especially in challenging times. That capacity has never been limited to any specific religious identity; at least not from the Creator’s perspective.

Of course, I imagine we all understand why a National Day of Prayer seems insignificant. After all, we witness on a daily basis how empty expressions of thoughts and prayers are. No wonder so many people choose to refrain from the practice.

The interesting thing is that there are more people in the earthly kingdom at any given moment who have personal experience with the power of prayer than there are those who do not. Religious affiliation aside, there are always people who can attest to the power of prayer. The question is not whether or not there is power in prayer. The question is whether or

not anyone will admit it. Prayer, in every form of religious expression, is a privilege. Whether it is actually required or not is not the issue. The reality is that it cannot be forced. It must be chosen. Choose to engage in a time of prayer this Thursday. Come to Gold Star Park at noon for Wetumpka’s observance. Get together with others in some way or engage in prayer by yourself. Use whatever words you are comfortable with to express concern for the wellbeing of the community at every level. Take the final step of prayer and listen for direction. It will come. That is how prayers in every form of religious expression are answered.

Rev. Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka

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

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

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

OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie. REV.

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.”

Columnist

dalton middleton SportS editor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Stanhope Elmore’s Andrews drafted by Patriots

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Jake Andrews’ dream of playing in the National Football League is coming true.

Andrews, a former Stanhope Elmore and Troy graduate, was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday. He was drafted 107th overall.

He is the fourth Stanhope Elmore player to get drafted to the NFL, joining Shannon Brown, Dee Milliner and Antowain Smith. Robert Chancey, from Millbrook, also played in the NFL but was not drafted. Andrews was listed as a center in the NFL Draft, but he has plenty of experience playing both guard and center at the collegiate level. As a redshirt freshman in

2019, Andrews played in all 12 games for the Trojans at both left and right guard and even earned a start at center. In 2020 and 2021, he made 23 consecutive starts at right guard and allowed just two sacks, five hits and 19 pressures in 981 pass blocking attempts. He had more than a 98.5% pass blocking

PANTHERS, TIGERS FIGHT FOR AREA SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Elmore County and Tallassee softball rivalry

didn’t skip a beat this regular season. The two teams split their regular season matchups and both finished 5-1 in area play.

Due to both being 5-1 in area play, the tiebreaker for the No. 1 seed and hosting the area tournament came down to a coin flip. Tallassee won the coin flip, and the Tigers are hosting the AHSAA Class 5A, Area 5 softball tournament starting Wednesday. No. 1-seed Tallassee takes on No. 4-seed Valley at 12 p.m. Wednesday, then No. 2-seed Elmore County faces No. 3-seed Beauregard at 2 p.m. The championship is currently slated for Thursday at 4 p.m.

“It’s big for us to be the No. 1 seed and play in front of our home crowd,” Tallassee coach Pat Love said.

“It’s going to help with the atmosphere. This tournament is going to be tough with both us and Elmore County and Beauregard. It’s going to be a knockdown, dragout if us and Elmore County face off. And Beauregard played both of us

tough this season.”

Beauregard, which got the No. 3 seed, finished the regular season with a 2-4 area record but its record doesn’t speak to its skill.

Elmore County beat Beauregard in the two matchups, 10-4 and 9-1. Tallassee beat Beauregard, 8-0 and 3-0.

While both teams did win by more than a few runs in each game, Elmore County coach Mark Segrest knows it won’t be an easy first round matchup by any means.

“Beauregard is very well coached,” Segrest said. “They swing the bat well and they get pretty good pitching. When you have a team like that, you have to play your best to have a chance to win.”

If Tallassee and Elmore County end up matching up at any point, it will be a tough game for both sides. The two teams first met at Elmore County on March 7, and the Panthers walked away with a 5-1 win. Senior pitcher Hailey O’Brien threw a complete game for Elmore County and allowed only two hits.

In the second matchup, Tallassee beat Elmore County, 11-5. The Tigers scored 11 runs on five hits and took advantage of five Elmore

County errors. In the win, Tallassee’s Brooke Royster pitched a complete game.

“If we have the opportunity to play Tallassee, they’re swinging the bat really well and pitching extremely well so we’re going to have to limit mistakes to have a chance. We did win at home, but when we did play at Tallassee, we had a number of walks and errors. We can’t do that if we want a chance to win.”

Both Tallassee and Elmore County enter the postseason on a high note. The Panthers are currently 28-16-3 while the Tigers are 23-17.

Elmore County has won three of its last five games and tied twice. The Panthers beat Benjamin Russell, ACA, and West Morgan and tied Faith Academy and Auburn.

Tallassee has split its last six, going 3-3, but its losses have come to Central-Phenix, Benjamin Russell, and Prattville Christian by a combined four runs.

“We’re not playing badly,” Love said. “We have to tighten some stuff up, but once we do that I feel like we’ll be in a pretty good place. I like the way we’re playing and I like the way we’re heading.”

Mustangs sweep Hueytown in second round

By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Writer

The Stanhope Elmore Mustangs have still yet to allow a run to opponents in the playoffs, taking two games over Hueytown 5-0 and 2-0 in the second round this weekend. Stanhope Elmore, which has shutout four consecutive opponents dating back to Chilton County, has advanced to the third round.

“This one feels great,” coach DK Shuman said. “An outstanding performance by our team. They have played well all year. We found a way.”

Colin Woodham got the start in Game 1, and pitched the entire way. Woodham allowed just four hits and struck out five batters.

In 12 innings pitched in the playoffs, Woodham has only allowed five total hits and has struck out 13 total batters.

Following Woodham’s performance on the mound was Evan Duncan, who went five innings, striking out five and only allowed two hits in Game 2. This postseason, Duncan has let up just three total hits and struck out nine batters.

“Our pitching staff, I can’t say enough about them,” Shuman said. “That is four shutouts in the playoffs. You feel awful good when you can run those guys out there and know that they are not going to give up many runs.”

Shuman said his pitching staff has not done anything special in particular this postseason, but rather has relied on their plentiful years of experience to keep their opponents off the scoreboard.

“They have been doing this for years now,” Shuman said. “Our pitching staff have been the guys for a while now. And we still have arms waiting to get in.”

Tyler Woodham was one of those extra arms.

The reliever pitched in on the pitching effort, getting the final two innings of work in Game 2. He struck out a pair while giving up just two hits.

The story of the game for Shuman was his pitching, and understandably so.

The pitching staff allowed just eight hits between the two games. Dating back to the Chilton County series, the team has only allowed 13 hits or a bit over three hits per game.

“For them to be able to go out in four games and give up none, I can’t say enough about them,” Shuman said. “I am really proud of the way they played. Hopefully, we can carry on with this momentum.”

The Stanhope bats were not terribly explosive in either game outside of three specific swings.

In Game 1, Duncan crushed a two-run homer in his only hit of the game.

During Game 2, Zach Stevens hit a grounder that took a favorable bounce and allowed a runner to score. Chase Williams followed that with a double that scored one and gave the team just enough run support to pull out the clinching win.

Hueytown’s starting pitcher John Michael Pickens struck out 13 batters in the second game, and allowed just two runs. But the two runs were just enough.

“Pickens is outstanding,” Shuman said. “I don’t know if anybody has struck us out in a week’s worth of games. But our guys battled and found a way to scratch two in that inning.”

Looking ahead, Stanhope will play the winner of Briarwood and Hillcrest starting May 4.

To Shuman, if the team is to continue advancing, it will come down to his guys on the mound.

“I like where we are at but we just have to keep throwing strikes,” Shuman said.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Duncan shines in postseason

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

For the second-straight year, Stanhope Elmore senior Evan Duncan has shined his brightest in the postseason.

Duncan, who serves as the team’s cleanup hitter, right fielder, and No. 2 pitcher, came through for the Mustangs in a two-game sweep over Hueytown in the second round of the AHSAA Class 6A playoffs.

In a 5-0 Game 1 win, Duncan hit a go-ahead tworun home run in the bottom of the first inning to give the Mustangs all the run support they needed for the win. He took the mound in Game 2, facing off with Hueytown ace

John Michael Pickens, and outdueled the talented lefty.

In the 2-0 win, Duncan pitched five shutout innings and allowed only two hits and two walks while striking out five batters. For his efforts over the visiting Gophers, Duncan is the Elmore County Player of the Week.

