Quinn guilty of resisting arrest; former deputy federally indicted
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Holtville High School basketball coach
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
It’s been 20 months since Tristen Quinn was stopped by the Wetumpka Police Department. Quinn was found guilty of resisting arrest Thursday. Just one day later, a former Elmore County deputy sheriff involved in Quinn’s arrest was indicted by a federal grand jury for depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law. Blake
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 said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
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.
Hicks appeared in federal court Friday to answer to the indictment and was not detained. No future court dates have been set yet for Hicks.
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Friday after the indictment was unsealed in federal court that Hicks worked for the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office for several years. Hicks came to Elmore County after a stint at the Montgomery Police Department.
with Quinn and said his department asked for help in looking into the matter shortly after it happened in March 2022.
investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”
“Our office called (Alabama Law Enforcement Agency) so an impartial investigation could be conducted,” Franklin said. “He was put on administrative leave without pay. After a few months of that, he left seeking employment elsewhere.”
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
Franklin was aware of the incident
“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary
Council approves financing for economic development
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The City of Wetumpka is hoping to draw the eye of developers.
“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 Sher iff’s Office have the alleged vic tim’s phone. Authorities collect ed Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversa tion between the two,” Frank lin 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 after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail
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
The Wetumpka City Council approved financing up to $5 million for economic development at its Monday meeting. City attorney Justin Edwards said the financing deal is still in negotiations but it would be similar to a line of credit.
potentially purchase property and begin some site work to make them more attractive to developers.
“We are looking at things on the west side of town,” Willis said. Edwards said some of the projects under consideration are along the Coosa River Parkway and near downtown.
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.
“There are some really good ideas,” Edwards said.
“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
“The city would be able to make draws on it,” Edwards said. “The city would only pay interest if it makes a draw.”
Edwards and Mayor Jerry Willis said the funds are needed to
See CHAMBER, Page A3
Edwards said he believes the city would not be out any money on the projects as the potential tax revenue and sale of the property would more than cover the city’s financing costs.
See APPROVES, Page A5
Learning to protect tomorrow’s threats today
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Computers, networks and the internet are evolving by the second.
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
SPLASH PAD
The Elmore County Technical Center cybersecurity program is preparing high school students to enter the workforce in
See LEARNING, Page A6
DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY ICON
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Percy Gill never passed up a chance to shake a hand or talk with someone.
Family and friends said he was always networking. If the presence at the dedication of the Wetumpka Splash Pad was any indication of Gill’s network of friends and brothers, Gill is legendary.
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
willingness to do the grunt work,” Reed said. “He was willing to do it in a campaign, in an organization and the community when the limelight wasn’t there.”
Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle. According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.
Reed and Alabama State University president Dr. Quinton Ross said Gill’s work helped them reach the positions they are in today.
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
son,” Fogal said. “He was a great city councilman. He had me on the Wetumpka Pride board for eight years. He was a special person. He probably would have been mayor one day, maybe senator. He was that bright.”
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
Gill was only elected to serve as a councilmember but the dedication was an indication his influence went well beyond Wetumpka. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed met Gill when he moved back to the area. Quickly through meetings with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. a friendship blossomed.
“I was inspired by his
“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed
the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to
“Percy could have been anywhere in the world, but he wanted to come home,” Ross said. “He wanted to come home to this community and invest in it. That is what he did. He was all about uniting the community and providing for young people. He was on that mission everyday.”
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said he always wanted to be around Gill because he was highly knowledgeable in almost everything.
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
Wetumpka resident Jordan Fogal said Gill would sit with her husband and play with her dog.
“He was a special per-
shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
“I made sure I got a seat close to Percy,” Willis said. “It was because I knew he was smart. I knew he knew what he was doing. I learned a lot from him.” Gill served on the Wetumpka City Council representing District 2. It is a position Cynthia Tucker currently holds. She said Gill is the reason she is there and considered him a good
See SHOOTING, Page A3
SPLASH, Page A6
WILSON
2022 Alabama High School Prin
cipal of the Year. The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during
Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
Tristen Quinn is pictured with injuries on March 5, 2022. A former Elmore County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been federally indicted for depriving an arrestee of his civil rights under color of law.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
Elmore County Technical Center cybersecurity instructor Colby Faust was a Holtville graduate who took IT classes at the school and then landed an IT job upon graduation. He has returned to lead the cybersecurity program.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD Family of Percy Gill and dignitaries gather for a photograph at the dedication of the Wetumpka Splash Pad in Gill’s memory.
See
See GUILTY, Page A6
JANELLE BONNETT
Janelle Bonnett, 75, died on Friday, November 3, 2023, at UAB Medical Center, after a tenacious 10-year journey with Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In her own words, she "went out like a trooper," giving all the effort she could give, as long as she possibly could. Her life ended courageously and peacefully, surrounded by her husband and daughters. Janelle was born Fran-
ces Janelle Blackledge, on September 22, 1948, in Laurel, Mississippi. Truthfully, her early years were full of adversity. She fiercely loved her sister, Jeanette, and found moments of safety with her cherished Aunt Margaret and Uncle Kell. She graduated from R.H.
Watkins High School and soon met Danny, her husband of 56 years, while attending Jones County Junior College. She described Danny as "her hero"; they married on June 18, 1967. Janelle shifted her focus to supporting Danny while he finished his studies at The University of Southern Mississippi. Janelle and Danny enjoyed newlywed adventures in Mississippi and Texas before settling in Alabama.
In early family years, Janelle worked an array of interesting jobs so she could spend as much time as possible being a mom to her two daughters, Kim and Danielle. She enjoyed sewing, photography, playing games, tending a garden, and making family events extra special. At the age of 40, she took a courageous leap and returned to college, having been so deeply impacted by an elementary school teacher that she had always aspired to be that person for other kids in need. In true Janelle fashion, she didn't settle
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
OCT. 28
• A terroristic threat was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
for less than an A+ and graduated with top honors from Auburn University at Montgomery. Janelle taught for 12 years in kindergarten, third grade and—her most favorite— fifth grade science and math. She found God easily in science and nature, and whenever she had the choice, she was outside. Janelle loved fully and gave generously. Even when she was enduring hard times herself, she found joy in serving others. If you've ever had her cinnamon rolls, chocolate cookies, or chicken and dumplings, you know that she often found the way to your heart through her kitchen. More than anything, Janelle absolutely loved to see a child's face light up from a special homemade treat. Her favorite names to be called were Nana by her own grandchildren, and Mama B by her special family friends. She said that her best work was in her family, which always included her closest friends. Her faith communities at Shoal Creek
nett Boulevard.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Friendship Road.
• A civil dispute was reported on Wall Street.
OCT. 25
• Harassment was reported in Autumnwood Village.
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
NOV. 6
• A Welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
N OV. 5
• Assistance was given to a motorist on North Ann Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Burt Mill Road
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Bar-
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Friendship Road.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gun fire was reported on Marvin Avenue.
NOV. 4
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Dorman Avenue.
• Burglary was reported on Macedonia Road.
• Reckless driving was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.
• A domestic incident was reported on Tallassee Highway.
• Criminal mischief was
Baptist Church, Deatsville and First Baptist Church, Wetumpka were also central to her life. Her legacy lives on in each one of us that experienced her caring and generous spirit. She would want us all to be at peace, knowing that she is now eternally in the presence of Jesus.
To continue her legacy, Janelle leaves behind her husband - Danny Bonnett; daughter - Kim Bowles (Linton); daughter - Danielle Keeton (Justin); grandchildrenAshton Bowles, Katelyn Bowles, Carson Bowles, Owen Keeton and Noah Keeton; sister - Jeanette Calloway and nieceJennifer Nelson; brotherin-law - Terry Bonnett (Fran); and a large community of beloved friends.
Janelle wished to continue inspiring learning and curiosity in service of others, even after her death. She chose to make a full anatomical donation to UAB's Anatomical Donor Program, Heersink School of Medicine. Although
reported on Lee Street.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Highway 229.
• Reckless Driving was reported on Camelia Drive.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Weldon Road.
• A domestic incident was reported on Second Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
NOV. 3
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Burglary was reported on North Johnson Street.
• A runaway juvenile was reported on Godwin Road.
NOV. 2
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Upper River Road.
she adored flowers and plants, she requested that no one "waste their money on that". Please honor her with a donation to one of her chosen organizations instead: UAB, Division of Hematology and Oncology www.uab.edu.medicine/hemonc/give Leukemia and Lymphoma Society www.lls. org Samaritan's Purse www.samaritanspurse. org She will be honored with a memorial service in the worship center of Shoal Creek Baptist Church, 2961 Coosa River Road, Deatsville, Alabama on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. Visitation will precede the service at 10 a.m. All are invited and welcome to join the family for a celebratory meal and joyful story-sharing immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. The family invites her friends and family to come prepared to share a favorite story or memory of Janelle.
NOV. 1
• Theft was reported on Hicks Store Road.
OCT. 31
• A noise complaint was reported on Sims Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Second Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Central Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on Hudson Place.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Notasulga Road.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Central Boulevard.
OCT. 30
• Suspicious activity was reported on Grimes Street.
• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on South Dubois Street.
Veterans Day program returns to Trinity Episcopal
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Veterans Day started in Alabama and there are plenty of places to recognize it in Wetumpka on Saturday.
Gardner Perdue is helping organize efforts at Trinity Episcopal Church where the community is invited to come out for the Gallery of Honor.
members themselves can bring it too.”
“That is for people to bring, see and share memorabilia from their loved ones,” Perdue said. “The service
Lake Martin’s Best Source for News and Information.
The ‘Gallery of Honor’ is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. as the program transitions into ‘A Tribute to Veterans.’
due said as long as the weather cooperates and there are no calls, the department’s ladder truck will be hoisting a large American flag.
