Wetumpka Herald May 24 2023

Duo of champs

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

As the spring sports season comes to an end, Elmore County teams had plenty of success at the state tournaments in Oxford last week.

The Wetumpka softball team won the AHSAA Class 6A state champion-

Wetumpka softball, Holtville baseball win state titles

High School basketball coach

ship, while Holtville baseball won the AHSAA Class 5A state championship.

Wetumpka raced through the Class 6A state tournament on Thursday and Friday. The Indians went 4-0 in the tourney with wins over Oxford, Hazel Green, Spanish Fort, and Athens.

Wetumpka beat Athens, the defending state

championship, 2-1 in extra innings on Friday night.

Sophomore Chloe Taylor, on a 3-2 count, singled to center field to score junior Mari Beth Parette from second base. It is the Indians’ second Blue Map and first since 2015.

“These girls competed

ONTO THE NEXT

Family searches for missing dog after history of disasters

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Shea Ray doesn’t know what tomorrow holds but understands adversity.

Since moving to Santuck in 2008, she has lived through the April 2011 tornado and multiple animals going missing.

“Every time we get a dog at this property, something either happens to it or it runs away or gets stolen,” Ray said. “Every

By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer

Court

cases can take several years to try

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Television shows have made many think a trial happens just days after a crime happens. The 60 minute shows and even two hour movies are wrong. In fact it will likely take multiple years for a jury to hear most felony cases. Nineteenth Judicial Circuit District

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

Attorney C.J. Robinson has 11 attorneys working with him in Autauga, Chilton and Elmore counties. They will process 2,000 felony cases in the three counties every

WILSON

DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD Wetumpka’s softball team poses with the AHSAA Class 6A state championship trophy after defeating Oxford, 2-1, in extra innings on Friday night.

SUBMITTED

HERALD

From left, Noah, Finley and Dallan Ray pose with Crumble for a photograph. The family’s English Springer Spaniel has been missing since May 8.

Police Reports

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

MAY 15

• Theft was reported on Hollowood Court. MAY 12

• Harassment was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

Tallassee Police Department

MAY 21

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Rifle Range Road.

• Criminal mischief was reported on North Johnson Street.

• A Black male was arrested during a domestic dispute call on South Tallassee Drive.

• A white male was arrested on Redland Road.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Honey Suckle Lane.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Bobwhite Court.

• A vehicle accident was reported on Oak Heights

Road.

• A suspicious person was reported on Mott Lane. MAY 20

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 229.

• An animal complaint was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Evergreen Street.

• Reckless driving was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on North McKenzie Street.

• Harassment was reported on Riley Road.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Freeman Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A disorderly person was reported on Sims Avenue.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Assistance was given to

a citizen on the Fitzpatrick Bridge. MAY 19

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on South Ann Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested during a traffic stop on Jordan Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Riley Road.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on North McKenzie Street.

• Assistance was given during a fire alarm call on Jordan Avenue. MAY 18

• A domestic dispute was reported on Riley Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Friendship Road.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• A domestic dispute was reported on North McKenzie Street.

• Harassing communications was reported on

Continued from A1

Rosemere Drive.

• A white male was arrested on Central Boulevard.

• A noise complaint was reported on North McKenzie Street.

• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Oak Heights Road.

• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Tallassee Highway. MAY 17

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Cherokee Trail.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Burt Mill Road.

• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Friendship Road.

• A burglary was reported on Cotton Ride Rod.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Riverside Avenue.

• A Black female was ar-

all year,” Wetumpka coach Daryl Otwell said. “That’s one thing I can say about this group. They worked hard all summer and hard in the fall. Their mentality was to never quit.” Holtville faced Sardis in the Class 5A baseball state championship. The Bulldogs swept Sardis in two games, winning 3-2 in Game 1 and 3-1 in Game 2. Holtville’s Sam Silas was named the series MVP after recording both game-winning hits.

rested during a harassment call on Cherry Street.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• A juvenile complaint was filed on Laurel Street.

• An animal complaint was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Benson Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Herd Street. MAY 16

• Assistance was given to another agency on Gammils Store Road.

• Theft was reported on Riverside Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on South Tallassee Drive.

• An animal complaint was

reported on Lower River Road.

• Trespassing was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Central Boulevard.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Tallassee Highway.

• A suspicious person was reported on Hillcrest Street.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Notasulga Road. MAY 15

• Reckless driving was reported on Highway 229.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Stalking was reported on Howard Street.

• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Taylor Road.

said. “We had to fight every round.” WIN

In Game 1, he singled in the top of the seventh

COURT Continued from A1

to put Holtville up, 3-2. In Game 2, he hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning to give the Bulldogs the championship win.

year. But that is just a fraction of what goes through the court system in the 19th circuit.

“There are a total of about 27,000 cases including everything — traffic tickets, misdemeanor, child support,” Robinson said. “Very rarely does the public hear about the traffic case.

Sometimes they will hear about a misdemeanor if it is high profile. Ninety-nine percent of the time it is the felonies they hear about.”

Some felony offenses include murder, rape and larger drug possession cases and can take years if a defendant choses to go to trail. The felony case must first make its way through the county district court. There are first appearance hearings where a judge makes sure a defendant understands the charges and appoints an attorney if needed. Preliminary hearings happen at the request of the defendant to allow a judge to determine if there is enough evidence for a case to proceed. If allowed to proceed, Robinson might have to wait to present the case to a grand jury.

“It is roughly a year from the time

Tanner Potts and Drey Barrett each pitched complete game wins, and Holtville won its first baseball championship since 1983. “We’re here because we

a crime happens until we can get to the grand jury,” Robinson said. “A couple of things can hang it up, if there is toxicology or if drugs need to be tested. DNA takes a while — a minimum of a year.”

In the 19th circuit, Elmore County has four grand jury terms per year, Autauga and Chilton just two. Just because a grand jury might be meeting next week and an autopsy report comes in this week doesn’t mean the case will be heard immediately.

“The entire grand jury docket for the next grand jury is set,” Robinson said. “When I get the case ready to present, it will have to sit out one term.”

If a defendant is indicted, the case moves to circuit court. The 19th Circuit Court Judges are Bill Lewis, Joy Booth and Amanda Baxley.

“Once it gets indicted you’re looking at least another year to two years,” Robinson said. “You are looking at least 36 months easy if a defendant demands a trial from the time a door is kicked and stuff is stolen.”

Some felony cases can take longer.

“When you start talking murders and getting autopsy reports and pre-

have a bunch of resilient guys who want to compete and play at a high level,”

coach

liminary hearings and crime scene inspections, that three years can stretch out to five years,” Robinson said But the vast majority of the cases in the 19th circuit move much faster. A traffic ticket could be in front of a judge in 30 days. Many misdemeanor cases take less than three months to be heard by a judge.

Robinson said drug cases have started to catch back up after the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences had delayed test results, in some cases a year or more.

Waiting for evidence to be processed by the appropriate personnel isn’t the only thing to slow the pace of court. The COVID-19 pandemic stopped the system, but the 19th circuit was quickly back at work after about 4 ½ months with precautions in place lessening the delays.

“We were one of the first circuits to resume jury trials after COVID,” Robinson said. “We were only shut down until the Monday after Labor Day. There are other places in the state, I think they didn’t go back to the courthouse for almost a year. I can not imagine in other places across the state what the timeframe looks like.”

Bulldog

Scott Tubbs

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD

Holtville’s baseball team poses with the AHSAA Class 5A state championship trophy after defeating Sardis, 3-1, in Game 2 of the title series.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Wetumpka native is celebrating more than just receiving a bachelor's degree this month.

Gabby Joy not only graduated Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) with a degree in child and family studies. She was also awarded the ‘Excellence in Child and Family Studies Award, which is given for dedication and demonstration of excellence, this year in the College of Bible and Church Ministries SAGU.

In addition to her studies, Joy volunteered, serving youth in afterschool programs in Waxahachie, Texas, home of SAGU. She then shared her knowledge with her classmates back at SAGU.

“Gabby showed a deep understanding of children, adolescents and families,” SAGU professor and coordinator of child and family studies Dr. Darren Daugherty said. “Her wisdom and insight often contributed to classroom discussion and peer understanding. Having Gabby in a class was often like having a teaching assis-

tant in the room because she made class sessions more insightful for everyone.”

Joy said her volunteer work in Texas was just following what she did as a youth while attending First Assembly of God in Montgomery. It is also why she transitioned from studying music to child and family studies.

“You are working with children and families with counseling in low income areas and providing help for families that might be in rough patches,” Joy said.

“You can use it to work in schools, you can use it to work as an administrative

degree. You can use it in a counseling setting.”

Joy was tutoring in math, science and English and helping make sure homework was completed.

“We did a lot of devotionals and things with them,” Joy said. “I played a kind of counseling role with a lot of the children. I helped with things they are dealing with at school and home.”

Joy found SAGU through her church, finding friends and other church members who attended SAGU. Like many soonto-be college students, she took a tour.

“I felt like I wanted to be there,” Joy said. “After being in Wetumpka and Montgomery for all my life, it was a really cool opportunity to move out of state for a while.”

Joy went to Elmore County schools from kindergarten to her junior year, when she attended Wetumpka High School.

“I ended up having to go online for college courses with dual credits,” Joy said. Joy followed a similar track for her bachelor’s degree. Joy moved to Texas in 2018 to start her studies. The COVID-19 pandemic extended her time in

school. After 4 ½ years, Joy returned to Wetumpka to start working and finished her degree online. Joy returned to the SAGU for graduation and to receive the award. Back home in Elmore County, Joy is still planning the future. She hasn’t made plans for a masters program.

“I haven’t gotten that far yet,” Joy said. “I probably would. I have been in school since 2005 and I needed a break. Working has been a good break for me.” Full time work and the break from volunteer work

is giving Joy some clarity going forward.

“I would love to have my own non-for-profit after school program working with low income families in general,” Joy said. “I want to just be a person that speaks up for other people. I want to be there for others and let them have a voice.” Daugherty is certain Joy will have an impact in whatever she chooses to do.

“Because of Gabby’s wisdom, diligence and caring heart, she will be successful in any career in which she can help children and families,” Daugherty said.

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

If you are a sale shopper, make sure to check out our Tail’s End Thrift Store where all women’s clothing will be 50% off this week — 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. And men, we have some great deals on shorts as well.

If you are heading out of town thisMemorial Day weekend and cannot take your pet, then we sure hope you have made plans for their care and safety.

We highly recommend taking your pet(s) to a reputable boarding facility if you are going to be away from home for more than a day. While this will cost you a small amount for each day of boarding, you are paying for your pet to be kept in a protected and safe environment.

This is not only good for your pet, but good for your peace of mind while you are away. Just like finding a babysitter for your children, you should find a boarding facility well ahead of time that you are comfortable with and that has the capability of caring for your pet’s needs.

