“If a person likes to go to Dollar Tree a lot, we want to know. A friend could pick them up not knowing there are issues and the person reported missing could ask to go to their favorite place. If the place is walking distance, that information gives us an idea where to look as well.”
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.
— Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
Quick reaction often leads to finding missing persons
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
2 arrested for bringing contraband to state prison
Wilson was the head basketball coach at Holtville High School and was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis. “We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary
STAFF REPORT TPI STAFF
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said the general public has no clue how many times his department responds to missing persons calls — especially those with dementia or other mental debilitating issues.
Holtville High School basketball coach arrested
investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”
Two Tuskegee residents were arrested Saturday after a trespassing vehicle was reported at the Elmore Cor-
rectional Facility.
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
According to an Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) release, Jadarius Daniel, 28, and Kathryn Kelli Washington, 27, were detained during a traffic
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office have the alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes af ter turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.
stop in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 20. The vehicle driven by Washington in which Daniel was a passenger was reported on property at Elmore Correctional Facility (ECF) in Elmore County. ADOC Law Enforcement Services Division (LESD),
Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach. Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Franklin said the calls come in about once per quarter but rarely get to the stage of needing to issue a missing and endangered alert.
“One of the best things we have going is a tracking dog,” Franklin said. “They call and say, ‘Hey grandma or momma is out by the lake, in a wooded area or walked off and we can’t find her.’ We bring our dog out there and it will generally find them. The tracking dog is very good at that.”
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
Franklin said his department doesn’t necessarily report a missing person in the first hour or so. It gives investigators time to collect information and allow the tracking dog to do its work.
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
See CHAMBER, Page A3
“Based on the incident, where it is at and what is going on, we try to remedy that situation by getting our guy out there that is trained with that particular K9,” Franklin said.
In any case the department works, “information is gold.” Caretakers of those with mental ailments should make note of habits and visitors.
“As quick as we can get the information, that is what we want to do,” Franklin said. “Those first few hours are huge.”
Franklin said no detail is too small. Something simple and seemingly meaningless could be the information that leads to the missing person.
“If a person likes to go to Dollar Tree a lot, we want to know,” Franklin said. “A friend could pick them up not knowing there
COLOR ALWAYS HELPS
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
Police
Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell
42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle. According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton. Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
See SHOOTING, Page A3
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
The Kelly to reopen in late June in new location
Staff Report
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
If anyone sees artwork being taken from The Kelly on Company Street, don’t fear — a burglary is not in process. The Kelly Fitzgerald Memorial Center for the Arts is moving to a larger location overlooking the Coosa River and planning a grand opening for June 29.
The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
“We can’t wait to get in here,” Kelly board member Wayne Turner said. “We have so much more space.”
The Kelly will have almost 2 ½ times the floor space and more than three times the wall space for hanging art. But the most impressive feature of the new location on Hill Street is when a guest walks in the door and sees the Coosa River and Bibb Graves Bridge.
“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low mo rale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excel lence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, en couraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and stu dents, caused the school culture to
WILSON
DANIEL WASHINGTON
WILLIAMS
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Dogs need boating safety too
We do hope everyone will take some time today to pause and reflect on the true reason for Memorial Day. Please take time to think about and thank the thousands of brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live free.
Memorial Day traditionally signifies the start of summer.
Alabama is particularly blessed with many wonderful lakes, rivers and even the Gulf of Mexico, which means lots of time on and in the water.
Many families take
their dogs along for fun on the water (not too many take kitties), and we hope you have planned for your dog’s safety just like your own. If you didn’t head out this weekend and your dog hasn’t been on a boat, then it might help to let your dog explore the boat while it is still docked or on a trailer a few days before your outing.
Just like us humans, your dog needs its own personal flotation device, which should wear while aboard. You can find PFDs for pets in area pet, sport and outdoor stores and on many online stores as well; make sure to get
the correct size for your dog to ensure your dog’s safety.
We may also have some at our Tail’s End Thrift Store, which is open for shopping from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Over the years we have had dogs rescued from the middle of local lakes, brought to our shelter and never reclaimed. When in a body of water as large as, say, Lake Martin, if a dog falls overboard and is not noticed it might not be able to make it to shore before tiring out. Just like getting used to the boat, let your dog get used to its PFD before heading
out on the water.
Make sure to carefully supervise your dog and have a plan in mind for how you would retrieve your dog from the water (especially a larger dog) should you need to get him orer back into your boat.
Hint: Most dog PFD’s have a stout handle along the top.
Give your dog a shady, secure spot to rest and pack a dog first aid kit in the event of hazards from fishing gear and walking around unfamiliar shores.
One last caution might be to not feed your dog too much before going out in case it is susceptible to
motion sickness; smaller snacks might work better than a big breakfast.
And our dogs can get motion sickness just like we can so perhaps talk to your vet for advice on what you can give your dog in the event it is exhibiting signs of sea sickness.
Please also keep in mind, just like people, not all dogs will enjoy being out on a boat all day, so, if you have one like that, let it chill at home in the air conditioning.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Celeste is a 3-year-old Husky with a shorter coat than most. She is black and white with gorgeous blue eyes. She is a very active gal, loves toys and needs an active family so she can go hiking, running and exploring while burning off some energy. Celeste is good with dogs, cats and children — just needs a well-fenced yard to keep her safely at home or she will go exploring.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane. org.
Pet of the Week - Celeste
Summer reading program starts June 6
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Wetumpka Pub-
lic Library is holding its summer reading program again.
Last year more than 100 area children participated in the weekly sessions and this year is looking to be just as successful.
“We already have about 40 signed up,” librarian Cathy Saylor said. “Last year was the first coming out of the pandemic.
Everybody was feeling isolated. We want to be back together again and have this cohesive feeling.”
Most libraries participate in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) to help with themes and programming materials. This year’s theme is All Together Now.
“This year we are offering many diverse activities,” Saylor said. “We are coordinating with The
Kelly for a fun, collaborative art project, a wonderful magician will be returning and more.”
Saylor said the Alabama Department of Archives and History will have a presentation one week at the Elmore County History Museum. ClefWorks will have a musical presentation and 4-H too.
“It is all about community — it is about friendship,” Saylor said. “If you think about the programs we are doing, art — all of
the colors are all together. Art brings people together. Music brings everybody together.”
The programs are for children entering grades first through sixth. Each participant can fill out a reading log to qualify for prizes, and there are also timed reading slips each week. Parents and children can stop by the library on Main Street to register and pick up materials to help keep up with reading.
At home at Edgewood, Barner named head of school
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Edgewood Academy
graduate Susan Barner has been named the new head of school.
Barner is no stranger to the halls of the Elmore school. She has either been a student or staff there since first grade.
“It is my second family,” Barner said. “I can remember walking the halls. I love it. It is great to have spent my entire life here.”
Barner went to Huntingdon College after graduating from Edgewood and returned to teach five years later.
“I can remember coming here to teach,” Barner said. “Larry Pickett was head of school starting when I was in second grade. I worked for him.”
Barner said she joked around at the time about Pickett being at Edgewood for 30 years. She sees the parody in her resume.
“I think this is my 35th (year),” Barner said. “I’m
rocking on and have no intentions of going anywhere anytime soon.”
Barner’s history with Edgewood goes beyond walking its halls as a student and staff member. She lived in the home that once belonged to Charles Storrs who donated the land for Edgewood Academy, which started in 1967.
Barner’s grandfather did some of the construction work on the school as it grew, and Barner’s husband likewise graduated from Edgewood.
Barner’s office has her megaphone and athletic letter from her cheering days at Edgewood. Next to them is her husband’s Edgewood baseball cap.
As head of school, Barner replaces Jay Adams who is following his passion and returning to the classroom at Edgewood Academy.
Adams taught for a few years before becoming head of school for the last three as Barner served as assistant head of school.
Last year Adams taught
three classes the first semester and four classes the second semester.
“He loves teaching,” Barner said. “Teaching is his first love. He loves to be in the classroom.”
Barner said she won’t be teaching next school year as she’ll serve as both the head and assistant head of school as she figures out new responsibilities and how the administration might change.
“I’m going to see who I work well with and figure it out,” Barner said. “We are going to do some realigning of duties with the lower school.”
Barner wants to see the continuation of family and tradition at the school.
Barner said three other teachers and a coach are alumni of the school.
“I also can recall handing diplomas to many of the parents of students who recently graduated,” Barner said. “We average about 25 graduates per year. We have small classes and everybody knows everybody.”
The library also has a program for older children entering seventh through 12th grades starting June 7 with movie and game days on alternating weeks. Preschool storytime will also continue at 10 a.m. Fridays. Reading logs are due July 12. For more information, contact the library at 334567-1308 or visit wetumpkalibrary.com.
The veteran educator said education is constantly evolving to better serve students. There will be some changes as she moves to head of school, but not much.
“It is a slightly different role,” Barner said. “It is not much more than what I was doing. About the only thing changing is trim paint in the office as it didn’t match and the name on the door.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
The megaphone of Susan Barner and the baseball cap of her husband Robert rests in her office at Edgewood Academy. Barner is the new head of school starting June. 1.
Page A4 • May 31, 2023 Kenneth
Over the last several weeks, it feels as if grief has consumed me. It quite literally made me sick. It caused fights in my household, it brought on endless tears that continue every day.
But if there is one blessing in disguise on things so tragic, it’s that truth everyone says but no one wants to admit to, “You really find out who your friends are.”
Y’all know I keep my circle small, and I like it that way. But what’s interesting is how my circle has changed over the last eight weeks.
There were people I thought I could count on who completely disappointed me, and there are people who have stepped up who I didn’t even think really cared.