There is also a program at 11 a.m. at VFW Post 4572.
Earlier in the morning, Cub Scout Pack 50 will be putting flags on the gravesites of known Veterans at the Pineview Cemetery.
“This will be the 15th year we have done it,” Perdue said. “This year we are recognizing two World War II veterans. One is 99 years old. The other is 98. They are two of the oldest veterans in Elmore County we know of.”
Also at Trinity Episcopal, the Wetumpka Fire Department will have a display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Per-
The NAACP Elmore County Branch 5026 is hosting a veterans breakfast from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Martin Luther King Center on Lancaster Street in Wetumpka.
BONNETT
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Thank a shelter worker this week
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
This is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, and staffs at animal shelters are working tirelessly helping the never-ending flood of homeless and unwanted pets day in and day out.
Shelters provide a place for homeless and unwanted animals to go when no one else can take them in. The young ones, old ones, nice pets or vicious and scared; diseased, injured, starved and healthy, shelters see them all.
So please thank the staff of your local shelters as besides helping animals in need they are also helping people,
often with very little appreciation.
The No. 1 thing every pet owner can do to support shelters is to be a Responsible Pet Owner.
• Responsible owners keep their pet safely at home so it does not get lost or injured adding to the load for Animal Control Officers, citizens and shelters alike.
• Responsible owners see to their pet’s physical and mental well-being so they will live long and happy lives with the same family.
• Responsible owners see to the medical needs of their pet, especially preventive veterinary care (vaccinations, parasite prevention to include heartworm pre -
vention) to keep them healthy.
• Responsible owners will spay or neuter their pet to prevent yet more unwanted litters. Sixty percent of our shelter’s intake is under 6 months old so we know well the impact of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens.
• Responsible owners do their homework before getting a pet so it will be a good fit for their family and lifestyle and not end up needing to be rehomed due to a spur of the moment or ill-informed decision.
• Responsible owners educate their children on interacting with pets and helping in their care. After all, today’s chil -
dren are tomorrow’s pet owners/advocates.
Responsible pet owners keep pets from coming into shelters in the first place which needs to be the primary goal of our communities. True success in the animal sheltering world would be a lesser need of our services, not more.
Shelters also need your moral support as what they deal with every day is very often overwhelming, heartbreaking and extremely frustrating. Shelter staff live the reality of far more animals coming in than are going out but not for their lack of trying. Unsocialized, scared, injured, diseased
and dangerous animals are sadly a daily occurrence making shelter work also quite hazardous for the staff. Shelter work is a field very often taken for granted by the public and all but ignored too often by community leadership.
Since most shelters are nonprofit organizations, of course they can also use your financial support whether that be by donating money, food, supplies, your time, and your advocacy. Just like every home and business, costs for utilities, pet food and supplies, wages, facility upkeep, insurance, vehicles, fuel costs and more keep going up. Your
support helps ensure your community will have a shelter as adopting and rescuing many pets starts with them having a place to go in the first place.
Our Shelter averages 13 animals coming in every single day we are open with far too many days having 25 to 30 or even more. In large cities those daily intake numbers are in the hundreds. If your community did not have a shelter, then where would all of those animals go? Think about that.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Pet of the Week - Petey Petey came to us when his owner could no longer care for him. He is about 3 years old and weighs about 50 pounds and has a docked tail. Petey is a very friendly boy even though can look intimidating. He is good with other dogs, loves attention and is wanting a family to call his own. 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 mandato -
ry spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
ARP funds to help pave more Elmore County roads
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It’s down to the last year of federal relief funding due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elmore County is using some of its funding to resurface 10.6 miles of county roads at a cost of $1,349,576.
“This just adds to the roads that we can get done soon,” Elmore County engineer Luke McGinty said. “These roads wouldn’t get paved as quickly without the extra funding.”
The Elmore County Commission approved resurfacing portions of Otter Track, Beachwood, Carpenter, McCain, Gossum Switch, and White roads, Lakeshore Drive and Alabama River Parkway. Portions of Indian Campground, Joe’s Fish Camp and River Oaks roads were previously part of
Rebuild Alabama programs.
“The bid prices came in higher than expected there,” McGinty said. “We shifted some of those projects to ARP.”
The roads were not selected at random.
McGinty said the county uses a system to assess the roads and get good use of funds. Some roads are left out because they require more work to the base than the county has funds for.
McGinty said county staff evaluate all county roads, some 1,000 miles including about 200 miles of dirt roads. Employees grade the roads in eight different categories.
“We look at all different aspects,” McGinty said. “We also pull maintenance reports looking at patching and edge repairs. We also look at traffic counts to see how many cars use the
road.”
The staff grades the roads by looking at the condition of the road’s pavement or surface, striping, utility cuts, rutting, erosion and edge repairs.
McGinty said road edges are often damaged because of growth in an area where a road was installed years ago. Larger and heavier trucks reach the edge of the road where little to no base was necessary when the road was constructed.
If a road gets selected to be resurfaced, it might not get the same treatment as another road. There are reasons behind that, including saving money.
“The treatment depends on the traffic count,” McGinty said. “If it is a lower volume road, under 100 vehicles per day, we can get by just repairing the base failures and a chip seal.”
County crews can handle what engineers call chip seal, traditionally known as tar and gravel. Elmore County has the materials and equipment available for the chip seal resurfacing but asphalt is a different story. It requires more expensive equipment and the materials are also more costly.
“We try to do as much as we can in-house because we can do it cheaper than a contractor,” McGinty said. “It stretches those funds out. We have to bid out asphalt paving.”
McGinty said it currently costs about $85,000 per mile to apply 1-inch of asphalt to a 20-foot wide road. Just six years ago the cost was about $60,000 per mile.
Some of the ARP roadwork is already underway on Alabama River Parkway and River Oaks Road.
Find healthy ways to channel anger
Ia $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals.
Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth
Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.
n case you don’t know this about me, I am the world’s worst at holding a grudge — usually ones in the non-serious category. Typically if you’ve said something that annoys me or I CAN prove wrong, I’m gonna joke with you about it for weeks, months, years on end.
Many years ago when I first worked for The Outlook, one of our editors once told me it doesn’t take hours and hours and hours to write five stories.
The quote, “Well it’s not like it takes hours and hours and hours,” is still a staple in my conversations.
I just don’t like people to forget things — and I love to poke fun.
However, I am not the kind of person who holds grudges of a more serious and angry nature. I used to be. Back before I got sober, I was so quick to get mad and I would never let it go.
I still have this innate need to hold people accountable for their actions, but I typically don’t get mad in the more stereotypical way anymore — yelling and screaming, cursing, etc.
Going through a journey of recovery in AA, you hear a lot about resentment and how it brings only negativity and typically only to yourself, rather than the person you’re angry with. Anger was an excuse to drink, as were many things, of course.
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
But this was one I could sink my teeth into. Could you believe what that person said to me? I need a drink. I had the worst day at work and I’m so mad about it; I need a drink. And because I was a very happy drunk, it took away that anger easily. However, the anger was really still there; the alcohol was just a way not to deal with it. But not dealing with anger and resentments is an easy way to make things worse in the end. I know at least for me, if I’m upset about something and don’t voice it fairly quickly, I’ll just end up stewing on it.
I’ll overthink the whole situation and work myself up even more, which only makes things worse. It’s a vicious cycle, and it usually ends up in an explosion. At least that was my experience.
Dealing with anger in a healthy way is a difficult task for most people, I think. For me, it’s taken years — and still daily work — to feel like I have a handle on that. I still look for healthy
things to do to channel any resentful feelings.
Every once in a while, I have to throw it back to high school and just listen to really angry music as loud as possible for a bit. Other times, I’ll need to go for a hike and get fresh air to take my mind off things. Often, I’ll go into a stage of what my husband calls “rage cleaning,” during which I want to vigorously clean and not be bothered for hours.
I’ve even considered visiting a rage room; there’s one in Prattville and you literally can pay to just break stuff with sledgehammers.
Many people think anger is an unhealthy emotion. I’m more of the opinion every emotion is a healthy one because we all need a little balance.
But we do need to find healthy ways to express anger and even channel those emotions into productivity when possible.
Whether you’re the type of person who needs a calm distraction or someone who needs to take that frustration out loudly, there are healthy ways to do both. I urge you to try to find them because sitting alone with too much anger is not a good strategy for anyone.
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
Walt Disney’s favorite song
Richard and Robert Sherman were wonderful songwriters. They are responsible for the most-performed song of all time, “It’s a Small World (After All),” heard daily at the Disney-themed parks featuring the Small World ride.
The Shermans also wrote memorable music for Winnie the Pooh, Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Bedknobs & Broomsticks, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Charlotte’s Web, and many other family friendly films. They also wrote successful pop tunes such as “You’re Sixteen,” “Pineapple Princess,” and “Let’s Get Together.”
In all likelihood, you have heard some of their songs and may perhaps even know them by heart.
My former music teaching colleague John Paul Jones, who passed away last week after sustaining injuries caused by an automobile accident, was the biggest Disney fan I ever knew.
At the end of his life he had been pursuing his dream with employment at Walt Disney World. He had been a music teacher, band director, worked at Art’s Music Shop, played in the 151st National Guard Band, created and conducted the Wetumpka Pops concert band, conducted the Alcazar Shrine band, worked at the Disney Store in Montgomery Mall, had a route with Art’s Music Shop and took care of his elderly parents — all of that before he ever picked up and moved to Orlando to follow his heart.
He also did a mean Johnny Long impression, one of the best ever among our Troy band friends.
John Paul once drove all the way to Richard Sherman’s home in Beverly Hills just to tell him how much he loved his music. According to John Paul, Mr.