A good idea for your pet and for you is to get with the facility ahead of time and do a trial run with your pet. That way, your pet has some famil-

iarity with the surroundings and any issues can be resolved before you go heading off on a multi-day or week trip.

And just like hotels many boarding places book up fast, especially for major holidays, so make your reservations well ahead of time.

Be aware: Most boarding facilities will require proof of current vaccinations, so make sure your pet is up-to-date. They will also want emergency contact information and feel free to bring your pet’s special bedding, toys and even treats to make your pet as comfortable as possible.

And while many a family member, friend and neighbor has done a super job at caring for someone else’s pet, at the shelter we hear far too many sad stories of gates left open, animals who weren’t cared for and other reasons for pets disappearing while someone else was supposed to be caring for them.

If you simply do not want to or cannot take your pet to a boarding facility, check into a licensed and bonded Pet Sitter who can come to your home two-three times each day to check on your pet. When heading out for a well-deserved vacation, you want to feel confident your pet-sitter feels as strongly about your pet’s health and well-being as you do.

In the event your pet does get away from home, having a collar with the required Rabies Tag and perhaps an ID tag or your phone number written on the collar can go a long way to getting your pet reunited with you (or your pet sitter). Because tags on collars and collars can come off, we highly recommend you have your pet microchipped at your local veterinarian. Please make sure to ask if their fee is covering the cost of registering the chip and if they are indeed doing that right there at the time of your appointment. If not, make sure to take care of the registration as soon as you get back home.

Most people today know to take a found pet to be scanned for a chip and that can make all the difference in the safety of your pet.

Our pets ask for so little from us — the least we can do is make sure they are well cared for in our absence.

Let’s all have a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend while also honoring all who gave so much to ensure the freedoms we embrace! Our shelter will be closed Monday so our staff can also honor Memorial Day and what it stands for.

Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.

Pet of the Week – Hank

Hank is a Lab/Catahola mix who is 2 ½ years old and weighs 75 pounds. Hank is an absolutely wonderful dog who came to us due to landlord issues. He is very laid back but also has the energy to be a great hiking buddy. Hank is great with other dogs and housetrained. No chickens though, as he thinks they are as tasty as we do. The Humane Society of

Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your

participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.

Page A4 • May

TheWetumpkaHerald.com Kenneth

In praise of the Class of ‘23

As the Class of 2023 prepares to walk across the field at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium on Friday night and into history, one word comes to mind as a description of the students’ characters: Resilient.

The students who are leaving Tallassee High School are, for the most part, K-12 products of our school system. Some have moved in over the years and become as much Tallasseeans as anyone, making their own contributions to the successes of our school and community.

For the students who are graduating from our music department, their first musical performance, at least with me, was in fifth grade when we sang for the Veterans Day assembly.

Southside Middle School does the best salute to veterans of any school in our area, and a big feature of it is the fifth-grade choir performance every year. I recruited many of those students to give band a try in sixth grade, and some have stayed with us in choir and band all the way to the end.

From that time to this, we have observed the Class of ’23 dealing with construction, COVID-19, chaos, confusion and complaining. The students were forced to handle more loss than imaginable and the changes that come with it. This class has battled depression and disappointment without ever becoming despondent. Their freshman year was cut short by a pandemic, their sophomore year was on A-B rotation and filled with quarantines then they spent their junior and senior years in trailers surrounded by a construction zone.

If the Class of 2023 can handle all these things, they are prepared for anything the world can throw at them.

From 1938 until just a few years ago, “Dirty Digs” ran on the front page of The Tallassee

MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Tribune. The author of this weekly column was Harold “Pete” Cottle. Thirty-two years ago this week in The Tribune, Cottle wrote these words — and for the people who have always said Tallassee is a closed-off, cliquish community, I have found the opposite to be true as people like Cottle always made me feel like I belonged here as much as a native Tallasseean. Enjoy the read.

Dirty Digs, by Harold “Pete” Cottle

Run Date: May 30, 1991

Seems like everywhere I go in town I see folks I don’t know.

To help these new arrivals better assimilate and adapt to their new surroundings, we offer the following:

1. Tallassee is an old town with lots of old people and it’s a good town with lots of good people. Some people move here and fit in immediately; others move here and 20 years later they still don’t “fit in.” That probably tells you more about them than it does the town.

2. People here love high school sports. They have since a man named O’Brien came here and coached himself into a legend. To understand the psyche of Tallassee you have to know about O’Brien and The Streak. He did for this town in the ’40s what a man named Bryant did for this state in the ’60s. It runs a lot deeper than football.

3. People drive funny here. It’s kind of like they know when and where they’re going and they expect you to know when and where they’re going, too. Buckle up and hang loose.

4. People here love college football. With some it’s a religion and that’s not good. Sooner or later you’ll have to choose –Auburn or Alabama. It’s best just to tell them you’re a hockey fan. 5. We have a whole bunch of beauty shops and churches. We’ve either got a lot of ugly sinners or pretty saints — or maybe it’s the other way around. You decide.

6. We have a weekly newspaper, a local TV show and two radio stations so there’s no excuse for not knowing who got caught doing what. The newspaper is probably best because you can also wrap fish in it.

7. We are probably the only town in the U.S. with an intersection where the traffic turning left has the right-of-way over opposing traffic turning right. This phenomenon occurs in front of the library.

8. This is mostly an industrial town, always has been. We make textile products, water meters, composite products, shipping packages, hammocks, electricity and other stuff I don’t even know about. Shoot, we even make water and sell it to other folks.

9. Like every other place in America, we gossip. It may seem worse here ’cause everybody knows everybody else. Some of it’s true, some is half-true and some is wishful thinking. But remember, if they’re talking about you, don’t worry about it. By next week, you’ll be old news and they’ll be talking about somebody else.

10. The surrounding areas don’t have exotic, flashy names like Peacock Ridge or Bubbling Brook but we do have Flea Hop, Red Hill and Flat Rock, to name a few. We also have Reeltown which is not a real town but is an area populated by mostly good people.

And that’s about it. Welcome.

There are lots of women in Alabama politics

Ia $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.

t is hard to imagine it was only a little over 100 years ago women were given the right to vote in the United States. The 19th Amendment to the Constitution giving women full suffrage was finally ratified in 1920.

In recent decades, many folks have lamented there are very few women in elected office in Alabama, especially in the legislature. We do indeed have a low percentage of female legislators, most particularly in the Republican ranks. We have some high-profile female statewide officeholders. Gov. Kay Ivey, PSC President Twinkle Cavanaugh and Supreme Court justices Kelli Wise and Sarah Stewart, to name a few.

Some of the more progressive states have ridiculed our lack of female political participants. However, history will reveal we in Alabama were electing women to statewide offices many years before other so-called progressive states.

In fact, women dominated the offices of secretary of state, treasurer and auditor for several decades during the 1960s and 1970s. My first observations of Alabama politics were watching women swap out the state treasurer and secretary of state posts every four years. In fact, these constitutional offices were considered women offices.

In 1944, Gov. Chauncey Sparks appointed Sybil Pool as Secretary of State. Two years later, in 1946, Pool won the office, overwhelmingly, and became the first woman in Alabama history to be elected to a statewide office.

In that 1946 race, Pool carried 63 out of 67 counties. Four years later, in her victorious run for State Treasurer, she received the largest vote in state history. In 1954, she was elected to the first of four

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist

terms on the Public Service Commission.

Prior to Pool’s first statewide victory, she had served in the legislature for two terms from her native Marengo County. She was only the second woman elected to the Alabama Legislature, in addition to being the first woman elected statewide.

All-in-all her political career included eight years as Secretary of State, four years as State Treasurer and 16 years on the Public Service Commission. Pool was way ahead of her time, and she opened the political door for women to walk through in Alabama.

Mary Texas Hurt Garner of Scottsboro was a lawyer by profession and an Assistant Attorney General before being elected Secretary of State in 1954. She then went on to become State Auditor in 1958 and Treasurer in 1962.

Annie Laura Gunter held several prominent cabinet positions in the Wallace Administration. Afterwards, Gunter was elected State Treasurer of Alabama in 1978 and served eight years in that important state office.

Melba Till Allen was one of 10 children who grew up modestly on an Alabama farm. She rose to be elected as State Auditor then State Treasurer for two terms.

Mabel Amos and Agnes Baggett were household names in Alabama for decades. Baggett was probably the most prominent and profiled female officeholder in state history

after Pool. She served as Secretary of State from 1951-1955. She was then elected State Auditor in 1955, State Treasurer in 1959 and returned to Secretary of State in 1963. In 1967, she was elected again as State Treasurer and served eight years in this post. She finished out her career as Secretary of State, thus capping a career that made history. She served 28 consecutive years as an elected statewide officeholder, making her one of the most celebrated elected officials in Alabama history.

Amos was one of the most beloved and revered women in state politics. She had an amazing career as the recording secretary for six governors, including Frank Dixon, Chauncey Sparks, James Folsom, Gordon Persons, John Patterson, and George Wallace. There is no telling what secrets and political deals Mabel knew of during this unbelievable 30-year reign inside the governor’s office. She was elected Secretary of State in 1966, and served eight years in that office. She was a native of Conecuh County and never married. Therefore, she had no direct heirs. When she died, she had a sizable estate, primarily of family land. Because she had no children, the beloved lady left her estate with instructions that her money should be used for deserving Alabama female students, who otherwise would not be able to attend Alabama colleges.

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. Flowers may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.

like I feel like I’m jinxed at this property. It’s like they just vanished.”

The latest is an English Springer Spaniel, Crumble, who went missing on the morning of May 8.

“I let her out that morning just like I do every morning from 6:45 to 7 a.m.,” Ray said. “In that time frame she just vanished. It was just unusual since she was an inside dog; she always stayed close to the house.”

Ray and her children Noah, 11, Dallan, 10 and Finley, 5, started searching and going door-to-door immediately.

“I made hundreds of flyers,” Ray said. “Then we started going up every road we could find.”

Ray moved to the property just off Highway 9 in 2008.

Three years later the first unfortunate event occurred — the April 2011 tornado outbreak. The tornado that traveled across Elmore County into Tallapoosa County created all sorts of damage but in her neighborhood, it struck only her home.

“The roof next door got a little messed up,” Ray said. “It literally jumped the pond and my house was gone. It is like it picked it up and put it in the pond. There was a horse in the field that landed in my pool in the backyard. It was crazy.”

Ray even fished her wedding dress out of the pond. She also lost a dog in the tornado and has a tattoo to remember her. Three days after the tornado Ray found out she was pregnant with her first child.

“I loved the name Noah,” Ray said. “Because of the storm and everything, Noah made sense because of Noah and the storm in the Bible.”

The Rays almost always had dogs they adopted but were mostly outside dogs.

“They didn’t really have the temperament to be inside too much,” Ray said. “They were already runners to some degree. At least four dogs went missing over the years.”