Anyone who has watched Stanhope Elmore in the playoffs the last two years knows Duncan’s performance is not surprising in the least. In the first round two weeks ago, Duncan had a repeat performance. He had an RBI single in the Game 1 win, then pitched four innings of shutout ball in the Game 2 win. He added

Tallassee’s Slay wins sectional championship in four events

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Tallassee track and field coach Danny Worley knew Kayden Slay could be a multi-event medalist, but Slay jumped way past Worley’s expectations this weekend.

In the AHSAA Class 5A, Section 2 track meet this weekend at Smiths Station High School, Slay won the gold medal in four separate events to qualify for the state championship in each event.

He won the gold medal in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 15.81 seconds, the high jump with a height of 6.04, the long jump with a distance of 22-06.50, and the triple jump with a distance of 42-08.50.

“That’s the first time we’ve ever had one guy be a sectional champion in four events,” Worley said of Slay. “That’s pretty darn special. He just performed in every event he had. He did a good job against really good competition. He rose up to the moment and handled business. I can’t say enough about his effort.”

Slay won’t be the only Tallassee track member to race at the state championships this Thursday in Cullman. The Tigers had eight athletes qualify for the state championships.

Travarious Langford, Austin Gray, James Bender, Shawn Ward, Irvin Delfin, Tra’Mel McCoy, and Dontae Leonard all qualified.

Delfin won the gold medal in the 3200 meter, while McCoy and Bender each placed second in their events. Overall, the team’s efforts earned Tallassee a

second place finish as a team.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our guys,” Worley said. “They went above and beyond. We were projected to finish fourth and we ended up second with 100 points. We had a lot of kids step up and do well in their events.”

Tallassee is not the only school that will represent Elmore County at the state championships this weekend.

Wetumpka had 18 athletes qualify, with some qualifying in multiple events. James Ball, Gavan Baxley, Jamal Davis, Collin Hardin, Eli Holden, Iyana Johnson, Matthew McGehee, Melvin Owens, Omarion Owens, Brianna Powell, Brianna Reeves, Jaden Talley, Tremya Thomas, Jada Walker, Grant Weighall, Julius Williams, Elisha Williams, and Quashawn Wright all qualified for state.

Ball was the triple jump champion and placed second in the long jump.

For Stanhope Elmore, Davion Thomas, Dennis Toles, DeKamron Jones, the 4x100 relay team, and the 4x400 relay team all qualified for state.

Elmore County had multiple sectional champions and qualifiers in Frankie Mann, Logan Pack, Mark Redden, Cameron Crumpton, Lucas Drost, Jonathan Thames, Emily Mason, and Maddie Clark.

Mann finished first in the 800 meter run, with teammate Pack right behind him.

Redden also finished fourth in the event. The Panthers won the 4x400 meter relay and the 4x800 meter relay. Holtville did not have any state qualifiers.

another RBI hit on a triple in that game.

So far this postseason, Duncan has pitched 8 ⅔ innings of shutout baseball and allowed only four hits. At the plate, he has three hits with a home run, triple, and a single.

His postseason hero status dates all the way back to last season, however, in a second round matchup against Gulf Shores.

In that two-game sweep, Duncan delivered both game-winning hits for Stanhope Elmore. In Game 1, he went 3-for-4 at the plate with all six RBIs in a 6-4 win. He hit a game-winning home run late in the game. In Game 2, he followed

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Game

that with a home run in his first at-bat before being intentionally walked three times. But with a tie game, 4-4, and a runner on second base, Gulf Shores pitched to him. Duncan made the Dolphins pay with the game-winning RBI double. He pitched in both games of that series, earning a save in Game 1 and the win in Game 2.

Edgewood Academy announces new coaching hires

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Edgewood Academy officially announced the hiring of its next two basketball coaches on Wednesday.

The school announced that Brad Starks will take over as Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach while Josh Crawford has been hired as Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach and offensive coordinator for the football team.

The two hires will replace former head coach Darryl Free, who took the headmaster position at Hooper Academy last month.

Starks comes to Edgewood from Tuscaloosa Academy, where he served as the varsity girls head coach and volleyball coach. During his tenure as head coach, Tuscaloosa Academy had a record of 53-14.

He has been a part of multiple state championship winning coaching staffs and has been to multiple final fours.

“We are excited to have

coach Starks joining our staff,” Athletics Director Chad Michael said. “His success on the court and his passion to grow young people made it a great fit for our school. We look forward to him becoming a part of the Wildcat family and continuing the success of our girls basketball program.”

Edgewood Academy’s girls team is coming off its second-consecutive AISA Class AA state championship and the first undefeated

season (27-0) in program history. Starks inherits a team that returns the most of its starting lineup and production from its undefeated season.

For the boys head coach, Edgewood is hiring a former alum who has coached on the country’s biggest stage. Crawford, who graduated from Edgewood Academy in 2015, was a three-star running back who played at Vanderbilt University.

He has experience on

the coaching side as well as he served as the Graduate Assistant at Tennessee State before taking a running backs/Offensive Graduate Assistant at the University of Utah. There, he helped coach the Utes to a win in the Rose Bowl in 2022.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Coach Crawford back,” Michael said. “Not only are we welcoming a Wildcat back home, we’re also getting an extremely talented, motivated, energetic, young coach with a track record of developing younger athletes.” Crawford will also take over for a basketball team coming off a state championship. The Edgewood boys finished this past season 23-4 and won the AISA Class AA state title, its second title since 2019. The Wildcats will graduate its top two scorers but return three of its five starters. On the football field, he will help coach an Edgewood offense that reached the Class AA semifinals this season.

Martinez’s hat trick leads Wetumpka boys past Pike Road

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Wetumpka boys soccer team is headed to the second round.

Wetumpka beat visiting Pike Road, 4-2, in the first round of the AHSAA Class 6A soccer playoffs. The Indians (16-4-0) were sparked by sophomore Angel Martinez’s hat trick.

Wetumpka led, 2-0, through sixty minutes, but Pike Road was able to score back-to-back goals to tie the game. But the Indians took the lead back on a Martinez penalty kick and Austin Holley added his lone goal as time expired to send Wetumpka to the next round.

“Tonight shows the character of our guys to come back and win like that,” head coach Stephen Horn said. “We pride ourselves on not losing halves. We won the first half 2-0, then were losing the second half. But we came back and put two more goals on them late and that was impressive.”

Martinez started the scoring 10

offense. He shined in the role and helped lead the Trojans to a 12-2 overall record, a Sun Belt Championship, and a win over UTSA in the Cure Bowl.

minutes into the game. Following a short delay due to the lights shutting off in the stadium, Martinez found the back of the net on a breakaway goal.

Both teams were held scoreless for nearly the next 30 minutes, but Martinez broke away again and scored his second goal, assisted by Holley, with a minute left in the first half.

After Pike Road tied the game 2-2, the teams were trading shots with 10 minutes left in the game. On a long pass, Wetumpka was fouled just inside the box and was awarded a free kick.

Brody Worrell normally takes the penalty kicks, but was injured earlier in the game. So Martinez stepped up and gave the Indians the lead with eight minutes left.

“He gave us everything he normally does,” Horn said of Martinez. “He leads the team in scoring and that’s for a reason. He’s the most clinical finisher on our team. He was everywhere tonight.”

Pike Road pulled its goalie up to

Following his senior season, he was invited to the 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl Game in February. He shined in the All-Star event, and was ranked as the No. 9

help push the offense down the field in the closing minutes, and Holley scored the game’s final goal after beating the keeper in a 1-on-1 race back to the goal with the ball at his feet.

Wetumpka hosted Montgomery Academy on Tuesday in the second round of the playoffs. The game did not meet the Herald’s print deadline.

GIRLS: Pike Road 3, Wetumpka

0 Following a successful season, the Lady Indians saw their season come to an end in the first round of the playoffs. Wetumpka was unable to score a goal in the game while Pike Road took a 1-0 lead into the second half.

The Indians tried to keep the deficit at one goal, but a shot deflected off the Wetumpka goalkeeper directly into another Pike Road player and the Patriots went up 2-0 midway throughout the second half.