Sherman was walking outside to pick up his morning paper when he spotted John Paul in his driveway.
“I drove all the way from Alabama just to tell you how much I love your music,” he told a surprised Mr. Sherman. Perhaps more than any of their compositions, “Feed the Birds” is the most meaningful. The haunting melody is performed in the Mary Poppins film and stage musical as a lullaby sung by Mary Poppins to children Jane and Michael Banks. It is heard again later on in a very dramatic choral and orchestral setting, in a musical cue called “Mr. Banks is Discharged.” I had not known there was a recording of just this particular piece until John Paul loaned me a monster-sized box set that contained all of the recordings from the orchestral sessions for Mary Poppins.
What is so special about the song?
The lyrics have to do with a beggar woman who sits on the St. Paul’s Cathedral steps begging for two-pence (a two-penny coin) per bag, to feed the pigeons and doves in that area of downtown London. Mary Poppins sings about the woman. The next day, the Banks children are on a field trip to their father’s workplace, the Fidelity Fiduciary Bank, and encounter the Bird Woman in person. The children are stopped by their father from making a donation. Mr. Banks has little tolerance for a beggar; to him, a man is successful when he is able “to carve his niche in the edifice of
time.”
The character of George Banks is only doing what most men, or fathers, are expected to do: he spends more time at his job than he does at home. Yet, his relationship with his children is limited to the regular hiring and firing of nannies until the magical Mary Poppins enters the life of his family and he begins to see that, in reality, he is a failure.
The simple act of kindness described in the song may be what makes it so special. It may be one of the first, and it’s certainly one of the few, that deal with homeless people. In the reprise of the song late in the film, as Mr. Banks is summoned to his job to be fired, he hopes to see the Bird Woman but she is gone – highlighting the need for one to show that random act of kindness when the opportunity arises, because it may not come around again.
Many years after Walt Disney’s death, Robert Sherman remembered: “On Fridays, after work, Disney would often invite us into his office and we’d talk about things that were going on at the Studio. After a while, he’d wander to the north window, look out into the distance and just say, ‘Play it.’ And Dick would wander over to the piano and play ‘Feed the Birds’ for him. One time just as Dick was almost finished, I heard Walt say, ‘Yep. That’s what it’s all about.’ Songs have been written about a myriad of subjects. ‘Feed the Birds’ is the first song written about the merits of giving charity.”
When Walt Disney died in 1966, the Sherman brothers played “Feed the Birds” at his funeral.
Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Going back in time at Frontier Days
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson
Park turned back the clock for the 28th annual Alabama Frontier Days. Staff, volunteers, Friends of Fort Toulouse-Fort Jackson and the Alabama History Commission rolled back time to between 1700 and 1820 as the area transitioned from home of the Muscogee Indians to being occupied by the French and Andrew Jackson before his march to Horseshoe Bend.
Reenactors created a living history of native American life, French solider life and that of the U.S. Army all who were in the area. Many frontier crafts and trades are demonstrated by specialists dressed in historic costume.
A representation of frontier life included Native Americans, French soldiers and their families, British traders who lived among the Creek Indians and American soldiers who fought in Andrew Jackson’s army during the Creek War. There were cannon and musket demonstrations, wood fired bread ovens, a blacksmith, wagon wheel maker and more. Over three days, more than 6,000 Alabama students, some from Elmore County and Tallassee City schools, visited Frontier Days and the general public came in on Saturday.
Crossroads Learning Center expands, providing affordable child care
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Alongside the Lord’s blessing, Crossroads Learning Center is expanding its child care options for the Reeltown and Holtville communities.
Owner Hannah Johnson said she first started the daycare to make child care accessible for working women in rural areas. The daycare came from her women’s ministry — LIFT Ministries. Johnson originally thought with her ministry she would teach women life skills, but the Lord had a different plan in mind.
“What I found is most women need childcare in order to go to work and they couldn’t afford childcare,” she said.
With a background in social work, she knew some women could get financial assistance for childcare through the
APPROVES Continued from A1
Crossroads Learning Center staff members get ready for the new
was up and now it will be open at least next week.
Family Guidance Center of Alabama. Johnson established Crossroads and accepts Family Guidance Center of Alabama’s financial assistance. As Crossroads grew, the daycare also added a First-class preschool,
State law allows officials to withhold most information about economic development until deals are done. In this case the amount was revealed because it potentially encumbers taxpayer funds.
which is recognized by Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education and funded through the state. However, the waiting list continued to grow.
Johnson said she realized it was time to add
At the end of the meeting, the council entered an executive session for approximately seven minutes to discuss a possible real estate transaction. It returned to a normal session and took no action. It then adjourned.
IN OTHER ACTION THE WETUMPKA CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the Oct. 16 meeting.
to the Reeltown location, and she has also been developing a new location in Holtville, which just opened last week after a year’s work.
“The Lord has given me the vision to put child care in rural areas,” John-
• Approved the purchase of a Pitch Pro 10” Portable Pitching Mound for the Field 4 at the Wetumpka Sports Complex at a cost of $6,999.
• Approved transferring the power for the Hearth Haven storm water pump to the city.
son said of taking on the two development projects.
There are 90 spots and currently about 35 kids, so there is plenty of space available. Johnson explained each week Crossroads will add more kids and staff members.
Crossroads Learning Center offers infant toddler care, PreK and Pre3 programs and school break programs at both locations. The Reeltown expansion is also nearly complete with the goal to be open at least by next week.
The expansion includes two new rooms, one being a preschool classroom and another being a potty-training room for the younger kids. The expansion will also allow for 60 new spots.
Johnson said the beauty of Crossroads is not only does it help working mothers with affordable child care, but also it provides work opportunities for women. She said the Reeltown location has provided at least 30 women jobs since opening.
Johnson said she looks to open more locations in the future to carry out the work the Lord has blessed her with. SUBMITTED
• Adopted a resolution dedicating the Wetumpka Splash Pad to Percy B. Gill.
• Approved a professional services agreement for engineering surfaces to resurface and traffic stripe on West Tallassee Street from
• Adopted the 2023 Joint Autauga County and Elmore County Solid Waste Management Plan.
between Highways 14 and 111. The construction of the project will be funded with monies from the Alabama Department of Transportation.
The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 20.
addition to Reeltown. A couple months ago the basic frame
Quinn’s trial in front of Elmore County District Judge Glen Goggans revealed a few more details about the arrest that left bruises and lacerations to Quinn’s face.
Elmore County deputy sheriff Bradley Evans testified he responded to a call where a Wetumpka police officer had been kicked in the mouth during a traffic stop. Evans said Quinn was already in the patrol officer’s car handcuffed when he arrived.
“[The officer] had minor injuries to his face,” Evans said. “He had a busted lip.”
A narrative of the incident in court records made no note of the officer’s injury. Evans said he saw the injuries after he responded to the scene on U.S. Highway 231.
Evans said he opened the door to the police vehicle with Quinn in it and then closed it. Moments later, Quinn was running past Evans and the Wetumpka officer. Evans said Quinn was instructed to stop. When he didn’t, two tasers were fired.
Quinn received lacerations and bruises to his face in the incident.
The narrative for the incident reported Quinn fell on gravel on his face after the taser deployment.
Evans said in the trial, Quinn likely fell more on his side to his face. But it wasn’t Evans’ case to start with. He was just assisting.
The Wetumpka police officer filed the report.
Evans said the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t use body cameras. He also testified he believed cameras on the officer from the Wetumpka Police Department were not working properly.
Video captured by security cameras at a nearby convenience store showed the tasing and what appears to be Quinn falling backwards to the ground. Another law enforcement officer appears to be running and then jumping onto Quinn. Kicks and punches follow — neither
of which was reported in the narrative.
“I witnessed [Quinn] get struck,” Evans testified. “But I didn’t witness him get kicked.”
Quinn’s attorney James Bodin asked Evans if he knew how Quinn got the lacerations, and Evans said he didn’t. When shown a video of the incident in court, Evans identified the person appearing to “stomp” Quinn in the face as an Elmore County deputy sheriff. Franklin said it was Hicks.
Quinn had been facing charges of obstructing government operations, two counts of resisting arrest, second-degree assault, attempting to elude law enforcement, fourth-degree theft of property, third-degree escape and disorderly conduct. The traffic stop was initiated because a tail light was malfunctioning but wasn’t cited. All but the resisting arrest charge from the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office remained following an undisclosed settlement earlier this year and presentation to an Elmore County Grand Jury according to court records. It followed a notice of claim before the filing of a lawsuit by attorneys for Quinn against the City of Wetumpka and Elmore County related to the March 2022 incident. No suit was ever filed.
On Thursday, Bodin asked Evans if he had retained legal counsel or had been reprimanded in regards to the Quinn incident. Evans said he hadn’t.
Bodin asked if there had been a civil release or if there was an F.B.I. investigation into the matter. But before Evans could answer, Goggans sustained a prosecution objection.
According to the incident report and Evans’ testimony, there were six officers on the scene with Quinn on March 5, 2022. Evans said not all the officers are currently employed as they were at the time of Quinn’s arrest.
Prosecutors argued the final resisting arrest charge stood on its own, separate from the other charges. Bodin said all the charges should be
dismissed because Quinn was never issued a citation for the reason of the traffic stop — a non-functioning tail light.
Goggans found Quinn guilty of resisting arrest. Goggans suspended Quinn’s 30-day sentence and ordered two years of unsupervised probation. Quinn was also ordered to pay a $250 fine and court costs.
Bodin said the case is not likely over.
“We plan to appeal to circuit court,” Bodin said after the trial. “I don’t think a jury will come to the same conclusion.”
The United States Attorney’s Office of the Middle District of Alabama issued a statement on Hicks indictment.