There were cats too, but those were adopted out because of an allergy. It was a while before the family decided to take on another pet.

“We had taken a break from dogs because the loss is such a traumatic thing,” Ray said.

Christmas 2021 was coming up and Ray was thinking it was about time to consider another dog. This time the family went a different route. Instead of adopting, Santa brought Crumble.

“[Noah’s] birthday is two days before Christmas,” Ray said. “Santa brought her early, right before his birthday. It was a really special time.

Santa’s elves already had the name picked out when she got here. We assumed she got into cookies and that is why she is named that.”

Ray said Crumble was the typical English Springer

Spaniel.

“She was the lovable, kind, water dog,” Ray said. “It was the first dog that we got that we made sure that everything about it was taken care of. We spoiled her. We have had Crumble since she was a puppy. She knew this was her home.”

Finley remembers naps on the bed and dog bed.

“Most of the time I usually get to sleep with her and get to play with her,” Finley said. Noah played with Crumble outside and near the pool.

“She means a lot,” Noah said.

Finley recalls the morning of May 8 as the family was starting their daily routine.

“She was always laying on the back porch in the morning

to come back in,” Finley said. “[That morning] five minutes after we let her out, she was gone.”

Ray said she understands possibly why some of her other animals have turned up missing, but not Crumble.

“She was mostly an inside dog,” Ray said. “So it was more like she loved being inside laying on the kids, just cuddling with them. She thought she was the size of a chihuahua. She thought she was super tiny but she is not.”

Ray turned to social media. She posted everywhere she could think of, missing animal pages, chat and news pages and more. But nothing local has come of the posts, fliers and searches.

“The closest thing is

somebody messaged me from Selma and said they had spotted an English Springer Spaniel in the woods,” Ray said. “When I saw that I said, ‘It does look like Crumble.’ From that moment I could only think someone may have stolen with the intentions of breeding because she is purebred.”

Ray and the children haven’t given up on Crumble. During their searches, they did come across another puppy — a mixed breed.

“We just call her puppy,” Noah said.

Ray said the puppy has helped in Crumble’s absence but is unsure if it has a permanent home with the Rays.

“We haven’t made that commitment yet,” Ray said.

SUBMIOTTED | THE HERALD

Finley Ray, 5, of Santuck takes a nap with the family’s English Springer Spaniel Crumble. Crumble has been missing since May 8.

SUBMITTED | THE HERALD

Noah Ray, 11, lays in bed with Crumble. The family’s English Springer Spaniel has been missing since May 8.

Suspect pleas to theft of property

STAFF REPORT

TPI Staff

A Deatsville man pleaded guilty to fourth-degree theft of property.

According to court records, Gregory Waites, 37, was arrested for fraudulent use of a credit card in August 2022 in Autauga and Elmore counties. On May 10, Waites entered into a plea agree-

Time change a hit for farmers at the market

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Farmers are big on habits. Plant crops after the last frost. Only pick tomatoes after the dew dries and so on.

But what about changing up a farmer’s market?

The City of Wetumpka Farmer’s Market did just that, changing its hours to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it worried some until the crowds came.

The husband and wife team of Marcus and Micheala Broadnax of B& B Farms in Autaugaville have been to the City of Wetumpka Farmers Market now for three seasons. They were anxious about the time change, but that soon changed.

“We had a lot of our regulars that we had from 4 to 7 p.m. stop by [Thursday],” Micheala Broadnax said. “So it really didn’t hinder us that much.”

The Broadnaxes brought freshly picked collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens and squash to go with the salads and cakes made at the farm.

“We had two tables full of produce and cooked goods,” Broadnax said. “With 30 minutes to go we are down to just three salads and two cakes.”

Next to the B&B Farms’ tables was Wildly Blessed’s Alyson Andrews. She was like others — anxious about the time change.

“We were pleasantly surprised today about the turnout,” Andrews said. “We were thrilled. People showed up and showed out. As long as it's worth our while we will show up every time.”

Denise Popwell with Popwell’s Produce in Clanton travels to three markets every week including Wetumpka. She too was pleased with the crowd but was a little concerned about the peach crop and a cold snap in March caused issues.

“That knocked them out,” Popwell said. “What trees it didn’t kill, it killed the blooms and

fruit. Most of the trees already had peaches about the size of golf balls on them. They just fell to the ground.”

Popwell and family salvaged some of the peaches and said the supply will be getting better later in June. Now Popwell and her family have altered that plan as they have in the past. Instead of selling as many peaches, more of the 12 acres of the family farm are dedicated to crops such as tomatoes and cucumbers.

Popwell was pleased with the turnout of the first day of the season.

Market manager Dakota Steed everyone he talked to was pleased with the results of the time change, especially the vendors.

“Last year it was very slow,” Steed said. “In the morning time today, they did better than any day last year. We had an amazing crowd this morning. We have had some lunch crowd.”

The 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. time opens up several opportunities. A food truck was there and Steed said one will be there most weeks. Another change was a tour bus from Tuscaloosa, something not really an option in the past.

“A lot of times we were setting up for the evening market last year and a bus came by around 1 p.m. headed back to where they were coming from so they didn’t get to experience it,” Steed said.

Steed said at least two tour buses have stops planned at the Wetumpka market in June with more talking about it.

Melissa Palmer brought her homemade jellies and jams to the market as she has done in the past and was a hit with the tourists. She believes the time change is great.

The Wetumpka Farmer’s Market is from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 31. It is located at the intersection of West Coosa Street and Cotton Street on the west side of the Coosa River.

ment to pay restitution of $199.94 and was sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation with a one-year suspended jail sentence. The agreement with the State of Alabama states similar charges in

County will be dismissed but further restitution could be ordered. In August 2022 the Prattville Police Department through a Central Alabama CrimeStoppers

Elmore County resident receives award from SAGU

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Wetumpka native is celebrating more than just receiving a bachelor's degree this month.

Gabby Joy not only graduated Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) with a degree in child and family studies. She was also awarded the ‘Excellence in Child and Family Studies Award, which is given for dedication and demonstration of excellence, this year in the College of Bible and Church Ministries SAGU.

In addition to her studies, Joy volunteered, serving youth in afterschool programs in Waxahachie, Texas, home of SAGU. She then shared her knowledge with her classmates back at SAGU.

“Gabby showed a deep understanding of children, adolescents and families,” SAGU professor and coordinator of child and family studies Dr. Darren Daugherty said. “Her wisdom and insight often contributed to classroom discussion and peer understanding. Having Gabby in a class was often like having a teaching assistant in the room because she made class sessions more insightful for everyone.”

Joy said her volunteer work in Texas was just following what she did as a youth while attending First Assembly of

God in Montgomery. It is also why she transitioned from studying music to child and family studies.

“You are working with children and families with counseling in low income areas and providing help for families that might be in rough patches,” Joy said. “You can use it to work in schools, you can use it to work as an administrative degree. You can use it in a counseling setting.”

Joy was tutoring in math, science and English and helping make sure homework was completed.

“We did a lot of devotionals and things with them,” Joy said. “I played a kind of counseling role with a lot of the children. I helped with things they are dealing with at school and home.”

Joy found SAGU through her church, finding friends and other church members who attended SAGU. Like many soon-to-be college students, she took a tour.

“I felt like I wanted to be there,” Joy said. “After being in Wetumpka and Montgomery for all my life, it was a really cool opportunity to move out of state for a while.”

Joy went to Elmore County schools from kindergarten to her junior year, when she attended Wetumpka High School.

“I ended up having to go online for college courses with

dual credits,” Joy said. Joy followed a similar track for her bachelor’s degree. Joy moved to Texas in 2018 to start her studies. The COVID-19 pandemic extended her time in school. After 4 ½ years, Joy returned to Wetumpka to start working and finished her degree online.

Joy returned to the SAGU for graduation and to receive the award. Back home in Elmore County, Joy is still planning the future. She hasn’t made plans for a masters program.

“I haven’t gotten that far yet,” Joy said. “I probably would. I have been in school since 2005 and I needed a break. Working has been a good break for me.”

Full time work and the break from volunteer work is giving Joy some clarity going forward.

“I would love to have my own non-for-profit after school program working with low income families in general,” Joy said. “I want to just be a person that speaks up for other people. I want to be there for others and let them have a voice.”

Daugherty is certain Joy will have an impact in whatever she chooses to do.

“Because of Gabby’s wisdom, diligence and caring heart, she will be successful in any career in which she can help children and families,” Daugherty said.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD

The Wetumpka Farmers Market sits across the Coosa River from downtown near the old senior center that was destroyed by the 2019 tornado.

SUBMITTED | THE HERALD

Gabby Joy, right, recently graduated from Southwestern Assemblies of God University with a degree and in child and family studies. Joy also received the Excellence in Child and Family Studies award.

Dogs are truly one of God’s blessings

Who is your best friend?

All my life, I have heard a dog is man’s best friend and I think most of the time, that is an accurate statement.

How many times do our fur babies protect us by telling us loudly someone or something is outside our door? How many times have they wagged that little tail, just to say I love you?

A dog is more faithful than most other animals – and more faithful than many people.

In 1786, King Frederic II of Prussia coined the phrase just before his death, “The only, true, absolute and best friend

JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist

a man has, in this selfish world, the only one that will not betray or deny him, is his dog.”

Can you believe that dogs were domesticated about 15,000 years ago, evolving from wolves? Dogs are a friend that follows you everywhere. If you feel like you can’t take a step in the house without your dog at your heels, consider yourself loved.

Dogs really do love us unconditionally and cling to us for more than just security.

As I sit at my desk this Tuesday morning writing this column, I am dropping tears on the keyboard as my 15-year-old canine friend can no longer hear, sees poorly, and this morning could not stand. With all these infirmities, she could love and let me know she was my best friend. In a few hours, her eyes will close on this earth. What a companion Ruby, our border collie, has been! I don’t know if our pets go to Heaven or not, but I do know God has blessed our hearts here on

earth with a dear friend.

Providing Jesus does not return to rapture His God, we will all face death. Do I look forward to it? No. (God has blessed me with work to do; I don’t need to stop) Am I scared of what lies ahead after death? No. There is no fear when you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:14. The Apostle Paul speaks several times about death. The mystery that surrounds death becomes a truth, “in a split

second” of time. After death is abolished forever, Christians who were living, and those who were raised from the dead, will be immortal and never die. Death, as you and I know it, invokes pain, sadness and sorrow. After death ceases to exist, it ceases to have any power to “sting” the heart and Christians will fear death no more! Thank you to God for sharing Ruby, my good friend! Amen.

Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with Alabama Baptist Relief Team.

and Worship Service at 11 a.m.

CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

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

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

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

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

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

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

website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC

Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”

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

Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com

Championship sweep

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

For the first time in four decades, the Holtville baseball team has ended the season as state champions.