Of course it hurts when you think someone is your friend, only to realize during your darkest days that maybe they really weren’t so much. But what I try to focus on is the people who have surprised me in the other direction.
I think I speak for many people in Dadeville as well when I say my family is in that weird period after a death where others have moved on, the calls stop coming, the sympathy stops being there, but we are still engulfed in grief. People almost expect you to be OK, but it’s been only a few weeks since Dylan’s death — how can we possibly be OK?
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
Weddings,
Announcements:
are
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.
There are those few people though, who just get it. I have to take a second to shout out to my staff here at TPI. Each one of our reporters and editors has done a fantastic job picking up the pieces in my absence, and I have not heard a single complaint from them about me missing nearly three weeks straight.
knit, it’s always hard when you’re a newbie. But I’m the organized one of the group, so I had to take over a lot of the planning and details and semantics. After the funeral, my father-in-law took me aside and said, “Lizi, you know, you really are my daughter now. Of course I loved you before, but seeing how much you loved Dylan and how much you love my family… You really are one of us now.” Hearing those words meant so, so much to me.
geographically, we are worlds apart. I’ve always wanted that close family who gets together on the weekends, celebrates birthdays together, checks in on each other daily. My husband’s family has given me that, and I am so grateful for it.
others checking up on me, asking what they can do to help, and I appreciate each and every one of them.
Just like after the Dadeville massacre, these guys and gal have been willing to do whatever it took to put out a quality product and make sure you, the readers, were still getting the news. Y’all should consider yourselves lucky — not many small community newspapers have a staff quite like ours. Behind the scenes, Audra Spears, Angela Mullins and Tippy Hunter have gone above and beyond actually getting the paper to the press. It’s been a truly amazing team effort, and the paper wouldn’t have survived without each of them.
all go through dark times. We all have to eventually deal with the loss of a loved one,
I’ve seen a lot of great performers in concert: Paul McCartney, B.B. King, Chicago, Elton John, Garth Brooks, Billy Joel, Boz Scaggs, Harry Connick Jr., Barry Manilow, Straight No Chaser, The Beach Boys, Foreigner, Alabama, Tommy Shaw, Voctave, Paul Revere & the Raiders and more.
But one concert experience may have been the greatest thrill of all: the night I was in the band that opened for Kool & the Gang.
Kool & the Gang has been around for over 50 years. They have won two Grammy awards and sold more than 70 million albums.
The band started out in high school as a jazz band.
Robert Bell gave himself the nickname “Kool” in an attempt to fit in with street gangs of his neighborhood. The original lineup featured brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell; Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas; Robert “Spike” Mickens; Charles Smith; George Brown; and Ricky West. The Bells’ father was a boxer who trained jazz trumpeter Miles Davis; they also lived in the same building with jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. The band started out in Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1964 and signed to De-Lite Records in 1969.
In the early 1970s, Kool & the Gang played continuously in clubs around the east coast and learned they couldn’t just stand on stage and play jazz. They began incorporating choreography as they took their music in an R&B/soul direction. However, record reviewers and audiences still could not easily identify what
I also consider it a blessing how close I’ve gotten to my husband’s family over the last several weeks. Although we’ve always been close
Opening for Kool & the Gang
genre Kool & the Gang were as their albums and stage shows featured jazz, blues, rock and instrumental styles.
They worked hard for several years but hit it big with the funk record “Jungle Boogie” in 1973. Soon, with the addition of singer James “J.T.” Taylor, they began scoring hit after hit in the late 1970s and early 1980s: “Ladies’ Night,” “Open Sesame,” “Celebration,” “Too Hot,” “Joanna,” “Cherish,” “Get Down on It,” and more.
In fact, “Celebration” was not only a No. 1 hit in 1980, it became an anthem of sorts, used for everything from the Olympics in 1980 to the return of the hostages from Iran in 1981.
“Joanna” is also noteworthy as the most-played radio single of 1984.
Kool & the Gang were probably on the back side of success by the time I encountered them.
I was a member of the Troy University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Mr. Ralph Ford. Mr. Ford had booked our jazz band for some gigs in the Panama City Beach area, and one of them was at a surfside dive that shall remain unnamed.
Mr. Ford worked us hard in the weeks leading up to the performance. We played tougher music than we had ever attempted, and the jazz band rehearsed at every available opportunity the week prior to the performance. I can distinctly recall meeting for sectionals (I was in the trombone section) at 10 p.m. because we had to wait for someone to get off work.
Finally, the day came and we carpooled down to PCB in our personal vehicles — caravan style. We played in the sun, sand and waves and dined on some great gulf seafood. And then, we played our set and it sounded great. We felt really proud of ourselves for the good job we did, and even met some of the members of Kool & the Gang. But we were unprepared for the power of their stage show. Their band took the stage — the same one on which we’d just played the classics of jazz — and blew it up. They opened with “Jungle Boogie,” a classic, and those horn players were grinding so hard on their instruments I thought the show should have been rated for mature audiences only. But boy, did those guys play! They did extended versions of their songs and showcased fine musicianship. And this was on a party deck of a restaurant in Panama City, a decade removed from their greatest success.
Kool & the Gang may not be mentioned in the same sentence with the popular bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s, but they definitely deserve to be remembered for some classic songs and stellar playing. Who would have thought a little jazz band from Jersey City would be around so long?
Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Lake River & Classi eds
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PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE 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. 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. 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
AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify telecommunications equipment at approximate centerline height of 110 feet on an existing 145-foot tall (overall height) water tank located near 307 Barnett Boulevard, Tallassee, Elmore County, Alabama (N32°32’8.6”; W85°53’38.2”). AT&T Mobility, 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 under National Historic Preservation Act Section 106. 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@ecausa.com. Ms. Howell can be reached at (770) 667-2040 during normal business hours. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. 23-001665 DMG
Wetumpka Herald: May 31, 2023 72566
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 LEGAL NOTICE
ASPHALT CONTRACTORS, INC. HEREBY GIVES NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF CONTRACT WITH ELMORE COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT FOR ELMORE COUNTY PAVING OF VARIOUS ROADS
PROJECT 2023 PW2-1. ALL CLAIMS SHOULD BE FILED AT P.O. BOX 241447, MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36124 DURING THIS PERIOD.
ASPHALT CONTRACTORS, INC.
Wetumpka Herald: May 31, Jun. 7, 14 and 21, 2023 COMPLETION
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, 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
gage 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 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), following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Begin at an iron pin at the NE corner of the West 1/2 of the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 27, Township 19 North, Range 21 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence S 02 degrees 40’ 05” W, 411.17 feet to an iron pin; thence N 78 degrees 17’ 08”
Road
R.O.W.;
of
1/4 of the
on the North
of the
1/4 of
thence leaving said right of way, S 87 degrees 10’ 017” E, along the Quarter Section line, 714.93 feet to the Point of Beginning. Said parcel lying in the S 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 27, Township 19 North, Range 21 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 4.98 acres, more or less, according to the survey of Ronald Burke, Ala. License No. 16670, dated November 29, 2011. Said property is commonly known as 5632 Cherokee Trl, Tallassee, arise between the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without
any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present 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 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JEAN M. BASS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-133 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JEAN M. BASS, deceased, having been granted to TAMMIE R. BAKER on May 24, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
TAMMIE R. BAKER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JEAN M. BASS. DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: MICHAEL S. HARPER ATTORNEY AT LAW 213 BARNETT BLVD P O BOX 780608 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6855
Wetumpka Herald: May 31, Jun. 7 and 14, 2023 EST/BASS, J. Do you have available jobs? Call 256.414.4250 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.
SUDOKU ANSWERS
23-00883 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 Logan Mccollum And Chelsea Mccollum Husband And Wife to Mort-
Dispatchers and Distribution System Operators Needed Central Alabama Electric Cooperative (CAEC) is seeking skilled and dedicated distribution system operations. CSR Dispatchers and Distribution System Operators play critical roles in ensuring the safe and reliable delivery of electric power to our members and broadband service to our Central Access, Inc. customers.
Once the successful candidates have completed their initial training period, they will enter a rotating shift, which may cover all times of the day and night hours, including weekdays and weekends. A shift differential is applied to all scheduled hours extending beyond CAECs normal operating hours. All schedules are subject to change depending
CSR Dispatchers are responsible for creating and routing electric and broadband service orders to the appropriate personnel utilizing the mobile service order system, monitoring the disconnect list for non-payment, and responding to customer and employee inquiries for both electric and broadband accounts. They monitor the electric outage management system (OMS) and broadband systems to ensure that crews are accurately dispatched to outages in a safe and timely manner. Upon outage resolution, the CSR Dispatcher ensures outages are closed in the OMS system with accurate restoration times and cause codes. They are responsible for monitoring the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems to identify potential issues that could affect the reliability or safety of the system and reporting any concerns to the appropriate personnel.
Distribution System Operator (DSO) responsibilities incorporate the job duties and responsibilities of CSR Dispatchers while adding advanced knowledge of electric distribution systems. DSOs monitor systems, such as the SCADA system, and independently take action to address issues affecting the reliability or safety of the electric distribution system. Their advanced training allows them to assess relevant feed operate the electric distribution system via SCADA.