“Specifically, the indictment alleges that, without legal justification, Hicks punched and kicked the arrestee in or around the head while the arrestee was handcuffed and lying on the ground, resulting in bodily injury,” the statement reads.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. There is no bond in federal charges. Federal judges either detain or not detain defendants based on the gravity of the charges, flight risk and prior criminal record. There are no mugshots of defendants made available to the public or media for federal arrests.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, Acting United States Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama and Special Agent in Charge Paul W. Brown of the FBI Mobile Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorney Eric Counts for the Middle District of Alabama and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
how a motherboard works.”
Wildlife arts festival
to be held Saturday
The second annual Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival (WEWA) features a fun-filled day designed to celebrate wildlife art and the great outdoors.
Presented by the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts, the festivities are from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday on the banks of the Coosa River in downtown Wetumpka.
“The Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival has quickly become one of the state’s top events dedicated to outdoor recreation and conservation,” said Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association founder Thomas Harris, whose family partnered with The Kelly and the City of Wetumpka to create WEWA. “This year’s schedule of events is nothing short of spectacular, and we hope people will take part in this event designed to showcase Wetumpka and offer a day of family fun.”
This year’s program features cooking demonstrations by James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Chris Hastings, animal exhibitions by the Alabama Wildlife Federation, “build your own wood duck box” provided by Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, sporting dogs demonstrations by Wildrose Kennels, and DockDogs, a high-flying canine competition.
DockDogs, a new attraction at this year’s festival, begins Friday and concludes Saturday. It features three competitions:
• Big Air – the first sport of DockDogs and the most popular, this is the long jump of canine aquatics.
• Extreme Vertical – introduced in 2005, it is considered the high jump of canine aquatics.
• Speed Retrieve – launched in 2008, this is a timed sport involving the combination of run, jump, swim and retrieve.
A talented group of well-known artists and artisans will join WEWA to show off and sell their work. In addition, The Kelly will showcase the talent of both local and regional artists. This year a juried fine art competition was held and the winning entries are on display.
“We are so pleased to welcome nationally known wildlife artists from around the Southeast and are especially excited to have Dirk Walker, Sue Key, Jeanie Edwards and Bucky Bowles present during the festival,” The Kelly executive director Jennifer Eifert said.
Food vendors, musical entertainment ,children’s activities and even Zoo animals painting will round out the festivities.
“We are so honored and pleased to partner with The Kelly and be a small part of the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival,” ALBBAA director Pam Swanner said. “Last year’s inaugural event was amazing, and we expect this year to be bigger, better and more enjoyable for everyone who comes to downtown Wetumpka for this year’s festival.”
cyber security to combat the problems associated with stealing data and more from the ever changing landscape of technology.
Colby Faust is a product of Holtville High School and an IT class helped land him a job in networking after high school. Now he is at ECTC after 12 years in the industry helping secure medical records for hospitals to teach the next generation. The cybersecurity student is in his first year at ECTC after joining the information technology program.
“The goal of this is to find out if they really want to get into the field,” Faust said. “They also get some things to protect themselves in the long run to help protect their social media accounts and their personal information if they get hacked.”
Faust said the basic idea behind cybersecurity is to keep information secure. He said the infrastructure has changed over the last decade from information being stored locally to the cloud. But students can’t just start learning about cybersecurity.
“We are giving them a background in IT,” Faust said. “They will be able to fix their own computer. It is needed to have an understanding of how networking and cybersecurity works.”
Faust is teaching the students the best practices to have a foundation to learn off of. Last week students were learning to terminate cables. It is a task that installs the phone-like connections to the end of network cable.
The patch cables created by the students won’t go to waste. Faust said they will be used around ECTC to connect computers to wall jacks and even in the technology closet. The entire campus serves as a lab for the class.
“All of the buildings here are connected,” Faust said. “We use it to teach what kind of cables are used and how to make it work.” Wetumpka junior Tyler Highland wanted to be Faust’s class after an experience at home.
“I helped my dad build my computer and got interested,” the junior said.
Romeo Seirio, a Wetumpka junior, saw the class as another entry into a field he was already interested in.
“My dad is in the IT field,” Seirio said. “I want to be in there as well, follow ing in his footsteps.”
Stanhope Elmore senior Deandrea Wise wanted to learn more about computers and networks.
“I have always been fascinated with them,” she said. “I have learned how to terminate cables. I have learned
Wise is not yet confident enough to work on her own computer. But Faust said she will by the end of the class. Many of the students will get certifications allowing easier entry into the IT field as well.
First-year students complete an IT Fundamentals Pro Certification through Test Out/Comptia. Then second and third year students finish Network Pro and Security Pro.
Faust said some students in the class have already tested out on the fundamentals and will soon be testing for more certifications.
“These certifications look good on applications,” Faust said. “Some colleges are honoring it for an entire credit. If they are going into the IT field, it helps them to get more certifications especially in high school.”
Faust said the future is bright for the students who complete the cybersecurity program.
“It is such a broad field, it changes everyday,” Faust said. “We are trying to get them ready. There are so many jobs out there from network engineers, application technicians, banks, hospitals and at the Air Force base through contracts. A lot of it is network security. You are dealing with attacks from whoever and wherever.”
Continued from A1
friend.
“Percy had been after me for years to run,” Tucker said. “After my mother passed, Percy came and said ‘I know now is not the time, but we need to talk.’ I didn’t know six months later he would be gone.”
Gill died following a stroke in March 2019. Tucker said she prayed about running for the council.
“I’m glad I heeded Percy’s call,” Tucker said.
The idea of the splash pad can fully be credited to Gill. Winfred Wise said during discussions about renovating the teacher’s home as part of the Elmore County Black History Museum Gill made his pitch. Shortly after the idea was presented to the Wetumpka City Council.
Willis said Gill and Ron Dickerson took it upon themselves to make sure the design for the splash pad met the requirements for Wetumpka.
“[They traveled to] communities all across Alabama looking at splash pads trying to figure out what Wetumpka needed to best serve the entire community,” Willis said. “That got the wheels turning for this.”
The splash pad is small and takes up a small part of the 175 acre complex that houses the Elmore County Black History Museum and the Wetumpka Sports Complex. Willis said nearly $35 million has been spent and more is on the way when funding
becomes available. Reed said through the years in the fraternity and political trail Gill shared his passion for Wetumpka and making it a better place.
“The Splash Pad matches Percy’s personality being about young people and the next generation,” Reed said. “It unites. Kids and young people don’t see some things that divide us. They see the fun and best of one another.”
The splash pad opened over the summer. Willis said the city is trying to determine the best way to manage it for everyone’s enjoyment. But all agreed those who used it enjoyed it and the time with one another. Tucker said everyone had a great time.
“When it opened this summer you saw all walks of life out here,” Tucker said. “It was Black, white, brown, whatever. Everyone was here. The kids were having a good time, the adults as well. Everyone interacted well. We didn’t have an issue, no problem. Everyone came up and had fun. It was a coming together.”
The investment may have been smaller than some of the other projects the city has done, but Tucker believes the splash pad has more meaning to the entire community. Dedicating the splash pad to Gill whose idea it was in the first place is just icing on the cake.
“It means a lot,” Tucker said. “Percy was all about the community and all about the kids. It means so much that we were able to dedicate this splash pad in his memory. Words can not explain it.”
SPLASH
SUBMITTED | THE HERALD
DockDogs will take centerstage at this weekend’s Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival.
A bear with a missing ear
God used something as simple as a sticker of a teddy bear with a missing ear as an ongoing visual power tool to not only help me, but to help the students I used to work with.
One day, a student was trying to share a sticker with me and was a bit disappointed when he tore it, but he still enjoyed placing it on the back of my school employee name badge that hung from my lanyard. It actually became a positive reinforcement visual, and the following paragraph
is the non-edited text I used with a photo when I posted this story on Facebook several years ago.
“This bear with a missing ear was a powerful devotional tool for our students, and it’s a sticker that a student placed on my work badge. I
still like to wear it, because of the message I see each time I look down at it. Yesterday, a student was telling me how others make fun of her, another one told me she gets called ‘fat’. I told them how many times I’ve been made fun of because I stutter, and that last year a store employee mocked me when I was trying to ask him something. I said to them, ‘This bear with the missing ear reminds me daily to not listen to the ugly, rude, and hurtful words that others say, and to use the other to hear
what Jesus says about me and to the good things around me. We can choose to not let it go deep into our thinking and that we can also choose the words that come out of our mouths. We can’t help sometimes what comes into our minds, but we DO get to choose what comes out of our lips. I really love the perfect opportunity to get to share with my babies the message God gave me that day the boy put that torn sticker on my badge. One of the girls told me “What Jesus says about me” when I asked
Church Briefs
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.
Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ETUMC’s Rivers Edge
Flea Market is now closed.
The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blan-
kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the
church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in
Worship With Us
her did she remember why I wear the torn bear, and it was ‘spot on’ correct! I hope this helps you, too!”
Let’s choose wisely the words we say, because we all know the pain of being on the receiving end of harmful words! Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you!”
Melinda Blair is a regular columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC
Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
HARMONY
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Holtville hosts Headland in first round
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
For just the second time since 1993, the Holtville football team is hosting a first round playoff game.
Holtville, the No. 2 seed out of AHSAA Class 5A, Region 3, is playing host to Headland, the No. 3 seed out of Region 2. Headland enters the first round with a 8-2 overall record with its
only two losses coming to the No. 1 and No. 2 seed, Eufaula and Charles Henderson, in the regular season.
Holtville enters the game with a 7-3 record and is coming off a massive win over Tallassee last week where the Bulldogs played their most complete game.