Holtville swept Sardis, 3-2 and 3-1, to claim the AHSAA Class 5A baseball state championship on Friday afternoon. It is the first baseball state champion-

ship for the Bulldogs since 1983 and the third in program history.

Holtville (28-14) won its last six games, beating Headland in three games, Demopolis in two games, and Sardis in two games.

“We’re here because we have a bunch of resilient guys who want to compete and play at a high level,” Bulldog coach Scott Tubbs said. “We had to fight every round in the first three

Elmore County softball ends season in state tournament

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Elmore County softball team ended an impressive season on Thursday afternoon.

Elmore County, playing in the AHSAA Class 5A State Softball Tournament, lost to Brewbaker Tech, 9-4, in the losers bracket finals.

The Panthers (35-193) finished the year as the No. 3-ranked team in Class 5A and came just one game short of playing for the state championship.

Elmore County went 2-2 at state with wins over Jasper and Brewbaker Tech. The Panthers’ two losses came from Brewbaker Tech and Ardmore, both of whom played for the state title.

“I’m extremely proud of this team,” ECHS coach Mark Segrest said.

“If you had told me we’d be here on the last day and finishing in the Top 3 teams, I don’t know if I would put money on that or not. I couldn’t be prouder of the effort. We just kind of ran out of steam today. This is a special group.”

Elmore County had a run for the ages the last two weeks.

After getting the No. 2 seed in the area tournament due to a coin flip, the Panthers nearly didn’t even make regionals. They were one out away from being eliminated when they walked off Beauregard in the area tournament semifinals.

They finished runner-up to Tallassee then entered the regional tournament as a No. 2 seed and went 3-0 in the regionals and claimed the first qualifying spot in the central region.

They turned that into two wins on Day 1 of state before falling to Ardmore in extra innings in the winners bracket finals.

This year is the third consecutive season Elmore County has made the state tournament.

The Panthers were also ranked as the No. 1 team in Class 5A when the season ended during the 2020 COVID season.

“These girls have completely turned around this program,” Segrest said. “They have 34 wins the three years prior and now over 130 wins in the last three years and one month. They’ve established

rounds after we lost the first game. That’s what helped us in this run. The last two series we got sweeps and Tanner (Potts) did what he does and was a beast on the mound last night and last week. Obviously Drey (Barrett) was lights out today.” Holtville relied on its pitching duo of Potts and Barrett in the

STATE CHAMPIONS

Taylor’s single walks off Athens in

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

When Wetumpka sophomore Chloe Taylor stepped in the batter’s box, she was visibly shaking due to how nervous she was. Taylor stepped up to the plate in a 1-1 tie with Athens in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Indians had runners on first and second with no outs, and the only thing Taylor was thinking was, “See the ball, hit the ball.” On a 3-2 count, following three consecutive foul balls, Taylor drove a single into left-center field. Mari Beth Parette, who was standing on second base, beat the throw to home for the walk-off hit and Taylor was under the dogpile before she could even understand what was happening.

See CHAMPIONS, Page B3

Campbell goes out a champion

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

The Wetumpka softball team had big expectations entering the 2023 season, and Indians coach Daryl Otwell gave the responsibility of leading the Indians to his lone senior.

Ashlynn Campbell, a Purdue University signee, leadoff hitter and starting shortstop for the Indians, was given that role, and she went above and beyond.

Behind her level of play on the field and her leadership skills off the field, Wetumpka claimed the

AHSAA Class 6A State Championship on Friday night in Campbell’s last season. The Indians finished the year with a state-best 54

wins and outscored opponents 487-87 in a dominant year.

Holt delivers again and again

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

When the Wetumpka softball team needed someone to step up this week, it always seemed to be junior pitcher and outfielder Mya Holt.

The Troy University commit was named the AHSAA Class 6A Tournament MVP after Wetumpka claimed the Class 6A state championship on Friday night. She earned that honor by showing out both in the circle and at the batter’s box

HOLT, Page B3

DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD

Wetumpka’s Ashlynn Campbell throws across the diamond in the AHSAA Class 6A state championship game.The Purdue signee had five hits and five stolen bases in the state tournament.

See CAMPBELL, Page B3

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD

After going 4-0 on the mound and only giving up six earned runs, Mya Holt was named the tournament MVP as she led Wetumpka to the Class 6A state championship.

Silas flips the script on future field

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

As Sam Silas begins his college career at Jacksonville State University this fall, his memories of Rudy Abbott Field will be much better than they were two weeks ago.

Silas, Holtville’s senior shortstop and a JSU signee, walked off his future field as a state champion and was named the Most Valuable Player for the series.

Silas had three hits and four RBIs in the two-game sweep and had the game-winning hit in each game. That helped right his memories and flipped the script from 2022, when Holtville lost to Russellville in the championship on the same field.

“The way everything went down last year, I kind of had a bad image of this field in my mind,” Silas said. “After today, it is hard to put into words how excited this makes me, especially with this group of guys. I’ve played with most of them my entire life. To go down like that on my future field is special.”

Silas, who hits in the two-hole for the Bulldogs, was heckled like no other player was in the series. On Thursday night, in Game 1 at Choccolocco Park, Sardis fans chanted ‘Overrated’ at Silas in nearly every at-bat. The first time they chanted

it at the star shortstop, he struck out looking on what looked like an outside pitch.

When he stepped up in his last at-bat of Game 1, the Sardis fans were nearly dead silent. The Lions had just given up a two-run lead in the top of the seventh, and Silas stepped up to the plate with a runner on third and two outs.

On a 2-2 count, Silas lined the game-winning single to center field that scored pinch runner Hudson Parsons from third base and there wasn’t any more cheering out of the Sardis grandstands.

But in Game 2, they started again. In a tie game in the fourth inning, Silas stepped up to the plate with a runner on second base and two outs. The ‘Overrated’ chants began from the Sardis student section, but it was the last time they chanted it the rest of the series.

On a 3-1 count, Sardis’ pitcher threw a hanging breaking ball to Silas and he crushed the ball to left field. When it landed over the left field wall, Holtville had taken a 3-1 lead and Silas took his time rounding the bases.

After an emphatic step on home plate, Holtville went on to win the game and championship series.

“To be honest, I didn’t even hear them chant overrated because I was so locked in,”

Silas said with a laugh. “But it’s definitely going to look good on video. God works in mysterious ways and that’s going to be a moment I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.”

Silas’ home run was the only home run hit during championship week. There wasn’t a single other home run hit in any classification or either field. While he hit the one home run, Silas also drove in the last four runs for Holtville.

Those include the game-winning RBI in Game 1, a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch in the second inning of Game 2, and the big two-run home run that gave Holtville the title.

“When Sam was a sophomore, we butted heads a lot and it came down to me knowing he was going to be a special player,” Bulldog coach Scott Tubbs said. “The biggest thing I needed him to do was learn how to be a great teammate. Over the course of that year, we butted heads. As he got better and better, I started getting out of his way and as a senior, he did a great job leading this team. I hardly had to say anything to him.

“At the end of the day, I love the guy and he knows I love him. I’m pretty sure he knows everything I’ve done for him the last three years is to prepare him to get on this stage.”

Holtville’s Connor steps up on biggest stage

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

While Holtville’s usual stars stole the show during the AHSAA Class 5A Baseball State Championship series, junior infielder Drew Connor stepped up and played one of the biggest, but quietest, roles in the series.

Connor, playing third base in place of Game 1 starting pitcher Tanner Potts and second base in place of Game 2 starting pitcher Drey Barrett, was perfect in the field as he recorded six total outs and did not make an error in either game.

At the plate, the junior went 3-for-6 at the plate with three singles and two runs scored. In both games, he scored the game-tying run as Holtville never gave the lead back up in either game.

“That kid has been lights out for us,” Bulldog coach Scott Tubbs said. “He came up clutch in this series, and he came up clutch for us last week. He’s played lights out defensively but what’s special about this team is we’ve had solid performances from Tanner

(Potts) and Drey (Barrett) on the mound, but every game it’s somebody different coming through for us.”

Connor has been a staple in the field for Holtville all season, but the junior didn’t start hitting for the team until the playoffs.

In fact, Tubbs said he told Connor’s mom to not even buy him a bat for Christmas because he wasn’t going to hit in the lineup. But before the first round of the playoffs, starting outfielder Markus Broderick went out for injury and was unable to play the rest of the year.

But he took his first at-bats in Game 3 of the second round of the playoffs against Elmore County.

In his first at-bat, he hit a sacrifice bunt to move the runners over. In his second at-bat, he was hit-by-pitch. Then his biggest hit of his career came in this third at-bat.

Tied 2-2, he hit a tworun double to right field to score two runs and gave Holtville the lead, 4-2. The Bulldogs went on to win that game, 7-2, and moved on to the third round of the playoffs.

“We didn’t even let Drew hit in practice all year because he couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat,” Tubbs said with a laugh. “We didn’t even let him grab a bat. But all of a sudden, we had our backs against the wall in the Elmore County series and I had the gut feeling that he needed to swing. And I’ll be dadgum in the fourth or fifth inning, he hits a double to right field to score two runs. It was absolutely unbelievable.”

Since that game, he has pinch hit once and started six times. During that span, Holtville went 6-1 while Connor went 8-for-19 at the plate for a .421 batting average over his last seven games. He had a careerhigh three hits in Game 1 against Demopolis in the semifinals, then had three hits in the championship series.

In Game 1, he went 2-for-3 with two singles and scored the game-tying run on a Tanner Potts sacrifice fly in the seventh inning.

In Game 2, he singled in the third second inning and came around to score after Holtville loaded the bases.

the Bulldogs on the mound, it was Jacksonville State signee Sam Silas who sparked Holtville at the plate.

championship series much like it has all postseason.

In Game 1, Potts pitched a complete game and allowed two earned runs on seven hits while walking one batter and striking out four. The Bulldogs trailed up until the seventh inning, but Potts kept the team within reach and allowed his team to make a comeback.

Barrett took the mound in Game 2 and allowed only four hits and three walks while he struck out six batters. His one run allowed was unearned. He got better as the game went on and retired 12 of the last 15 batters he faced.

After Holtville took the lead in the fourth inning, Barrett did not allow a single hit.

“The defense we have behind us, they make plays if the ball is hit on the ground or in the air,” Potts said of his and Barrett’s outing. “I have faith in every single one of those guys. I don’t have to go out there and blow it past anyone. I just pitch to contact and let my guys work.”

While Potts and Barrett helped lead

Silas came up big in both games as he collected the game-winning hit in Game 1 on Thursday and Game 2 on Friday.

In Game 1, he stepped up to the plate in a 2-2 tie game in the top of the seventh and a runner on third. He hit a single into left to give the Bulldogs their first and final lead of Game 1.

In Game 2, he collected all three RBIs for Holtville. In the bottom of the second inning, he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and tied the game, 1-1.