Wetumpka finished the 2023 season with a 9-7-3 overall record and won its area championship for the second-consecutive season.

overall center by ESPN analysts. He was then invited to participate in the NFL Draft Combine. Dating back to his high school career, Andrews was a

two-time All-State selection for the Mustangs. As a junior in 2016, he was named Second-Team All-State before earning First-Team All-State honors his senior campaign.

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD

Stanhope Elmore’s Evan Duncan has earned two wins on the mound this postseason. He also hit the game-winning home run in

1 over Hueytown in the second round this past weekend.

SUBMITTED THE TRIBUNE

Tallassee’s Kayden Slay poses with four gold medals around his neck.

The senior won the sectional championship in the 110 hurdles, high jump, long jump, and triple jump.

FILE THE HERALD

Edgewood Academy has announced the hiring of Josh Crawford as its new head basketball coach and offensive coordinator. Crawford, a 2015 graduate of Edgewood, was named the ASWA Player of the Year his senior season.

New hours coming Elmore County Collection Facility

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

In an effort to give residents of Elmore County more options to dispose of debris, the Elmore County Collection Facility is expanding its hours and opening on a fourth day of the week.

The facility is open from 7 to 11 a.m. and noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday and Saturday.

“We shortened the hours on Saturday to help us deal with the heavy volume we deal with,” Elmore County Chief Operations Officer Richie Beyer said. “One of the issues we are having is making sure we have the collection facility in a position to accept debris with open bins.”

The facility was opened to the public in 2020 by the Elmore County Commission.

“The intent of this was for people who are paying for their residential service through the county’s service with Arrow,”

TOURISM

Continued from A1

ticipating municipalities to dispose of items too large to fit in a regular trash container like furniture, TVs, woody debris, unbagged grass clippings, mattresses, scrap metal and tires in designated areas.

The facility does not accept household garbage, oils, gasses, paints, shingles, lumber longer than four feet, propane tanks, gas tanks, appliances and car and boat batteries.

No dump trailers are allowed and contractors should use or rent their own dumpsters for construction projects.

Pet of the Week - Bear

Sweet, cuddly Bear is a three-year old male Shepherd, surrendered to us when his family could no longer keep him. He weighs approximately 55 pounds, is great with other dogs, cats and children and is housetrained. He likes being outside but is quite the digger so be forewarned. Bear knows how to ‘sit’, loves to run and really enjoys playing with toys.

Beyer said. “That also includes four municipalities that are participating– Deatsville, Elmore, Eclectic and Wetumpka.”

While the facility is increasing hours, county officials are trying to address an issue causing the site to be abused.

“We are not just getting residential debris,” Beyer said. “We are getting a lot of contractors or people they won’t

be promoted to tourists. Willis said such things could be the Crater, the Riverboat Captain’s Lodge, Ft. Toulouse/Ft. Jackson, kayaking the Coosa River and even the dam for Lake Jordan.

“We let people see a hydroelectric dam in operation that they had never seen before,” Willis said. “Many have never been around anything like that. They think you just turn the light switch for power.”

Willis took several from Wetumpka on a tour recently showing many of the sites most locals know about. But Willis said the job STAMP will be to also identify things to promote that locals may overlook.

“We are just trying to figure out what we have, what needs to be promoted, how to tell that story and when to tell that story,” Willis said.

The arts could also be a reason Wetumpka could be a destination for tourists. Marcia Weber located her gallery in downtown Wetumpka five years ago. Don Sawyer located his studio downtown three years ago.

Sawyer once owned a successful real estate business in Wetumpka while living in Montgomery. He once owned a gallery in the old gas station where Grumpy Dog is currently located.

“I moved to Wetumpka because I love Wetumpka,” Sawyer said. “I have always loved Wetumpka. What I saw in Wetumpka was an opportunity to help revive Wetumpka.”

Sawyer believes art is a catalyst for lasting growth in Wetumpka and not just pain on a canvas.

“Art carries with it all kinds of musicians, entertainers and more,” Sawyer said. “It’s all the arts.

There is sculpture, performing arts and dance too.”

Sawyer noted examples across the U.S. where art is the reason for the destination — Royal Street and Julia Street in New Orleans, Beale Street in Memphis and Santa Fe.

“All these other streets and art districts carry nothing but art and are famous for art,” Sawyer said. “That is what Company Street is and can get better.”

Sawyer believes downtown Wetumpka sitting on the banks of the Coosa River and the triangle arrangement of streets is key for potential artistic opportunities.

“The venue is there,” Sawyer said. “Nothing else is really going to work here. We are not a retail center. I love our clothing stores, but we are not a place people are going to expressly come to buy clothes.”

Willis said arts in Wetumpka is somewhat of a new thing but has been vital to Wetumpka’s resurgence

“Arts have played a tremendous role,” Willis said. “The only place we had arts in this town before the [2019] tornado was up stairs in our administrative building. They had the

say they are contractors.

When you see a dump trailer come in multiple times during the month, it’s hard for someone to continue to have that much to clean out over time.”

The regulations for the Elmore County Collection Facility only allow those who pay for residential curbside garbage service in the county and in the par-

entire top floor. That was the Kelly.”

The 2019 tornado destroyed the Wetumpka Police Department and it was moved to the top floor of the city’s administrative building forcing The Kelly to move to downtown. It was above the Wetumpka Area Chamber of Commerce before locating on Company Street and is now moving to overlook the river on Bridge Street.

Weber said art is already attracting tourists to Alabama.

“The arts are a major way to attract people. Alabama is on the map for folkart,” Weber said. “It is really looked at world-wide as having the cream of the crop, especially painters in this particular field.”

Weber said those shopping for art will travel most anywhere and have the assets to go along with it supporting more than just art.

“If somebody is here shopping for art, they are definitely going to spend,” Weber said. “They will probably spend the night, they will shop and they will eat.”

Weber said she sees the need for promoting Wetumpka and for adding places for tourists to stay while here. She had a client who was going to stay overnight in Wetumpka recently while looking at purchasing art.

“There was no room at the Hampton Inn and no room at the lofts across the street,” Weber said.

The need for more beds for tourists, whether in hotels or something like an AirBnB, is needed in Wetumpka. City leaders say the Hampton Inn is averaging above 70 percent occupancy and frequently is sold out.

The idea of supporting a tourism effort is also supported by increases in lodging and sales tax collections by the City of Wetumpka as noted in the city’s financial reports.

In 2018 the city collected $54,358 with its 12 percent lodging tax. After the Hampton Inn opened in 2019, $293,483 was collected. During 2020 and the hardest restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, $264,155 was put in the city’s accounts due to lodging tax. Those collections surged to $338,968 in 2021.

Sales tax is collected on almost every purchase — groceries, building supplies but also food in restaurants, clothing and gift items. Increases in collections were seen by the city in sales tax too.

In 2018 $6.6 million was collected. For fiscal year 2019, city sales tax was increased from three percent to four percent and saw $9 million collected. In 2020, $10 million in sales tax was collected and an audit noted dramatic increases in sales tax at Lowes and Walmart. It was a trend noted in Tallapoosa County as well where many properties took to home and landscape renovations. In 2021 the City of Wetumpka collected nearly $11.4 million in sales tax. It’s those revenue streams that help fund city departments such as public works and other city services that provide for a better quality of

“We cannot sustain having people bringing dump trailers into the facility dumping all over the ground,” Beyer said. “We have not started standing at the gate and just checking bills or checking addresses, but we have to start getting some kind of containment on that. It was intended to take the burden off the citizens that can’t get the stuff into their regular cans.”

life for Wetumpka’s citizens. If those decrease, city leaders could need to find places to cut services.

Willis said how a tourism department would look in Wetumpka has yet to be determined, but STAMP and Yellow House Publishing would help city leaders and the council make the decision.

“We can take Main Street and we can take the chamber of commerce, we can take the City of Wetumpka and pretty well do anything we want to do,” Willis said. “We just have to have it structured correctly. But really tourism is not the chamber of commerce’s job. It’s not Main Street’s job. But it could be the city’s job to do.”

Willis said Lynn Weldon currently handles many duties for the City of Wetumpka.

“Lynn is a utility person for us,” Willis said. “She has been at the airport. She headed up our public works department at one time. She has done different things for us. She handles tourism now. She does so many different things. When we started talking about tourism, we started involving her.”