“I’m very pleased with where we are right now,” Holtville coach Jason Franklin said. “We played probably our best game
last week, especially offensively. We were efficient all the way around and we even got some points out of special teams with a blocked punt.” Headland will enter the game as one of the most athletic teams that Holtville has faced this year. The Rams run a twoquarterback system where both can run the ball effectively.
three-star receiver committed to Mississippi State.
WETUMPKA FACES TOUGH HELENA DEFENSE IN FIRST ROUND
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
When Wetumpka takes centerstage for its first round playoff matchup Thursday night, the Indians will face one of the state’s best defenses in the Helena Huskies.
Helena plays host to Wetumpka in the AHSAA Class 6A playoffs. The Huskies (8-2) finished as the No. 2 seed in Region 3 after their undefeated season came to an end to Benjamin Russell in their final region game.
Helena’s success rides on the defense as the Huskies allow only 15 points per game. That number is a little skewed because of a 44-0 loss to Vestavia Hills last week, as Helena didn’t allow over 20 points in any game the rest of the entire season.
“Football games are won at the line of scrimmage, and that’s exactly where they’ve been able to win this year,” Wetumpka coach Bear Woods said.
“Their front seven is fast and physical and they play assignment football. That’s what it’s been for them. They’re consistent at doing it and that’s why they’ve had such a successful football season.”
Helena’s front seven is led by quite the talented linebacker duo.
Nate Thomason is the team’s top linebacker, and he’s a three-star recruit
that is currently committed to play at Memphis. The team’s other star linebacker is Joseph Roberto, and he has impressed Woods with his ability to win at the line of scrimmage.
Roberto transferred into Helena this year from IMG Academy.
“Roberto really stands out to me,” Woods said.
“In many ways, it’s almost copy and paste from last week’s game against Central Clay County. We’re going to see the same thing in Helena where their front seven is going to try and stall out our offense.”
Wetumpka ended its regular season with a 5-5 overall record, but their level of play does not equate to their record. The Indians have played three region champions this season in Benjamin Russell (6A, Region 3), Pike Road (6A, Region 2), Central Clay (5A, Region 4), and plenty of other talented squads.
The Indians faced Baker, a top 10 Class 7A team led by two SEC talents on offense with only two losses on the season. Wetumpka’s five losses came to very talented teams, all of which are hosting playoff games this week.
The combined record of those five teams is 41-9.
“My message to our guys is that our season has been a season of adversity, and part of that is because of the caliber of opponents we have played this sea-
son,” Woods said. “Those games have prepared us for what is now a one-game season. We have fought our tails off to be in this position. We had to fight to get here, and now we have a ticket to the dance.
On Thursday night, we’re going to show up and play our best football.”
Going up against the Helena front seven will be a Wetumpka offense that has been hit or miss this season. The Indians are averaging 27 points per game. They’ve scored less than 20 five times, all five losses, while they’ve scored 34 or more points in four other games.
The offense is led by quarterback Nate Rogers, who has rushed for over 100 yards in every game except for one this year.
Wetumpka’s offense was held to only seven points last week, which is tied for the season low with the loss to Montgomery Carver three games ago.
This week, even against a tough defense, Woods wants to see some more consistency.
“We want to see the ability of consistency in every play,” Woods said. “There’s a lot that the untrained eye can’t see or tell, but we need all 11 guys to do their job consistently. My message to Nate every week is that the plays are going to come. Don’t rush anything. We just have to line up and be consistent and have all 11 guys do their job.”
Elmore County’s Mann earns fastest sectionals time
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There was no one in the county faster than Frankie Mann last week.
Mann, participating in the AHSAA Class 5A, Section 1 championship at Gateway Park in Montgomery, had a stellar day as he raced in the cold.
Mann braved the cold better than anyone else out of the entirety of the county racing in their respective sectionals as Mann finished with a time of 17:16.63 which landed him fourth place in the 5A meet.
While Elmore County did not place as a team, his finish landed him an individual qualifier for the state championship this week. The top six individual qualifiers not on a qualified team advance to the state championship. For his impressive time and placement, Mann has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week.
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Wetumpka quarterback Nate Rogers
PICK’EMS
CLASS 7A
4 Davidson (5-5) at Central-Phenix City (9-0)
4 Auburn (8-2) at Baker (8-2)
4 Dothan (8-2) at Mary Montgomery (10-0)
4 Daphne (6-4) at Enterprise (8-2)
4 Hoover (4-6) at James Clemens (7-3)
4 Bob Jones (5-5) at Hewitt-Trussville (7-3)
4 Florence (6-4) at Thompson (8-1),Thursday
4 Vestavia Hills (8-2) at Austin (8-2)
CLASS 6A
4 McAdory (6-4) at Saraland (10-0)
4 Briarwood (5-5) at Carver-Montgomery (7-3)
4 St. Paul’s (7-3)) at Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (10-0)
4 Wetumpka (5-5) at Helena (8-2),Thursday Sidney Lanier (5-5) at Benjamin Russell (8-2), Thursday
4 Theodore (7-3)) at Hueytown (7-3)
4 Homewood (6-4) at Pike Road (8-2)
4 Bessemer City (5-5) at Spanish Fort (8-2)
4 Jemison-Huntsville (3-7) at Parker (9-1), Thursday
4 Athens (8-2) at Oxford (8-2)
4 Gardendale (3-7) at Gadsden City (7-3)
4 Center Point (7-3) at Hartselle (8-2)
4 Pinson Valley (4-5) at Muscle Shoals (9-0)
4 Mortimer Jordan (8-2) at Fort Payne (6-4)
4 Cullman (5-5) at Clay-Chalkville (9-0)
4 Buckhorn (6-4) at Mountain Brook (7-3)
CLASS 5A
4 Beauregard (6-4) at Gulf Shores (10-0)
4 Marbury (2-8) at Charles Henderson (6-3)
Jaxson Williams is the lead quarterback, and he plays the dual role. He runs the ball more than he passes, and he has 613 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Through the air, he has 746 yards and seven more touchdowns.
While Williams can throw the ball well, the Rams usually use Easton Boutwell as their primary passing quarterback. He has 542 passing yards and five touchdowns.
“They’re very athletic at the quarterback position and they play a lot of different people at different positions,” Franklin said. “It can be tough to get a hang of what they’re doing. (Williams) reminds us of Cade Everson from Elmore County. He comes in and is more of a down-hill runner.”
When the Rams do pass the ball, they have quite the target to throw it to. Lining up at receiver is Caleb Dozier, a 6-foot-4 frame who is committed to play football at Mississippi State in the SEC. He is a three-star recruit who is a top 50 recruit in the state of Alabama. This year, Dozier is aver-
4 UMS-Wright (6-4) at Central-Clay Co. (10-0)
4 Headland (8-2) at Holtville (7-3)
4 Carroll-Ozark (4-6) at Demopolis (8-2), Thursday
4 B.C. Rain (7-3) at Valley (7-3)
4 Shelby Co. (2-8)) at Eufaula (7-3),Thursday
4 Elmore Co. (8-2) at Faith-Mobile (7-3)
4 West Point (5-5) at Ramsay (8-2),Thursday
4 Arab (7-2) at Leeds (8-2)
4 Fairfield (4-6) at Russellville (8-2)
4 Moody (8-2) at Scottsboro (8-2)
4 Springville (4-5) at Guntersville (8-1)
4 John Carroll (8-2) at Fairview (9-1)
4 Boaz (5-5) at Southside-Gadsden (8-2)
4 Lawrence Co. (6-4) at Pleasant Grove (81),Thursday
CLASS 4A
4 Cleburne Co. (4-6) at Jackson (9-0)
4 Sipsey Valley (6-4) at Andalusia (9-1)
4 St. Michael (6-4) at Handley (9-1)
4 BTW-Tuskegee (6-4) at American Chr. (8-2)
4 Montgomery Aca. (4-6) at Bibb Co. (9-1), Thursday
4 Bayside Aca. (8-2) at Jacksonville (8-2)
4 West Blocton (6-4) at Catholic-Montgomery (10-0)
4 Anniston (6-3) at T.R. Miller (7-3)
4 Priceville (4-6) at Dora (8-2)
4 Brooks (6-4) at Oneonta (7-2)
4 Oak Grove (5-4) at Westminster-Huntsville (8-2)
4 Fultondale (4-6) at Deshler (7-3),Thursday
aging nearly 20 yards per catch. He has recorded 36 catches for 619 yards, and seven of those catches have gone for touchdowns.
“Their receiver is a big, long target who is really tough to contend with and is going to present a challenge for our defense,” Franklin said.
The plus for Holtville is getting the game at home.
Holtville will suit up like any given Friday night and not have to worry about loading the bus and driving so many hours. And playing at home has fared well for Holtville this season.
The Bulldogs have lost only one game at home this year, a 28-21 loss to Elmore County two weeks ago. Other than that, Holtville is 3-0 and outscored its three opponents by a combined score of 10838. The closest win was a 21-0 win over Selma.
“This will be a really good crowd,” Franklin said.
“There’s going to be a holiday, so we are anticipating a big crowd. You don’t have to worry about forgetting anything, and you can keep a routine. We’re going to treat it like any other Friday and just keep our same routine. Everything will be the same for us. Everything is as normal as we can.”