Successful candidates for the CSR Dispatcher or DSO position will possess strong communication (electronic, written, and verbal) and data analytic skills and a proven ability to read and interpret maps. Those with interest in either position should visit https://caec.coop/about-caec/careers/ for a complete list of the respective job duties,
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the application and/or interview process should notify Central Alabama Electric Cooperative’s Human Resources Department at hr@coop.caec.com CAEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Jacob Ford, husband and Bianca Ford, wife, originally in favor of PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC Bank, N.A”), on June 18, 2021, said mortgage recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2021 and Page 57350; the undersigned PNC Bank, National Association, 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, Alabama, on July 6, 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: Commence at the Southwest corner of the Southwest quarter of the Northeast quarter of Section 15, Township 18, Range 17, and run thence East along the half section line 140 feet to the Point of Beginning; from said Point of Beginning continue East along said half section line 70 yards; thence North 70 yards; thence West 70 yards; thence South 70 yards to the Point of Beginning and containing One acre, more or less.. Property street address for informational purposes: 2230 Politic Rd , Elmore, AL 36025. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a 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. PNC Bank, National Association, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 23-03112
Wetumpka Herald: May 31, Jun. 7 and 14, 2023 23-03112 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CURTIS LAMONT BOZEMAN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-094 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CURTIS LAMONT, BOZEMAN, deceased, having been granted to LEIA DANIELLE SIDES on May 23rd, 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.
LEIA DANIELLE SIDES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CURTIS LAMONT BOZEMAN, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for
Personal Representative:
ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: May 31, Jun. 7 and 14, 2023 EST/BOZEMAN, C. 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
Public Notices
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 NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BERTHA CHRYSTINE BROWN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2021-190 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of BERTHA CHRYSTINE BROWN, deceased, having been granted to ELOYSE SEAMON on May 24th 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.
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 properhelp 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 Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA THE TOWN OF ECLECTIC, ALABAMA, Petitioner, v. CIVIL ACTION NO.: CV-2023-900027.00 THE TAXPAYERS AND CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF ECLECTIC, ALABAMA, Defendants. LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS AND CITIZENS OF THE TOWN OF ECLECTIC, ALABAMA Notice is hereby given to you that a
ELOYSE SEAMON ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF BERTHA CHRYSTINE BROWN, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JAMES E. WILSON, JR. ATTORNEY AT LAW 732 CARTER HILL RD MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36106
334-834-9899
Wetumpka Herald: May 31, Jun. 7 and 14, 2023
EST/BROWN, B.
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.
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 FRANK H.COUPLAND, III, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-141 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of FRANK H. COUPLAND, III, deceased, having been granted to JANET C. McCLENDON on May 25, 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 C. McCLENDON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF FRANK H. COUPLAND, III, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal
Representative:
CLAUD E. McCOY, JR.
ATTORNEY AT LAW 117 NORTH LANIER AVENUE
STE 201 LANETT, ALABAMA 36863
334-644-1171
Wetumpka Herald: May 31, Jun. 7 and 14, 2023
EST/COUPLAND, F.
Public Notices
CV-2023-900027.00
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
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
way 63 near the intersection
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.
the Town proposes to pay to
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
no other purpose; Town Assis-
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
Public Notices
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 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 HAL MARK FULMER, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-115 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of HAL MARK FULMER, deceased, having been granted to VIRGINIA LYNN CATRETT, on the 22nd 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.
VIRGINIA LYNN CATRETT, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF HAL MARK FULMER
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 31, Jun. 7 and 14, 2023
EST/FULMER, H.
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
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:
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
p 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 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 REPRESENTATIVE 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.
Raise
Public Notices
y 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
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
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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 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,
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by JASON S.MULLINS SR, A MARRIED MAN, to CB&S BANK AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PRIMESOUTH BANK on NOVEMBER 8, 2016, said mortgage being recorded in the OfELMORE County, Alabama, at RPLY 2016 PAGE 56808, the undersigned CB&S BANK AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO PRIMESOUTH BANK, as mortgagee (or transferee), under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, at the entrance of the Courthouse of ELMORE County, Alabama, on JUNE 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 DEGREES 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 property 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
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
gg Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Lenders of America, LLC, on September 6, 2018, said mortgage recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book 2018, Page 48818; the undersigned Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, 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 Counduring 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: Commence at the Southeast corner of Section 8, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, and run thence North 15 degrees West 764 feet to the Point of Beginning; said point being on the North right of way line of Alabama State Highway No. 14; from said Point of Beginning run thence South 72 degrees 15 minutes West along said
degrees 11 minutes East 164.5 feet; thence South 18 degrees 02 minutes East 268.7 feet to said right of way line; thence South 72 degrees 15 minutes West along said right of way line 6 feet to the Point of Beginning. Said parcel of land lies in the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 9, and the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 8, Township 18 North, Range 19 East.
Title to the above described Gilbert and Freda Marlene Gilbert, as joint tenants, with rights Gilbert and Freda Marlene Gilbert by Warranty Deed dated 18196 or Instrument No. N/A. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as: 74585 Tallassee Hwy, WetumpTHIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TOMENT AND WILL BE SOLD 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 made payable 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,
Wetumpka Herald: FC/GILBERT 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
Looking for a home? Look in our classifieds section and learn of great deals for you and your family.
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 that
ABIGAIL CALLIS, hereby given notice that you are
pp g for which they were used. At the period, the education agency will provide written notice to parents to inform them that the special education records are no longer needed and will be destroyed. This serves as notice that the Elmore County Board of Education, Special Education Department, will be destroying all special education student records for the entire time frame of January 2014 through December 2017. The records will be destroyed on or after July 3, 2023. If you are the custodial parent of a student (or a former student aged 19 or older) who received special education and/or related services January 2014 through December 2017, you may request the receipt of special education records pertaining to your child (or yourself, if applicable) by sending a written request to receive the records to: Mrs. Sharon Merkerson
Secretary Elmore County Board of Education Special Education Department P.O. Box 817 Wetumpka, AL. 36092
Each letter requesting receipt of records must include: (1) relationship of the person requesting the records to the student (custodial parent or student), (2) authorization to release the records and the name of the person authorized to receive the records, (3) a current mailing address and telephone number of the person authorized to receive the records, (4) a current mailing address and telephone number of the person giving authorization to release the records (if different from the person authorized to receive the records). Unless a written request for special education student records is received that contains the information listed above, the special education student records for the period of January 2014 through December 2017 will be destroyed on or after July 3, 2023. If you have any questions, please call Elmore County Board of Education, Special Education Department (334) 567-1224. Wetumpka Herald: May 31, 2023
RECORDS
PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR PREQUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS AND FOR BIDS FROM BIDDERS THAT ARE PREQUALIFIED
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 Architect by digfor a one time administrative separate check), and/or on CD (PDF format) for a one timeable; separate check), and/or (separate check), which will be
return of documents in good and reusable condition withiner sets for general contractors, and sets for subs and dealers, may be obtained with the same deposit, which will be refunded as above, less cost of printing, reproduction, handling and distribution, which is estimated to be the same as the deposit amount. Partial sets will not be available.
to Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, LLC.; Attn: Missy Lee; PO (or emailed to: missy.lee@ gmcnetwork.com) proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established
August 30, 2023, at 1:30 P.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama
JU-2021-145.02
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
Tillman Infrastructure, LLC is proposing to build a 300foot Guyed Tower (315-ft w/appurtenances) located approximately 750 feet southeast of 4280 Deatsville Hwy, Deatsville, AL 36022. Structure coordinates are: (N32-33-52.99/W86-23-53.02). The tower is anticipated to have FAA Style E (dual medium intensity) lighting. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR Form 854) A1245232
Interested persons may review the application at www.fcc.gov/ asr/applications by entering requires interested parties to Review online. Environmental a Request for Environmental Review at www.fcc.gov/asr/ environmentalrequest within 30 days of the date that notice of the project is published on the FCC’s website.
Wetumpka Herald: May 31, 2023
TOWER PUBLIC NOTICE
DESTRUCTION OF OLD SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENT RECORDS
According to the Alabama Administrative Code, 290-8-9-.08 (2)(h), an education agency must retain a copy of the education records for Five (5) years after the termination of the special education program
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 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
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
Do you have available jobs? Call 256.414.4250 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.
“The sun sets right through the panoramic window,” Turner said. “This is a view you can’t see anywhere else.”
The window was an idea tossed around even before The Kelly obtained the building. With renovations, The Kelly decided to keep it and create a balcony as well. The Kelly executive director Jennifer Eifert said there are no plans to block the view of the panoramic window.
“I would love to always be able to sit here and have a cup of tea,” Eifert said. “They will be open generally. When we have receptions we will set the hightops here. It is a great place for a get-together, classes and lots of other things.”
From the balcony history can be seen. The churches across the river are easy to view from the window but so is a bit of history below in the river near the Farmers Market.
is responsible for the landscaping in downtown including the hanging baskets and the large planter in The Alley.
Greene also reached out to Coosa River Adventures.
“Between us, we were like, ‘Let’s make planters out of kayaks that can not be used any longer,’” Greene said.
The new landscaping display is located in the roundabout on Company Street in downtown. Two kayaks are pointed towards the Coosa River and are filled with flowers.
Greene said the landscaping and hanging baskets encourage people to come downtown for a leisurely stroll and hopefully stop in businesses.
“Beautification for the city is so important,” Greene said. “It just makes it more enjoyable and less concrete jungle. It gives the area some
PRISON Continued from A1
with assistance from the K-9 Bureau searched the car.
“The K-9 team worked the vehicle and indicated on a large red cooler bag in the back seat of the vehicle,” the release said. “Both suspects were taken to the ECF LESD office to be interviewed. The red bag contained four packages of illegal contraband.”
Daniel and Washington were arrested and charged first-degree promoting prison contraband.
According Elmore County Jail records, Daniel remains in jail with a $15,000 bond available to him. Washington was released Monday on bond.
ADOC said the arrests are the result of the ADOC Contraband Interdiction Program (CIP). The CIP utilizes cutting-edge search and security technologies in an ongoing effort to control the influx of prison contraband.