Main Street Wetumpka Executive Director Haley Greene wants to keep foot traffic going in downtown Wetumpka to continue to support downtown businesses.

“We are hoping tourism will either increase or become more steady,” Greene said. “We want to support our existing downtown businesses but also bring new businesses downtown. We have a few vacancies downtown. We are hoping with the increased numbers in tourists with new efforts for tourism will attract new businesses and support the businesses we have.”

Sawyer believes tourism is already having a steady impact on Wetumpka and an organized tourism promotion effort would be successful.

“I see a tourist everyday — and I’m not down here that much,” Sawyer said. “Everyday I find somebody that is from somewhere that is coming to Wetumpka out of curiosity.”

Moving from “curiosity” to a plan for tourism is what Willis wants, and believes the $54,000 cost of contracting STAMP and Yellow House Publishing for the first three months is somewhat cheap for what tourism might deliver.

“It takes money to get there,” Willis said. “One of the best things I have had the ability to do is find money. I went from an $8 million budget to a $19 million budget. I love what I do. It has been enjoyable. I want us to be the best we can be. You do that with planning and organizing, pulling people together.”

Sawyer already has a vision of what Wetumpka will look like — sooner rather than later and likely with tourists.

“Before I die, we will have street musicians playing on every corner — just playing,” Sawyer said. “I just want to see it happen. It’s happening now, just look at the cars.”

Elmore County Humane Shelter adoption fees are $100 for dogs & $50 for cats under one year. Cats over one year can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. Adoption fees covers a mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, 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 Bear or any of our pets, please visit https://elmorehumane.org/ adoption-application-online-form2.html and fill out our adoption application. Once approved, we’ll coordinate to set up an appointment to meet and adopt. The Elmore County Humane Shelter is located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092. For more information, please call 334567-3377 or visit www.elmorehumane.org.

Continued from A1

“That award, it’s our team that deserves the award.”

The award was given to Davis at the ASNA annual convention where the focus this year was on using innovation. The Elmore County Child Nutrition Program “Hot Spot” mobile kitchen was there to show the state’s first of a kind ability to meet federal nutritional guidelines in a unique environment.

“It was great,” Davis said. “We had two different sessions. I taught a class taking them through what our processes have been.”

The kitchen was used to feed conference attendees brisket tacos.

Elmore County Schools Superintendent Richard Dennis made the trip to Birmingham to see Davis receive the award, and was very proud to see the recognition the entire Elmore County Schools CNP program received.

“When you drive up to the civic center in Birmingham and see the Elmore County food trailer sitting out front it is amazing,” Dennis said. “It goes to show we are doing great things in the CNP program.”

Dennis said the mobile kitchen is only one of many things Davis has done that got her the state award.

“Elmore County really stepped up to the table during COVID,” Dennis said. “She was one of the first directors in the state to react to food distribution on the scale that we did it. It was massive. There were millions of meals served during COVID. It helped us tremendously to get food to our community.”

The COVID-19 pandemic also gave Elmore County Schools a chance to centralize some of its CNP warehousing. Dennis said a conversation with a parent at the Elmore County Night of Bands saw the county purchasing two freezers intended to house COVID-19 vaccines at a great discount.

Davis was able to use the facility to house fruits, meats and vegetables grown within the state that might not be available to all the county’s cafeterias.

“We were able to order hydroponically grown lettuce from Auburn,” Davis said. “It is the most beautiful lettuce.

Before we had lettuce that came from California. You can imagine the age of it by the time it got here. This is still heads of lettuce, basically a live product from the root. It has never been in dirt so it is easier to clean.”

Davis said the locally grown lettuce has two advantages. There is less waste making up most of the difference in the cost of the shipped in product and it has better nutritional value because it is fresher. Davis has also placed similar orders for collard greens from Lowndes County, watermelons from Elmore County and more.

Dennis said Davis took the initiative to take advantage of a state program bringing fruits, vegetables and even meat grown in Alabama to the table for Elmore County students.

“I understand we are leading the state on farm to school products like fresh produce coming in from farmers in the state,” Dennis said. “ Davis said while using products grown locally is more expensive, the program from the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries provided nearly $60,000 in supplemental funding last year. Now in its third year the program has been capped at $40,000 per year.

“If there are leftover funds we will be able to apply for them,” Davis said. Davis said the products grown in Alabama have another advantage beyond nutritional value.

“It tastes better and because of that it helps with participation,” Davis said. “We get excited about those things.”

But Davis isn’t resting. She is hopeful to bring more changes that will benefit all — especially students.

“Seven years ago, we were hardly ever offering fresh fruits and vegetables from Alabama,” Davis said. “I would like to centralize salads and that way have less waste. We serve about 100 of those at each of the larger schools everyday — even in the elementary schools. Possibly we could centralize soups, taco meat, beef tips. With that I believe we can improve waste and we can control quality too. We don’t want to do anything that will take away from quality. We only do it if it improves quality.” AWARD

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD

Elmore County has expanded its hours for the collection facility in Wetumpka at 110 Red Eagle Drive. The facility does not accept certain types of waste including oil, paint and chemicals.

Lake River & Classi eds

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Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY

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Public Notices

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Tillman Infrastructure, LLC proposes to build a 320-foot Self Support Communications Tower at approx. vicinity of 2081 Weldon Road, Tallassee, Elmore County, Alabama 36078. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corporation, Meagan Henderson, m.henderson@ trileaf.com, 1395 South Marietta Parkway, Building 400 Suite 209, Marietta, Georgia 36078 –(678) 653-8673.

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 2023 71076 PUBLIC NOTICE

J&J Towing will auction the followings vehicles off on 05-31-23 2013 Ford C-Max-1FADP5AU6DL517034

2012 Chevy Malibu-1G1ZC5E03CR288160

Wetumpka Herald: May 3 and 10, 2023 AV/13 FORD PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Pemberton, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of Elmore County Child Development Center at Holtville, AL. for the State of Alabama and the County of Elmore, Owner(s), and settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify McKee and Associates, Inc. Pemberton, Inc 3075 Wetumpka Hwy Montgomery, AL 36110

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 2023

COMPLETION

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals will be received by the Elmore County Board of Education at their ofAT 2:00

PM CST ON MAY 11, 2023

, which time and place they will for: REDLAND ROAD MIDDLE SCHOOL BLEACHER RELOCATION AND CONCRETE PAD FOR THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION WETUMPKA, ALABAMA (Local Funds)

Bleachers are provided byers are on site and have been disassembled and moved fromed on the Bid and Construccheck or bid bond payable to in an amount

and statutory Labor and insurance in compliance with

may be obtained from the sharing access for a one time

deposit of per set in good and reusable condition

is estimated to be the same To expedite distribution of bid documents, deposit check(s) should be faxed and mailed

must be submitted on proposal

bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed

show such evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by shall show such evidence by clearly displaying their current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which must also include their current after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of A PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held in the same location at 10:00 AM LOCAL TIME ON THURSDAY, MAY 4, 2023 the purpose of reviewing the Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is highly recommended for all General Contractor Bidders intending

comply with the requirements

The Contractor and the Owner will be required to apply for

The Contractor shall account for and requirements for General Contractor Bidders and separate Subcontractors and Manufacturers are indicated in the

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and -

ests of the Owner will thereby ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Mr. Richard Dennis, Superintendent GOODWYN MILLS CAWOOD, LLC -

AMGM220049 PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS ARPA Project No. 01051-061221116-0015 Town of Eclectic, Alabama