4 Etowah (3-7) at West Morgan (10-0),Thursday
4 Corner (9-1) at Randolph (6-4)
4 Central-Florence (6-4) at Cherokee Co. (91),Thursday
4 North Jackson (4-6) at Haleyville (7-3)
CLASS 3A
4 Beulah (4-6) at Mobile Chr. (10-0)
4 Alabama Chr. (6-4) at Houston Aca. (9-1)
4 Flomaton (6-4) at Walter Wellborn (7-3)
4 Providence Chr. (5-5) at Trinity (9-1),Thursday
4 Opp (4-6) at St. James (8-2)
4 W.S. Neal (7-3) at Randolph Co. (8-1)
4 Southside-Selma (7-3) at Straughn (9-1)
4 Dadeville (4-3) at Thomasville (8-1)
4 Phil Campbell (4-6) at Gordo (9-1),Thursday
4 Susan Moore (6-4) at Geraldine (9-1)
4 Fayette Co. (6-4) at Lauderdale Co. (10-0)
4 Piedmont (4-6) at J.B. Pennington (8-2)
4 Hokes Bluff (5-5) at Madison Aca. (10-0)
4 Oakman (7-3) at Mars Hill Bible (9-1)
4 Vinemont (4-6) at Sylvania (8-2)
4 Colbert Co. (6-4) at Winfield (9-1),Thursday
CLASS 2A
4 Vincent (6-4) at Clarke Co. (5-5),Thursday
4 Goshen (8-2) at G.W. Long (7-3),Thursday
4 Washington Co. (4-6) at B.B. Comer (10-0)
4 Ariton (6-4) at Highland Home (9-1), Thursday
4 Wicksburg (5-5) at Reeltown (9-0)
4 Chickasaw (5-5) at Thorsby (8-2)
(1st) and Dominic Jones (2nd); and beat rival Wetumpka by four points for first place.
“Lots of school history was made today,” Stanhope Elmore coach McKenna Musgrove said. “The team just completely blew me away. I knew they had it in them and they have worked hard all season for this.”
The Jones twins finished within 0.2 seconds of each other as Tristen finished with a time of 17:48.70 while Dominic finished with a time of 17:48.90. Both 17:48 times were personal records for the twins.
Right behind them was Logan Barnes, who placed 5th with a time of 18:56.60, Emaunel Peralta (9th) with a time of 19:36.20 and Elliot Hansen (15th) with a time of 20:26.70. Those five runners rounded out the top five scores that qualified, while two more runners finished in the Top 21 runners. Taven Cox finished 19th with a
MANN Continued from B1
“Frankie did really well,” Elmore County coach Joseph Snelick said. “He set a new personal record by three seconds. It was a great day for him
4 Luverne (7-3) at Cottonwood (8-1)
4 Isabella (8-2) at St. Luke’s (6-4),Thursdau
4 Red Bay (6-4) at Tuscaloosa Aca. (8-2)
4 Collinsville (8-2) at Southeastern-Blount (6-3)
4 Lamar Co. (7-3) at Tanner (7-3),Thursday
4 Pleasant Valley (5-5) at Pisgah (9-1)
4 West End-Walnut Grove (5-5) at Fyffe (9-1)
4 Aliceville (5-5) at Lexington (6-4)
4 North Sand Mountain (5-5) at Locust Fork (10-0)
4 Hatton (7-3) at Sulligent (8-2),Thursday CLASS 1A
4 Calhoun (3-7) at Leroy (9-0)
4 Keith (6-4) at Georgiana (8-2)
4 Southern Choctaw (4-6) at Loachapoka (9-0),Thursday
4 Brantley (6-4)) at Linden (6-2)
4 Florala (7-3) at Sweet Water (8-1)
4 Choctaw Co. (4-3) at Maplesville (6-4)
4 University Charter (5-5) at Elba (10-0)
4 Notasulga (5-4) at Millry (8-2),Thursday
4 Shoals Chr. (5-5) at Lynn (9-1)
4 Coosa Chr. (4-5) at Spring Garden (8-2)
4 Marion Co. (5-5) at Hackleburg (9-1), Thursday
4 Ragland (6-4) at Valley Head (7-3)
4 Winterboro (5-5) at Decatur Heritage (9-1)
4 Pickens Co. (7-3) at Addison (8-2)
4 Cedar Bluff (5-5) at Wadley (9-1),Thursday
4 Meek (6-4) at South Lamar (7-3)
time of 20:57 while Graham Baker finished 21st with a time of 21:17.50.
On the girls side, Peterson won the race while four more girls finished within the Top 10. Joanie Patton finished seventh with a time of 24:59.70, Isabella Brown finished eighth with a time of 25:05.50, Jessie Paton finished ninth with a time of 25:36.80, and Juliana Peralta finished tenth with a time of 25:39.50.
“This is absolutely a good culmination of our season,” Musgrove said.
“This has been a hallmark season for our team and I am really excited to see how we can keep pushing.”
While Stanhope Elmore made school history multiple times in the race, Wetumpka also had quite the day on the track.
Both of Wetumpka’s teams placed in the Top 4 and qualified for state.
The boys team finished directly behind Stanhope at No. 2, as four of the Indians’ Top 5 runners finished in the Top 10.
Eli Holden was the top finisher with a third place finish and time of 17:58.20. Directly behind him
overall. His first mile was pretty fast, and he held on. Lucas (Drost) also qualified and he set a new personal record by 15 seconds.” Mann found himself just outside the podium in a very fast race in Montgomery. The winner of the race,
at No. 4 was Zachary Pierce with a time of 18:56.10.
Elexyndhir Smeland (7th) finished with a time of 19:22.80 and Bennett Williams (8th) finished with a time of 19:25.40.
On the girls side, Wetumpka finished third place while the top two runners for the Indians finished in fifth and sixth place.
Nyema Walker was the top runner and placed 24:45.90, while Alora Logan finished right behind her in sixth with a time of 23:49.60. Jessilyn Olvier (15th), Eva Gallander (20th) and Palyn Ellis (21st) rounded out the qualifiers.
“I was super proud of both the boys and girls,” Wetumpka coach Jessica Holbert said. “We had goals set out for this season and for the most part, as individuals, I think they met those goals. It wasn't exactly the finish we had hoped for, because we were defending, but it was a lot of pressure to finish first again. But I am very proud of the effort all the way from the bottom to the top."
Richard Lessman from Demopolis, finished nearly 30 seconds ahead of every other runner at 16:34.37. But as Mann and others battled the 40-degree weather that they weren’t used to, he finished only 13 seconds away from placing second overall.
Now he, along with teammate Drost who finished 11th overall with a time of 18:08.12, will head to Moulton this weekend to race in the 5A state championship at 10:10 a.m. at the Oakville Indians Mounds Park and Museum.
WEEK 1 MATCHUPS
AlaScans
Public Notices
gy
Public Notices
Public Notices
2000 GMC-Yukon XL for sale.$7000 or OBO. 3-seats, automatic corvette
REMOVAL IN CONFINED AREAS! •STUMP GRINDING! •GENERAL LIABILITY •WORKERS COMP WWW.BRIANSTREE.COM
SELLING a RV, Tractor or Golf Cart? ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call how easy it is to advertise statewide!
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 833-449-1307.
BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work… You reap the Rewards! Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 888-283-4780
LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America's Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534
EDUCATION ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).
HEALTH/BEAUTY
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.
ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 +FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828. FOR SALE
DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108
NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916.
UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from
Multiple Grounds Maintenance Workers needed for Rotolo Consultants, Inc.: Operate vehicles/powered equipment for landscaping/Lawncare; Use hand tools; Prune/trim trees, shrubs, or hedges; Gather/remove litter; Rake/mulch/compost leaves; Follow landscape designs; Use garden tools. Haul/spread topsoil/pine straw; Create forms, mix/pour cement for garden borders, and bulkheads. Monitor/adjust water consumption using irrigation methods; Monitor/maintain seasonal irrigation systems; Install rock gardens, ponds, decks, drainage systems, irrigation systems, retaining walls, fences, planters, or playground equipment. 3 mos. exp req’d. Work in Alexander City, AL Contact at ljurado@rotoloconsultants.com.
p home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165. Ask about our specials!
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005
GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-877-323-5516
Safe Step. North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-871-6175
METAL ROOFS Completely Installed $4750* Siding/ Windows 40% Off. LIMITED TIME. Factory Warranty. Free Estimates Credit cards accepted. SR/Military discounts *1500 sq ft CALL NOW !! 800-664-4856
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we're waiving all installation costs! to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 12/31/23 Call 1-877-205-0836
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material - steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833-955-3163 AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT THE BLIND!
Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342. AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943
Public Notices
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Ronald Russell v. Sheryl Boyd, Mellonie Russell, Sarah Ross, Mary Ambers, William Thrasher, Clyde Harris, Aaron Thrasher, Tyron Thrasher, Jermiah Harris, Lee Patrick Harris, Timothy Harris, and all Heirs of Eli Nolen, and any person or entities claiming any present, future, contingent, remainder, reversion, or other interest in the property described as: The N1/2 of SE1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 34 & The N1/2 of SW1/4 of NW1/2 of Section 35 all in T 20 R19 Elmore County, Alabama DEFENDANTS. Said complaint is to determine the rights and interest of the parties and to divide said property accordingly. CASE NO.: CV 2022900231.00 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
The Defendants and all other persons claiming any present, future, contingent, remainder, reversion or other in said landtiff’s Complaint for Declaratory Judgment and to Quiet Title and other relief by the 20th day of counsel and the Circuit Clerk or thereafter, a judgment by Default may be rendered against all Defendants in Case No CV 2022-900231.00 in the Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama.
Jesse C. Heifner Attorney for the Plaintiff 1 Commerce St Ste 600 Montgomery, AL 36117 com
Wetumpka Hearld: Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023 2022-900231.00
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Elmore County Board of Education has placed the Millbrook Middle School Fencing project Bid # 24-003 on hold for the foreseeable future.
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 8, 2023 24-003
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed on July 27, 2015 by Jodi Kitchens and Travis Kitchens, wife and husband, originally in favor of
Mortgage Electronic Registra-Bank, and recorded in RLPY Book 2015 at Page 36616 on of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, and secured indebtedness having been transferred to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. 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 December 13, 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 8 of Savannah Place Plat No. 2, as said Plat appears of of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 15 at Page 77. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 139 Abercorn Dr, Deatsville, AL 36022. 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 the 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.
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., and its successors and assigns Mortgagee or Transferee LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP 1878 Jeff Rd. NW, Suite “I” Huntsville, AL 35806 704-333-8107/ 23-022691
Attorneys for Mortgagee or Transferee
Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023
219592
PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Webb Builders, Inc. Contractor has completed the Contract for Equipment HVAC renovations for Wetumpka Elementary School- Wetumpka, Alabama at Wetumpka, AL for the State of Alabama and the County of Elmore, Owners andtlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Morris Engineering, LLC
Webb Buliders, Inc. PO Drawer 608 Millbrook, AL 36054
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 22, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Liberty Construction Co., LLC., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Construction of Bleacher Relocation and Concrete Pad for Redland Middle School, Owner, and have made said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with the project should immediately notify Goodwyn Mills and Cawood – 2660 Eastchase Lane, Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36117
Liberty Construction Co., LLC
(contractor) 791-A Anderson Road, Montgomery, AL 36110
(business address)
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2023
COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE
WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from TELLY ELLIS MARRIED MAN AND LAVON WILLIAMS HUSBAND AND WIFE to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE FOR MORTGAGE RESEARCH CENTER, LLC DBA VETERANS UNITED HOME LOANS, on the 26th day of March, 2014, said mortgage recorded in the April 8, 2014, in Deed/Mortgage
y for First Liberty Financial Group LLC, on January 14, 2008, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County,
Services, LLC, as Mortgagee/ of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell atder for cash in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alduring the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest real estate, situated in Elmore THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE NORTH HALF OF LOT 10, GREEN ACRES SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED IN
NORTH 0 DEGREES 11 MINUTES 00 SECONDS WEST, ALONG THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY OF MEADOW LANE, 50 FOOT R.O.W. AND THE WEST LINE OF LOTS 10 AND RIGHT OF WAY, SOUTH 68 SECONDS EAST THROUGH SECONDS EAST, THROUGH -
THENCE SOUTH 0 DEGREES 11 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST ALONG THE EAST LINE OF LOT 8 AND THROUGH LOT 10, 285.68 FEET TO AN IRONONDS WEST, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NORTHNING. THE ABOVE DESCRIBED
ACRES SUBDIVISION AS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
MORE OR LESS.
controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 105 Meadow Ln, Deatsville, AL -
sons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumexist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.ed to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.
ject to any easements, enthose contained in the records-
tion of all parties entitled thereto ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or sale is made for the purposeas the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee repurchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the inpostponement or cancellation.
Mortgagee/Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT
Mortgagee/Transferee
28 rlselaw.com/property-listing
219936 PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Illya D. Bogan and Vicki Bogan, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee
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. MidFirst Bank,
23-02147
PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Alexander Sealcoating & Striping, Inc. Construction of Wetumpka Middle School Access at Wetumpka Middle School Wetumpka, AL for the state of Alabama and the City of Wetumpka, Owner(s), settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Pilgreen and Bostick Engineering, Inc. 10270 Highway 80 East, Montgomery AL 36117 P.O. Box 211032 Montgomery, AL 36121
Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 2023 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NORA B. BAILS, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-271 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to GLEN NOLAN BAILS as Personal Representative on the 19th day of October, 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. GLEN NOLAN BAILS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF NORA B. BAILS, DECEASED.
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, not in its individual or banking capacity, but solely as Trustee on behalf of the Lake Country Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-HE1 by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2020, County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, not in its individual or banking capacity, but solely as Trustee on behalf of the Lake Country Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-HE1under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 28th day of November, 2023 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, RUN WEST ALONG THE QUARTER SECTION LINE 719.52 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH PARALLEL TO THE EAST QUARTER SECTION LINE 210 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE LAST NAMED COURSE 120 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 156 AT PAGE 29; THENCE RUN WEST 980 FEET MORE OR LESS TO THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY OF CRENSHAW ROAD (60 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY) THENCE RUN SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY 130 FEET MORE OR LESS TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN DEED ROLL 63 FRAME 01923; THENCE RUN EASTERLY ALONG NORTH LINE THEREOF 301.5 FEET; THENCE RUN SOUTH 1 DEGREE 30 MINUTES EAST 70 FEET; THENCE RUN EAST 525 FEET AND ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF MILTON PROPERTY AND OTHERS 525 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 2 ACRES MORE OR LESS.
Said property is commonly known as 1308 Crenshaw Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092.
the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL OR BANKING CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE LAKE COUNTRY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-HE1 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. 9274720 www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 2023 9274720 PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CITY OF WETUMPKA STREET IMPROVEMENTS EAST COOSA STREET TO COTTON STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA
The city clerk of the City of Wetumpka will receive bids for City of Wetumpka Street Improvements East Coosa Street at Cotton Street, Wetumpka, Alabama, until November 16 2023, at 1:00 PM, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the City Council Chambers, City of Wetumpka, Alabama, 408 South Main Street, Wetumpka, Alabama
5% of bid (maximum-$10,000) made payable to the City of Wetumpka must accompany each bid as evidence of good faith. The right to reject any or all bids is reserved.
Public Notices
The Project will include: Asphalt & sidewalk removal, new curb & gutter, sidewalk, storm drain & inlet structures, full depth asphalt and asphalt overlay on East Coosa Street and Cotton Street NOTE: All item bids are complete in place. The Contract documents consisting of the Advertisement foreral Conditions, Supplementaltice of Award, Notice to Proceed, Drawings, Plans, Specassociated documents may be at 535 Herron Street, Montgomthe City Engineer, City of Wetumpka. Copies of the Contract Documents may be obtained
535 Herron Street, Montgomery, Alabama upon payment of $ 150.00 for each set. Upon returning the Contract Documents promptly and in good condition following the bid, $ 75.00 will be All bidders must comply with the requirements of the Contracthe type of work for which a proposal is submitted. that he must provide the information necessary to show evidence of license before an award is made.
The Contractor may include the following information with his bid: Name of Company, Address of Company, Telephone Number of Company, Company Contact Person, Contractor’sing Agency (State and Expira-The City of Wetumpka is re-son-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, § 31-13-1 et seq. of Code of Alabama 1975 (Act No. 2011-535), subsequently all bidders are re-davit stating they are enrolled in the E-Verify Program with their sealed bid proposals (form will be included in the project spec-
No bidder may withdraw his bid within 30 days after the actual date of the opening thereof. The successful bidder will be allowed 150 days to complete this project. The City of Wetumpka, in acCivil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252.42 U.S.C.2000D to 2000D4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A. Of-
Nondiscrimination in Federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant to such act, here-
contract entered into this advertisement, minority business enterprises will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in consideration for an award. The right to reject any or all bids is reserved.
Mayor Jerry Willis 408 South Main Street
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 2023 BIDS
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM JACK DEMPSEY, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2023-118 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: PAMELA RENEA DEMPSEY, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on April 28, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of WILLIAM JACK DEMPSEY,bate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by DAMEAUGHN DEAUGHN DEMPSEY, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of WILLIAM JACK DEMPSEY or as an interested party. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: RODERICK B. PERDUE ATTORNEY AT LAW 2033 HOLTVILLE ROAD WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-7373
Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023 EST/DEMPSEY, W.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
ELMORE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL FENCING BID # 24-002
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR FENCING SYSTEM INSTALLATION AT ELMORE COUNTY HIGHSCHOOL, LOCATED AT 155 NORTH COLLEGE AVENUE| ECLECTIC, AL 36024, FOR THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, WETUMPKA, ALABAMA.
Sealed proposals will be received at the Elmore County Board of Education, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama, opened and read aloud in the Maintenance Building Conference Room on Friday November 17th, at 10:00 AM. This project shall be bid excluding taxes. The bids must be submitted on company letterhead and the company name, bid number, and proof of insurance are to be posted on the outside of the bid envelope.
**This is required for the bid to be accepted and opened** No bid may be withdrawn after scheduled closing for receipt of bids for a period of sixty (60) days. Five percent (5%) retainage will be held on the estimated amount of work done and the value of materials stored on the site or suitably stored and insured off-site shall be held until all work, and completion of work advertisements for 4 consecutive weeks are made in the local county newspaper. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors ($50,000.00) must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975. The Bidder must display current General Contractor’s License Number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered or it will not be considered by the Owner. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owners judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.
Bid Bond payable to The Elmore County Board of Education in an amount not less than of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00 must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and statutory labor and material payment bonds will be required at the signing of the Contract. The Contractor is responsible to provide a portable toilet for his employees to use for the duration of this project. All contractors bidding this project are encouraged to visit the sites and examine all existing conditions prior to submitting their proposal. All bidders shall have general liability insurance of no less than $500,000.00, and a current business license. The project shall be bid excluding taxes.
Supervision: Contractor to ensure proper supervision of all work at each site. Questions may be directed to Kenneth Garner work - 334567-1420 Ext. 22007, mobile –334-530-3956, ken.garner@ elmoreco.com or Mike Czerpak work – 334-567-1420 Ext. 22003, mobile 334-391-3029, mike.czerpak@elmoreco.com.
Please see the RFP project on the ECBOE website under the “BIDS” tab. www.elmoreco. com
Owner: Mr. Richard Dennis, Superintendent, Elmore County Public Schools 100 H.H. Robison Drive Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 Phone: (334) 567-1200.
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 2023
BIDS 24-002 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RODNEY HARRINGTON FINCH, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-243 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of RODNEY HARRINGTON FINCH, deceased, having been granted to HUGH HARDIN FINCH on October 26, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. HUGH HARDIN FINCH
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF RODNEY HARRINGTON FINCH, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: WILLIAM FIELDS ATTORNEY AT LAW 645 WILDWOOD COURT BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35209 334-531-4936
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 2023
EST/FINCH R.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN BUYCK HOLLYFIELD, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-273 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having
Public Notices g been granted to RONCHETTA C.RICHARDSON as Personal Representative on the 24th day of October, 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.
RONCHETTA C. RICHARDSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN BUYCK HOLLYFIELD, 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: Nov. 1, 8 and 15, 2023
EST/HOLLYFIELD, H.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY BRYANT HUDSON, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-272 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to WANDA FAYE ROWE and JAMES BRYANT as Co-Executors on the day 19th day of October, 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.
WANDA FAYE ROWE & JAMES BRYANT
CO-EXECUTORS OF THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY BRYANT HUDSON, 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: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023
EST/HUDSON, D. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SYLVIA A.MULDER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-182 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of SYLVIA A. MULDER, deceased, having been granted to JULIE MULDER GOLDEN on November 1, 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.
JULIE MULDER GOLDEN
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF SYLVIA A. MULDER, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: LINDA BENSON ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 780818 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-5800
Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 8, 15 and 22, 2023
EST/MULDER, S.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2023-181 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THERESA D. PARKER, DECEASED
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of THERESA D. PARKER, deceased, having been granted to DEMETRUIA L. PARKER on the 19th day of October, 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.
DEMETRUIA L. PARKER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF THERESA D. PARKER, DECEASED Address of Personal Representative: Demetruia L. Parker 3405 Alabama Highway 143 Elmore, Alabama 36025
Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023
EST/PARKER, T. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID GLENN SAFFOLD, CASE NO: 2023-274
DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DAVID GLENN SAFFOLD, deceased, having been granted to CINDY SAFFOLD on October 20, 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,
Public Notices
gq within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
CINDY SAFFOLD, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID GLENN SAFFOLD, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ANGELA J. HILL ATTORNEY AT LAW P O BOX 1945 ALEXANDER CITY. ALABAMA 35011 256-329-1441 angie@ajhill-law.com
Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023 EST/SAFFOLD, D.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRED P. STODDARD, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2023-264 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE
TO: JENNIFER STODDARD, A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND A NEXT OF KIN OF FRED P. STODDARD; AND TO: LaVAUGHN P. STODDARD, FREDRICK DWAYNE STODDARD AND AMY STODDARD CLARK, NEXT OF KIN OF FRED P. STODDARD; AND TO: ANY INTERESTED PARTY AND ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF FRED P. STODDARD, DECEASED YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on October 11, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of FRED P. STODthe Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by FELICIA ANN STODDARD, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of FRED P. STODDARD.ing on such Petition has been scheduled for December 5, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at which time you may appear and contest such Petition. Such hearing will be held at the Probate Court located at 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama at such date and time. JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: MICHAEL S. HARPER ATTORNEY AT LAW 213 BARNETT BLVD PO BOX 780608 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-6855
Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023 EST/STODDARD, F. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN TERRY WADSWORTH, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-258 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration over the Estate of JOHN TERRY WADSWORTH, deceased, having been granted to GERALD A.DANIEL, JR. on October 16, 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. GERALD A. DANIEL, JR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN TERRY WADSWORTH, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: 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: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023 EST/WADSWORTH J.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated September 15, 2022 executed by Luke Clark Oliver an unmarried person, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as a nominee for Trustmark National Bank, said Mortgage being recorded September 20, 2022,
THIS
EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE
WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO.
Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.
This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage.
Trustmark National Bank Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205)298-1800 40-FC-23-01261
Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023 FC/OLIVER
Panthers head to Mobile for first round
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County hits the road on Friday for one of the toughest playoff matchups across the state.
The Panthers, who finished the season 8-2 for the first time since 2008, are traveling to Faith Academy for the first round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs.
Faith Academy, (7-3) is one of the top football teams in all of Class 5A. The Rams have been ranked in the Alabama Sports Writers Association Top 10 in 5A for much of the season. They finished last year in the semifinals, and look to have a solid team with a chance to do so again.
“They’re a very, very good team,” Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell said. “They return a lot of experience from that run last year, and they have a lot of skill players. They remind me a lot of Valley with how fast and aggressive they are.”
Faith Academy does everything well on offense, much like most teams that reach the playoffs do, but its strength is in the run game. The Rams have a three-headed monster in the backfield of Jaeden Simmons, Tyrell Dotson and Edwin King who all run the football with success.
Simmons is the most efficient with 509 rushing yards, but all three running backs have more than 250 yards and four touchdowns on the year.
“They like to run the ball and they want to run the ball, but they also have a really good receiver who has a lot of offers and is a really good player,” Caldwell said. “We definitely have to play well.”
Faith Academy’s best receiver is Tynean Goodwill, and he stands at 6-foot-2. He has a few offers such as South Alabama, Troy, UAB and others, and he makes plays nonstop for the Rams’ passing attack. Currently, he has 32 catches for 604 yards and six touchdowns. Nobody else on the team has over 13 catches.
On the flip side of that, since the Valley game, Elmore County’s defense has been stellar.
Against Holtville two weeks ago, the Panthers gave up only two defensive touchdowns, one of which came on a drive that started within the Panthers’ 30-yard line. Against Jemison, Elmore County gave up only a garbage time touchdown in the blowout win.
“Our defense has definitely gotten better,” Caldwell said. “We’ve worked on details and started lining up in the right places and we’re making plays 1-on-1 when we have to. At this point, it’s win or go home so we have to play our best football.”
Elmore County’s offense will also look to do what it’s done all year - run the football and control the clock. Elmore County has four players with more than over 200 rushing yards on the season. CJ Wilkes (535 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Cade Everson (540 yards, 12 touchdowns) get the most reps back there, but Jabari Murphy also has over 300 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Everson and Murphy will also split out wide and serve as receivers when needed, but Elmore County will look to continue their success on offense that’s led to a 40 points per game average this year.
“We definitely want to be able to make sure they guard the whole field if we need that with Jabari and Cade on the outside and letting CJ handle the run game,” Caldwell said. “But we’ll take what they give us and hopefully we just play mistake-free with no turnovers and no pre-snap penalties so we can stay ahead of the chains. We’re seasoned too. We had a lot of guys play in the playoffs too. The kids are excited.”
FRESH FOOD COMES TO DOWNTOWN ECLECTIC
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It doesn’t take long to realize Little Rippy’s Fresh and Tasty is a little different.
The eatery and gift shop is behind two roll-up garage doors and porch right in downtown Eclectic serving up fresh food with love. The menu is simple with salads, sandwiches and paninis. There is a gift shop complete with trinkets, wreaths and books for Bible devotionals. Freshly constructed, it is another vision come to life for Marie Rippy, owner of Original Grace Boutique (OGB).
“We just want to love on everyone,” Rippy said. “We wanted a place where people could come sit down and talk and get fresh food. If the weather is good the rollup doors are usually open. After school the kids just pile in here. It’s awesome. It is exactly what we wanted.”
Little Rippy’s first opened for the Cotton Festival and it has been a hit with plenty of repeat customers.
“We have people who have already come in five or more times,” Rippy said. “They are eating it all. Within a day or two people were wanting more. We had planned to wait a few weeks. So I put the easiest things I had already picked out to do on the menu.”
Favorites are already the strawberry spinach salad, chicken salad and Blue Bell ice cream.
Rippy isn’t sure if her place would have come to life in downtown Eclectic if it weren’t for property owner Clyde Williams. Rippy was already renting the building OGB is in for nine years from Williams when they struck up a conversation. Rippy shared her vision and Williams said he would build it.
“It is good to see small downtowns like this stay alive,” Williams said. “That is what I have been trying to do since I retired. I have like
TOP: Little Rippy’s is in a newly constructed building just south of the traffic light on Highway 63 in downtown Eclectic.The business is owned by Marie Rippy, owner of Original Grace Boutique also in downtown Eclectic. ABOVE: Little Rippy’s in downtown Eclectic has opened. It has food such as salads and sandwiches and is also the location of the gift items once found in Original Grace Boutique.
five buildings here. I do it more to help the town than to make money.”
Rippy put sweat equity into the building with Williams. They finished the floors. The interior design is Rippy’s idea built by Williams and contractors.
“I think she will do really well here,” Williams said.
“It took a lot longer than we thought it would. She is real creative.”
Rippy said Williams also wanted to see a diner of some sort in downtown similar to what his father had as a kid.
Maybe it’s Williams reliving his childhood memories.
“He did this so he could have ice cream all the time,” Rippy said. “He is in almost everyday. It has been for his vanilla ice cream, maybe the conversation.”
Hours are mostly centered around lunch. Little Rippy’s is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Rippy plans to add paninis and flatbread pizzas to the menu. She said the eatery won’t add fryers or anything of the like because of one of the reasons behind the vision of Little Rippy’s 10 a.m. discussions with her employees at OGB.
“There is not much in town that is fresh,” Rippy said.
“Everyday we were like what is for lunch. We were putting on weight. We wanted sandwiches and salads. We wanted something more healthy.
The whole point was to have something fresh. Something that wasn’t going to set heavy.”
Rippy said Williams is a great landlord and wants to see Eclectic thrive like her.
“I wanted to bring an aspect of gathering to the town,” Rippy said. “Everyone that has come in has said it is a comfortable hangout. That was the goal. It is somewhere we can connect to each other. It has been amazing.”
Elmore County’s Jabari Murphy (8) will be used both as a receiver and running back against Faith Academy in the first round of the playoffs. Murphy has scored nine touchdowns this year.