“The presence of illegal drugs is a growing challenge faced by correctional systems across the country,”
ADOC commissioner John Hamm said. “Criminals often go to significant lengths to bypass security systems and seek to introduce drugs and other types of illegal contraband into facilities. The ADOC is committed to enforcing its zero-tolerance policy on contraband.”
“The little rapids up there, you can barely see them when the water is down, that is in the treaty Andrew Jackson signed with the Creek Indians,” Turner said pointing up river. “It was referred to in the treaty as the boundary line.” It is also visible from another window in the gallery space. From the windows and balcony, wildlife is visible. Ducks have been seen by almost everyone walking along Merchants Alley to Goldstar Park.
“There are beavers here too,” Eifert said. “We have seen them several times.”
Currently Eifert and volunteers are wrapping and packing art in the Company Street location.
“As weather permits it we will move it over to the new location,” Eifert said. “We will move the office area, children’s area and museum shop too. We will hang the exhibit in the middle of June.”
Artist and volunteer Glenda Adams is excited about the
color and life.”
Public works director
Chappell Brown said multiple employees are part of the team to keep The Alley, hanging baskets and other landscaping looking nice. Everyone has input as the seasons and weather changes.
“We kind of have a plan of what we are going
Executive director Jennifer
new location less than 200 yards away.
“I think it is great,” Adams said. “There is so much more room to display everything and that view.”
Eifert isn’t just giving directions on how to move, she is getting her hands dirty. She
to put in there,” Brown said. “The hanging baskets, we sit down prior to the season and get a game plan together. We will then maintain them through the season.”
Greene said with the seasons, the city changes out the plants.
“They add in some additional touches that go
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
is especially proud of the collection of folk artist Woodie Long.
“We went to his studio,” Eifert said. “His wife donated those to us. She gave us 10 pieces. A couple of them are in Dr. Coleman’s office because we don’t have the space at the
with the theme,” Greene said. “The city also helps with the Christmas and holiday decorations throughout the year. It is an ongoing process — each month or season is something different.”
Brown said it is a team effort of city employees to keep the plants and landscaping looking great but two
moment on Company Street.”
Turner has been involved with The Kelly for years and served on the board almost since its inception.
“It is the realization of a dream that started about 12 years ago,” Turner said. “We had space in city hall the city let us use for a while. Of course that couldn’t go on forever. Now we will be able to have really big exhibits, really big functions.”
The Kelly plans to rent the gallery for receptions and more. There is also a Phase II planned to extend the balcony with a walkway through a garden to Merchants Alley.
“I hope we can do that pretty quick,” Turner said. “It will be like a city park.”
Turner sees the new location as an attraction for downtown Wetumpka.
“It will be an event venue,” Turner said. “We expect to rent for receptions and parties. With people coming in on tours, we expect this to be one of the stops on the tour.”
employees head the charge.
“Babba Monk maintains The Alley as far as planting and keeping everything taken care of,” Brown said. “Josh Berry takes care of the hanging baskets and all the seasonal color throughout the rest of town.”
Brown said everyone takes part in keeping the planters and landscaping up especially when the weather gets hot.
“We have a good crew,” Brown said. “They help keep everything alive and looking good, especially in the summer months. We have to keep everything fertilized and watered throughout the summer.”
Eifert moves art in The Kelly gallery on Company Street. The Kelly is moving closer to the Coosa River.
Senior actors provide laughs for community and themselves
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Who says things slow down when someone gets old?
It doesn’t for the baker’s dozen of the Wetumpka Depot Players Encore ensemble. The mostly female group shared a laugh before a recent rehearsal as longtime Depot Players actor Sally Blackwell spoke up.
“Men are scared of us I think,” Blackwell said. “We welcome anybody. But it is a dozen women to one man.”
Jean Webb has led the group recently and has a nickname for them — The Golden Girls. The dozen ladies broke out in laughter prior to a rehearsal for “Goodbye Leroy,” which they wrote.
“This is our reward for getting old,” Marianne Weber said. “I write. This is my first experience with the stage. I’m new to Encore and new to acting.”
Weber saw the group and thought she would be better suited to doing something behind the scenes to start with.
“I’ve done a lot of things, but I have never been on the stage,” Weber said. “I can write for the stage. This just looked like so much fun.”
It’s the fun and camaraderie Blackwell was looking to continue. As she aged, she found her next calling — Encore.
“It’s because I got old,” Blackwell said. “I can’t memorize all my lines anymore.”
Webb was active in The Depot Players but life and children got in the way. She came to the Encore ensemble in 2018 after a seven-year hiatus from theater after she was requested to audition for “Music Man.’ But it wasn’t the version presented on Broadway.
“It was a pilot,” Webb said. “We were one of four or five to do this basically middle school production of ‘Music Man.’” Wetumpka Depot Players artistic director Kristy Meanor said the Depot Players and the Encore ensemble were selected by a publishing house to finetune the new version of the play for a new set of actors — middle school students.
“They take the big musicals and shrink it down for school use,” Meanor said. “But they realize there is such a growing number of senior theater groups that would love to have something a little more accessible, a little easi-
MISSING
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are issues and the person reported missing could ask to go to their favorite place. If the place is walking distance, that information gives us an idea where to look as well.”
Having a list of friends or contacts gives investi-
er to memorize and sing.” But Encore’s presentation of “Music Man” was even more special.
“We had an all female cast,” Meanor said. “We were progressive and didn’t even know it.”
That was five years ago and Meanor tabbed Webb to lead the aging troupe of actors.
“I just knew I needed somebody to lead this group,” Meanor said. “I had Jean in mind and cautiously asked her. They are a feisty group of actors.”
The past few months Webb, her Golden Girls and one recruited man have been rehearsing “Goodbye Leroy,” a production written by the baker’s dozen. Many wrote their own monologues and Webb wrote the others to give the basic parts to the production.
“I kind of took the quilt pieces and connected them into a play,” Webb said. “It is purely unique
gators a starting point in who to call as well to see where a loved one might have disappeared to.
Many of the missing and endangered person alerts broadcast by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Fusion Center often have only an old driver’s license photo. Franklin said it would be great to include a
to us. Kristy came in and gave us some fabulous suggestions to make it a thousand times better.”
But Meanor said it was Webb and the others of Encore who deserve the credit and is happy to work with them.
“It is just such a wonderful collaborative experience between Jean and her actors,” Meanor said. “We are excited to open our doors and give people an opportunity to create on their own terms. If this group wants to work during the day to rehearse, we can modify things to meet their needs.”
current photograph as well if available.
“The photo is good,” Franklin said. “A different photo is very helpful. When there is a drastic change in appearance, we need another photo. We can put two photos on the missing person alert.”
Franklin said the 911 dispatch center can flag addresses of residents whose caretakers call to
Meanor said the Encore group’s history is based on creating their own material for presentations beyond the stage. Encore has performed at area nursing homes and schools requiring the group to change and improvise published productions to fit.
“There are other seasoned performance groups,” Meanor said. “I work with groups all over the United States and I get to brag that our group writes their own material. They are like ‘Wow.’”
Webb believes Encore should
give them details about dementia and such. The history grows as first responders are called to an address or individual.
“When a call comes into 911 dispatch, it pops up and says, ‘Hey, this residence is the same one deputies entered with XYZ going on,’” Franklin said. “Dispatch does an excellent job on each call putting in the details. If
be larger than what it currently is.
“There is a large group of retirees out there,” Webb said. “People are living a lot longer. People have a lot of creative juices and creative energy. They don’t want to just roll over and show their belly. This is a way for people to get out and be a part of something. They get to meet people and have a good time.”
Encore’s presentation for “Goodbye Leroy” is set for 7 p.m. June 8 and 9 and for 2 p.m. June 11. Tickets are $15 and available at The Wetumpka Depot.
we get a call at the same residence six months later, we can reference it.”
The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office also participates in Project Lifesaver where residents are paired with a radio transmitter in case they walk off from a residence. But more information about a missing person is always useful for trying to find loved ones.
“We were going out from time to time to provide the Project Lifesaver equipment and bracelet for it,” Franklin said. “It is an excellent program but we need a smorgasbord board. Every call is different. No two cases are exactly the same. We have to work it on the fly to see what we can do to try to find their family member.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
ABOVE: The Encore players rehearse a scene, including Jean Webb, front left, and Marianne Weber, second from left. The actors are responsible for their own costumes and they all help with the set.
RIGHT: The Encore players talk over a monologue for a production the members wrote. The group practices during the day as they are retired.
God works in places large and small
his people there, including a number of scriptural heroes who were inmates — Joseph, Jeremiah, Silas and Paul come to mind.
I still shudder when thinking about those claustrophobic cells with steel doors. However, God works in dark places. He sends
BETHLEHEM EAST
BAPTIST CHURCH
Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.
My relative told us about his prison ministry. He also told us an interesting story. A megachurch in the state installed electronic equipment in the facility and began to broadcast their worship services. The downside, he explained, was many local churches had been involved in prison min-
istry for years. Faithful Christians came to lead worship on Sunday, but now these services were poorly attended. The men found it more exciting to watch the long-distance worship services on screen. Times have changed, so I’m sure these local congregations have found other ways to do prison ministry.
The Hartford Institute for Religion Research defines a megachurch as having 2,000 or more congregants on a given weekend. Another study noted the megachurch is a denomination in itself since it doesn’t need denominational support; hence we’ve seen many
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
churches drop Baptist or Methodist from their names.
I heard the late Robert Schuller at a conference suggesting his church “put the denomination in its place” by listing it on Page 12 of the Sunday worship order. Although the megachurches get a lion’s share of publicity, they remain the minority. The same Hartford study reported some 1,600 megachurches in America, which is about one percent of our 350,000 churches. A leader in my denomination speaks of the “normative-sized church” which has 75 people on Sunday, under-
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
scoring the growing need for bi-vocational or “tent-making” pastors who have full-time employment and serve the church on a part-time basis.