Separate sealed BIDS for a Sanitary Sewer Pump Station & Force Main for the Town of Eclectic will be received by the Town of Eclectic at the Eclectic Town Hall, 145 Main Street, Eclectic, Alabama 36024 until 10:00 A.M., C.S.T., May 25,licly opened and read aloud. Wastewater Improvements:

p Construct a 6’ x 15’ Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station, 8-inch gravity force main, 6-inch PVC force main, 2” force main, 5” conduit and all appurtenances. The Information for Bidders, Form of Bid, Form of Contract, of Bid Bond, Performance and Payment Bond, and other contract documents may be examined at the following location: Eclectic Town Hall, 145 Main Street Eclectic, AL 36024 Larry E. Speaks & Associates, Inc. 535 Herron Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 Copies may be Larry E. Speaks & Associates, Inc. located at 535 Herron Street, Montgomery, AL upon payment of $100.00 for each set. Any unsuccessful bidder, upon returning such set promptly and in good condition, will be refunded his payment, and any non-bidder upon so returning such a set will be refunded $50. An electronic copy is available upon request at no charge. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on May 9, 2023, at 10 A.M. C.S.T. at Town of Eclectic Town Hall. Attending the Pre-Bid Conference is not mandatory to bid on this project. The owner reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids. Each bidder must deposit with his bid security in the amount, form and subject to the conditions provided in the Information for Bidders. Attention of bidders is particularly called to the requirements of the ARPA as to conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the contract, Section 3, Segregated Facility, Section 109 and E. O. 11246. No bidder may withdraw his bid within 30 days after the actual date of the opening thereof. This project is being funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Date: 05/03/2023, 05/10/2023 & 5/17/2023

Gary Davenport, Mayor Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023

BIDS/ARPA

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA COREY J. BISHOP, Plaintiff, v. CASE NO.: CV23-900082

CHARLES A. MITCHELL, AND PARTIES A, B, C, D & E WHOSE IDENTITIES ARE CURRENTLY UNKNOWN BUT WHO ARE OR REPRESENT ANY AND ALL PARTIES WHO MAY CLAIM ANY INTEREST TO THE SUBJECT LAND, Defendants. NOTICE

Notice is hereby given to the Defendants, anyone having an interest in the herein described real estate, to plead, answer, or demur on or before the 30th day of June, 2023, setting out any right, title, or interest claimed in the following described real estate or decree pro confesso will be entered against you: Tract Number 2 – containing 10.79 acres and as designated in that survey map of lands of Hampton Mitchell Estate according to a survey done the 17 th day of April 1980 by W.B. Scott, said survey map at plat Book 8 Page 91 in the of Elmore County, Alabama in the 31 st day of March, 1983. with the Circuit Court of Elmore County on the 14th day of April, 2023, against the herein described land to establish that the Plaintiff named herein are seized of a fee simple absolute title thereto.

/s/Michael Dozier Circuit Clerk

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 26, May 3, 10 and 17, 2023

CV23-900082

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals will be received by the Montgomery Public Schools at 117 Marshall Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, until 10:00 a.m. CST, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read, for:

HVAC RENOVATIONS AT BREWBAKER PRIMARY SCHOOL MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA DCM No: ME No: 21-162 A Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting will be held at 10:00 AM CST Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the site: Brewbaker Intermediate School, 4445 Brewbaker Drive, Montgomery, Alabama 36116. All bidders must attend this meeting. A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Montgomery Public Schools in an percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds and evidence of insurance required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract. Drawings and specLLC, 903 South Perry Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. PDF electronic bid documentsgineer upon receipt of check for the amount of $25.00. Bids must be submitted on proposal or copies thereof. All bidders the established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considshall show such evidence clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the seal envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby by promoted. Montgomery Public Schools 903 South Perry Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 2023 BIDS/HVAC PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CORTES KRYSTAL, Plaintiff, V. Case No.: DR-2023-000034.00 CORTES-RAMOS ANTONIO, Defendant.

ANTONIO CORTES-RAMOS whose whereabouts are unknown, is required to answer the Complaint for Divorce and/ or other relief requested by KRYSTAL CORTES within THIRTY (30) DAYS, or thereafter default judgment may be rendered against ANTONIO CORTES-RAMOS in case DR2023-000034, Elmore County Circuit Court. DONE this 23rd day of April, 2023. /s/ J AMANDA BAXLEY CIRCUIT JUDGE

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2023 DR-2023-000034.00

PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3, 2023

Public Notices ( “Mortgagee”) and recorded on the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in RLPY 2019, at Page 998, the Mortgagee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance doors of the Elmore County Courthouse located at 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 on March 22, 2023 between the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., all of the Mortgagor’s rights, title and interest in and to the following described property (the “Property”), to wit: Commence at the point known as the Northeast Corner of Section 25, Township 18 North, Range 18 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence West 1,680.32’ to a point; thence South 2,789.08’ to an iron pin; thence South 10°58’24” West 24.31’ to an iron pin and the Point of Beginning for the herein described parcel of land (said point also located on the East Right-of-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway No. 231); thence leaving said East Right-of-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway 231 South 78°57’12” East 175.00’ to a nail; thence South 10°58’24” East 170’ to a nail; thence North 78°57’12” West 175.00’ to an iron pin located on the East Right-of-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway No. 231; thence along said East Right-of-Way (180’) of U.S. Highway North 10°58’24” West 170.00’ to an iron pin and the Point of Beginning. Lying and being a part of the Southeast 1?4 of Section 25, Township 18 North, Range 18 East Elmore County, Alabama. Together with easements as established by the Declaration of Easement, Restrictive Covenants and Maintenance executed by Bruno’s Supermarkets, Inc. to be recorded in Elmore County, Alabama covering the following property: Lot 1 of Bruno’s subdivision as recorded in Map Book 15, Page 84 in the for Elmore County, Alabama and begin more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the Northeast corner of said Lot 1; thence South 10°59’25” West a distance of 112.44 feet to a point; thence S 10°59’25” West a distance of 104.28 feet to a point; thence North 79°04’38” West a distance of 127.67 feet to a point; thence North 10°56’41” East a distance of 72.52 feet to a point; thence North 78°59’59” West a distance of 317.24 feet to a point; thence North 10°55’37” East a distance of 24.31 feet to a point; thence North 85°54’02” East a distance of 460.89 feet to the Point of Beginning. Together with the rights, this and appurtenances hereto as described in that Amended and Restated Indentures of Establishment of Protective Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Grants of Easements between Bruno’s Inc., Quentin C. Crommelin, Henry Crommelin, Jr., Sally H. Crommelin Dell, and Harriett Crommelin Roberts dated September 1, 1995 and on Roll 167, at Frames 186206. THE PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS”, “WHERE IS” BASIS AND WITH ALL FAULTS. THE PROPERTY WILL ALSO BE SOLD SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, LEASES, ENCUMBRANCES, RESERVATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND ALL MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. THE PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Payment terms are cash or cashier’s check (United States Dollars in immediately available funds) made payable to Mortgagee on the date of the public sale. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the Property and to credit its bid against the expenses of sale and the obligations secured by the Mortgage. The public sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Contact David B. Hughes at (334) 241-8076 prior to attendance. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the obligations secured by the Mortgage as well as the expenses of collection and foreclosure. MAX CREDIT UNION Mortgagee ATTORNEY FOR MORTGAGEE: David B. Hughes, Esquire CAPELL & HOWARD, P.C. 150 South Perry Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104 (334) 241-8076 The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until April 3, 2023 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until April 27, 2023 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed until May 18, 2023 during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 2023 CONTINUATION

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA LARRY DOZIER Plaintiff, v. BENJAMIN VANCE, and if deceased, his heirs And assigns, and Fictitious Parties “A”, “B”, “C” being any and/or all persons, or entities, which may hold or claim any right, title or interest in the herein described real estate located in Elmore County, Alabama; and Commence at the SW Corner of original Lot 111 of West Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. Said point being on the East right of way of NW Main Street, 66’ R.O.W; thence North 02°16’04” East, along said right of way, 55.04 feet to an iron pin; thence continue North 02°16’04” East, along said right of way, 54.96 feet to an iron pin; thence leaving said right of way, South 88°45’27” East, 132 feet to an iron pin on the West right of way, N. Broad Street; thence South 01°58’27” West, along said right of way, 52.64 feet to an iron pin: thence leaving said right of way, North 89°16’58” West 132 feet, thence North 55 feet to the point of beginning. Defendants. CASE NO. CV-2023-900077 NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT AND ORDER DIRECTING FILING OF APPEARANCE AND ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS

TO: Benjamin Vance, and if deceased, his heirs and assigns, and anyone claiming an ownership interest in, is attempting to purchase, claims to hold a lien on, or anyone who claims to lease the subject property of this Action, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 12th day of April, 2023, a Complaint tocuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama under Civil Action No. CV-2023-900077. All persons having an interest in the above described property, or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to appear, answer, demur or otherwise respond to the allegations contained in the Plaintiffs’ Complaint within thirty (30) days By the 12th day of June, 2023; or, in the event said Defendants fail to so appear and answer, a Default Judgment may be entered against them. Said lands which are more particular described in the Com-NESS my hand and seal, this 14th day of April, 2023.