He stepped back up to the plate in the fourth inning and with Sardis fans chanting “Overrated” at him, he took a 3-1 hanging breaking ball and deposited it over the left field wall for a tworun home run and gave Holtville the 3-1 lead.

“To be honest, I didn’t even hear them chant overrated because I was so locked in,” Silas said with a laugh. “But it’s definitely going to look good on video. God works in mysterious ways and that’s going to be a moment I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.”

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD Holtville junior Drew Connor records a hit against Sardis in the state championship series. The infielder went 3-for-6 with three singles and scored two runs in the series.

DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD

Sam Silas, right, was named MVP of the AHSAA Class 5A State Championship series after recording the game-winning hit, including the only home run of the entire tournament, in both games of the series.

CHAMPIONS Continued from B1

“I got a scratch on my elbow and my knee,” Taylor said of the dogpile. “But it was worth it. I loved it. I loved every moment. … It was a really good battle. My coaches told me before I went up that I had a really good at-bat in my first one, but I was still scared. I was really scared.”

While Taylor’s single stole the show in the bottom of the eighth inning, she made nearly as important of a play in the top of the eighth inning.

With one out, Athens’ Abby Tucker belted a ball to left field that looked like it was guaranteed extra bases for the Golden Eagles. But that was before Taylor made the catch of her life.

Running straight backwards, Taylor extended fully and was able to catch the ball right as she dove near the warning track. That gave Wetumpka’s defense two outs with nobody on base, and pitcher Mya Holt was able to force a groundout to end the inning.

Three at-bats later, Taylor drove in Parette and Wetumpka walked out of Choccolocco Park as the AHSAA Class 6A State Champion.

“Hats off to Athens,” Indians

coach Daryl Otwell said. “What a ballclub, they have a bunch of studs over there and are the defending state champions. Chloe

Taylor made a great play in the outfield. That was one of the best plays I’ve seen in a long time. Diving catch, fading away, and then what an exclamation point with the walk-off. You couldn’t write it any better for the sophomore.”

Taylor’s single capped off the best season of any program across the state. Wetumpka finished the year 54-6-1, outscored

opponents 487-87, and lost only two games by more than one run.

But more importantly, her single gave Wetumpka its second Blue Map in program history and the first since 2015.

“This is twice that Wetumpka has been here and that’s two walk offs,” Otwell said. “In 2015, it was a walk off by a passed ball and tonight was Chloe’s hit. Just unbelievable.”

Continued from B1

for the entirety of the tournament. In the state tournament, she went a perfect 4-0 on the mound and allowed only six earned runs while striking out 20 batters.

At the plate, she went 8-for-12 with two doubles, one triple, four RBIs, a walk-off single and the go-ahead run in an earlier game.

“It feels great (being named MVP and winning state),” Holt said. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and them backing me up. We were just taking every play by play. I’m beyond proud of my team and I’m excited.”

There wasn’t a fan in the ballpark who didn’t know what Holt could do at the plate, and she quickly showed them she wasn’t slowing down in the state tournament.

In Game 1, tied 1-1 in the sixth inning with Oxford, Holt drilled a 3-1 pitch to center field and stood on second with no outs. Lily Davenport doubled her in two pitches later, and Wetumpka won 2-1 an inning later.

In the winners’ bracket game against Hazel Green, Holt opened the game with a sacrifice fly then singled in the team’s third run on a single to center field. Hazel Green then cut the lead from 3-0 to 3-2, but Holt had enough of that.

She led off the next inning with a triple and

later came around to score to give the Indians an insurance run.

After a rain delay, the winners bracket finale was pushed back an entire day. Holt’s biggest at-bat of the day came in an 8-8 tie ballgame in the bottom of the seventh. The Indians loaded the bases with one out, and Spanish Fort had no choice but to pitch to her.

On the first pitch of the at-bat, Holt drilled a single into center field and walked off the Toros to punch Wetumpka’s ticket to the state championship.

Wetumpka played in three one-run games during the state tournament. In those games, Holt walked one game off while scoring the go-ahead run in the other.

“In close games, we’re trying to be in it every play,” Holt said. “We just keep our heads in the game no matter if it’s a close game or a blowout. We are competing on every pitch.

I’m proud of all the girls for staying in every game and getting to this point.”

Wetumpka’s biggest challenge in the tournament came against Athens, the defending Class 6A state champion. The Golden Eagles (47-11) lost an earlier game in the tournament and got sent to the loser’s bracket, but that didn’t stop them from running through the bottom half of the bracket.

Athens was 4-1 entering the state championship game, and the Golden Eagles had made quick work with their offense. They scored 52 runs in the

five games they played and scored less than 10 runs only once.

During that span, Athens had 56 hits, 18 extra base hits and nine home runs.

But that was before the Golden Eagles ran into Holt in the circle.

In Wetumpka’s win over Athens in the state championship, Holt held the Golden Eagles to only two hits.

She carried a perfect game into the third inning, allowing only one baserunner via error, and didn’t allow a hit until there were two outs in the sixth inning.

Athens scored its lone run on a hit and fielding error, but Holt retired seven of the next nine batters to keep the game tied and gave her offense a chance to walk off the game.

Holt worked away from the Athens hitters the entire game, even when they adjusted and started getting closer to the plate during their at-bats. No matter how close any Athens player got to the plate, it wasn’t close enough to rattle Holt.

“Mya is a dog,” Wetumpka coach Daryl Otwell said. “She works her tail off for this. She pitched great on Thursday and we had a rain delay. She threw about 200 pitches that day and another 100 or so against Spanish Fort on Friday morning and showed grit. She looked at me and said she wanted the ball again. I told her ‘Here you go. It’s yours.’ To show up and compete against such a good Athens team, what a performance for her on the big stage.”

Continued from B1

While Wetumpka went 4-0 in the state tournament in Oxford, it didn’t come without some adversity. The Indians entered the tournament as the No. 2 qualifier out of the south, and had to face a good Oxford team in the opener.

Tied 1-1 in the sixth, Mya Holt and Lily Davenport hit back-to-back doubles and Wetumpka was won, 2-1. In the first winner’s brack-

In the state tournament, Wetumpka went 4-0 while winning three games by one run, fighting a weather delay that pushed games back a day, and walking off two games.

“We had some really big expectations at the beginning of our season,” Campbell said. “We really just pushed through and worked through all the adversity we had this season. We had a really good year and came out on top.”

Campbell has been the team’s leader on the field all season, and she has excelled in that position. The senior slap hitter had a stellar campaign as she finished the year with a .534 batting average, a .601 on base percentage, 102 hits, 11 extra base hits, 48 RBIs, 90 runs, 78 stolen bases, and only five strikeouts in 191 at bats.

Her runs ranked second best in the country and first in Alabama, while her stolen base numbers were good enough for third and first, respectively. She had nearly 20 more hits than the next closest hitter and 15 more runs than the next closest base runner.

While her senior campaign was impressive already, her career numbers at Wetumpka are second to none.

In her four year varsity career, Campbell

ELMORE Continued from B1

et game against Hazel Green, Wetumpka saw a 3-0 lead turn into only one run after Hazel Green loaded the bases on four singles and an error. The Indians were able to hold onto their lead, and held on to the win.

A rain delay forced the winners bracket finale to be pushed back a day, so Wetumpka and Spanish Fort took the field at 9 a.m. on Friday.

Wetumpka jumped out to a 7-0 lead early, but that quickly went away when Spanish Fort tied the game, 8-8, in the top of the seventh on a three-run home run. Wetumpka was able to walk it off and clinched a spot in the championship game.

Oxford took the first lead of a pitcher’s duel in the championship. A deep fly ball to right field landed on the warning track after some miscommunication and the Golden Eagles led, 1-0.

Candler Brooks, pinch-running for the Indians in the bottom of the sixth inning, tied the game after she scored on a wild pitch. That score stayed 1-1 until Taylor’s hit in the bottom of the eighth inning.

“These girls competed all year,” Otwell said. “That’s one thing I can say about this group. They worked hard all summer and hard in the fall. Their mentality of them was never quit. You saw that all week and today. No matter how bad things got in the moment, they kept competing each pitch.”

recorded a .523 batting average, 296 hits, 52 extra base hits, 245 runs scored, and 202 stolen bases.

“I couldn’t be more proud for her,” Otwell said. “You get kids who do everything the right way. For her to stick it out and be the only senior and take this young group and just lead means so much. She led us this year. She kept leading and it’s a huge thing for her to leave Wetumpka with a state championship.”

When the stage got to its biggest, Campbell continued to shine in the state tournament. In four games, she recorded five hits, five stolen bases, four runs, and walked three times. She scored nearly 25% of her team’s total runs during the tournament and was named to the 6A All-Tournament team for her efforts.

In the game against Hazel Green in the winner’s bracket, Campbell scored the first run of the game then scored the game-winning run in the next inning. In the winners bracket finale against Spanish Fort, she scored two runs and with the game on the line in extra innings, was intentionally walked so she wouldn’t have a chance to win the game.

Instead, teammate Mya Holt went on to hit the walk-off single before pitching a complete game in the championship win over Athens.

“I’m so excited that we were able to do

themselves as one of the top teams in 5A.” When Segrest took over during the COVID-shortened season, he had a group of freshmen who all just ended their high school careers on Thursday. That includes his daughter, Anna Catherine Segrest, but it’s not limited to her. Segrest, Ashtyn Pannell, McKenzie Owens, Hailey O’Brien, and

that for her,” Holt said.

“I’m glad she got to experience playing here and winning the championship. She’s going out with a bang.” Campbell had never played in the state tournament during her varsity career. Wetumpka’s last trip to the state tournament was 2015, when it also won the title. And while the Indians dominated the state tournament field this season, they were one loss away from not even making the tournament.

In the opening game of the regional tournament in Gulf Shores two weeks ago, Wetumpka lost its opener to Baldwin County, 3-0. In the loss, Campbell was the only Indian to record a hit and the only Indian that didn’t strike out. Campbell and her teammates knew that game was not indicative of their skill level, and they showed that through the rest of the tournament. The Indians went on to win four straight games, outscoring opponents 34-4 to punch their ticket to Oxford.

In those four games, Campbell recorded eight hits, four RBIs, and scored four times.

“After that loss, I think everybody realized what we could actually do and the position we were in and stepped up,” Campbell said. “We were good enough to win state and everyone realized that.”

Katie Capell were all senior starters for Elmore County this season. While most are going to play college softball at some level, Mark Segrest is thankful for what they gave to his program. “Most of that group transferred in to play for me and that means a lot to me,” Segrest said. “Every one of those seniors did a great job and they were a key part of our success this year and the last four years. They’ll hold a special place in my heart because I’ve been with them for so long. With my daughter being a senior, it makes it even more special.”

DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD

Wetumpka’s softball team poses with the trophy after winning the AHSAA Class 6A softball championship last week. The Indians went 4-0 in the tournament and beat Athens, 2-1, in the championship game.

CAMPBELL

HOLT

DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD

Wetumpka’s Mya Holt pitches against Athens in the Class 6A state championship game. She pitched an eight-inning complete game and allowed only one unearned run against Athens.

Lake River & Classi eds

EDUCATION

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PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE

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py This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars and no/100 funds at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price must be paid inness on the next business day LOGS Legal Group LLP at the address indicated below. LOGS Legal Group LLP reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder, or to reschedule the sale, should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. 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.

Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Logan Mccollum And Chelsea Mccollum Husband And Wife to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Home Point Financial Corporation, its successors and assigns dated March 16, 2021; said mortgage being recorded on December 8, 2022, in Book 2022, Page 70792 in the Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Home Point Financial Corporation by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2023, Page 1173 in the of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Home Point Financial Corporationunder and by virtue of the power of sale

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Nationstar Mortgage LLC, and its successors and assigns Mortgagee or Transferee LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 10130 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216 704-333-8107/ 23-022696

Attorneys for Mortgagee or Transferee

Wetumpka Herald: May 24, 31 and Jun. 7, 2023 211177

PUBLIC NOTICE Tillman Infrastructure, LLC is proposing to construct a 325foot overall height guyed tower telecommunications structure off Deatsville Highway, Deatsville, Elmore County, Alabama (N32° 33’ 53.0”; W86° 23’ 53.0”). Tillman Infrastructure, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Comments may be sent to Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Annamarie Howell, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004 or via email to publicnotice@eca-usa.com. Ms. Howell can be reached at (770) 6672040 x 405 during normal business hours. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. 23-001574 MMT

Wetumpka Herald: May 24, 2023 72135

SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed on December 30, 2016 by Patrick S. Murphy and Brandi L. Murphy, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Sysnominee for USAA Federal Savings Bank, and recorded in RLPY Book 2017 at Page 412 on January 4, 2017, in the OfElmore County, Alabama, and secured indebtedness having been transferred to Nationstar Mortgage LLC. LOGS Legal Group LLP, as counsel for Mortgagee or Transferee and under and by virtue of power of sale contained in the said mortgage will, on July 6, 2023, sell at public outcry to the highest bidder at the main entrance of the Elmore County, Alabama, Courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, during the legal hours of sale, the following real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to wit: Lot 31 of Woodridge Subdivision according to the map and plat of said subdivision which the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 13 pages 110 and 111. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 374 White Oak Lane, Tallassee, AL 36078. 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 sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. Furthermore, the property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the mortgagee, nor employees, agents or authorized representative of the mortgagee make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition, including those suggested by Code of Ala. (1975) § 35-4271, expressly are disclaimed.

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Page B6 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2023

Public Notices

ppy sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present of the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subject (1) to prohibited under the U.S. Bank-of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. HOME POINT FINANCIAL CORPORATION as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 22-03395AL www.foreclosurehotline.net

Wetumpka Herald: May 17, 24 and 31, 2023 22-03395AL PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE

Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Vivian P Thompson to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for First Bank, its successors and assigns dated May 18, 2012; said mortgage being recorded on May 29, 2012, in Book 2012, Page 25165 in the of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to CAG National Fund II LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2022, Page 65394 in the of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, CAG National Fund II LLCunder and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT 26, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF COUNTRY MEADOWS PLAT 1, AS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK 13, AT PAGE 101. Said property is commonly known as 541 Baltzer Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Should property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those superior to said Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the above-named or the undersigned. The successful funds in the amount of the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subject is not prohibited under the U.S.status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. CAG NATIONAL FUND II LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 22-03778AL www.foreclosurehotline.net

Wetumpka Herald: May 10, 17 and 24, 2023 22-03778AL PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Kristin Leighann Causey, an unmarried woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for GTC Mortgage Company Inc. for use in Alabama by Guaranty Trust Company, on April 27,

Public Notices pyp 2012, said mortgage recorded Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2012 and Page 20115; the undersigned Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lots 17 and 18 of Tierce Subdivision, Elmore County, Alabama as shown by plat made by Consulting Engineering Services, Inc, Montgomery, Alabama and recorded in the Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 8, at Page 19.. Property street address for informational PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON

OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED

gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Wells Fargo Bank, Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place

23-00883 PUBLIC NOTICE

LAWN MAINTENANCE BID for THE HOLTVILLE CHILD DEVELOPMENT BID #23-016

PUBLIC NOTICE FOR LAWN MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION WETUMPKA, ALABAMA

Sealed bids will be received by the Elmore County Board of Education, 100 H. H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama, 36092, and publicly opened and read aloud in the Maintenance Building conference room at 10:00AM Thursday, June 1st. The project shall be bid excluding taxes. The bids must be submitted on the PROPOSAL FORM. The company name, bid number, and proof of insurance are to be posted on the outside of the bid envelope. **This is required for the bid to be accepted and opened** No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of sixty (60) days. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. All contractors bidding this project shall visit the site and examine all existing conditions prior to submitting their proposal. All bidders shall have general liability of no less than $500,000.00 and a current business license. Questions may be directed to Mike Czerpak at 334-567-1420 ext. 22003 or mike.czerpak@ elmoreco.com

Owner: Elmore County Board of Education 100 H H Robison Drive Wetumpka, AL 36092

Wetumpka Herald: May 17 and 24, 2023

BID #23-016 PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Tasha Nichole Deininger, an unmarried woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for Certainty Home Loans, LLC, on December 7, 2017, said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2017 Page 59890; the undersigned PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry

Public Notices

gg py to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Ala-

ingsley Subdivision as the same

at Page 60.. Property street address for informational purposes: 809 Willow St , Tallassee, WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR EN-

TIES ENTITLED THERETO. Al-

abama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00)

to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place

Wetumpka Herald: 23-03135

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

MURPHREE BRIDGE CORPORATION hereby gives notice of completion of contract with the Alabama Dept. of Transportation for the construction of Project Number(s) STPMN-2615(262) & STPMN-2615(250) Elmore County, 1.031 mi. Bridge Replacement on CR-8 over Harwell Mill Creek & Intersection Improvements on CR-8 at CR4, Northeast of Montgomery. This notice will appear for four consecutive weeks beginning on May 17, 2023 and ending on June 7, 2023. All claims should 1627 COUNTY ROAD 1149, TROY, ALABAMA 36079 during this period.

MURPHREE BRIDGE CORPORATION

Wetumpka Herald: May 17, 24, 31 and Jun. 7, 2023 COMPLETION

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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Richard Louis Calhoun, a single man, and Mary Neely, single, to Ameriquest Mortgage Company, on April 14, 2006, said mortgage being recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, on

Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Argent Securities 2006-M1, the current holder, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Elmore County Courthouse, in of sale, the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT OF TWIN OAKS SUBDIVISION

Public Notices

Public Notices

is, where is” basis, without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use and/or enjoyment and will be sold subject to the right of redemption ofbama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the proper-

help persons avoid or delay theney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as part of the foreclofor the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the exsuccessful bidder must tender

form of a wire transfer, bank or credit union’s cashier’s check,

award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender theed, Mortgagee/Transferee shall return the bid amount to the successful purchaser and the Mortgagee/Transferee shall not be liable to the purchase for any for any reason, the purchaser at the sale shall be only entitled to a return of the deposit and bid

Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit is purchase price against the expenses of sale and indebtedness secured subject to postponement or Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Argent

244 Inverness Center Drive Suite 200

AL10334 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA KIMBERLY GIDDENS Plaintiff, v. Jeffrey Merritt, 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 describe real estate located in Elmore County, Alabama; And Lot 20, BLock 4, Unit 3, Kowliga Bay Estates, as the same is recorded of probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat 3, Page 169. Defendants. CASE NO. CV-2023-900101 NOTICE OF FILING OF COMPLAINT AND ORDER DIRECTING FILING OF APPEARANCE AND ANSWER OF DEFENDANTS

TO: Jeffrey Merritt, and if deceased, his respective heirs and assigns, and anyone else claiming an ownership interest in, claims to hold a lien on, or anyone who claims any interest whatsoever in the subject of property of this action YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 3rd day of May, -

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 con-plaint within thirty (30) days in the event said Defendants fail to so appear and answer, a Default Judgment may be entered Said lands which are more par-WITNESS my hand and seal, /s/Michael Dozier -

CV-2023-900101

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS CITY OF WETUMPKA RE-ROOFING AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING

Sealed bids will be received by the City of Wetumpka at the Administrative Building, Conference Room, 408 S. Main Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092, until 10:00 a.m. (CST) on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. The scope of work involves furnishing all labor, materials, services, and

equipment required to perform of Wetumpka Administrative Building located at 408 S. Main Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 in accordance with the Bid documents and drawings will be distributed via email / pdf following the mandatory pre-bid meeting. Please contact Roof Asset Management, Inc. at dlee@roof-asset.com or klee@ roof-asset.com to reserve project documents. The prebid meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 1, 2023, onsite at 10:00 a.m. (CST). All bidders or their representatives are required to attend in order to submit a bid for this project. The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids and waive technicalities. Contract shall not be binding upon either party or considered closed until authorized by the Owner’s Representative. The successful bidder is required to carry Workmen’s Compensation Insurance and Public Liability Insurance, and if a subcontractor is employed, Contractor’s Contingent Liability Insurance.

bond through a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Alabama; either form made payable to the City of Wetumpka for an amount not less than 5% of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid, but in no event more than $50,000.00. Bidders are hereby Section 80, Act No. 571 Regular Session of June 19, 1959, approved November 19, 1959, entitled “An Act to Regulate the Licensing of General Contractors” shall be strictly observed. Also, it is necessary for persons submitting bids for work involving $50,000.00 or more to show satisfactory evidence of license as a general contractor. A bond in a reliable surety company authorized to do business in the State of Alabama must be given by the successful bidder, such bond to be for the sum of 100% of the contract price conditioned for the prompt and faithful performance of contract terms and a surety bond in the amount equal to 50% of the contract prices as security for the payment for all persons performing labor and furnishing materials in connection with the contract. In compliance with the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, § 31-13-1 et seq. of Code of Alabama 1975 (Act No. 2011535), all bidders are required stating they are enrolled in the E-Verify Program with their Bid Proposals.

Wetumpka Herald: May 10, 17 and 24, 2023

BIDS/RE-ROOFING

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WINFORD H. COLLIER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-137 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WINFORD H. COLLIER, deceased, having been granted to CYNTHIA ANN COLLIER on May 18, 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.

CYNTHIA ANN COLLIER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WINFORD H. COLLIER, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT J. MORRIS ATTORNEY AT LAW 10365 HOLTVILLE ROAD DEATSVILLE, ALABAMA 36022 334-569-1820

Wetumpka Herald: May 24, 31 and Jun. 7, 2023 EST/COLLIER W.

the Secretary of Labor and are set forth in the advertised spec-

ing on the decision to award

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice to Contractors

Federal Aid Project No. CRSAMN-2621(252) ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation

that in any contract entered into this invitation and will not be

Transportation Director

CRSAMN-2621(252) PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN H. COOPER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-134 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of HELEN H. COOPER, deceased, having been granted to ALESIA C. HAMM on May 17, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

ALESIA C. HAMM PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN H. COOPER, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC PO BOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw.com

Wetumpka Herald: May 24, 31 and Jun. 7, 2023 EST/COOPER H. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH DESHON, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-126 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of MARY ELIZABETH DESHON, deceased, having been granted to JAMES GILROY DESHON, JR., on the 16th day of May 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.

JAMES GILROY DESHON, JR., ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH DESHON

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

WETUMPKA HERALD

Public Notices

Regina B. Edwards, Esq.

The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C.

Attorney for Administrator 109 E. Bridge Street

Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011

Wetumpka Herald:

May 24, 31 and Jun. 7, 2023

EST/DESHON, M.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA S. DONALDSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-123 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LINDA S. DONALDSON, deceased, having been granted to SCOTT DONALDSON on May, 8th 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.

SCOTT DONALDSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA S. DONALDSON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative:

MARK EDWARD SMITH ATTORNEY AT LAW

631 SOUTH PERRY STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-834-8100

Wetumpka Herald: May 17, 24 and 31, 2023

EST/DONALDSON, L. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LORI KESSEL DRISCOLL, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-102 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration with Will Annexed over the Estate of LORI KESSEL DRISCOLL, deceased, having been granted to KELSEY MARTIN WILLIAMS on the 10 th day of May, 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.

KELSEY MARTIN WILLIAMS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LORI KESSEL DRISCOLL, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator:

RODERICK B. PERDUE ATTORNEY AT LAW 2033 HOLTVILLE ROAD WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-7373

Wetumpka Herald: May 17, 24 and 31, 2023

EST/DRISCOLL, L. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES LEON EVANS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-067 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CHARLES LEON EVANS, deceased, having been granted to KAREN EVANS, formerly known as KAREN KILLINGSWORTH on May 15, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

KAREN EVANS, formerly known as KAREN KILLINGSWORTH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES LEON EVANS, 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: May 17, 24 and 31, 2023

EST/EVANS C. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH WAYNE FISHER, SR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-052 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of KENNETH WAYNE FISHER, SR., deceased, having been granted to WANDA

JEAN FISHER on May 11, 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.

WANDA JEAN FISHER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF

Public Notices

KENNETH WAYNE FISHER, SR., DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: LINDA BENSON ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 780818 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-5800

Wetumpka Herald: May 17, 24 and 31, 2023

EST/FISHER, SR. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOEL POWELL GIDDENS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-098 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of JOEL POWELL GIDDENS, deceased, having been granted to JACQUELINE B. KLINER on May 15, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

JACQUELINE B. KLINER

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JOEL POWELL GIDDENS, DECEASED

Address of Administrator: 4419 RIDGEWOOD ROAD TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA 35404 334-399-3949

Wetumpka Herald: May 24, 31 and Jun. 7, 2023

EST/GIDDENS, J. PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2023-106 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD E. HAYHURST, DECEASED

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DONALD E. HAYHURST, deceased, having been granted to JENNIFER STODOLA on the 3rd day of May 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.

Attorney of Record for such Personal Representative: ROBERT O. BURTON

ATTORNEY AT LAW

JENNIFER STODOLA

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD E. HAYHURST, DECEASED PMB #208 103 NORTH MEMORIAL DRIVE PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-538-5404

Wetumpka Herald: May 10, 17 and 24, 2023 EST/HAYHURST, D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY RAYVON HUDSON, SR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-092 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of JERRY RAYVON HUDSON, SR., deceased, having been granted to REID G. TOLAR on May 5, 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. REID G. TOLAR ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY RAYVON HUDSON, SR., DECEASED Address of Administrator: 250 WINTON M. BLOUNT LOOP MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-303-2258 reid@reidtolarlaw.com Wetumpka Herald: May 10, 17 and 24, 2023 EST/HUDSON, SR. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LAURITZ C. JENSEN, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2023-119 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE

TO: JULIE F. CIERLY, A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND A NEXT OF KIN OF LAURITZ C. JENSEN; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF LAURITZ C. JENSEN, DECEASED YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on April 28, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of LAURITZ C. JENSEN, deCourt of Elmore County, Alabama by DEREK SCOTT SVEsuch Last Will and Testament-

tative of such Estate. This nois given to you as a next-of-kin of LAURITZ C. JENSEN. Unless an objection to admis-

Public Notices

such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed without further notice to you.

JOHN THORNTON

ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Name and Address of Attorney

ATTORNEY AT LAW 2033 HOLTVILLE ROAD

Wetumpka Herald: EST/JENSEN, L. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JUNE GRAY JONES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-095 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JUNE GRAY JONES, deceased, having been granted to JANET L. JONES on May 8th, 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.

JANET L. JONES

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JUNE GRAY JONES. DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. LAW OFFICE OF G A DANIEL, JR. LLC PO BOX 638 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334-285-9444 Jerry@GADanielLaw.com

Wetumpka Herald: May 17, 24 and 31, 2023

EST/JONES, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CRAWFORD KENNEDY, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-116 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to PHYLLIS K. KENNEDY as Personal Representative on the 4th day of May 2023, by the Honorable Roderick B. Perdue, Special 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.

PHYLLIS K. KENNEDY

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CRAWFORD KENNEDY, 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: May 10, 17 and 24, 2023

EST/KENNEDY, C.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES T. LASKEY, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-132 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to CARL G. LASKEY as Executor on the 15th day of May 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.

CARL G. LASKEY

EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES T. LASKEY, 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: May 24, 31 and Jun. 7, 2023

EST/LASKEY J.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY CLAY LYLE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-128 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JERRY CLAY LYLE, deceased, having been granted to HOLLI SMITH on May 10th 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.

HOLLI SMITH PERSONAL REPRESENTA-

Public Notices

TIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY CLAY LYLE, 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: May 17, 24 and 31, 2023

EST/LYLE, J.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2023122 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH HAYNIE MASON, DECEASED

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JUDITH HAYNIE MASON, deceased, having been granted to CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL MASON on the 2nd day of May, 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.

CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL MASON

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH HAYNIE MASON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for such Personal Representative: EDWIN L. YATES

ATTORNEY AT LAW 453 SOUTH HULL STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA

36104

334-264-0182

Wetumpka Herald: May 10, 17 and 24, 2023

EST/MASON, J.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SHANNON BRENT MCGHEE, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-110 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of SHANNON BRENT MCGHEE, deceased, having been granted to KAYLA McGHEE on May 3rd, 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.

KAYLA MCGHEE

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF SHANNON BRENT MCGHEE, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: WILL O’REAR, JR. SASSER & O’REAR, LLC 7007 FULTON COURT MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-356-2400

Wetumpka Herald: May 10, 17 and 24, 2023 EST/MCGHEE, S. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY GARNETT TRANTHAM, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-071 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of MARY GARNETT TRANTHAM, deceased, having been granted to IAN ALEXANDER BOYD on May 18, 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.

IAN ALEXANDER BOYD

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MARY GARNETT TRANTHAM, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: FRANK E. BANKSTON, JR. ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 239 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0239 334-264-9472

Wetumpka Herald: May 24, 31 and Jun. 7, 2023

EST/TRANTHAM, M. PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO: 2023-099 COUNTY OF ELMORE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SAMUEL C. TURNER, DECEASED

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of SAMUEL C. TURNER, deceased, having been granted to BEVERLY TURNER MACK on the 5 TH day of May, 2023 by Justin Edwards, Special, 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. BEVERLY TURNER MACK PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF

Public Notices

SAMUEL C. TURNER, DECEASED Attorney of Record for such Personal Representative: ED PARISH. JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM P O BOX 52 MONTGOMERY. ALABAMA 36101-0052

323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003

Wetumpka Herald: May 10, 17 and 24, 2023

EST/TURNER, S. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM KYLE WHITAKER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-117 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WILLIAM KYLE WHITAKER, deceased, having been granted to ANGELA J. BLANKENSHIP on May 8, 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. ANGELA J. BLANKENSHIP PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM KYLE WHITAKER, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT J. MORRIS ATTORNEY AT LAW 10365 HOLTVILLE ROAD DEATSVILLE, ALABAMA 36022 334-569-1820

Wetumpka Herald: May 17, 24 and 31, 2023 EST/WHITAKER W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF Case No.: JU-2019000147.02 NELSON BENTLEY ANDERSON PUBLICATION ORDER

In this cause it is made to ap-vit of Robert Bradley Lee and Brandi Powell Lee, Petitioners, that the above-named child’s father, James Nelson, is avoiding service of process. It further appears that the underlying petition alleges the child is dependent and Petitioners are requesting that parental rights be terminated and that permanent custody of the child be vested in Petitioners. It is, therefore, ORDERED that pursuant to Rule 4.3, Ala. R. Civ. Proc. service by publication be made by Petitioner in The Wetumpka Herald, a newspaper of general The Wetumpka Herald, a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, County of Elmore, and any other newspaper as may be required under Ala. Code § 1215-318 (1975), for four (4) consecutive weeks notifying James Nelson to plead to, answer, and demur to the petition in the this matter in accordance with Rule 1(B), Ala. R. Juv. Proc. after the last publication, and appear for Judicial Complex, 8935 U.S. Highway 231 North, Wetumpka, Alabama. DONE this 17th day of April, 2023. /s/PATRICK D PINKSTON JUVENILE JUDGE Wetumpka Herald: JU-2019-000147.02

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: ABIGAIL CALLIS CASE No. JU-2021-145.02 NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS TO: ELIZABETH SMITH (Mother) You are hereby given notice thatABIGAIL CALLIS, hereby given notice that you are-

August 30, 2023, at 1:30 P.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama

JU-2021-145.02

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale State of Alabama, County of Elmore Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Lucas Valerian Gilbert, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic

Public Notices

&

indicated

Carrington Price &

LLC reserves the

der

This

pose of

is

for

indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postpone-

28, 2023, between the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in ELMORE County, Alabama, to wit: BEGIN AT AN OLD IRON PIN AT THE NW CORNER OF SECTION 23, T18N, R19E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA; THENCE N88°45’37”E 1237.70’ TO AN IRON PIN ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY OF COUNTY ROAD NO. 59, FIRETOWER ROAD, 80’ R.O.W.; THENCE SOUTH 10 DE-

GREES 04 MINUTES 30 SECONDS EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, 629.91 FEET TO ANOTHER IRON PIN ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY OF COUNTY ROAD NO. 59, FIRETOWER ROAD, 80’ R.O.W.; THENCE SOUTH 10 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 30 SECONDS EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, 51.92 FEET TO THE “PC” OF A CURVE TO THE LEFT HAVING A RADIUS OF 1955.51 FEET; THENCE CONTINUE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY AND CURVE, 657.32 FEET, CHORD BEING SOUTH 19 DEGREES 42 MINUTES 16 SECONDS EAST, 654.23 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE NW 1/4 OF SECTION 23; THENCE LEAVING SAID RIGHT OF WAY, SOUTH 88 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 06 SECONDS WEST, ALONG 1/4 SECTION LINE, 1542.12 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE N01?36’20”W 1302.68’ TO THE P.O.B. CONTAINING 40.25 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, AND SUBJECT TO GALLOWAY ROAD, A COUNTY GRAVEL ROAD, OVER AND ACROSS SAID PROPERTY Subject to all zoning, easements, restrictions, restrictive covenants and reservations appearing of record. Said sale will also be made subject to any Federal Tax Liens, Ad Valorem Real Estate Taxes and\or Special Assessments of any nature, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the property. The property is being sold “as is, where is”. Said prop-

Public Notices pp erty is sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use, enjoyment or condition. The mortgagee or transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. All bidders will be required to execute a bidding agreement prior to sale. Copies of the bidding agreement may be obtained prior to the sale. The successful bidder will be required to pay the bid amount at the time of Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the attorneys fees and expenses of foreclosure. This sale is subject to cancellation or postponement. CB&S BANK AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PRIMESOUTH BANK, Mortgagee-Transferee Leonard N. Math

Chambless Math • Carr, P.C. P.O. Box 230759 Montgomery, Alabama 361230759 334-272-2230

Wetumpka Herald: May 17, 24 and 31, 2023 FC/MULLINS PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on 7th of JUNE, 2023, at 9:00am 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. •3147:Adrain Cook. 13694 U.S HWY 231, Wetumpka, AL 36092

Contents: table,lamp,AC unit,, bags, couch

Wetumpka Herald: May 24 and 31, 2023

STORAGE AUCTION

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Thursday, June 8th, 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.

•752: Michael Abbruscato. 1628

Price Road, Wetumpka, Alabama 36093

Contents: clothes,bags, boxes, tools

Wetumpka Herald: May 24 and 31, 2023 STORAGE AUCTION

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale State of Alabama, County of Elmore

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Soshia Nicole Ruiz and Nohel Alexander Ruiz, wife and husband, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for InterLinc Mortgage Services, LLC, on November 20, 2018, said of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book 2018, Page 58262; the undersigned Towd Point Master Funding Trust 2021PM1, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Elmore County, Alabama, on June 30, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 34, Block 214, according to the corrected Plat of Grandview Pines Plat No. 3, as said Map of the judge of probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 7, at Page 142. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as: 265 Cotton Blossom Road, Millbrook, AL 36054. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT

Public Notices

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. 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 a non-refundable deposit of Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00)able to Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law & Gregg, LLC at the address indicated below. Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. If the sale is set aside, the Purchaser may be entitled to only a return of any tendered purchase funds less any applicable fees and costs and shall have no other recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC. 2100 Southbridge Pkwy, Suite 650, Homewood, AL, 35209. www.bellcarrington. com. File Number: 23-53380. Wetumpka Herald: May 10, 17 and 24, 2023 FC/RUIZ PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notices

Public Notices

THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. The Work of the project includes, but is not limited to, selective demolition, replacing existing generators with new systems at Wetumpka Complex and Easterling Correctional Facilities and installing a new emergency generator system at North Alabama CWC Dorm indicated on the Drawings; coordination and supervision of the entire project; and all relatand Contract Documents. A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Alabama Department of Corrections in an percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than bidder’s proposal. Performance and statutory Labor and Material Paymenttion of E-Verify enrollment (also with Proposals), will be required at the signing of the Contract. of the Architect; and digital Plan Rooms of: Dodge SCAN and Construct Connect.tained from the

the Secretary of Labor and are set forth in the advertised spec-

evidence of good faith. The bracket range is shown

this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this con-

bids. The bidder’s proposal

ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT NOTICE OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK (UST) CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS PUBLIC NOTICE - 201 Elmore County Grady Hicks, 5185 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, Alabama is required by ADEM to implement a Corrective Action Plan for remediation of soil and/or groundwater which has resulted from a release from an underground storage tank located at Country Store, 4512 Little Steel Bridge Road, Equality, Alabama. The site is 12130-051-012880 UST00-05-22. The proposed remediation methods include the injection of air with monopotassium phosphate and nitrous oxide. Copies of the Corrective Action Plan for Country Store are available for public inspection electronically via http://adem.alabama.gov/ and at the following location holidays), 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. A nominal fee for copying and/ or mailing may be charged. Arrangements for copying should be made in advance. Russell A. Kelly, Chief Permits and Services Division ADEM 1400 Coliseum Blvd. [Mailing address: PO Box 301463; Zip 36130-1463] Montgomery, Alabama 361102400 (334) 271-7714 permitsmail@adem.alabama. gov Persons wishing to comment may do so, in writing or by email, to the Department’s named contact above within 15 days following the publication date of this notice. Any person wishing to provide additional information regarding the Corrective Action Plan may do so. A written request for a public meeting may period and must state the nature of the issues proposed to is hereby given this 24th day of May, 2023, by authority of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Lance R. LeFleur Director

The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race,gion, age or disability in the administration of its programs.

Wetumpka Herald: May 24, 2023 PUBLIC NOTICE 201 PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice to Contractors

Federal Aid Project No.

NH-0006(598), NH-0003(648) & NH-0006(597) AUTAUGA AND ELMORE COUNTIES, ALABAMA

Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation

that in any contract entered into this invitation and will not be

sideration for an award. The reserved.

Transportation Director

NH-0006(598) PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PREQUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS AND FOR BIDS FROM BIDDERS THAT ARE PREQUALIFIED

from General Contractors shall be submitted one (1) hard copy/ one (1) electronic, and will be received on behalf of the Owner by Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, Montgomery, Alabama; UNTIL 12:00 PM LOCAL TIME; ON FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2023, for: GENERATOR UPGRADES FOR THE ALABAMA DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS WETUMPKA, AL; CLIO, AL; DECATUR, AL and thereafter delivered to the Owner for consideration of approval to bid this project. Prein writing ON MONDAY, JUNE , but no later than theuments will be available to bidders, currently anticipated to be on or aboutquirements may be obtained from the Architect, by written request on the Contractor’s company letterhead. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive technical errors, and/or abandon this process if, in their judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.by the Alabama Department of Corrections; at AT 2:00 PM LOCAL TIME ON

rent license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered; current license number on the Proposal Form. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids for a period of A MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at, 222 TARWATER DRIVE, WETUMPKA, AL; LOCAL TIME, ON THURSDAY, JUNE 29,2023, for the purpose of reviewing the project and an--intending to submit a Proposal, and is highly recommended for all Subcontractors.

Conference will be rejected This project is being bid EXCLUDING TAXES, and requires the Contractor comply with the which was signed into law on and the Owner will be requiredemption with the Alabama Department of Revenue which will handle administration of shall account for the tax savings on the Proposal Form. requirements for General ConSubcontractors and Manufacand Contract Documents. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in their judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

CORRECTIONS ENGINEERING DIVISION Elmore, Alabama John Q. Hamm, Commissioner GOODWYN, MILLS CAWOOD, INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

Wetumpka Herald: VMGM210021

Chickens teach valuable lessons in the classroom

B y CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Eggs might have been the goal, but chickens are serving up life lessons at Elmore County High School.

What started as a farmto-table project for Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher Natasha McMillan turned into a life development study too.

“We did child development as a course of study,” McMillan said. “I know the chickens are not child development but there are a lot of lessons there in watching the chicks grow into chickens. You could see the stages of development.”

McMillan said her students were not sure of her farm-to-table project. After all it was McMillan’s first time with live chickens.

“I had never touched them before,” McMillan said. “I hadn’t done this before. I’m learning as we go.”

McMillan first ordered several different eggs and allowed them to incubate for 21 days.

“You have to keep the eggs under the light and they thought this woman was crazy,” McMillan said. “‘These aren’t going to hatch.’ Then they hatched and they were excited.”

Only four of the seven hatched chickens survived initially. Just like with newborn humans, everyone took interest in the chickens.

“We had lots of fun when they were just chicks and cute,” McMillan said. “Everybody wanted them then. We were attached to them. They were babies and we took pictures of them, all that stuff.”

Students helped care for the growing chicks and soon learned chickens have bodily functions.

“When they were little they used to yell at us — Chirp, chirp,” tenth-grade student Caitlin Jackson said. “They would poop on us.” McMillan said the students walked the chickens to put them to sleep.

“It was pretty amazing,” she said. “They are more pets than chickens.”

Spring break and the absence of students brought major changes in the chickens’ development.

“I came back and they were twice the size,” Caitlin said. “I was not picking them up anymore. They were like teens. You could not work with them.”

Jackson’s classmate Shania Robinson said the experience mimics being a parent.

“They are babies for real,” Shania said. “They take a lot of work.”

Students soon developed close relationships with the chickens. Shania’s favorite is Fuzzy.

“Certain students have attachments to certain chickens,” McMillan said. “Everybody loved Hay Hay. She is still thriving but she is now mean.”

Art projects took shape. Shania got the idea to put ink on the chickens’ feet and let them walk across paper. The artwork now hangs in McMillan’s classroom.

The growing chickens were inside the classroom in a box. McMillan and the students constructed a coop in early May outside of the classroom for the chickens to continue to grow. As life would have it, disaster struck that first night.

“Some of my students called and said (the coop) was destroyed and the chickens are out, but we got the chickens back in,” McMillan said. “They are so accustomed to the classroom, that when the coop was damaged, they were pecking at the door when the boys came to save them. They were like, ‘Let us in.’” McMillan was at an Elmore County High School soccer game and believes the wind damaged the coop. She didn’t know one of four chickens — Oreo — was missing until she checked on them.

“We had two roosters and two hens,” McMillan said. “Now we have one rooster and two hens.”

McMillan believes something might have frightened the chickens too. They may have scattered and Oreo went to the nearby woodline.

McMillan and the students have searched for Oreo and even posted on social media he was missing. But McMillan thinks she knows what happened to the rooster.

“I think a fox may have gotten him,” McMillan said. “There has been one hanging around here. He was on the porch here [Thursday] morning.”

McMillan has given up on finding Oreo and so has Caitlin. But everyone believes they are all getting a lesson in life.

“My favorite was Oreo and Butter but unfortunately both have died,” Caitlin said. “It is just my luck; my favorite ones died.”

Major Milestone

Elmore County grads celebrate Friday night

WILLIAM MARLOW | THE OBSERVER

Elmore County High School hosted its graduation Friday night at the football field.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE OBSERVER