Every church has a role to play in God’s kingdom, though their roles are different and unique.
It’s possible, but harder to get “lost” in a normative church. If someone is absent, they’re missed, and hopefully contacted. And it’s harder to be inactive since every member is needed to staff various neighborhood ministries.
In a megachurch one can remain anonymous,
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
and, of course, some worshippers want this to be so for various reasons. And it’s true larger congregations can offer more opportunities for study and service, such as support groups for addictions. “One stop shopping,” as it were.
God works in churches large and small, and every congregation should see themselves as partners in serving Christ.
“Reflections” is a weekly faith column written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church, Alabaster, Alabama. The church’s website is siluriabaptist. com.
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.
MICHAEL BROOKS Columnist
Elmore County’s Jones uses physicality to her advantage
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
When Raney Jones began playing soccer with girls, she realized it was much different than she was used to.
Jones, a senior for Elmore County, began playing soccer in the first grade on an all boys team. She played on the boys team until she was in the seventh grade when she started
playing varsity soccer for the Panthers. She was used to a more physical style of play, with a lot of pushing and shoving, and she used that to her advantage when playing with high school girls. The Panthers’ star senior, a six-year starter, capped off her high school career this month with a stellar year. Jones scored a county-high
30 goals and added 15 assists as she helped lead Elmore County to a 10-3 overall record and the first area championship in program history. For her offensive efforts, Jones is the 2023 Elmore County Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
“From first to sixth grade, I played soccer with nothing but
Morgan Sims scored three goals and added an assist as the Indians beat rival Stanhope Elmore earlier this season.
2023 ALL-COUNTY GIRLS SOCCER TEAM
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
2023 ALL-COUNTY BOYS SOCCER TEAM
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The 2023 soccer season in Elmore County has come to an end, and there was plenty of success across the five boys teams in the county. Four of the five teams reached the playoffs, while history was made for all. The Elmore County soccer team, led by Coach of the Year Josh Pack, won a playoff game and reached the Final Four for the first time in program history, while Wetumpka won the area championship and reached the second round of the 6A playoffs. There was also plenty of individual success, such as Tallassee sophomore Irvin Delfin scoring 30 goals and being named All-State for his offensive efforts. Player of the Year Brody Worrell was responsible for 30 team goals himself as he shined from a defensive position. Here is the 2023 All-County Boys Soccer Team.
See BOYS, Page B2
Wetumpka’s Worrell moves freely on pitch
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Brody Worrell has always played defense, but a few new additions to Wetumpka’s soccer team allowed him to showcase some offensive talent this season.
While he is arguably the team’s best defensive player and was the captain for every game, some new defensive additions such as Filipe Batistella and Nate Ryan allowed Worrell to move freely around the midfield.
That showed up both in the team’s results and Worrell’s individual statistics. As the Indians claimed the area championship with a sweep over rival Stanhope Elmore, Worrell scored a career-high 19 goals while adding 12 assists to his teammates.
For his success leading the team, Worrell has been named the 2023 Elmore County Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
“Brody is a confident player, and he brings confidence to everybody on the field when he’s out there,” Wetumpka coach Stephen Horn said. “That’s why he’s always the team leader. When you see 19 goals as a primary defender, that’s just really impressive. The main thing he brings to our team is his defensive ability. He wouldn’t even have to score a single goal for us and he’d still be one of the best players on our team.”
Worrell’s offensive success didn’t just come in the snap of his fingers. Early in the season, he was still focusing primarily on defense. But as he noticed Batistella, Ryan and the Ingram brothers playing better defense and getting shutouts, he slowly found
himself drifting up the field to help with offense. That led to him not having to rush back to help with breakaways, and he was able to stay fresh and keep his legs from getting tired rushing back and forth the entire game. He played with confidence not only in himself but also in his defense, and that confidence let him be “the best player on the field at any given time, no matter who was playing,” according to Horn.
“Having those guys back there on defense was great,” Worrell said. “They were so good back there and having them back there made me feel like I could move up the field more freely. If it was a counterattack, I knew they’d have the ball and I could be more offensive. I’ve never had a team where I felt like I could move freely and the team was still good everywhere else. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Despite the offensive success and scoring nearly one goal per game from a defensive position, Worrell still wasn’t the typical offensive player.
As teammates Angel Martinez (25 goals) and Austin Holley (21 goals) scored from inside the box and were threats any time they were near the goal and inside the penalty box, Worrell did his damage from outside the box.
Seven of his 19 goals came from penalty kicks, but the remaining 12 came from outside the box. Some came from free kicks, and others came from Holley or Martinez passing the ball back out for a better shot attempt.
Worrell prefers the long shot and said it was more
GIRLS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
BOYS SOCCER PLAYER OF THE YEAR
DALTON MIDDLETON THE
Wetumpka’s Angel Martinez kicks the ball against Stanhope Elmore.
JONES, Page B3
Panthers reach new heights under Pack
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There hasn’t been much history on the soccer pitch in Eclectic, but that certainly changed in 2023.
The Elmore County boys soccer team, led by coach Josh Pack, wrapped up its best season in program history this month.
The Panthers went 8-6-1, won the first area title since 2017, then won back-to-back playoff games to punch their ticket to the Final Four Tournament in Huntsville.
The Panthers had never won a playoff game in program history before their two wins this year. For those reasons, Pack has been named the 2023 Elmore County Soccer Coach of the Year.
“This year was obviously very special for us,” Pack said. “We had such an awesome group of seniors who gave it their all every single game. We found a way to fight and win when it mattered in our area games, and then in playoff games we really performed well in our gameplans and that’s why we ended up in Huntsville.”
Elmore County’s success certainly didn’t come without adversity. The Panthers were expecting to have a large senior class full of experienced players back on the pitch this year, but then multiple went down with injuries and missed time.
That started before the season when Bryant Duckett, a twoyear starter who was captain of the team, was injured in a car accident and was unable to play the entire year. That was just the start of a slew of injuries.
Riley Swicord, another twoyear starter, tore his ACL in the team’s first area game against Brewbaker Tech. Then Gabe Kelly, the team’s third two-year starter, was diagnosed with mononucleosis and had a swollen spleen. He had to sit on the sidelines up until the final game of the season. The fourth senior injury came to Zak Campbell, who tore his ACL just 10 minutes into the team’s second round playoff game.
“Losing all of that experience and leadership was devastating to our team, but it really speaks volumes about what we were able to do with those kids who stepped up in places to keep us competitive and able to win
County to two shutout wins in the first two rounds.
AUSTIN HOLLEY, WETUMPKA JUNIOR FORWARD
FIRST TEAM
WILL BLOCKER, TALLASSEE
SENIOR FORWARD
Blocker was the county’s leading scorer a year ago, and he kept up his scoring ways as Tallassee had a stellar year on the pitch. Blocker had 25 goals to nearly match his 28 from a year ago.
IRVIN DELFIN, TALLASSEE SOPHOMORE MIDFIELDER
Delfin, an All-State selection across the entire state, was the county’s top scorer this season. The sophomore found the back of the net 30 times this year and added 11 assists as he helped Tallassee set a school-record 15 wins.
KAIGE FERGUSON, HOLTVILLE SENIOR MIDFIELDER
Ferguson scored five goals and added five assists this season in the midfield, but his impact was much more than the points scored. Ferguson controlled the team through the midfield and helped Holtville to wins through the year.
CURTIS GREENLEE, STANHOPE
ELMORE SENIOR DEFENDER
Greenlee was one of the Mustangs top defenders this year and capped off his senior season by helping lead Stanhope to the Class 6A playoffs this year.
LANDON HARRELSON, ELMORE COUNTY SENIOR DEFENDER
Harrellson was Elmore County’s top defender this season as he helped lead the Panthers to the Final Four for the first time in school history. In the playoffs, Harrelson helped lead Elmore
rewarding to score from deep than it is from point blank range.
“I’ve never been a guy who gets in the box and scores,” Worrell said. “That’s just not what I do. Scoring outside the box is so much better in my opinion. It’s so rewarding for me. I think it’s better, so I try to do
Holley was a star in the front of Wetumpka’s offense. The junior was named the team’s MVP as he recorded 21 goals and nine assists and was named the Man of the Match four times throughout the year.
JT HOWELL, ELMORE COUNTY GOALKEEPER
Howell had a stellar season in the net for the Panthers. After recording three shutouts in area play in the regular season, Howell bounced back with back-to-back shutouts in the first two rounds of the playoffs as the Panthers reached the Class 5A semifinals.
JERRY INGRAM, WETUMPKA SENIOR GOALKEEPER
Wetumpka’s goalkeeper finished off his senior campaign with a stellar season in the goal. While recording eight shutouts on the year, he had 106 saves and saved four of the six penalty shots taken against him.
ANGEL MARTINEZ, WETUMPKA
SOPHOMORE MIDFIELDER
Martinez was the Indians leading scorer this season as he netted 25 goals and added 11 assists. He won the team’s Golden Boot award, scored a hat trick in the playoffs and won Man of the Match three times.
LOGAN PACK, ELMORE COUNTY SENIOR FORWARD
Pack wrapped up his soccer career with a great season for the Panthers. The high-speed forward scored four goals in the playoffs, including a hat trick, as Elmore County reached the Final Four.
He had 16 goals and 12 assists this year.
NATE RYAN, WETUMPKA SENIOR DEFENDER
games,” Pack said. The biggest part of having younger and inexperienced kids step up in those roles was Pack not worrying about his win-loss record in the regular season. In any game that wasn’t a close area game, Pack was substituting his JV players in and letting them play sometimes over half the game.