/s/Michael Dozier Clerk of the Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama

Apr. 19, 26, May 3 and 10, 2023 CV-2023-900077 PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BILLY JOE AUSTIN, SR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-112 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BILLY JOE AUSTIN. SR., deceased, having been granted to BILLY JOE AUSTIN. JR., JOANNA MASON and PAMMY WAITE on the 26th day of April, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

BILLY JOE AUSTIN. JR., JOANNA MASON and PAMMY WAITE CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF BILLY JOE AUSTIN. SR., DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Co-Personal Representatives: ROBERT B. RENEAU LAW OFFICES OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS. P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023 EST/AUSTIN B. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA THE TOWN OF ECLECTIC, ALABAMA, Petitioner, v. CIVIL ACTION NO.: CV-2023-900027.00 THE TAXPAYERS AND CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF ECLECTIC, ALABAMA, Defendants. LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS AND CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF ECLECTIC, ALABAMA Notice is hereby given to you that a

Public Notices

Public Notices

p,g

Public Notices

Public Notices

way 63 near the intersection

thence North 38 deg. 13’02” East along and with the Easterly margin of said road a distance of 120.69 feet to an open-end pipe; thence leaving said road South 82 deg. 06’43” East a distance of 222.69 feet; thence a chord bearing and distance of South 01 deg. 43’49” East 38.25 feet; thence South 84 deg. 58’45” West bounded by Bernard Sikes a distance of 297.54 feet to a point of beginning, containing 0.40 acres, more or less, in Elmore County, Alabama. Defendants. CASE NO. CV-2023-900079 NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT AND ORDER DIRECTING FILING OF APPEARANCE AND ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS

same will be barred. PAMELA S. LOFTON ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JIMMY EARL GALLANDER, who is also known as JIMMY LEE GALLANDER, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: D. JASON BRITT STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC

ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST P O BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520

SHEILA LEWIS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MAE FRANCIS MITCHELL, DECEASED Attorney of Record for

Personal Representative: JAMES E. WILSON, JR. ATTORNEY AT LAW 732 CARTER HILL RD MONTGOMERY. ALABAMA 36106 334-834-9899

the Town proposes to pay to

no other purpose; Town Assis-

TO: Cheryl A. Hall, and if deceased, her heirs and assigns, and anyone else claiming an ownership interest in, is attempting to purchase, claims to hold a lien on, or claims to lease the subject property of this Action, YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 13th day of April, 2023, a Complaint Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama under Civil Action No. CV-2023-900079. All persons having an interest in the above described property, or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to appear, answer,, demur or otherwise respond to the allegations contained in the Plaintiff’s Complaint within thirty (30) days or, in the event said Defendants fail to so appear and answer, a Default Judgment may be entered against them. WITNESS my hand and seal this 13 day of April, 2023.

/s/Michael Dozier Clerk of the Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 19, 26, May 3 and 10, 2023 CV-2023-900079

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ERIC RANDU BENAVIDES, CASE NO: 2023-101 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of ERIC RANDU BENAVIDES, deceased, having been granted to RODNEY DAVIS on April 24, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

RODNEY DAVIS

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ERIC RANDU BENAVIDES, DECEASED Name and Address of Administrator: RODNEY DAVIS

810 5 TH AVENUE NORTH SUITE A BIRMINGHAM. ALABAMA 35203 205-5781597 rodney@reginaldmcdaniel.com Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023

EST/BENAVIDES, E. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY GROSS CARR, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-108 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to GLORIA A. SOLOMON as Personal Representative on the 24th day of April 2023, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

GLORIA A. SOLOMON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY GROSS CARR, 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

CV-2023-9000027.00

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA LARRY DOZIER Plaintiff, v. Cheryl A. Hall, and if deceased, her heirs and assigns, and Fictitious Parties “A”, “B”, “C”, being any and/or all persons, or entities, which may hold or claim any right,title or interest in the herein describe real estate located in Elmore County, Alabama; and Begin at an iron pin marking the SW corner of Lot or parcel and being North 201.31 feet and East 979.51 feet of a one inch open end pipe marking the SW corner of Section 6, Township 19N, Range 18E

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023 EST/CARR M. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JIMMY EARL GALLANDER, WHO IS ALSO KNOWN AS JIMMY LEE GALLANDER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-315 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration with Will Annexed over the Estate of JIMMY EARL GALLANDER, who is also known as JIMMY LEE GALLANDER, deceased, having been granted to PAMELA S. LOFTON on the 11th day of April, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 19, 26 and May 3, 2023 EST/GALLANDER, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GARY CORNELIUS GEER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-072 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of GARY CORNELIUS GEER, deceased, having been granted to JERRY GEER on April 27, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

JERRY GEER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF GARY CORNELIUS GEER, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JEFFREY J. COURTNEY COURTNEY & MANN, LLP PO BOX 100 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-2545

Washington Daily News: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023 EST/GEER G. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAT C. HOLLEY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-088 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of PAT C. HOLLEY, deceased, having been granted to RALPH WILLIAM HOLLEY, JR. and JAMES ALDEN HOLLEY on the 20th day of April, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

RALPH WILLIAM HOLLEY, JR. and JAMES ALDEN HOLLEY CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF PAT C. HOLLEY, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Co-Personal Representatives: JOHN C. CALAME ATTORNEY AT LAW P O BOX 345 SELMA, ALABAMA 36702 334-875-7810

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 26, May 3 and 10, 2023

EST/HOLLEY, P. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY C. MANN, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-080 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to DIANE HARRIS as Personal Representative on the 20th day of April, 2023, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

DIANN HARRIS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY C. MANN, 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: Apr. 26, May 3 and 10, 2023 EST/MANN B. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAE FRANCIS MITCHELL, CASE NO: 2023-093 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of MAE FRANCIS MITCHELL, deceased, having been granted to SHEILA LEWIS on April 26, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023 EST/MITCHELL, M. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR SMITH, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023107 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of ELEANOR SMITH, deceased, having been granted to MAURICE MATTHEWS, SR., on the 25th day of April, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said Estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

MAURICE MATTHEWS, SR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR SMITH

Regina B. Edwards, Esq.

The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P. C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023

EST/SMITH, E. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JACQUELINE O. SUMNERS, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-058 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to SYLVIA COUNTS as Executrix on the 12th day of April, 2023, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. SYLVIA COUNTS EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF JACQUELINE O. SUMNERS, 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: Apr. 19, 26 and May 3, 2023 EST/SUMNERS, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JO ANN PHILLIPS TURNER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-103 NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: PHYLLIS T. ROLLAN, CHARLES DAVID TURNER and TIMOTHY D. TURNER, PE-

KELLY LEE ATTORNEY AT LAW

EST/TURNER J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM WARREN WALKER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-100 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration over the Estate of WILLIAM WARREN WALKER, who is also known as WILLIAM WARREN WALKER, JR., deceased, having been granted to JAMES BRINSON WALKER on April 25th, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

Public Notices

JAMES BRINSON WALKER

ADMINISTRATOR OF

TATE OF WILLIAM WARREN WALKER, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: BRAIN JUSTISS ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 U S HWY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-306-4713

brian@jh-legal.com

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023

EST/WALKER, W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EARL WINGARD, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-055 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of EARL WINGARD, deceased, having been granted to DANNY WINGARD on April 13, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

DANNY WINGARD PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF EARL WINGARD, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for

Personal Representative:

D. JASON BRITT STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC

ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092

334-517-6520

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 19, 26 and May 3, 2023

EST/WINGARD, E.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PATSY JUANITA WINGARD, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-056 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Es-

tate of PATSY JUANITA WINGARD, deceased, having been granted to DANNY WINGARD on April, 13, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

DANNY WINGARD

PERSONAL REPRESENTA-

TIVE OF THE ESTATE OF PATSY JUANITA WINGARD, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative:

D. JASON BRITT STONE, BRITT & WEBB, LLC

ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS AT LAW 114 S MAIN ST PO BOX 967 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 19, 26 and May 3, 2023 EST/WINGARD, P. PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE MILLBROOK, ALABAMA CITY COUNCIL

In accordance with the recompiled Constitution of the State of Alabama, Section 94.01, notice is hereby given of a public hearing of the Millbrook, Alabama, City Council to be held at 3900 Grandview Road, Millbrook, Alabama 36054, at 6:00 o’clock pm on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comments on a Resolution to Approve Section 94.01(a)(3) Distributions. The City of Millbrook proposes to make Section 94.01(a)(3) distributions to support economic and/or industrial development with the objective of promoting public health, safety, morals, security, prosperity, contentment, and the general welfare of the community. Said distributions are proposed to The W.E.L.C.O.M.E Center, The City of Millbrook proposes to lend its credit or grant public funds or thing of value to the aforementioned entity and/or agency to serve a public purpose.

City of Millbrook, Alabama

c/o Kelly Lee, City Attorney

3160 Main Street Millbrook, AL 36054

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 2023

HEARING PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated July 03, 2015, executed by Faye B. Barrett, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for Citibank, N.A., which mortgage was recorded on July 13, 2015, RLPY Book 2015, Page 31357, of the mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama and which mortgage was, duly transferred and assigned to CitiMortgage, Inc. , notice is hereby given that pursuant to law and the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the undersigned will sell

Public Notices

gg g at public outcry, to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the North Door entrance to the Elmore County Courthouse at Wetumpka, Alabama during the legal hours of sale on June 21, 2023, the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: The land referred to herein below is situated in the County of Elmore, State of Alabama in Deed Book 2007 at Page 70673 and is described as follows: Lot 59, Block 219, Grandview Pines #6, as the same is recorded in Plat of the Judge of Probate, Elmore County, Alabama. Subject to all restrictions, reservations, easements and/or rights-of-way appearing of record which affect title to the above described property. Being the same property described in the deed to Faye B. Barrett from Joan C. Partridge, a married woman recorded on October 1, 2007 in Deed Book 2007, at Page 70673, of the Public Records of Elmore County, Alabama. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage as well as expenses of foreclosure. 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 of the County where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to condition, title, use and/or enjoyment and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The successful bidder must tender full funds at the conclusion of the sale in the payable or endorsed to Padgett Law Group. No personal checks will be accepted. To this end you outbid the lender and any other not be accepted. Amounts received in excess of the winning bid will be refunded. Padgett Law Group reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidders should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due.

Padgett Law Group 4245 Balmoral Drive SW Suite 101 Huntsville, AL 35801

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023

FC/BARRETT

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: JORDAN MCCLENDON CASE No. JU-2019-209.07

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

TO: Shirley McClendon (Mother) You are hereby given notice the Elmore County Department of Human Resources requesting that your parental rights be terminated to JORDAN MCCLENDON, born on August 05, 2019, at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, Alabama. You are hereby given notice

Answer with the Clerk of the Juvenile Court and with the Petitioner’s attorney, Alan H. Polson, Alabama State Department of Human Resources, Legal -

of the last publication of this notice or a default judgment can hearing has been set for July 19, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama You may appear and contest the same if you choose. ELMORE COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK

Wetumpka Herald: JU-2019-209.07 PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to the Elmore County Commission for a 011 - Lounge Retail Liquor - Class II (Package) Alcohol License Application for Bottle Paradise by Bottle Paradise 4 Inc. at 75928 Tallassee Highway, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092. The Public Hearing on said application is set before the County Commission at 5:00pm, Monday,, May 8, 2023 in the Elmore County Courthouse Courtroom, 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama. Anyone desiring to speak either for or against said application should appear in person at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing to:

Elmore County Commission 100 East Commerce St., Suite 200 Wetumpka, AL 36092 wrbechd@elmoreco.org

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 2023

LIQUOR LICENSE PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated April 11, 2000 executed by Mary A. Orr aka

Public Notices

yy Mary Ann Reeves Jackson, a single woman, in favor of American General, said Mortgage being recorded April 13, 2000, in RLPY Book 2000, the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama; having later been assigned to U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCF 2 Acquisition Trust c/o U.S. Bank Trust National Association by instrument recorded in Book 2021, Page 88630, in the of Elmore County, Alabama. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCF 2 Acquisition Trust c/o U.S. Bank Trust National Association, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the main entrance to the County Courthouse, Elmore County, Alabama on 06/21/2023, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: These certain lots, places, and parcels of land know and described on the map or plat of the subdivision known as Luckytown as Lots Number 16, 17, and 18, in Block D, the said Plat of Luckytown being surveyed and platted by C.A. Pickett, CE. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 261 Gill Road, Elmore, AL 36025. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “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, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage. U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCF 2 Acquisition Trust c/o U.S. Bank Trust National Association Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 37-FC-23-01093

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 10 and 17, 2023 FC/ORR

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: DAVID SASSER CASE No. JU-2021-171.04 KILLIAN SASSER JU-2021-172.04 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

TO: Christopher Sasser (Father) You are hereby given no-

DAVID SASSER, born on October 14, KILLIAN SASSER, born on Oc-

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: TERRI SMITH CASE No. JU-2021-56.03 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

TO: TERRY SMITH (Father) You are hereby given notice -

TERRI SMITH born on January 22, 2020, at hereby given notice that you are

Public Notices

Public Notices

JU-2021-56.03

PUBLIC NOTICE

Oak Tree Mini Storage will be hosting a live sale on May 15 2023 at 2pm. We have 3 units to auction. A-5 and A-8 located at 47 Oak Tree Loop Millbrook, AL. 36054 And B-18 located at 67 Oak Tree Loop Millbrook Al. 36054.The buyer must clean unit out with in 48 hours of the sale.

Wetumpka Herald: May 3, 2023

STORAGE AUCTION

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Thursday, May the 11th 2023, 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.

2333:Kathy Nelson. 136 Holiday Dr. Titus, Al 36080 Contents: dresser, lamp, totes, wooden chairs, home decor 2435: Snadra Jones. 234 Commerce St. Montgomery, Al 36104. Contents: boxes, desk, pictures, clothes, computer, totes, home decor

Wetumpka Herald: Apr. 26 and May 3, 2023

STORAGE SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by JOHN ANDREW RICHARDSON AND ANDREA RICHARDSON, INDIVIDUALLY AND JOINTLY AS HUSBAND AND WIFE, to CB&S BANK AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PRIMESOUTH BANK on MAY 2, 2011, said mortgage being recorded

Probate of ELMORE County, Alabama, at RPLY 2011 PAGE 19127, the undersigned CB&S BANK AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PRIMESOUTH BANK, as mortgagee (or 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, at the entrance of the Courthouse of ELMORE County, Alabama, on JUNE 14, 2023, between the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in ELMORE County, Alabama, to wit: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH, RANGE 20 EAST, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST, A DISTANCE OF 190.83 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE NORTH 85 DEGREES 27 MINUTES 16 SECONDS WEST, A DISTANCE OF 234.19 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST, A DISTANCE OF 135.44 FEET TO AN IRON PIN AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE NORTH 01 DEGREES 38 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST, A DISTANCE OF 203.84 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE SOUTH 87 DEGREES 02 MINUTES 14 SECONDS WEST, A DISTANCE OF 1062.34 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY OF OSBORNE LANE (30 FEET TO CENTERLINE); THENCE SOUTH 02 DEGREES 31 MINUTES 01 SECONDS EAST ALONG THE SAID EAST RIGHT OF WAY OF SAID ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 364.17 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE NORTH 62 DEGREES 02 MINUTES 15 SECONDS EAST. A DISTANCE OF 549.95 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE SOUTH 85 DEGREES 39 MINUTES 30 SECONDS EAST, A DISTANCE OF 566.65 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 5.00 ACRES MORE OR LESS AND LYING IN THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 18 NORTH. RANGE 20 EAST, ELMORE COUNTY ALABAMA. LESS AND EXCEPT; COMMENCE AT THE SE CORNER OF THE SW ¼ OF THE SE ¼ OF SECTION 34, T18N, R20E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE NORTH 01 DEG. 38 MIN 30 SEC. WEST A DISTANCE OF 190.83 FEET TO AN IRON PIN CAPPED S.D. MARTIN #11726; THENCE NORTH 85 DEG. 27 MIN 16 SEC. WEST A DISTANCE OF 234.19 FEET TO AN IRON PIN CAPPED MARTIN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEG. 38 MIN. 30 SEC. WEST A DISTANCE OF 135.44 FEET TO AN IRON PIN CAPPED MARTIN AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE NORTH 01 DEG. 38MIN. 30 SEC. WEST A DISTANCE OF 203.84 FEET TO AN IRON PIN CAPPED MARTIN; THENCE SOUTH 87 DEG. 02 MIN. 14 SEC. WEST A DISTANCE OF 812.34 FEET TO AN IRON PIN CAPPED MARTIN; THENCE SOUTH 02 DEG. 31 MIN. 01