Ryan was a new face along the Wetumpka defense this season and shined in his role. The senior helped the Indians pitch nine shutouts while he saved a penalty shot and was named the Defensive MVP of the team.
BRODY WORRELL, WETUMPKA
JUNIOR MIDFIELDER
Worrell, playing defensive center mid, scored 19 goals and added 12 assists as he was named the 2023 Elmore County Boys Player of the Year. The star junior was a team captain and helped lead Wetumpka to the second round of the playoffs.
JONATHAN WRIGHT, TALLASSEE
SENIOR FORWARD
Wright, just like his teammates on this list, had a stellar offensive campaign. The senior took control and used his speed to continuously break away from defenses as he scored 24 goals this year, third best on the team.
it more.” Worrell is one of the team’s best at taking free kicks, and that showed throughout the year. In the team’s second matchup against Stanhope Elmore, he started the scoring with a free kick the Stanhope keeper couldn’t even get a hand on. He did that over and over again, and that was due to his preparation. Once his number was called to take any given free kick, it was time to shut out the noise.
“If I’m taking a free kick, I just try to slow everything down,” Worrell said. “People will try to talk to me and I’ll just have to shut them out and try to be in my own little world. The way I approach the game is that if you’re not ready mentally, everything is going to go bad physically. I think you just have to get prepared, pick a spot and stick with it.”
He continued doing that the entire season, and even took it a step closer in an area game against Tallassee. With the area championship already locked up, Pack sent his JV out there to play the area game.
Even in the first round playoff game, a 4-0 win over Marbury, Pack sent his JV players out on the field and let them get quality minutes as the game dwindled down to the final buzzer.
“I think it’s critical to make sure that those younger kids are always ready to step in when they’re needed,” Pack said. “That experience from each game gets them ready to hit the field and be competitive.”
Pack credits a lot of his team’s postseason success to the support from the community. For a sport he says is largely not respected, enjoyed or understood by most people around, the community showed up and supported his team every round.
In the first round playoff game against Marbury, the fans packed the stadium and had the most fans ever at a ECHS soccer game.
When the Panthers punched their ticket to the Final Four, the community rallied behind them and helped get a charter bus to take the kids to Huntsville and back.
“It was really incredible for the kids to see and hear the same thing that the football team is seeing and hearing in the fall,” “It’s been incredible to see all their hard work, preparation, and sacrifices pay off. Getting to that Final Four was a once in a lifetime thing for these kids, but hopefully it’s the new normal going forward for Elmore County.”
Holtville’s Barrett named South All-Star
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Just three days after pitching a complete game in Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 5A baseball state championship, Holtville junior Drey Barrett picked up a statewide honor.
Barrett, a University of Southern Miss commit, has been selected as one of 36 rising seniors across the state to play in the 27th annual AHSAA North-South AllStar Baseball game. He is the only baseball player from Elmore County to be selected.
He is listed as both an infielder and pitcher and will play for the South team. The game is currently scheduled for Monday, July 17 at Montgomery’s Riverwalk Stadium. In last year’s event, the South team won Game 1, 7-6, before the two teams tied in Game 2, 3-3.
Teammate Sam Silas was named MVP of last year’s game. Overall in the series, the North leads 23-15-2. Barrett had a stellar junior campaign for the Bulldogs as he helped lead Holtville to a 28-14 overall record and the AHSAA Class 5A State Championship. Barrett finished the year with a .381 batting average with five home runs and 43 RBIs, and he was just as effective on the mound.
Barrett went 6-3 on mound this year, but five of those wins came in the postseason. In the team’s playoff run, Barrett went a perfect 5-0 and pitched a complete game win in every round. During that span, he allowed only eight earned runs across 34 innings and struck out 39 batters.
Five of those eight earned runs came in one start. He didn’t allow a single earned run in the semifinals or championship game.
Elmore County soccer coach Josh Pack, right, poses with son Logan Pack after the team beat Sylacauga 1-0 in the second round of the playoffs and punched their ticket to the Final Four for the first time in school history.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD Holtville junior Drey Barrett has been selected to play in the 27th annual North-South All-Star Baseball Game by the AHSAA. Barrett hit .381 and went 6-3 on the mound this season.
WORRELL
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Mya Holt was selected as the Class 6A Tournament MVP after going 4-0 in the state tournament last week. She recorded a 37-4 record in the circle and had a 0.74 earned run average.
Wetumpka’s Holt, Watson named South All-Stars
By DALTON MIDDLETON
Sports Editor
Two of Wetumpka’s star juniors earned statewide honors this week.
Mya Holt and Ella Watson, both junior pitchers and outfielders for the softball team, were selected as two of 36 rising seniors across the state to play in the 27th annual AHSAA North-South All-Star Softball Game.
They are the only two softball players from Elmore County to be selected for the game, which is slated for July 19 at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.
The team is coached by Brewbaker Tech coach Chris Steiner.
Holt and Watson both played massive roles as the team’s Nos. 1 and 2 pitchers, respectively, for the Wetumpka softball team this year and were prominent pieces in the Indians’ Class 6A state championship win this past week.
Wetumpka won a state-best
54 wins this season, and Holt and Watson combined for 52 of those. Holt went 37-4 this year in the circle with a 0.74 earned run average while Watson went 15-2 with a 1.42 earned run average.
Whenever one is pitching, the other is playing center field and commanding the Indians’ outfield. Both players finished in the top four hitters for Wetumpka this year. Holt ended the season with a .512 batting average with 20 doubles, four triples, a school-record 22 home runs, and 96 RBIs. She was walked a team-high 42 times. Watson finished her junior season with a .370 batting average with 12 doubles, five triples, seven home runs, and 47 RBIs. She was given 34 free passes, which ranked second best on the team. Holt is a Troy University commit and was named the Class 6A Tournament MVP last week. Watson is a University of West Alabama commit.
South
in the
this season. The West Alabama commit had a 15-2 record with a 1.42 earned run average this year.
boys and that’s honestly where I learned to play the game,” Jones said. “Those boys treated me like a boy.
They didn’t care that I was a girl. I got pushed around so I just kind of built my aggression and my play style to that. That translated well over to playing with girls.”
Jones doesn’t hide the fact she plays physically.
She describes herself as the most physical player on Elmore County’s team, and Pather coach Leslie Hines said when she took over the program two years ago, she was warned about it.
But she doesn’t use her physicality in a senseless way. She uses it to her advantage and gets in the other team’s head. After playing physically, opposing teams would get frustrated and make a mistake.
That’s when Jones would strike. Following a mistake, she’d simply dribble around the defender and get into the box. And once she got in the box with an open shot, it was an almost guaranteed goal every time.
“I definitely think once teams realized how physical I was, they’d get frustrated and that led to mistakes,” Jones said. “That would make one defender stab when they shouldn’t, and I’d get the best of them. I dribbled around and out-ran a lot of people for my goals.”
Jones had an impressive senior season, but it could’ve been even better had Elmore County not been in control in most of its games.
Stanhope’s Busbin named South All-Star
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Stanhope Elmore junior Kara Busbin picked up a massive honor this week.
The star golfer was one of 20 golfers selected across the entire state to participate in the AHSAA North-South All-Star Girls’ Golf Competition.
The event will be held July 17 at Arrowhead Country Club in Montgomery. There are 10 girls competing in the south and 10 from the north.
The golf competition was added in 2019, and the North
girls lead the series 2-1. Busbin had a stellar junior campaign for the Mustangs this year as she averaged a score of 87 and shot a low of 76.
Her average was a 10-stroke increase from her 97 average her sophomore season.
“That improvement shows how hard she’s worked this year improving her overall game,” Stanhope coach Joey Hawkins said. “She’s a good ball striker with good distance off the tee but she really worked on wedge accuracy and putting consistency to help lower her scores.”
Stanhope Elmore football wraps up successful spring season
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
First-year head coach
Hunter Adams knew exactly what Stanhope Elmore needed to work on this spring, so he made an emphasis on doing exactly that.
Adams, who was hired to lead the Stanhope Elmore football back in December, has been part of the Mustang staff as defensive coordinator since 2017. With that knowledge, he knew where his team needed to focus on this spring.
So the Mustangs took to a scripted scrimmage against Calera last Friday. The Mustangs and Eagles each had an exact number of plays they ran. Both teams had their players positioned exactly how they wanted for situations they wanted to see, and Adams was pleased with the results he got from his squad.
“It was a very encouraging spring,” Adams said. “We had a lot to learn in terms of an entirely new offensive system, but we also brought a whole lot of experience back on
Seven of the Panthers’ 10 wins came by three or more goals, and once the lead was established and game was out of reach, Hines sent in her bench players. That usually led to Jones on the sideline, chirping in Hines’ ear to try and get back on the field and keep playing.
But instead of getting back on the field, Jones coached up the younger players and taught them what to do in specific situations to better themselves as players.
“Her competitive drive is really what separates her from other players,” Hines said. “She can and would play all 80 minutes if I allowed her to. Her 30 goals this season could’ve easily been 40, but I subbed her out when we were up big. Trust me, she would be in my ear every game trying to get back in or just coaching and encouraging other girls.”
Jones’ Elmore County career was a long one. She started for the Panthers since she was in junior high, and she remembers her seventh grade season when the team didn’t win a single game.
So when her senior year came around, she knew she had to make her season worthwhile. She treated every game like it could have been her last, and she went out and left everything on the field every game.
“We’re going to miss her and she has left some big shoes to fill,” Hines said.
“There may never be another Raney Jones on that field in a Lady Panther uniform. She’s been the backbone of the program for years and is just a dominant player.”
FILE | THE HERALD
Stanhope Elmore’s Jacob Bryant enters his senior season with the Mustangs. In the spring game last week, he was 7-for-11 passing with two touchdowns.
the defensive side of the ball. We knew what our strengths were coming in and we knew what we had to assess.”
The Mustangs’ offense scored only 22 points per game last season, finishing 4-6 and missing the playoffs for the second year in a row. One of the bright spots of the offense was receiver Jackson Thomas, who is now at Troy. This year, Stanhope Elmore’s offense looks to be more multiple and will try to spread the ball out more to different players. Some of those players could be Dashaun Caffee, who caught a 42-yard touchdown in the spring game.
Kneikao Jackson will also play a big role, and had 51 yards rushing and 62 yards receiving. Adams is looking at him playing a big role. The biggest factor, however, will be third-year starting quarterback Jacob Bryant. Bryant went 7-for-11 passing in the spring game and had two touchdowns.
The Mustangs’ success goes where Bryant goes next year.
“I’ve got really high expectations for Jacob,” Adams said. “If you see him right now, he’s around 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds and looks like a game-changing quarterback
the team’s Midfielder of the Year.
CAROLINE HICKEY, HOLTVILLE SENIOR FORWARD
FIRST TEAM
TANIA ALVAREZ, TALLASSEE
FRESHMAN MIDFIELDER
In the team’s first year as a program, Alvarez set the single-season school record with a team-high nine goals this year. The freshman was one of the top offensive players in the county and found herself in the back of the net many times.
ASHLEY BRANTLEY, STANHOPE
ELMORE SENIOR MIDFIELDER
Brantley proved to be one of Stanhope’s most versatile players this season. The senior captain played almost every position on the field as she moved around to wherever the team needed her that game.
JA’NIYAH COUSINS, STANHOPE
ELMORE SOPHOMORE FORWARD
Cousins was the top scorer for the Mustangs’ offense this year. The sophomore striker led the team in goals and was one of the main reasons for offensive success much of the year.
KRISTINA ELMORE, ELMORE COUN-
TY FRESHMAN FORWARD
Elmore was the Panthers’ second leading scorer this year as she netted 10 goals and added three assists for the beginning of a stellar Elmore County career. She helped lead the Panthers to 59 goals in 13 games.
AINSLEY HARRISON, WETUMPKA
SENIOR MIDFIELDER
Harrison had her foot in almost every single goal that Wetumpka scored this season. The senior midfielder scored herself 18 times, but she also assisted on 22 other Wetumpka goals this year. She was named
Hickey proved herself as one of the county’s top overall players this year. Playing all over the field, she scored nine goals for the Bulldogs while adding two assists, and she even recorded 16 saves in the goal for Holtville.
RANEY JONES, ELMORE COUNTY SENIOR MIDFIELDER
Jones has been named the Elmore County Player of the Year after scoring 30 goals and adding 15 assists to her resume. She was the best player on the field in seemingly every game and capped off a six-year career with a great senior campaign.
CARLIE LANIER, HOLTVILLE
SENIOR FORWARD
Lanier was named Holtville’s Player of the Game three times this year as the Bulldogs’ offense seemingly ran through her every game. The senior scored 18 goals and added 10 assists, good for one goal per game.
MADISON MILTON, WETUMPKA SENIOR GOALKEEPER
Milton was seemingly lights out in the goal for Wetumpka this season. The senior keeper pitched eight shutouts as the Indians claimed the area championship, and she added 40 saves and was named the team’s Defensive MVP.
EMILIE SHAW, ELMORE COUNTY JUNIOR DEFENDER
physically. We expect him to be the complete package this year. At receiver, we are going to use a lot of different guys in packages and manufacture touches for our players depending on what defenses give us.”
The Mustangs’ defense returns a handful of starters and will be the more experienced group leading into the 2023 season.
Caffee led the county in interceptions, and he continued being a ball hawk in the spring. In the game against Calera, he recorded two interceptions and had two pass breakups. Defensive end Donnie Arnold, a first-team All-County player a year ago, had five tackles-forloss and three sacks in the spring game. He will look to build off a stellar junior season where he had 52 tackles, 13 TFL and 7.5 sacks. At linebacker, Kameron Anderson had the best-graded spring of any Stanhope player. He graded out at 97% on his plays leading the defense, which was best of any Stanhope or Calera players in the game.
Shaw was stellar as part of Elmore County’s defensive line and helped lead the Panthers to an area championship. In the team’s 10 wins, only six goals were scored on Shaw and company. In an area game, Shaw scored a goal from midfield.
CARLEE SIDES, ELMORE COUNTY FRESHMAN DEFENDER
Only a freshman, Sides showed she will be a force to be reckoned with on Elmore County’s back line for years to come. She started every game and helped the Panthers allow only four goals in eight area games. She even helped out on offense and added one goal and three assists.
MORGAN SIMS, WETUMPKA
JUNIOR MIDFIELDER
When Sims broke off down the sideline with the ball at her feet, it was almost a guaranteed goal if she got near the box. The junior star scored 25 goals this year and even added eight assists as she was named the team’s Offensive Player of the Year.
BELLA WATSON, WETUMPKA
SENIOR DEFENDER
Watson was one of Wetumpka’s best defenders in each of the last two seasons. The senior helped the Indians to eight shutouts this year as she played in every game this year. She has been the team’s Defensive Player of the Year two years in a row.
Stanhope Elmore junior Kara Busbin was selected as one of 20 golfers across the state to participate in the North-South All-Star event this July.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Wetumpka’s Ella Watson pitches
AHSAA Class 6A
Regional Tournament held in Gulf Shores earlier
Wetumpka 6, Spanish Fort 1
Wetumpka 16, Charles Henderson 0
Wetumpka 15, Andalusia 0
Wetumpka 7, Stanhope Elmore 2
Wetumpka 10, Smiths Station 1
Wetumpka 11, Rogers 1
Wetumpka 13, Satsuma 0
Wetumpka 11, Stanhope Elmore 0
Wetumpka 8, Alexandria 0
Wetumpka 9, Glencoe 0
Wetumpka 13, Fort Payne 0
Wetumpka 6, Sand Rock 3
Wetumpka 2, Sand Rock 0
Wetumpka 6, Tallassee 0
Wetumpka 4, Calera 1
Wetumpka 5, Dothan 0
Wetumpka 10,
Smiths Station 0
Wetumpka 4, Rehobeth 3
Wetumpka 14, Brantley 0
Wetumpka 8, Enterprise 0
Wetumpka 3, Vestavia Hills 2
Wetumpka 17, Chilton County 4
Wetumpka 15, Stanhope Elmore 0
Wetumpka 15, Marbury 0 Calera 5, Wetumpka 4
Wetumpka 5, Greene County Tech 3
Wetumpka 12, Sumiton Christian 2
Wetumpka 12, David Crockett 1
Wetumpka 12, Marion County 0
Wetumpka 11, Westridge 0
Wetumpka 4, Demopolis 0
Wetumpka 2, Brewbaker Tech 1
Wetumpka 7, Curry 4
Wetumpka 8, Benjamin Russell 0
Wetumpka 15, Lanier 0
Wetumpka 14, Benjamin Russell 0
Wetumpka 13, Marbury 4
Hewitt-Trussville 2, Wetumpka 1
Wetumpka 6, Hartselle 0
Wetumpka 9, Prattville 2
Wetumpka 7, Tallassee 0 Central Phenix City 4, Wetumpka 3
Wetumpka 16, Lanier 0 Wetumpka 11, Chilton County 3
Wetumpka 7, Mortimer Jordan 1
Wetumpka 7, Oak Mountain 7
Wetumpka 1, Brooks 0 Hoover 7, Wetumpka 2
Wetumpka 6, Brewbaker Tech 2 AREA TOURNAMENT
Wetumpka 2, Benjamin Russell 0 Benjamin Russell 1, Wetumpka 0
Wetumpka 10, Benjamin Russell 0
REGIONALS
TOURNAMENT
Baldwin County 3, Wetumpka 0
Wetumpka 10, Theodore 0 Wetumpka 3, Saraland 0
Wetumpka 11, Pike Road 4
Wetumpka 10, Baldwin County 0
STATE TOURNAMENT
Wetumpka 2, Oxford 1
Wetumpka 5, Hazel Green 2
Wetumpka 10, Spanish Fort 8
Wetumpka 2, Athens 1
WETUMPKA INDIANS
2023 Class 6A Softball Champions
“Mya Holt is a dawg. She works her tail off for this. She pitched great yesterday and we had the rain delay. She showed a lot of grit. She looked at me and wanted the ball again. She told me she works hard for this. To show up and compete against a team like Athens, what a performance for her on the big stage.”
— Daryl Otwell
“I’m so excited that able to do that for (Ashlynn Campbell). I’m glad she got to experience playing here and winning the championship. She’s going out with a bang.”
— Mya Holt
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
The Wetumpka softball team is handed the AHSAA Class 6A state championship trophy after defeating Athens, 2-1.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD Wetumpka head softball coach Daryl Otwell poses with the championship ball after winning the AHSAA Class 6A state championship.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
Second baseman Cassidy Bowers throws a ball to first base to record an out against Athens.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Wetumpka players celebrate after Mari Beth Parette scored the game-winning run against Athens in the bottom of the eighth inning.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Center fielder Ella Watson records a hit against Athens in the state title game.
“We had some really big expectations at the beginning of our season. 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.”
— Ashlynn Campbell
“I got a scratch on my elbow (during 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 atbat in my first one, but I was still scared. I was really scared.”
— Chloe Taylor
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
The Wetumpka softball team celebrates with Chloe Taylor after Taylor’s walk-off single to beat Athens.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
Center fielder Ella Watson makes a catch against Athens in the state title game.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Mya Holt pitches against Athens in the 6A title game. Holt, the tournament MVP, went 4-0 in the state tournament.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Left fielder Chloe Taylor makes an over-the-shoulder catch to save a run in the top of the eighth inning.eighth inning.
SCHEDULE
Holtville 6, Trinity 5
Holtville 14, Handley 4
Holtville 9, Pike Liberal Arts 7
Mosley 10, Holtville 0
Holtville 4, Chipley 3
Stanhope Elmore 8, Holtville 3
Elmore County 13, Holtville 8
Holtville 2, Pike Road 0
Holtville 7, Trinity 1
Holtville 8, St. James 4
Stanhope Elmore 8, Holtville 3
Holtville 10, Park Crossing 4
John Carroll Catholic 5, Holtville 4
Holtville 14, Ramsay 1
James Clemens 2, Holtville 0
Opelika 11, Holtville 3
Holtville 5, Priceville 4
Collierville 10, Holtville 2
Holtville 4, Marbury 1
Marbury 5, Holtville 4
Holtville 6, Marbury 4
Holtville 15, Beauregard 5
Holtville 14, Jemison 4
Holtville 12, Jemison 0
Holtville 16, Jemison 4
Holtville 5, Handley 0
Holtville 13, Brewbaker Tech 5
Elmore County 8, Holtville 2
St. James 10, Holtville 0
FIRST ROUND
Mobile Christian 11, Holtville 0
Holtville 13, Mobile Christian 3
Holtville 12, Mobile Christian 6
SECOND ROUND
Elmore County 4, Holtville 2
Holtville 12, Elmore County 4
Holtville 7, Elmore County 2
THIRD ROUND
Headland 12, Holtville 11
Holtville 4, Headland 2
Holtville 12, Headland 2
SEMIFINALS
Holtville 7, Demopolis 4
Holtville 6, Demopolis 0
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Holtville 3, Sardis 2
Holtville 3, Sardis 1
HOLTVILLE BULLDOGS
2023 Class 5A Baseball Champions
Record:
28-14
“We’re only here by the grace of God. He’s done a lot for us this year and he’s pulled us through with his blessings. That’s the reason why we’re here.”
Scott Tubbs
“To be honest, I didn’t really hear them chanting overrated because I was so locked in but it definitely looks good on video. Like I said, God works in mysterious ways. It’s hard to put that moment into words but I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
Sam Silas
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
The Holtville baseball team dog piles after beating Sardis, 3-1, in Game 2 of the AHSAA Class 5A state baseball championship.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
Holtville junior right fielder Braxton Potts, right, hugs dad and assistant coach Joey Potts after the championship win.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD Junior Drey Barrett is hugged by athletics director Jason Franklin after throwing a complete game in Game 2 of the championship series.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD ABOVE: Senior first baseman Randy Davis is all smiles after winning the state championship.
RIGHT: Senior Randy Davis and assistant coach Joey Potts high five after Davis recorded a single against Sardis.
“What’s special about this team in the playoffs is that every game, it’s always somebody different that has done something to put us over the top.
Scott Tubbs
“We’ve had our backs against the wall the whole playoffs. When we have our backs against the wall, it doesn’t phase us and when we lose a game, it doesn’t phase us.”
Scott Tubbs
“(This community) loves their baseball. In the playoffs I’ve never seen anything like this. They shut down the entire town and if you blink, you ain’t missing much. But everybody comes to the games and everybody is there. Everybody loves this baseball. And I promise you, this community is going to celebrate for a while because this community has been waiting for this for 40 years.”
Scott Tubbs
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
Junior Drey Barrett, a Southern Miss commit, pitched a complete-game win over Sardis in Game 2 of the state championship series.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD
LEFT: Catcher Randy Bridges throws down to second base against Sardis. RIGHT: Senior Lane Talley, right, hugs junior Drew Connor after the team is handed its championship hats and trophy.
DALTON MIDDLETON | THE HERALD
Senior third baseman Tanner Potts records a single against Sardis in Game 2 of the championship series.
DALTON MIDDLETON THE HERALD Junior second baseman Drew Connor throws out a runner on a ground ball to second.
“It will be judged nationally this summer. In June she will go to the state convention for the Department of Alabama VFW. She will pick up a certificate and a $100 award.”
— VFW Auxiliary Post 4572 Wetumpka’s Regena Hight
ECLECTIC SECOND GRADER WINS STATE VFW ART COMPETITION
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Brooklynn Guy has a reason to be proud.
Not only did she win the VFW Auxiliary Post 4572 Wetumpka Illustrating America Patriotic Art Award, but she won the state award as well.
“It will be judged nationally this summer,” VFW Auxiliary Post 4572 Wetumpka’s Regena Hight said. “In June she will go to the state convention for the Department of Alabama VFW.
She will pick up a certificate and a $100 award.”
The contest is broken into two divisions — one for kindergarten through eighth grade that is broken up by grades and a high school division. Brooklynn won at the local and state level in the second grade. Eclectic Elementary School second-grade teacher
Mitzi Guy isn’t surprised by Brooklynn’s art accomplishments.
“Brooklynn is very creative,” Guy said. “She has painted me pictures before and brought them to me. She is a very sweet little girl.”
Hight and the VFW Auxiliary hold the art competition every year. The group always recognizes the local winners and did so for Brooklynn at the school’s awards day.
Segrest steps down from Elmore County softball
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
After four years of leading the Elmore County softball program, Mark Segrest is stepping down as head coach.
Segrest is stepping away from the high school softball ranks. His daughter, Anna Catherine Segrest, just graduated from Elmore County and as she moves on from the high school, so will he.
The Tallassee native has led Elmore County’s program since the 2019-2020 season and was in charge of the Edgewood Academy softball program for 2 ½ seasons prior.
During that time, he led the two schools to a cumulative 221-87-4 record, two state championships at Edgewood and three-straight trips to the state tournament at ECHS.
“The main reason for me stepping down is Anna Catherine graduating and moving on to the next level,” Segrest said. “That’s what ultimately led to my decision. Honestly, about four or five years at one place is probably enough, but I’m very proud of what we accomplished while I’ve been here.”
Much like he did at Edgewood Academy prior to taking the Elmore County job, Segrest completely turned around the Panthers’ softball program. In the three years before Segrest took over, the Panthers had a combined 34 wins.
In his first season as head coach, Elmore County was ranked No. 1 in Class 4A with a 16-3 record before the season was shut down due to COVID-19.
Since then, his Panthers have won 43, 37, and 35 games in each season and have played in the state tournament in Oxford each season. Overall at Elmore County, Segrest has accumulated a record of 131-52-4.
“In three years and one month we’ve had 131 wins,” Segrest said. “These players and seniors have done a phenomenal job turning this program around. I think we’ve certainly established ourselves as one of the most consistent 5A programs in the state.”
At Edgewood Academy, he took over the program midway through the 2017 season when the Wildcats had not won the state championship since 2014.
But in 2018 and 2019, his Edgewood teams went backto-back and won the AISA state championship with a combined record of 90-35.
“Both of the high school programs that I was able to contribute to just needed a different culture,” Segrest
said. “As a coach, that’s the toughest thing to do but we were able to do that at both programs. Sometimes if you have a certain coach, some kids buy in and some don’t but we had enough players and coaches buy in at both places to have a successful program. I’ve been lucky to have a lot of good players and equally as important, a lot of great assistant coaches.”
Segrest loves to win, but he knows his No. 1 job as a coach is to help his players develop and get them to the next level if that is what they want. He’s done that over and over again as he’s sent numerous players to play college softball, including three of his seniors from this Elmore County squad. And while he loves to win, he’s shown he can do so at a high level. Between his time as a player, assistant coach and now head coach, Segrest has won seven state championships. He helped lead Tallassee to three as a player and then two as an assistant coach with Tallassee before his two with Edgewood.
While his state championships will always hold a special place in his heart because of what it means to win it all, his favorite memories at the high school level will be spending time with his players.
“My best memories are just the relationships with my players,” Segrest said. “Just being on the field with my players and competing because we run a very tight ship. It’s a lot of discipline and it’s doing things differently than they’ve done in the past. For those players who stuck it out and took that approach, they made a lot of improvements and I couldn’t be prouder of what’s happened over the last six years total.”
Segrest is stepping away from the high school ranks, but he’s going to stay around softball.
He will coach one more season of travel ball before Anna Catherine joins the Faulkner program in the fall. When she does that, he looks forward to helping and contributing to Faulkner in any way or role he can.
“Honestly, I feel like the luckiest guy in the world,” Segrest said. “I’ve been able to really be Anna Catherine’s only coach since she was 5 years old, and to be around and watch her contribute at Faulkner in some capacity over the next four years means everything to me. She’s always been a really good player, but more importantly she’s always played the game the right way and she will always be my favorite player.”
FILE PHOTO THE OBSERVER
Mark Segrest, with daughter Anna Catherine Segrest after last year’s AHSAA North-South All-Star Game, has stepped down from leading Elmore County softball. His teams recorded a record of 131-52-4
SUBMITTED | THE OBSERVER
About 100 friends of the Albrittons gathered at the church fellowship hall for a dinner to celebrate the growth of the scholarship to $5,000. Presenting the scholarship to Elmore County High School graduate Courtney Sides were Dean and Walter’s grandchildren Sarah and Josh Albritton. Since establishment of the scholarship in 2021, the Dean Albritton Memorial Scholarship has benefited graduating seniors in Montgomery, Elmore and Autauga counties.
Sides awarded Albritton scholarship
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE OBSERVER Eclectic Elementary School second grader Brooklynn Guy was recognized by the VFW Auxiliary Post 4572 Wetumpka. Guy won the auxiliary’s, post and state competition in the second grade Illustrating America Patriotic Art.