SEC. EAST A DISTANCE OF 200.01 FEET TO AN IRON PIN CAPPED MARTIN; THENCE SOUTH 87 DEG. 02 MIN 14 SEC. WEST A DISTANCE OF 250.00 FEET TO AN IRON PIN CAPPED MARTIN ON THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY OF OSBORNE LANE (30 FEET TO CENTERLINE); THENCE SOUTH 02 DEG. 31 MIN 01

SEC. EAST ALONG THE SAID EAST RIGHT OF WAY OF SAID ROAD A DISTANCE OF 164.16 FEET TO AN IRON PIN CAPPED MARTIN; THENCE LEAVING SAID ROAD NORTH 62 DEG.

July 18, 2023, at 9:00 A.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama

JU-2021-171.04

SUBMITTED | THE OBSERVER

class had a field trip to the Montgomery Zoo on April 21. The Eclectic students were there to learn more about different habitats.

ZOO EXPLORATION

Elementary students take a trip to Montgomery’s zoo

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia reporter

With lions, tigers and bears, Eclectic’s second graders went to the zoo to learn all about habitats.

Ellen Tucker, second grade teacher, said this is the first time she took the class to the Montgomery Zoo for a field trip and the students seemed to really enjoy it.

“They loved riding around on the train that went around the zoo so they could see everything,” Tucker said. “They loved the flamingos. That was one that I was not expecting but they loved the flamingos (and) they loved the elephants.”

Prior to the zoo, the class was working on a habitat booklet showcasing the different habitats and had learned about the tundra, the wetlands and the rainforest.

“We had great discussions at each exhibit about

the habitats they had each particular animal placed in,” she said. “What they had learned, they were able to see with their own eyes. Some even mentioned some of the things they might want to add to the habitats that they weren’t seeing.”

Since the zoo, Tucker said she has continued to see deep discussion in her class, and they have also learned more about the other habitats. Not only was the zoo field trip beneficial for learning, but also for family time.

Tucker said nearly every student had a parent with them and some even stayed with their parents at the zoo as the rest returned to school. She said she hopes this encourages more students’ families to go to the zoo and support its conservation and education efforts.

Tucker’s second grade class visited the zoo on April 21.

FUN, HEALTHY DRINKS COME TO ECLECTIC

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Anew place to get refresh-

ments is now open in downtown Eclectic.

Bubba and Christina Moore have opened 63 Nutrition right in the heart of town.

The couple had been exploring business opportunities when things clicked. They were traveling to nearby Wetumpka to get similar nutritional drinks.

“We had been drinking them for a couple of years,” Bubba said. “We got to be good friends with WE2 Nutrition down in Wetumpka. We were looking for a business venture. This opportunity kind of hopped in our lap. We were talking to them and asked about opening up.”

Bubba had owned a small business previously and the couple from Kent wanted to get back into owning a small business.

“We wanted to do something that was our own thing,” Bubba said. “Something that was ours that we could build, see what we could do with it.”

Christina said being a small business owner is hard but has its advantages.

“I wanted something that was my own,” Christina said. “It is nice being your own boss.”

With the idea of selling nutritional drinks settled, the couple decided to locate just up the road from their home in Kent in Eclectic.

“There is not one between Tallassee and Wetumpka,” Christina said. “The only one near the lake is in Dadeville or Alex City. There was nowhere

SUBMITTED THE OBSERVER

ABOVE: Sixty Three Nutrition has cut the ribbon on its downtown Eclectic location. The business offers nutritional drinks and venue location.

BELOW: Sixty Three Nutrition cut the ribbon on its location in downtown Eclectic. Present for the ribbon cutting were left to right, Larry Moore, Laci Hammond, Faith Nelson, Christina Moore, Bubba Moore, Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport and Jackson Rhodes.

for the locals to come to — even Kent. We just thought they needed it. They do, it turns out.”

The customers have already figured out their favorite drinks — Bama Peach and Ocean Wave.

“All of the drinks are healthy,” Christina said. “They have zero sugar and it’s a healthier way to get caffeine.”

The Moores have had 63 Nutrition open since March 8, but they put Bubba’s construction to use before opening, starting renovations in January.

“We worked really hard, night and day getting this thing ready,” Christina said. “We did everything ourselves. We had a bunch of family jump in and help us, but we did everything.”

In a month and half the Moores have changed a few things to make servicing customers easier and quicker.

“We had a few hiccups, just

the way we were doing things as far as setup,” Christina said. “Then we rearranged as we went along and figured it out. We worked the kinks out and still are. It’s a learning process everyday.”

But even as the Moores figure out how to better serve the community, Christina said she has been amazed how the community has reacted.

“Eclectic, for a small town, they are a big town,” Christina said. “They have shown up and showed out for us here. The support is just outrageous. The schools — they really support us. Everyone loves it.”

The Moores have set hours for 63 Nutrition: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The store is located at 63 Kowaliga Road in downtown Eclectic.

Elmore County boys win first playoff game in program history

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Elmore County boys soccer team continued their historic season on Monday night.

Elmore County beat Marbury, 4-0, to win the first playoff game in program history. The Panthers, now 7-5-1 on the season, will host the winner of Sylacauga and Brewbaker Tech at 6 p.m. Thursday at Elmore County in the second round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs. “Against this Marbury team, I felt like we were the better team but I didn’t know we were four goals better,” Elmore County coach Josh Pack said. “Our defense and midfield stepped up and did a great job defending their best player. Attacking wise, they didn’t have an answer for the speed Logan brings up front.”

Pack’s son, senior Logan Pack, handled the majority of the offense for the Panthers.

Pack opened the game with a goal across his body just nine minutes in to put Elmore County up, 1-0. After some back-and-forth, freshman Tate McNeely was fouled in the box in the 24th minute. He lined up for his penalty kick and made it with ease. The Panthers used the momentum from that penalty kick to take a 2-0 lead into halftime. Not even seven minutes into the second half, the offensive duo of McNeely and Pack struck again. McNeely took a long shot on goal that bounced out of the Marbury goalkeeper’s hands and straight into the leg of Pack, who scored the easiest goal of his career.

Pack wasn’t finished, however, as he capped off his hat trick with an impressive goal. On a long kick from the midfield, Pack was able to outrun the entire Marbury defense and kick the ball past an outstretched keeper to give Elmore

County a 4-0 lead and capped the scoring for the night.

“It’s amazing to see him do that for as hard as he’s worked,” Josh Pack said. “It all came together at the right time. He has such a good touch with the ball. His speed was the

game changer, but the way he controls the ball at top speed is really what gave them trouble.”

GIRLS: Marbury 3, Elmore County 1 The Elmore County girls team, which won its first area title in school history and made

the playoffs for the first time since 2016, saw its season come to a close on Monday night.

After holding Marbury scoreless for a half and taking a 0-0 game into the break, the Bulldogs came out and scored twice quickly in the second half.

Not even one minute into the second half, Marbury netted its first goal on a penalty kick. Three minutes later, the Bulldogs went up 2-0 on a breakaway goal.

Elmore County had trouble maintaining the ball much of the game, but finally found some success on offense when senior Raney Jones scored the only goal of the game to cut the lead to 2-1 with 17 minutes left. The Panthers were almost able to tie the game, but an open shot just missed wide left and Marbury ended the comeback hopes with its third goal with two minutes left in the game.

Ellen Tucker’s second grade

DALTON MIDDLETON THE OBSERVER

Elmore County senior Logan Pack scored three goals to lead the Panthers past Marbury, 4-0, in the first round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs.