Wetumpka man arrested for shooting black bear
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Videos of a black bear in Wallsboro just north of Wetumpka have been making the rounds for several days. But now, the bear is dead and a Wetumpka man is in jail.
Michael Cole Watkins, 32, of Wetumpka was arrested by Elmore County sheriff deputies Thursday morning for
shooting the bear after law enforcement secured the carcass of a black bear. Watkins was charged with hunting after dark and hunting during a closed season, according to Elmore County Jail records. Matt Weather, the chief of
enforcement with the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is hopeful this incident highlights the regulations that protect bears in Alabama.
“Hopefully this arrest will send a message and deter future wildlife regulation
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It’s been two years since Dallas Barnes has walked. The now 11 year old is comfortable getting around his home and school in a motorized wheelchair, but that only goes so far.
like this was shot and killed in the Wallsboro community of Elmore County this week.
“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
GUILTY: GOLD E. LOCKS CONVICTED
OF PORRIDGE THEFT, ESCAPES ELMORE COUNTY COURTROOM
See CHAMBER, Page A3
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Ajury of Elmore County second graders took no time to convict Gold E. Locks of porridge theft in the courtroom of Circuit Court
Judge Bill Lewis. But before Lewis could levy a sentence on the friend of Baby Bear, Locks escaped, followed by an Elmore County bailiff to the chants of “Guilty.”
“We started this when I first got on the bench,” Lewis said.
“I figured this was a really good way to introduce kids to the court system.”
Lewis summoned the services of Wetumpka High School students to play the roles of defense attorney and prosecutor. Even Lewis’ sister and Elmore County Commissioner Desirae Lewis Jackson played a defense attorney for the mock trial.
ing and went for a walk as it cooled. When they returned they found Babe E. Bear’s porridge missing and beds slept in. They saw Gold E. Locks run from the house.
Babe E. Bear took the stand after being called by Jackson. She admitted to visiting with Gold E. Locks the night before the alleged porridge theft.
“I knocked her window out with a ball,” Babe E. Bear said.
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
After a recent family trip to New Orleans, Dallas wants to get around more.
“There is a lot of stuff I would like to see — Statue
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
The jury was easily swayed by Mom E. Bear and Pop E. Bear but discounted the testimony of Locks’ friend Babe E. Bear. Little did the students know, the Bears and Locks were administrators from their school.
Staff Report
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
While the trial and escape were all fake, the lesson was all real. Lewis has been hosting Law Day at the Elmore County Judicial Complex since 2017.
(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
“It helps us get involved with children at every level,” Lewis said. “We have actors from Wetumpka High School. We have the administrators playing the role of the Bears and Gold E. Locks. When they pull off the hats, those kids realize it could be anyone in these shoes.”
Babe went on to say she would share her porridge with Gold E. Locks as part of repayment.
Gold E. Locks took the stand in her own defense. She said she went to the Bears’ home to get her payment for the damage done to the home the night before.
(of) Liberty,” Dallas said. Dallas has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It primarily affects males, mainly children.
“His body doesn’t create dystrophin,” Dallas’ father Jeremy Barnes said. “It is required to essentially regenerate muscles as you tear them down from normal use.”
According to Duchenne. com, the lack of dystrophin
Raising funds to transport Dallas Internet
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Bears each went to the stand to tell their story. They said Mom E. Bear’s porridge was too hot to eat that morn-
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
The events played out in front of second grade stu-
See PORRIDGE, Page A5
Gold E. Locks escaped the Elmore County Judicial complex after being found guilty of stealing porridge but before Judge Bill Lewis could levy a sentence.
Nearly three weeks after Elmore County Schools lost internet, it has mostly been restored.
But just because it is back up, doesn’t mean not looking to the future.
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
“[Just last week] we started receiving our emails from outside the system,” superin-
tendent Richard Dennis said. “In the future we will be putting in things for redundancy to be able to respond at various levels, not just here at the central office but at the schools.”
Dennis said internet service provider Uniti said there was an “intrusion” that caused the outage. The provider didn’t further
WILSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD Friends and family of Dallas Barnes create posters to help promote a lemonade stand
WATKINS
Obituaries
ROBERT LARKIN “BOB” FOMBY
Robert Larkin “Bob” Fomby, 95, of Tallassee, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of Wednesday, September 13, 2023. He was born January 29, 1928.
He was a U. S. Air Force veteran of WWII.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria McLain Fomby; sisters,
Police Reports
Gwendolyn Weldon, Jeanette Dupriest, Hilda Grant and Anita Wilbanks and brother, Wilba Fomby.
He is survived by his daughter, Melanie Barry; sons, Robert Fomby, daughter in law Kathleen Dailey, and Jay Fomby (Sue); six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
In his younger days,
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
SEPT. 24
• A stolen vehicle was reported on Notasulga Highway.
• Domestic violence was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Identity theft was reported on North Dubois Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• A child custody dispute was reported on James Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Third Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Debris was reported in the roadway on Gilmer Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Magnolia Street.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on North Johnson Street.
• Theft was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
SEPT. 23
• Suspicious activity was reported on Oak Heights Road.
• Theft was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Rifle Range Road.
• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.
• Elder abuse was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
he enjoyed raising cattle, college football and always a cocktail or two with friends around 5 o’clock. There will be a memorial service on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 2 pm at Bethlehem East Baptist Church with Bro. John Sparks officiating.
Expressions of sympathy may be contributions in his memory to VFW
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Ingram Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Eubanks Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Greenwood Road.
• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place.
• Trespassing was reported on Magnolia Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Hillcrest Street.
• Theft of services was reported on Thelma Drive.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Macedonia Road.
• Animal control was requested on Hudson Place.
SEPT. 21
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Rickey Lane.
• Gunfire was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A suspicious person was reported on Central Boulevard.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Rickey Lane.
• An assault was reported on Wall Street.
• Harassing communications was reported on Third Avenue.
• A suspicious person was reported on South Dubios Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.
Post 4572, 100 Otter Track Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092 . Online condolences may be posted at www. linvillememorial.com.
To order memorial trees in memory of Robert Larkin “Bob” Fomby, please visit our tree store.
Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory, Eclectic, Alabama
• Assistance was given to another agency on Riverside Avenue.
• A domestic complaint was reported on North Ann Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Riverside Avenue.
• Breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Adams Street.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on South Central Boulevard.
• An animal complaint was reported on Central Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was reported on Riverside Avenue.
• A fight in progress was reported on First Street. SEPT. 19
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Cliff Street.
• A suicidal subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Grimes Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on King Street.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Central Boulevard.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A suspicious subject was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Highway 229.
• A white female was arrested during a suspicious activity call on Indian Trail.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• An arrest was made on Walnut Street.
• A civil disturbance was reported on Second Avenue.
SEPT. 22
• A domestic incident was reported on Hillcrest Street..
• Gun fire was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A juvenile runaway was reported on Notasulga Road.
• A domestic incident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Redden Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Thompson Avenue.
ARRESTED
Continued from A1
• Motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard
• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.
• Theft was reported on Seventh Street.
• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Friendship Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Thelma Drive. SEPT. 20
• A welfare check was conducted on Jefferson Street.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A reckless driver was reported on Highway 229.
area where it was killed,” Gauldin said. “It was killed very close to where the video was taken.”
• Animal control was requested on Riverside Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Sixth Street. SEPT. 18
• A white female was arrested during a traffic stop on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A suspicious person was reported on Central Boulevard.
• Assistance was given during a medical call on Hillcrest Street.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Macedonia Road.
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT SEPT. 17
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. SEPT. 16
• Theft and criminal trespass was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
she said. “The thing to do if you see a bear is don’t act surprised. Bears can be seen anywhere in our state.”
• Stand tall and upright and make loud noises
• Avoid direct eye contact with the bear
violations related to Alabama’s black bear population,” Weathers said in a statement. “If you see a black bear, just leave it alone. We want them in Alabama.”
ADCNR conservation education coordinator Marriane Gauldin said the bear was shot but could not say how many times until the carcass is further examined.
“This incident is still under investigation,” Gauldin said. “The type of firearm and how many shots, I can’t say.”
She believes the bear to be the same that was posted to social media pages including that of ADCNR.
“I posted a video of this bear on our Facebook page on Tuesday from the same
She said it was a male bear and at least 3 years old.
“We are going to age it,” Gauldin said. “The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries has possession of it. We will be able to obtain an age estimate by looking at the bear’s teeth.”
Gauldin said black bears are considered a game animal in the State of Alabama but that doesn’t mean they can be hunted.
“Due to low population there is no open season on black bears,” she said. Gauldin said black bears are basically harmless in Alabama.
“Alabama has had no reported incidents of an aggressive bear initiating contact with a human,”
Gauldin said this is the time of year bears will most likely be seen in Alabama.
“It is not uncommon to have bears seen in any Alabama county, especially male bears,” Gauldin said. “This male bear was doing exactly what we expect of male bears this time of year.” It is likely the bear was looking for a new home and/or a mate.
If you are lucky enough to observe a black bear, WFF offers these suggestions for such an encounter:
• Do not be frightened
• Do not approach the animal
• Do not run from the bear; back away slowly
• Make sure the bear has an unobstructed direction to escape
• Never purposely feed a bear
“Remove any attractants,” Gauldin said. “If you find a bear is visiting your feeders or trash, make sure to remove them for at least 10 days, until the bear moves on so it doesn’t become acclimated to receiving food from humans.”
Harming or killing a black bear is a Class A misdemeanor in the State of Alabama and carries a punishment of up to one year in jail if convicted.
Watkins posted a $7,000 bond Thursday afternoon and was released from the Elmore County Jail.
CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD
and 1-year-old daughter Aida Kate have opened a new boutique on Company Street in downtown Wetumpka. The store will feature children and women’s clothing with a grand opening planned for Saturday.
Selling her own clothes
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Aida Kait Russell is barely a year old and already directing everything in a downtown Wetumpka store bearing her name.
Aida with Love on Company Street is a vision of Aida’s mother Kaley Russell.
“I’ve always wanted a boutique since I was little,” Russell said. “When I had my daughter, I was like, ‘Now is the time.’ She was my whole inspiration for all the clothes.”
Russell took a leave of absence as a nurse for the birth of Aida Kait and took the leap of faith into her own business.
“My parents own a business,” Russell said. “They have set an example.” Russell already has a great
employee in Aida Kait and every time Russell thinks about her daughter being a namesake one thing happens.
“It makes me want to cry,”
Russell said. “It really does. She likes it all. She will come in and point. It is so cute.”
Russell’s sister and mother will help maintain the store while it grows. Russell hopes to add employees. For now the store carries baby and toddler clothing with a small selection of women’s attire.
“We are planning to expand into children’s sizes,” Russell said. “We will also add to the women’s selection.”
Russell and her husband Andrew were living in Prattville and made the move to Wetumpka three years ago.
“My daughter and I would
come downtown,” Russell said. “It was almost everyday we would come to the coffee shop.”
The frequent visits grew their love of Wetumpka and it led to a decision.
“I was like we will do the store in Wetumpka,” Russell said.
Andrew would do a lot of the heavy lifting getting the store ready in between shifts as a firefighter. The Friday before the soft opening, the family was in downtown when no one else was.
“We were here until 3 a.m. before a soft opening at 10 a.m.,” Russell said. “Aida Kait was running around the store. We were trying to get this place together.”
Aida with Love has a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
Bond denied for 6th shooting suspect
More details emerge in Aniah’s Law hearing
By LIZI ARBOGAST GWIN Managing Editor
All six suspects connected to the Dadeville mass shooting will officially remain in jail as the final alleged shooter, Sherman Peters III, 15, of Tuskegee, was denied bond Tuesday afternoon following an Aniah’s Law hearing.
Peters’ Aniah’s Law hearing was much later than the other five suspects, who were also denied bond, as Peters’ case was only recently transferred to adult court. He is charged with four counts of reckless murder, 24 counts of first-degree assault and one count of third-degree assault. All six suspects are charged with the same crimes, and the others — Willie George Brown Jr., 19, and Wilson LaMar Hill Jr., 20, both of Auburn, and Johnny Letron Brown, 20, Ty Reik McCullough, 17, and Travis McCullough, 16, all of Tuskegee — have been indicted by the grand jury on those charges.
Although bond was not granted, Peters’ attorney, Virgil Ford, did ask that Peters be allowed to continue his mental health treatment he was receiving prior to arrest. The decision, signed by District Judge William Wharton, granted this request.
“It is further ordered that the defendant be allowed to continue his mental health treatment while incarcerated and that the defendant’s counselor shall have reasonable access to the defendant to accomplish such treatment,” the order reads. “Counsel for the defendant shall assist in coordinating the mental health treatment for the defendant.”
Ford’s attorney also got the chance to cross-examine the state’s witness, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency case agent Jesse Thornton, who was the only person who testified at Monday’s hearing.
Fifth Judicial Circuit district attorney Mike Segrest also entered into evidence the decisions denying bond in April to those suspects as well as the indictments from the grand jury, which were also signed by Whorton. He then confirmed in Thornton’s testimony that the circumstances of the case around Peters were the same as the other five defendants, who had already been denied bail.
Ford immediately addressed this point in his cross-examination, confirming if Thornton agreed the exact same.
“I don’t know that they were the exact same, but very similar I would say,” Thornton testified.
From there, Ford began to paint a clearer picture during his cross-examination of what may have occurred the night of April 15 in a shooting that left four dead and 32 injured.
Ford asked Thornton to describe how the shooting started.
“There were several individuals at the party who had guns,” Thornton testified. “There was an uneasiness about the party
from people who were observing firearms.”
Thornton testified there was also an announcement made that anyone who had a firearm needed to leave the party. He also said a call was made to Corbin Holston, one of the deceased, who showed up at the party with a firearm. Ford asked Thornton to describe how Holston was dressed when he arrived.
“He had on dark clothing and a mask on,” Thornton said. “I can’t say if it was covering his face or not. It was pulled down at his neck when I arrived on scene.”
Thornton described it as a gaiter mask and said prior to COVID-19, having a mask on would likely create suspicion, but that’s not always the case now. He also testified at least one witness told him wearing these types of masks is a fad.
Ford went on to ask if Holston had approached and touched Peters prior to the shooting, to which Thornton said some co-defendants had said that but “there was no video evidence of that.”
A total of seven guns were used at the crime scene, including a 9 mm found on Holston after his death. Ford asked if Holston shot first.
“There’s no way to determine who shot first,” Thornton testified. “But from witnesses and other statements, the first shots came from that back corner where the suspects were located.”
Ford also made it clear at this time, there is no evidence to suggest a bullet from the firearm Peters shot specifically killed anyone, which Thornton confirmed.
However, Thornton also said by Peters’ own admission, he had discharged his weapon five to 10 times. He said it is legal in some situations to return fire if someone shoots at you first, but this is not one of those situations.
“No one can come into a room full of people and just start shooting wildfire,” Thornton said.
He testified a total of 91 shell casings were recovered at the scene.
During his closing arguments, Segrest explained that because of accomplice liability, it does not matter who specifically shot and killed whom.
“(Peters) admitted to being there and shooting,” Segrest said. “With accomplice liability, all six suspects can be found guilty for all the murders. The other five were held without bond, and the state is arguing that you hold Peters to the same standard.”
The case will now head to the grand jury, where Segrest will seek indictments on all 29 charges the others were indicted for. If found guilty, Peters could face a maximum punishment of four life sentences plus 481 years.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Elmore County Economic Development Authority is helping determine what are the next quality of life projects ECEDA and the Elmore County Commission will take on.
Most recently, the partners worked with the Elmore County Board of Education, the City of Wetumpka and the City of Millbrook for renovations at Hohenburg Field and the creation of 17 Springs.
Attention is now turning to Eclectic, Holtville and Tallassee for the next phase of projects. County and city leaders are trying to determine what projects Elmore County residents have interest in.
“We value the opinions of our residents and recognize that each community has different needs and wants,” ECEDA executive director Lisa Van Wagner said. “This is an opportunity for them to be heard as we move forward in this very exciting time for Elmore County. We thank everyone in advance for their participation.”
ECEDA has created online surveys for residents to complete elmoreeda. com/survey.
“We will use survey results to partner with the Elmore County Commission, the Elmore County Board of Education, Tallassee City Schools, City of Tallassee and the Town of Eclectic to develop specific projects for each community,” Van Wagner said.
A large portion of the work is being funded through a levelized lodging tax. Most of the lodging tax is collected in Millbrook and along the Interstate 65 corridor in Elmore County. Those funds make projects across Elmore County possible.
The Elmore County Board of Education recently passed a capital projects plan including broad ideas of these projects.
“We expect in Eclectic and Holtville for county board of education property to be utilized in these projects,” Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said.
The county board of education has similar partnerships with Hohenberg Field, 17 Springs and the Wetumpka Sports Complex.
The first round of meetings between city and county leaders has already occurred for the next phase of quality of life projects. Nothing is final on what those projects might be.
“They could be walking trails, pavilions with bathrooms or playgrounds,” Elmore County commissioner Henry Hines said. “It could be a combination of them. In the future we hope we can get to other areas of the county with projects.”
The surveys can go a long way with helping guide what the projects will be.
“We really hope people will take advantage by giving their input,” Tallassee Mayor Sarah Hill said. “Everyone has been asking for a way to have input. This is a way for them to do that and it’s easy.”
Kaley Russell, husband Andrew
PETERS
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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.
Who needs Christmas — now is the most wonderful time of the year
It was brought to my attention recently that I write a lot of heavy columns. I do think it’s important for opinion pieces to be well-thought out and have a stance. However, I’ve been touching on some sad subjects lately, so I decided to change it up a bit this week.
I’m here to tell you this is the best time of the year, and my advice is to enjoy it to the fullest.
What’s so great about the fall, you ask?
Truly, I think there is something for everyone this time of year. We are about to be inundated with fall festivals and harvest markets, Oktoberfests and trunk or treats. No matter how old or how young, you can find something you enjoy in the month of October.
I am a horror movie junkie. Two of my three favorite movies of all time are in the horror
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
genre, and I’m already planning an out-of-state trip to a haunted house. I love the adrenaline rush of being scared, especially with the fun of knowing it’s not real. Dudes in chainsaws are not actually going to kill me in a haunted house, so that makes it not just OK but hilariously fun. Call me crazy.
I do like real hauntings too and ghost stories. In fact, our staff is planning an overnight trip to Harper Hill Cemetery, which is known to be one of the most haunted places in Tallapoosa County. I like the idea you can connect with people from beyond. I don’t know if I always believe it, but
I certainly am interested in learning more. But even if you don’t like horror and ghosts and haunted houses, October is so much more than that. It’s when the weather in Alabama is (usually) perfect — the crisp mornings and the nights you have to grab a hoodie to sit out on the porch. It’s got the perfect pumpkin spice smells and just the right homemade treats.
Even if you don’t like scary stuff, Halloween can still be made for you. Who doesn’t love carving a pumpkin?
Again, you can make it scary or silly, and it’s still a fun activity to do for people of all ages. Roasting up those pumpkin seeds is also such a quick, easy and delicious snack.
Kids just love to dress up for Halloween, and most of the time they aren’t depicting scary characters. They
may be astronauts or farmers, teachers or football players. They sometimes even get to be a Superhero for the day. Who wouldn’t love that?
And, I do have to say, for those parents who dress up their tiny children as Chucky or Edward Scissorhands, those are some of the best costumes in my horror-loving opinion. They don’t know any better — and will think it’s hilarious years later when they do understand.
Of course my headline is a bit misleading because I do love Christmas, but I stand by the fact this is the best time of the year. And hey, I didn’t even have to mention football. Enjoy the fall, y’all.
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
85th anniversary celebration a special one
There are occasions in life so beautiful there are no words to describe them.
Recently, Dr. Robby Glasscock had the idea to hold a special birthday party for the 85th anniversary of the Tallassee High School Band and invite alumni to come home and perform. This was bigger and better than he could have imagined.
Tallassee can boast it has the second-oldest continuously operating school band program in the River Region. Only Sidney Lanier High School has had a band longer than us.
Tallassee City Schools founding superintendent Dr. C.B. Smith was about as forward-thinking an educator as we could ever have gotten to start our system. In 1937, he departed Tallassee to become the president of Troy University, where he remained until 1961.
Before leaving Tallassee, he planted the seeds for our modern-day music program by hiring shop teacher William Armagast, who just so happened to have attended Troy and studied music there.
Mr. Armagast taught Ag and shop but became our school’s first band director.
On Sept. 14-15, current band director Glasscock welcomed back nearly 150 alumni to join the regular band, creating a field-covering 250-piece marching band that
played three classics of our repertoire: “The Horse,” “Eye of the Tiger,” and “THS Loyalty.” Glasscock was also recognized for serving 23 years with our program, now second only to Mr. Ed Watkins’ 38 years of service as band director. We also recognized our oldest graduates on the field: Pat Merrett from the class of 1961; Miss Vicki Baker from the class of 1964; and Don Bryant from the class of 1965 (and, like his brother before him, drum major). We had several drum majors return to conduct the band: Leslie Baggett Swicord, Heather Knox Burton, Marty Johnson, Brooke Timmerman Barron (now our assistant principal), Courtney Steele, Yancey McBride Taunton and Hanna Brantley Pate. We had students fly in from Nebraska (Blaire Casey Hemphill), drive here from North Carolina (Tawny Fitzhugh Craft), and come to us from all points in between. We had mothers and fathers marching, playing and twirling with their children and grandchildren on the field at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium. We had WSFA-TV 12 on site choosing us as Band of the Week,
and impressed their producers so much they didn’t just feature us on Friday Night Football Fever – they put the Tallassee story on their regular news broadcasts. The vibe in the stadium that n ight was electric. The alumni band members came back and were in full support of their Tigers.
Since I teach on the choral side, I get to see a lot of students who would never have darkened the doorstep of a bandroom. More than one of the football players expressed to me how much they appreciated and felt the support of the band and the alumni at the Tallassee vs. Beauregard game. Although we lost the game, the Beauregard band showed respect and class by sticking around for our post-game show, even sending its official photographer over to our side to take professional pictures of our students performing. The next morning, I opened up our new $21 million facility for tours for the alumni band members who wanted to see our new digs. When we walked into the new choir room, one of them said with tears in her eyes, “Finally – a place worthy of who we are.” May we always remember who we are. We are the Pride of Tallassee!
Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Donations are critical to shelter’s success
By REA CORD HSEC Exeuctive Director
Huge shout, high fives and lots of thanks to the ladies and supporters of the Montgomery Roller Derby for taking our shelter under their skates and raising $1,000 to help our shelter. The club also gathered a wonderful load of supplies, and all of that will be put to quick use considering the high intake of animals we have experienced lately. We are certainly lucky to have such wonderful support and hope everyone helps us thank them in a huge way.
Coming up fast from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct.
7 is our first-ever Paddles for Paws Pickleball Tournament.
Paddles for Paws will take place at 17 Springs in Millbrook to benefit our shelter. With over 60 players registered to play we are off to a fantastic start (sorry, registration is now closed). We are still soliciting for door prizes and definitely need volunteers to help us make sure we have a successful day. Volunteers will work various areas and not necessarily all day so feel free to let us know when you are able to help out. To find out more, just email hsecpaddlesforpaws@gmail.com.
We do find ourselves with some shelter needs due to a shortage of donations. We are
critically short on canned cat food as our first priority, but we can also still need dry dog and puppy food. For special cleaning needs we could use an influx of ammonia and peroxide.
Of course bleach and Fabuloso are also always used as is liquid dishwashing detergent because we wash every food and water bowl every day. We greatly appreciate the support we received from our community.
Donations can be dropped off at the shelter from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday or items ordered online can be shipped to the Humane Society of Elmore County at 255 Central Plank
Suzie is a beautiful chocolate lab who is about 7 years old. She just craves attention, adores people and is beyond sweet and loving. Sadly, Suzie was heartworm positive but she has completed her treatment so is now ready to find her forever family. Yes, Suzie is a bit older but once you meet her, you will understand why we went to that extra effort as she is an absolutely lovely lady with many, many years of love to give. She is fantastic with children, dogs and cats. 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
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dents from Tallassee City Schools, Edgewood Academy and Elmore County Schools. Several times Friday a different school administrator or teacher became Gold E. Locks. Each time the students found them guilty.
Lewis said while the facts of the theft porridge case for the mock trial were trivial, the fun environment introduces the courtroom and its proceedings to children who someday may find themselves there.
“I can’t tell you how many times I have someone in my courtroom on a divorce case and they say that is the judge from Law Day,” Lewis said. “They start telling me all sorts of stuff that is important.”
The day is more than a mock trial. Lewis has made the day all encompassing for agencies involved in the courts in various ways. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Aviation Unit had one of its helicopters in the parking lot. The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office had its tactical and dive teams there.
The Elmore County EMA, Wetumpka, Coosada, Redland fire departments, the Alabama Forestry Commission, Butterfly Bridge Children’s Advocacy Center and others greeted students in a non-threatening environment.
“We want to show them the agencies that are here for them,” Lewis said.
“Oftentimes kids in the situations we see them in have adults telling them police and courts are bad. We want them to know we are here to protect them.”
their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-5673377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
us and all the
Pet of the Week - Suzie
Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Thank you to everyone who helps
animals in our care. You can always see our shelter needs on our website’s wish list.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
SUBMITTED THE HERALD
The Montgomery Roller Derby donates a $1,000 check to the Humane Society of Elmore County after a day of raising money.
One artist to win $10,000 in wildlife art show
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Thanks to a donation from the Alabama Wildlife Federation and LIV Development, one artist will walk away
with $10,000 as part of a juried art show at the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival (WEWA) in November.
The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts is hosting WEWA to cele -
brate wildlife and field sports through the arts.
The juried show is in conjunction with the festival.
“This is just an amazing thing,” The Kelly executive director Jennifer Eifert said. “The level of art was already amazing but this makes the show even better.”
Last week the Alabama Wildlife Federation presented The Kelly with a $25,000
check for the art show prize. Three other artists will also receive $500 merit awards.
The art will depict native Alabama birds, ducks or fish. The winning entry becomes part of the collection of the Alabama Wildlife Federation.
The Art Gone Wild Exhibition will hang in The Kelly from Sept. 28 through Nov. 17. Several of the artists will be at the Wetump -
Watching attendance
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Student attendance translates to funding for Elmore County Schools.
The state funds school systems across Alabama based on average daily membership\. It is measured the first 20 school days after Labor Day. Last week, superintendent Richard Dennis told the Elmore County Board of Education it is a mixed bag of ups and downs in attendance across the county.
“Numbers right now, we are not seeing the numbers coming here,” Dennis
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said. “We are not looking at significant increases. There are schools that have shown increases in their numbers. Overall we have not jumped as a system.”
System wide Dennis said Elmore County was about 50 students below last year. Dennis informed the board the system was applying for available grants through the Alabama Lieutenant Governor’s Office. He said he didn’t know yet what the system’s matching responsibility would be but would likely be 15% or below because the number of students on the free or reduce CNP program.
phin causes muscles to be damaged and weakened. Over time problems walking and breathing will develop and eventually the heart and muscles that help someone breathe will stop working.
Duchenne is an irreversible, progressive disease. While there have been many advancements in the management of Duchenne, there is no cure at present.
Dallas has dreams and his father and stepmother Jennifer Stewart want to help make them come true. They are raising funds for an accessible van.
“The chair is his independence,” Stewart said. “He wants the van so we can all go to New York in it.”
Stewart was able to help transfer Dallas into a vehicle and fold the 90 pound wheelchair to put in the truck. A back injury has prevented Stewart from helping Dallas like that since. The injury has also changed the family’s priorities.
“We knew a van would be needed but it became a priority instead of a future need,” Stewart said.
The family looked into purchasing an accessible van but quickly discovered there are issues in paying for one.
“After talking to different places that offer accessible vans, we pretty much have figured out we have to have exclusively cash,” the father said. “Banks won’t finance it.”
It’s not because of credit. The van itself is valued at about $40,000 and the conversion is another $40,000.
“They go off vehicle value,” Stewart said. “Banks don’t understand why they have to loan you $80,000 for a $40,000 van.”
Stewart said in Alabama that Medicaid and insurance are unable to help as well. The family has started fundraising. Recently the family set up a
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explain the matter in a letter to Dennis.
The superintendent said more seasoned teachers helped younger ones deal with not having internet material and using textbooks or materials on hand.
Dennis said he has already set into motion planning for contingencies and backups in case of another outage.
“We have to be prepared for students not in classroom settings,” Dennis said.
ka Wildlife Arts Festival in downtown beginning at 10 a.m. Nov. 11. Anyone interested in more information should contact Eifert at 334-478-3366.
Tony Veronese will judge the competition. He is a Montgomery native and has been the lecturer of Foundations and Core with the Auburn University at Montgomery Fine Arts Department since 2019.
According to The
Kelly, Veronese earned his M.A and M.F.A in Painting from the University of Dallas where he went on to work with the oldest Artist Co-op in Dallas, 500X. In addition to his solo exhibitions, he has been in group shows such as the 20th OSO Bay Biennial, the 5th Dallas-Fort Worth Rising Star Invitational and the Community Togetherness Project at the MMFA.
Elmore County Schools seeing slightly fewer students this year
Dennis said grant regulations would allow the funds to be used for security and safety entrances to facilities, technology cable pulls where cabling is older and to replace lights at football and baseball fields with energy saving LED lighting.
The board entered into an executive session to discuss the good name and character of an employee. It took no action upon returning to a regular meeting.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION:
• Recognized staff who were selected in the Best of Elmore County 2023
program.
• Approved minutes of the Aug. 15, Aug. 23 and Sept. 13 meetings.
• Approved minor wording changes to the 2023-2024 Policy Manual.
• Approved a $4,200 bid for grass cutting at Coosa Elementary and Stanhope Elmore High schools.
• Approved corrections to the salary schedule.
• Approved a facility use agreement at Redland Middle School.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Board of Education is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Oct. 17.
lemonade stand in front of The Gab in downtown Wetumpka. They also sold other wares the family made such as a quilt. But there is more.
“We have a couple of things in the works,” Stewart said. “We have a benefit concert on Dec. 2 in Montgomery. It will be at the Sanctuary.
“We have a virtual school and a ramp credit recovery program and are platforms based in virtual worlds. We also have our alternative programs on the secondary side. We want to make sure we can function even if we lose the internet connection.”
Instruction isn’t the only area of concern when the internet is lost. Dennis said human resources needs the internet to connect to Alabama State Department of Education resources.
“They were stressing to no end because they were trying to get people hired,” Dennis said. “It is very dif-
There are door prizes from a ton of local people here in Wetumpka.” Stewart said she is pleased with the encouragement Wetumpka has shown the family as they raise funds for a van.
“The community outreach has been really touching,” Stewart said.
ficult to do when you can’t access information. We are working on building in some sort of redundancy.”
Dennis said many vendors no longer have the ability to fax invoices which led to creative solutions such as using personal email accounts to temporarily rectify the issue.
“We are in September and trying to close out the year,” Dennis said. “All of the bookkeepers around the county are trying to make sure they have all their bills in to close out. How do they usually arrive? Through email.”
Dennis said the system was prepared for rebuilding information of servers after the internet was restored.
“They used our onsite backups,” Dennis said. “We only had 10 computers it wasn’t installed on, they were not turned on.”
Dennis said he hopes plans currently being developed never have to be used, but this outage proves a backup plan is necessary.
“We are going to be looking to No. 1 work towards building some redundancy into our programs and we have a backup,” he said. “That is underway.”
CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD
Dallas Barnes, 11, of Wetumpka and his family are raising funds for an accessible van for the family. Recently they held a lemonade stand outside The Gab in downtown Wetumpka.
Wetumpka Kidz Page
God’s plan all along
As many of you already know, God has given me a photo ministry that consists of photos with inspirational messages that correlate to the picture.
I was leaving a friend’s house one day and noticed some of the flowers on her deck were going to seed. The message God revealed to me in that visual was something that was personal to me during that particular time, so I took a few photos. When I got home, I realized the flower photos I’d taken were sort of pale and a bit blurry.
BETHLEHEM EAST
BAPTIST CHURCH
Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.
MELINDA BLAIR Columnist
My plans were to go back to my friend’s house the next day to try it again. While I was running errands the next day, it occurred to me I’d forgotten to go to her house, so I decided to make a right turn at the next street and drive through a road that would get
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-
me back to her driveway.
On the path through the neighborhood where I’d cut through, there was a stretch of townhouses with beautiful flowers, and all of a sudden, I saw the same type of flowers I’d previously made photos of. I pulled into the driveway and walked up to the door to ring the doorbell.
The lady who lived there graciously granted permission for me to take photos and told me she recognized me because she knew my mama. At that moment, I recognized her and she invited me to
Church Briefs
kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the
come sit on her porch to visit for a while. A few minutes quickly turned into about 30, and of how thankful I was I’d forgotten to run by my friend’s house.
Obviously, it was God’s plan that I stop at the lady’s home because she desperately needed company and someone to pour out her heavy heart upon. She was experiencing some very severe health problems and some painful family issues.
Through the years, I’ve witnessed many times my plan B is actually God’s plan A.
If I had carried out my plans that day, I’d have missed out on this beautiful blessing. My heart was soaring when I told her how God had arranged the entire event, because He loves her and our eyes filled with tears. I love watching God redirect my plans for His honor. Psalm 37:23 Don’t you love watching how He orchestrates things in your own life? I certainly do!
Melinda Blair is a regular religion columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
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
HARMONY
person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC
Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17
Commission honors county fire firefighters
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It was a small token of appreciation. A simple vote by the five member Elmore County Commission honored firefighters serving in Elmore County.
The commission approved a Firefighter Appreciation Proclamation at its Monday meeting. Commissioner Mack Daugherty recalled the formation of the Kowaliga Fire Department using old equipment and tarp instead of a fire house. He said things have come a long way since, and now the county depends on fire departments and the firefighters.
“We could not thank you enough,” Daugherty said at the meeting. “I don’t see how this county could operate without fire departments.”
Commission Henry Hines said he has seen what firefighters can do. He recalled the response during two January tornados in northern Elmore County. Hines said without the volunteers who responded to those incidents and many more, there might not have been as quick a recovery.
IN OTHER ACTION THE
ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved minutes of the Sept. 11 meeting.
• Approved the memorandum of warrants for Sept. 2 - 15 in the amount of $2,415,557.67.
• Set a public hearing for comments on the possible vacation of a portion of Maverick Circle for 5 p.m. Oct. 23.
• Appointed Cory Puckett and Oreste M. Johnson to the E-911 board.
• Appointed John Strickland, Harris Garner, Rhett Smith and Art Faulkner to the Elmore County Industrial Development Authority Board.
• Appointed Maria “Kathlenn” Calhoun, Jan Wood and Christopher B. Colley to the Elmore County DHR Board.
• Appointed David Sturdivant to the Ridge Improvement District Board.
• Set a public hearing for comments for 5 p.m. Oct. 10 for a lounge retail liquor Class II package alcohol license for G Mart Liquor at 10786 Georgia Road Eclectic.
• Approved amendments to the fiscal year 2023 budget.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10
OKTOBERFEST RETURNS SATURDAY
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The second annual Oktoberfest will be in downtown Wetumpka Saturday.
The Oktoberfest Wetumpka planning committee led by Lee McMichael has been working diligently to create a fun, family-friendly event to celebrate the beginning of autumn.
“The community enjoyed the inaugural Oktoberfest Wetumpka event so much last year that they requested to bring it back for a second year,” McMichael
said. “Our goal is to create a one-day festival that showcases local artisans and supports downtown merchants. The event will have traditional German food, polka dancing, arts & crafts vendors, music, and activities for children and families.”
McMichael and others have planned an event for all ages featuring two stages, more than 45 vendors, food trucks, contests and a children’s area.
Oktoberfest Wetumpka is free and open to the public thanks to Wind Creek
Wetumpka Hotel and Casino, First Community Bank of Central Alabama, River Bank & Trust, Law Office of Richard F. Matthews Jr., Cousins Insurance Agency, Aldridge Borden & Co., Max Credit Union, Connor Hogan Country Financial, Taste at the Fain and Schitt’s Plumbing LLC. Everything will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday and the fun doesn’t stop until 8 p.m. Polkawagen, a polka band based out of Nashville, Tennessee will be performing on Stage One from
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. followed by Lo-Fi Loungers, Mandy, and a finale from The Green Springs. On Stage Two will be Mother Moonpie and Fireside Alabi. Grumpy Dog will host a hotdog eating contest and businesses will be open late for shoppers. The children’s area will take place on the Elmore County Courthouse Plaza with putt-putt, face painting and a petting zoo.
“This is sure to be a fantastic kickoff to fall in the heart of downtown Wetumpka,” McMichael said.
TOP: Oktoberfest is returning to downtown Wetumpka Saturday. There will be food, drinks, music on two stages and
Food trucks will once again return to the streets of downtown Wetumpka for the fall celebration.
BOTTOM: Oktoberfest is returning to downtown Wetumpka Saturday. There will be food, drinks, music on two stages and fun.
BARBIE, BARBIE, BARBIE
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Indians look to hold down Greenville
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
WETUMPKA (2-3) AT GREENVILLE (1-3)
THE PLAYERS
Wetumpka: QB Nate Rogers has rushed for 757 yards, 12 TDs this season. … WR Jamarion Thrasher, back from injury, scored his first TD of the season last week. … DE Ethan Blake scored a TD on a
scoop-and-score against Russell County.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Wetumpka beat Russell County, 52-26; Greenville beat Selma, 33-0.
Wetumpka beat Greenville last year, 42-21, and leads the all-time series 12-5.
Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers has scored seven touchdowns in his last two games.
Greenville is averaging only 13 points per game this year. NEXT UP: Wetumpka hosts Stanhope Elmore; Greenville at Headland.
CHILTON COUNTY (2-3) AT TALLASSEE (1-4) THE PLAYERS
Tallassee: QB Trent Morris
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County’s football team took a beating in its last game, and now the Panthers are looking to rebound in a big way.
Elmore County (3-1) is coming off a bye week following a 48-6 blowout loss to Central Clay County in region play.
into a four-week stretch that features this week’s non-region matchup for homecoming before playing three-consecutive region games against Tallassee, Beauregard and Valley.
The Panthers, now 1-1 in region play, need to win all three if they want to be hosting a playoff game in November.
CALLS HIS OWN NUMBER
WETUMPKA’S ROGERS
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
When Wetumpka needed a big play on Friday, there was no question who would have the ball in their hands.
And the senior quarterback delivered time and time again. Much like he has done all season, Nate Rogers ran all over visiting Russell County as the Indians won their homecoming matchup, 52-36. Rogers was responsible for nearly every touchdown as he rushed 22 times for 233 yards and five touchdowns, including multiple 50-plus yard touchdown runs.
For his efforts in leading
Vote for your Fan Choice Player of the Week online now.
Wetumpka (2-3, 2-1) in a massive region win, Rogers has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week.
“He is a special talent,” Wetumpka coach Bear Woods said. “He has been for two years
now. He is the most dynamic player in this area of Alabama. More than that, he is a great leader. He does everything the right way. For a head coach, that is what you want more than anything.”
Rogers was the only player to find the end zone on offense, but he was one of a couple of players to make big plays when the game was still close.
After Rogers’ first touchdown run, defensive lineman Ethan Blake picked up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown.
Rogers then scored on a 60-yard touchdown run, and Wetumpka led 24-18 when another Indian found the end zone.
See ROGERS, Page B3
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
After a stellar junior season last spring, Stanhope Elmore’s Jada McLeod is getting the chance to live out her childhood dream.
Stanhope Elmore’s senior third baseman, McLeod recently committed to play college softball at Eastern Kentucky University. The power hitter was able to secure a visit by impressing at a showcase, then earned a scholarship offer after an impressive performance on her visit to Richmond, Kentucky.
“This means everything to me,” McLeod said. “From when I was little, I’ve always dreamed about playing at the Division I level. Now I’m going to do it and it’s crazy to me. I loved the atmosphere when I went on my visit. All of the players and coaches were nice to me and it just felt like home. I feel like I can do my best there.”
McLeod has been a dominant player for Stanhope Elmore the last few years. She has played primarily third base for the Mustangs but has moved over to
But now the Panthers are back at home for their annual homecoming game against St. Clair County (1-3), and they’re ready to prove that they aren’t the same team that lost by six touchdowns two weeks ago.
“When you lose like that, you just have to figure out what you need to work on as a team and approach it with a mindset of getting better each day,” Elmore County coach Kyle Caldwell said. “I thought we had some really good practices this past week and we found that edge and got back to the basics. I feel like they’re prepared to go into this week with that same attitude. They have something to prove as a team.”
The bye week comes at a good time for the Panthers as they’ve been dealing with few injuries. The biggest of the group is running back CJ Wilkes, who was hurt in the first half of the first game of the year. He returned in the loss to Central Clay, but was only around 85% according to Caldwell. In that game, he rushed 14 times for 50 yards. He’s now back at full health, and a few lingering injuries on the offensive line have healed up.
Now the Panthers are feeling good heading
“We are getting into the heavy region portion of our schedule,” Caldwell said. “We have three in a row so being able to have everyone back from injury is huge. We’re going to be back full speed before region play is important.”
Before region play picks back up, however, the Panthers have to take care of St. Clair County on Friday for homecoming.
St. Clair County enters the game with a 1-3 overall record and on a three-game losing streak. The Fighting Saints have lost to Corner, Leeds and Southside Gadsden by a combined 124-20 in those games.
St. Clair County will throw some different formations at teams, as they run a 3-3-5 defense and use a lot of movement on the defense to cause confusion and disrupt the offensive line.
On offense, their team is filled with speedsters who can make defensive backs miss with ease, so Caldwell is stressing the basics of making 1-on-1 tackles like the Panthers did in their first three games of the year.
A lot of St. Clair County’s team also plays both sides of the ball, so Caldwell is hoping the
FILE THE HERALD
Elmore County receiver Jabari Murphy has scored seven touchdowns this season. He leads all receivers with 250 yards and four touchdowns, while he has rushed for three more in Wilkes’ absence. FILE THE HERALD Stanhope Elmore’s Jada McLeod recently committed to play college softball at Eastern Kentucky. The star third baseman hit 11 home runs last season.
OF THE WEEK See INDIANS, Page B3
OF
Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers has been named the Elmore County Player of the Week after rushing for 233 yards and five touchdowns against Russell County.
ROW TIDE
Holtville’s Hickey joins Alabama rowing team
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
What started as a joke led to a massive life decision for Holtville graduate Caroline Hickey. Hickey, a 2023 graduate, was not ready to give up on playing sports. Hickey has played soccer for as long as she could remember, and while she loves sports, she also loves the strict routine that comes with playing sports.
So a month after her senior soccer season ended, she was talking with her athletic trainer about how weird it would be to not have that routine or play anymore when she got to college.
When rowing was mentioned, Hickey laughed it off as a joke. But the more she thought about it, the more it interested her.
A week or two later, she started talking about it with other people as well. And everyone supported the decision.
“It definitely wasn’t an overnight decision,” Hickey said. “I brought it up to everyone close to me, and they were all so encouraging with it. When you do something this big and you have a village of people behind you supporting you, it makes it so much easier to do and it makes you so much more confident that it’s going to work out.”
Once it became serious, one of Hickey’s coaches got her in touch with a former Alabama rower. She then sent her rowing specific workouts and time goals, so Hickey had a goal to set and a point to get to by the end of the summer.
Much like soccer, rowing takes a lot of endurance. Luckily for Hickey, she was used to playing in a 90-minute game where she never stops running multiple times a week. So she had a bit of a headstart in that portion of the workouts.
Instead, she worked on strengthening her legs both by working out normally and by working out on a rowing machine, called an erg, in the gym five days a week.
She would spend Monday through Friday in the gym, then rest on the weekends. On Sundays, she would run sometimes, but she mainly focused on her erg workouts.
Funny enough, when she got to tryouts, she realized she was not using the erg machine how she was supposed to be using it.
“I had never used one before and I quickly learned once I got here that there’s a certain way to do it,” Hickey said. “I wouldn’t say I was necessarily doing it wrong, but I wasn’t doing it the way they teach us here. So really, the only experience I got over the summer was cardiovascular endurance. Skills wise, I just learned that when I got here.”
While she studied and tried to learn the basics, she did not realize just how complicated it was until she got to Alabama and started her three-week tryout.
But in the little time she has been doing it for Alabama, she’s already taken leaps and bounds forward from where she was.
At Alabama, the entire rowing team starts each day with a long run. Following the run, they get into the gym where there are erg machines every-
where.
As they begin working out on the ergs, the coaches are walking around correcting form and trying to get everyone exactly how they want.
While coaches are correcting, the coxswain is writing down their times. The coxswain sits closest to the bow in the boat and is responsible for steering, strategy and motivating.
“Everytime you’re on one of the ergs, you’re getting critiqued,” Hickey said. “Everyday we’re getting better because we’re constantly getting constructive feedback. In just three weeks, I’ve learned so much and gotten better every single day.”
Rowing was definitely new to Hickey, but being on the water wasn’t. Hickey and her family live on the lake, so she is always on a jetski or a boat enjoying the water. She’s always loved swimming, but what she came to realize is she wasn’t used to being on the water the way she is now. Before getting to Alabama,
Hickey had never been on a boat or machine that wasn’t motorized.
She’s always been on a motorized boat, and now she’s on a boat with seven other girls who are controlling the speed themselves.
In rowing, there are multiple types of boats ranging from two to eight team members rowing. The most common type is eight members, which Hickey believes she will be part of when things get going.
“We haven’t even started racing yet,” Hickey said. “We’ve only been on the water twice, but the times I have been out there, I’ve learned that everyone has to work together and communicate. Communication is the key to success out there, as well as being focused and accountable.”
Alabama’s rowing team competes in the Big 12 as one of seven members including Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.
Like many sports, there is a novice team and a varsity team within the program. The varsity program had a successful season last spring when it finished third in the Big 12 championships.
Due to program requirements, Hickey will have to serve on the novice team for one season. Every new member has to row on the novice team for an entire year before getting the chance to row for the varsity team.
Last week, Hickey and the rest of the novice team began workouts with the varsity and she instantly saw a difference in the skill level.
That doesn’t scare her, however, as she knows her work ethic will have her at that level in no time. But for now, she will compete her hardest on the novice team.
“The girls I’ve been with have good work ethics, but seeing the varsity girls shows what it’s really like to be a Division I athlete,” Hickey said. “I’m not at the varsity level yet, and that’s OK because I just started doing this, but with the work we put in every day, I don’t think it’ll take me long to get to that level.”
Continued from B1
shortstop when asked. At Eastern Kentucky, she will play third base but could also see time at first base.
Playing multiple positions will help her get onto the field early in her college career, but it’s going to be tough to keep her out of a lineup simply due to her ability at the plate.
Last season, McLeod earned All-County honors after a season where she hit for a .426 batting average with 15 doubles, 11 home runs, 52 hits, 46 RBIs and only 11 strikeouts on the entire year.
She enters her senior year wanting to hit over 20 home runs, but she likes where her hitting abilities are going into her college career.
“I feel like I’m pretty good where I’m at,” McLeod said. “I just want to try and be a good teammate and earn a starting role and work hard. I want to use my skills in any way I can to contribute to the team.”
In the meantime, McLeod is looking forward to trying to help Stanhope Elmore to its second consecutive regional appearance. The Mustangs reached the regional tournament last season for the first time in five years but lost head coach Keith Jones in the offseason.
Assistant Wil Stephens has been promoted, and the Mustangs return a good bit of their experience from a year ago. Six starters return to the lineup. McLeod is the biggest bat in the lineup, but Celeste Ragsdale also had a good season last year where she hit .311.
In the circle, Savannah Wyatt returns as the team’s ace after serving as one of the Mustangs’ top pitchers for each of the last two years.
“My goal for the team is to grow closer with my teammates and win big this year,” McLeod said. “I just want to help my team get to regionals again.”
HOMECOMING
Continued from B1
Panthers’ tempo can cause St. Clair to get tired while his team is well-rested off the bye week.
“They have some speedy guys and they try to get them the ball in space,” Caldwell said. “The teams they’ve lost to are good and much improved, so they’ve played good competition. We have to be prepared because they have some long and athletic players.”
SUBMITTED THE HERALD Holtville graduate Caroline Hickey has joined the University of Alabama rowing team. Hickey is a former All-County soccer player for the Bulldogs.
STANHOPE
IDIANS
Continued from B1
completed 6-of-10 passes for 164 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs last week. … RB Christian McCary rushed 12 times for 143 yards, 2 TDs. … RB Jaiden McKenzie rushed 3 times for 22 yards, 1 TD; recorded 1 catch for 54 yards, 1 TD.
Chilton County: QB Logan
Coppedge has completed 76-of-139 passes for 791 yards, 7 TDs, 4 INTs. … RB DJ Jackson has rushed 80 times for 432 yards, 6 TDs. … DE Ricardo Parker has recorded 25 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 6 sacks.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Tallassee beat Marbury, 50-34; Chilton County beat Calera, 37-3.
Chilton County beat Tallassee last year, 24-21, in overtime. Tallassee leads the all-time series between the two schools, 12-9. Tallassee’s defense is allowing 39 points per game this season.
NEXT UP: Tallassee hosts Elmore County; Chilton County hosts Benjamin Russell.
STANHOPE ELMORE (2-2) AT PRATTVILLE (1-3) THE PLAYERS
STANHOPE ELMORE: RB Arthur McQueen rushed for over 100 yards in his third-straight game. … QB Jacob Bryant has scored at least 1 TD in every game this season. … WR Jamari Coleman recorded 4 catches for 73 yards, 1 TD last week.
PRATTVILLE: QB Gavin Rigdon has completed 53 of 106 passes for 782 yards, 5 TDs, 5 INTs. … RB Donovan Arrington has rushed 76 times for 439 yards, 4 TDs. … LB Luke Gordon has recorded 35 tackles, 2 tackles for loss.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Stanhope Elmore lost to Carver, 20-6; Prattville lost to Opelika, 38-13. Prattville beat Stanhope Elmore last season, 49-10.
This is Prattville’s homecoming game.
Prattville’s defense is allowing 38 points per game this year.
NEXT UP: Stanhope Elmore at Wetumpka; Prattville hosts Enterprise.
EDGEWOOD ACADEMY (1-4) AT BANKS ACADEMY (4-1)
THE PLAYERS
EDGEWOOD ACADEMY: QB Ethan Evans has scored 5 TDs on the season. … WR Gabe LeMaster has 3 receiving TDs and 1 special teams TD. … DL Zayne Talley has recorded sacks in multiple games this year.
BANKS ACADEMY: QB Gerrell Perry has completed 29 of 47 passes for 641 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs. … RB Quenterius Chandler has rushed 26 times for 308 yards, 3 TDs. … WR Issiac Smith has recorded 13 catches for 374 yards, 3 TDs.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Banks beat Coosa Valley, 39-6; Edgewood Academy did not play.
These teams met twice last year, and split the series. Edgewood won in the playoffs, 14-7.
Edgewood’s offense has scored one touchdown or less in four games this year.
Edgewood has been outscored, 147-48, this year.
NEXT UP: Edgewood Academy hosts Macon-East; Banks Academy at Clarke Prep.
HOLTVILLE (3-1) AT WEST BLOCTON (3-2) THE PLAYERS
HOLTVILLE: QB Keiland Baker has completed 43 of 81 for 648 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs; he has rushed for 119 yards, 2 TDs. … RB Hunter Chavis has rushed 63 times for 284 yards, 3 TDs. … LB Luke Strength has recorded 37 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, one forced fumble.
West Blocton: QB Trey Lawley has completed 14-of-26 passes for 141 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT. … RB Nate Barron has rushed 49 times for 324 yards, 2 TDs. … RB/LB Cooper Deerman has 1 TD on offense and 1 INT on defense.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, West Blocton beat Montevallo, 10-7; Holtville did not play. West Blocton beat Holtville last year, 26-7, while the all-time series is tied 2-2.
In its last game, Holtville’s defense recorded its first shutout since 2019. Holtville has already matched its win total from last year.
NEXT UP: Holtville at Jemison; West Blocton hosts Holt.
A midseason glance at county football teams
We have officially reached the sixth week of high school football in Alabama, and a lot of the teams in Elmore county have reached the midway point of their schedules.
Four of the six teams in the county have already had their bye week, while Wetumpka, Tallassee and Edgewood Academy have played five of their 10 games.
There’s been a good mixture of good starts, really good starts and poor starts to each season in the county.
I like to think I have a good feel for each team so far this year, as I cover a game, or two, every single week and talking to and visiting these coaches every week. So here is my opinion on each team, how they’ve started the year and how I think they can finish up.
Football coaches, please don’t hate me if I write something negative. I’ll buy you a beer to make up for it. Hit me up at any time and we’ll visit the craft house over here by the office.
EDGEWOOD ACADEMY
Edgewood Academy is coming off a much-needed bye week, and the Wildcats’ first half of the season was the definition of a struggle. They enter the midway point with a 1-4 record, but things aren’t all negative.
Edgewood’s one win comes in region play, where the Wildcats currently have a 1-1 record with two games left. Their two region games left are against Hooper Academy (3-2) and Macon-East Academy (0-5) and both of those games are completely up for grabs. If Edgewood wins both of those games, it is hosting a playoff game. If not, it’s still in the playoffs.
The biggest issue for Edgewood, from what I’ve seen, is the offense. Edgewood’s offense has scored one touchdown in two games and was held without a touchdown in two weeks. In its last game, Edgewood had negative offensive yards.
If the Wildcats can find any kind of success down the stretch with first-year quarterback Ethan Evans along with Gabe LeMaster and Parker Shaw, they could possibly make a run to the semifinals. But so far, it’s been a tough year and the schedule isn’t getting any easier.
Banks (4-1), Lakeside (4-2) and defending AAA champs Lee-Scott Academy (4-1) are all left on the schedule in non-region play.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 27
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
ELMORE COUNTY
Elmore County finally got a taste of its own medicine last game. After out-scoring its first three opponents 15335, the Panthers were blown out in their last game by No. 3-ranked Central Clay County. The Panthers are now 3-1 and 1-1 in region play.
The positive? Nobody else on the schedule is anywhere as good as Central Clay and now Elmore County is coming off its bye week. The Panthers are still very much capable of winning eight or nine games this year and hosting a playoff game. And I wouldn’t be surprised if that ends up happening.
Star running back CJ Wilkes is finally back, and the trio of Wilkes, Jabari Murphy and Cade Everson are going to cause issues for every single team left on Elmore County’s roster. That begins with a homecoming match this week against St. Clair County (1-3). The Panthers get back-to-back weeks of what should be shape-up weeks before a massive two-game stretch against region opponents Beauregard and Valley. Both games are must-wins if Eclectic wants a home playoff game.
HOLTVILLE
Holtville is good. Holtville could possibly be really good.
The Bulldogs are 3-1 and coming off their bye week. Yes, they’re 3-1. That is not surprising, but it has been quiet. The Bulldogs aren’t blowing anyone out, but they’re winning consistently. Their wins are by 4, 23 and 21 points.
Holtville’s three wins already matches last year’s win total, and Holtville’s schedule still features three one-win teams on it. I’ve seen them twice already this season, and the Bulldogs really are much-improved from a year ago.
The run game on offense is brutal, and Holtville’s linebackers and defensive line are flying around to the ball. In region play, Holtville is 2-0 and already took down Selma, who finished No. 2 last year and hosted a playoff game.
Now the Bulldogs have Jemison (1-3, 0-2) and Marbury (1-4, 0-2) left before a massive showdown with
4 Carver at Stanhope Elmore, 4:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 28
HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
4 Tallassee at Holtville, 4:30 p.m.
4 Elmore County at Marbury, 5:30 p.m. 4 Wetumpka at Montgomery Carver, 5:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 29
SCHOOL FOOTBALL 4 St. Clair County at Elmore County, 7 p.m. 4 Stanhope Elmore at Prattville,
Demopolis (3-1, 2-0) on Oct. 20. Unless something changes in the next three weeks, that should be for the region championship.
I think Holtville wins, at least, six games and possibly seven depending on how the West Blocton game goes this week.
Be on the lookout for Boykin-Chapman field to be hosting a playoff game in November.
STANHOPE ELMORE
Stanhope Elmore is probably the toughest team for me to gauge at the moment. Part of that is because the Mustangs are the only team I have not seen play a game in person yet this season. Don’t worry, that changes this week. I will see them in back-to-back weeks.
The Mustangs have already had their bye week, and they enter this week with a 2-2 record.
This team could easily be 4-0, and they could easily be 1-3. Every single game has been close, and it seems like they just find ways to lose with turnovers.
Both of their losses had multiple turnovers in the red zone. Despite that, I do think this is a good team and they will likely find themselves in the playoffs.
I don’t know if they’ll host or not, but they should be in there and will cause issues for a lot of teams. The Mustangs are bullies up front on both sides of the ball. They’re averaging close to 250 rushing yards per game while Donnie Arnold and the defensive front are constantly hitting the quarterback.
Stanhope (2-2, 1-1) has four region games left with Wetumpka (2-3, 1-1), Park Crossing (2-3, 0-3), Pike Road (3-2, 2-0) and Sidney Lanier (2-2, 1-1). They have to win two of those to make the playoffs. Park Crossing should be one win, but then the Mustangs have to sneak one away from Wetumpka, Pike Road or Lanier.
We’ll see.
TALLASSEE
You’re kidding yourself if you didn’t think Tallassee would be down this year. The Tigers lost A LOT of talent from their roster last year. That inexperience has shown early as they lost their first four games.
But they’re getting better. In back-to-back weeks, Tallassee has led in the second half. The Tigers eventually gave up the lead to Beauregard, but leading for an entire half and some change is a feat within itself. This
7 p.m. 4 Edgewood Academy at Banks Academy, 7 p.m. 4 Chilton County at Tallassee, 7 p.m. 4 Wetumpka at Greenville, 7 p.m. 4 Holtville at West Blocton, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 30
Elmore County at Oak Mountain
last week, Tallassee led from start to finish. That ground and pound, punch you in the mouth Tallassee football that everyone is used to seeing looks to be making its way back.
Don’t let the Tigers get hot. They’re scrappy, and they hit hard, and they could surprise some folks. The record may not show it, but they’re finding their way.
The negative, however, is that Tallassee is already 0-2 in region play and still has two very tough games against Elmore County and a much-improved Valley team left.
I don’t know if this group makes the playoffs, but they could play spoiler and ruin someone’s seeding hopes if they’re clicking on the right night.
There’s three or four winnable games down the stretch for this bunch, but we’ll have to wait and see how much momentum they can build off last week’s blowout of Marbury.
WETUMPKA
Don’t let the 2-3 overall record fool you. This is not a bad Wetumpka team. The Indians were handled, pretty easily it seemed, by Benjamin Russell, Baker and Pike Road to start the season. But that was always a strong possibility. That’s arguably the toughest three-game stretch to open the season across the entire state.
But now they’re rolling. Wetumpka has won two straight and scored 89 points in the process. The Wetumpka offense has started hitting the big plays they weren’t hitting before, and quarterback Nate Rogers is unstoppable on the ground. He has six rushing touchdowns in the last two games, and 12 total on the year. Wetumpka hits the road this week for what should be an easy win at Greenville, then the real season begins.
Three region games in a row against Stanhope Elmore, Carver and Sidney Lanier. The Indians are currently 2-1 in region play, so they really only need one win to make the playoffs. Two secures a playoff spot however, so look for Rogers and company to give all they can down the stretch.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team as the No. 2 seed in the region. They’re as battle-tested as any team in the state.
Dalton Middleton is the sports editor of The Wetumpka Herald and The Tallassee Tribune.
MONDAY, OCT. 2
SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL
4 Chilton County at Stanhope Elmore, 4:30 p.m.
4 Holtville at Billingsley, 4:30 p.m.
4 Edgewood Academy at Hooper Academy, 5 p.m.
4 Wetumpka at Marbury, 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 3
4 Tallassee at Beauregard, 4:30 p.m.
4 Holtville at Marbury, 4:30 p.m.
4 Elmore County at Wetumpka, 5:30 p.m.
4 Edgewood Academy at LeeScott Academy, 5 p.m.
On a kickoff return, Jamarion Thrasher raced through the field and put Wetumpka up by two touchdowns. From there, it was all Rogers again. He found the end zone three more times and every touchdown destroyed the hopes of the visiting Russell County faithful. For anyone who has followed Wetumpka football the last few seasons, it is no surprise to find Rogers in the end zone over and over again. During his sophomore and junior season, he scored a combined 18 times. Just last year, he rushed for 1,172 yards and 13 touchdowns. But this year, he’s getting into the end zone at a ridiculous rate. Rogers already has 757 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns this season, one away from tying his own personal best. That’s in only five games this season — compared to 11 last year. As Rogers goes, so does Wetumpka.
The Indians’ offense has started to click as they have won two straight, and Rogers’ legs are one of the biggest reasons why. As Wetumpka tries to make a late playoff push this year, Rogers will continue to put up ridiculous rushing numbers week in and week out.
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Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Public Notices
Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse atduring the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot
cial rights to use all easements, roadways, and common areas as shown on the Survey of Sa-
for informational purposes:
Public Notices
1/2 inch rebar capped ALSNorth 00 degrees 50 minutes
thence with a bearing of Southonds West a distance of 351.71 a bearing of South 25 degrees
thence with a bearing of Southonds East a distance of 132.33 bearing of South 12 degrees 48 minutes 00 seconds East a distance of 107.10 feet to a open of South 37 degrees 56 minutes 31 seconds West a distance of 51.00 feet to a 1/2 inch rebar
lying and being in the Southwest 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Range 18 East, Elmore County,dress for informational purpos-
Public Notices
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Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Christopher L Watson, a single person, originally in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., on December 9, 2011, said mortgage recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2011 Page 53825; the undersigned Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on November 9, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, towit: Lot Number 4 in Division A of the Perkin’s Subdivision and the North 90 feet of even width of Lot Number 3, in Division A of Perkins Subdivision as shown on Map of Plat made by George Talbert, CE, and recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 3, at Page 70. Said land lies in Section 12, Township 18 North, Range 7 East.. Property street address for informational purposes: 73 Perkins St , Wetumpka, AL 36092. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TOMENT AND WILL BE SOLD REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw. com TB File Number: 23-40422
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 2023 23-01790
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Kandas Granger and Manuel C. Granger, wife and husband, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for First Community Mortgage, Inc., on November 12, 2014, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in -
abama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five
time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below.
the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due.serves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancella-
23-01802
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 Holtville School System Fencing at Holtville School for Elmore County Public Schools, Owner, and have made requesttract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with the project should immediately notify Elmore County Public Schools, 100 H.H. Robison Drive, Wetumpka, AL 36092
Liberty Construction Co., LLC (contractor) 791-A Anderson Road, Montgomery, AL 36110 (business address)
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2023 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Kevin Jermaine Fleeton, a single man and Kevontae Fleeton, single, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for Guild Mortgage Company LLC, on January 17, 2023, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in the undersigned Guild Mortgage Company LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the CourtCounty, Alabama, on November 20, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, towit: Commence at a rebar being the Southwest corner of the Northwest 1/4 of the Northeast North, Range 18 East, Elmore a bearing of South 88 degrees 46 minutes 03 seconds East
28 seconds East a distance of thence with a bearing of Northonds West a distance of 275.07 feet to a 1/2 inch rebar capped
abama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tifright to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Guild Mortgage -
wood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.
Sept. 27, Oct. 4 and 11, 2023
23-01855 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EDNA G. AYERS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-156 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of EDNA G. AYERS, deceased, having been granted to DEBORAH JOHNSON on September 8, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
DEBORAH JOHNSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF EDNA G. AYERS, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ROBERT B. RENEAU LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS. P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-5141011
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 13, 20 and 27, 2023 EST/AYERS, E. PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE.
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Jesse L. Graves Jr. and Jackie Graves, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., acting solely as nominee for First Choice Loan Services, Inc., on November 26, 2012, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2013 and Page 3927; the undersigned Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on May 23, 2023, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at iron pin at
p the intersection of the West line of the Northeast quarter of the Northwest quarter of Section 4, Township 17 North, Range 17 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and the South right of way of Rose Hill Road; thence North 89 degrees 54 minutes 39 seconds East, along said right of way, 159.95 feet to an iron pin, said Point being the Point of Beginning; thence continue North 89 degrees 54 minutes 39 seconds East, along said right of way 159.95 feet to an iron pin; thence leaving said right of way, South 00 degrees 04 minutes 12 minutes East, 636.23 feet to an iron pin; thence South 89 degrees 54 minutes 39 seconds West, 158.86 feet to an iron pin; thence North 00 degrees 10 minutes 07 seconds West, 636.23 feet to the Point of Beginning. The above-described property lies in the West quarter of the Northeast quarter of the Northwest quarter of Section 4, Township 17 North, Range 17 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 2.33 acres, more or less, and the West 15 feet is subject to ingress/egress easement. According to the survey of Ron Burke, Alabama Registered Land Surveyor No. 16670, dated the 3rd day of June, 2004. Property street address for informational purposes: 3170 Rose Hill Road, Millbrook, AL 36054. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from May 23, 2023 until July 6, 2023, during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from July 6, 2023 until September 13, 2023, during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from September 13, 2023 until October 11, 2023, during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 23-40095
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 27, 2023 23-40095
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice to Contractors Federal Aid Project No. STPAA-STPMN-2621(251) & STPMN-2621(253) ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation
ny each bid as evidence of
bracket
sponse to this invitation and will
Transportation Director
2621(251)& (253) PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Stephen C. Black and Brittany M. Black, as joint tenants with right of survivorship, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), (solely as nominee for Lender, Anchor Mortgage Services, Inc., and Lender’s successors and assigns), dated the 25th day of September, 2015, which Mort-
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
B6 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023
Public Notices
p of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Real Property Book 2015, at Page 45046; said Mortgage having been transferred and assigned by Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), (solely as nominee for Lender, Anchor Mortgage Services, Inc., and Lender’s successors and assigns) to Alabama Housing Finance Authority by virtue of that certain Assignment of Mortgage dated June 20, 2023, and in Real Property Book 2023, at Page 26834. The undersigned Alabama Housing Finance Authority as Assignee of said Mortgage will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage, sell at auction to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Elmore County Courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, Alabama during the legal hours of sale on October 25, 2023, the real property described in said Mortgage, which said description is hereby referred to and made a part hereof, said property being situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 4, Lake Regions Estates as the same is recorded in Plat Book 11 at Page 54 in the OfElmore County, Alabama. 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 realizing the mortgage debt, together with all expenses of the sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee.
CAPELL & HOWARD, P.C.
Bowdy J. Brown, Esq.
150 South Perry Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Our File No.: 37591-3293
ATTORNEYS FOR ASSIGNEE
ALABAMA HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY ASSIGNEE
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 2023 37591-3293 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR PRL TITLE TRUST II, Plaintiff, v. ESTATE OF MARY FRANCES REESE, DECEASED; ESTATE JUDY C. REESE, DECEASED; ESTATE OF JULIUS JACKSON, DECEASED; ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS OR DEVISEES OF ANY ESTATES NAMED HEREIN AS WELL AS ANY UNKNOWN PERSONS WHO MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY, Defendants. CASE NO.: CV-23-900151 NOTICE FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
On August 8, 2023, this Court granted Plaintiff’s Motion for Service by Publication on any potential heirs or devisees of the Estate of Mary Frances Reese, Estate of Judy C. Reese and Estate of Julius Jackson. In the Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama Civil Action No.: CV-2023-900151, UMB Bank, National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as legal trustee for PRL Title Trust II v. Estate of Mary Frances Reese, Estate of Judy C. Reese and Estate of Julius unknown heirs or devisees of the Estate of Mary Frances Reese, Estate of Judy C. Reese and Estate of Julius Jackson. Notice To: any unknown heirs or devisees of the Estate of Mary Frances Reese, Estate of Judy C. Reese and Estate of Julius Jackson, as well as any unknown persons who may have an interest in the real property located at 4530 Lakeshore Dr., Millbrook, AL 36054. By Order of the Court for service by publication dated August 8, that on June 21, 2023, Plaintifftory Judgment on the subject property. You are required to Court of Elmore County, Alabama and serve upon Plaintiff’s attorney, G. Alicia Jett at McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, at 2 20th St. North, Ste. 1000, Birmingham, AL 35203, an answer in writing within 30 days after the last publication of this Notice on or before October 27, 2023, or default judgment will be entered against you. This the 29th day of August, 2023. Michael Dozier
Clerk of Court
cc:G. Alicia Jett McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 2 20th St. North, Ste. 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203
Wetumpka Herald: Sep. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2023 CV-23-900151 PUBLIC NOTICE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed proposals will be received from General Contractor Bidders by the Elmore County Board of Education; at their 100 H. H. Robinson Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092; at 2:00 p.m. CST time on October 5, 2023, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read, for the following project:
Public Notices
ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION VARIOUS HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL AND FOOTBALL LIGHTING UPGRADES (Local Funds)
A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Elmore County Board of Education in the percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds, insurance in compliance with requirements,will be required at the signing of the Contract.
of Garner & Associates Engineering PC, 901 South Perry Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104, and Alabama Graphics Internet Plan Room in Montgomery, Alabama. Bid Documents may be obtained from the Engineer by digital a one-time non-refundable
To expedite distribution of bid documents, a check should be emailed prior and then mailed to Garner & Associates Engineering PC, Attn: Nancy Jo Adams, 901 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104. or emailed to: nancyjo@garnerengineering.com. A MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held at the Elmore County Board of at 100 H. H. Robinson Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092; at 2:00 p.m CST time on September 28, 2023, for the purpose of reviewing the project and answering Bidder’s questions. Attendance at the Pre-Bid Conference is Mandatory for all General Contractor Bidders intending to submit a Proposal and is highly recommended for all Subcontractors. Bids from General Contractor Bidders who do not attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be rejected. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Engineer or copies thereof.
All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Almust show such evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by Engineer or Owner. The bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying their current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered and on the Proposal Form. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in their judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.
ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION Wetumpka, Alabama Richard E. Dennis, Superintendent of Education GARNER & ASSOCIATES ENGINEERING PC 901 South Perry Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 20, 27 and 4, 2023 BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TODD ANDREW FRANSEN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-226 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of TODD ANDREW FRANSEN, deceased, having been granted to REID G. TOLAR on September 5, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
REID G. TOLAR ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF TODD ANDREW FRANSEN, DECEASED Name and Address of Administrator: REID G. TOLAR ATTORNEY AT LAW 250 WINTON M. BLOUNT LOOP MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-303-2258 reid@reidtolarlaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Sep. 13, 20 and 27, 2023 EST/FRANSEN T. PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS City of Wetumpka Storm Drainage Improvements Taco Bell & Strickland Property U.S. Highway No. 231 Wetumpka, Alabama
The city clerk of the City of Wetumpka will receive bids for City of Wetumpka Storm Drainage Improvements Taco Bell & Strickland Property, U.S. Highway 231, Wetumpka, Alabama, until October 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the City Administrative building, City of Wetumpka, Ala-
Public Notices
g,y p, bama, 408 South Main Street, Wetumpka, Alabama. There will be a Pre-Bid Conference to be held on October 3, 2023, at 1:00 PM, located at the 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.
The Project will include: Installation of 213 L.F. of 42” Reinforced Concrete Pipe, 48 L.F. of 18” Reinforced Concrete Pipe, Three (3) Storm Drainage Structures, Replacement of Asphalt and Curb & Gutter, TemManagement Practices NOTE: All item bids are complete in place. The Contract documents consisting of the Advertisement foreral Conditions, Supplemental General Conditions, Payment
ceed, Drawings, Plans, Specassociated documents may be E. Speaks & Associates, Inc., at 535 Herron Street, Montgomthe City Engineer, City of Wetumpka. Copies of the Contract Documents may be obtained and Associates, Inc. located at 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 Contractor’s Licensing Law of the State the 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 withdress of Company, Telephone 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 Alasubsequently 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-
within 30 days after the actual date of the opening thereof.
The successful bidder will be allowed 60 days to complete this project.
The City of Wetumpka, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252.42 U.S.C.2000D to 2000D4 and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Trans-
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crimination in Federally assisted programs of the Department of Transportation issued pursuant insure that in any 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. CITY OF WETUMPKA
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 2023 BIDS
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BURL ANTHONY EDWARDS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-240 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BURL ANTHONY EDWARDS, deceased, having been granted to SUSAN CULPEPPER EDWARDS on September 13, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
SUSAN CULPEPPER EDWARDS
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BURL ANTHONY EDWARDS, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JAMES M. EDWARDS
BALCH & BINGHAM, LLP P.O. BOX 78 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0078 334-956-8520
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 2023 EST/EDWARDS, B.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RICHARD C. CHANNELL, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-219 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of RICHARD C. CHANNELL, deceased, having been granted to LESHA CHANNELL on September 7th 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. LESHA CHANNELL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF RICHARD C. CHANNELL, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: CASSIDY LEE COURTNEY & MANN, LLP PO BOX 100 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-2545
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 13, 20 and 27, 2023
EST/CHANNELL, R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THERESA D. PARKER, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2023-181 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE
TO: ANDREA R. SMITH-COAKLEY and CASSANDRA R. SMITH WHO ARE BOTH NON-RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND NEXT OF KIN OF THERESA D. PARKER; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF THERESA D. PARKER, DECEASED, AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on July 5, 2023, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of THERESA D. PARKER, deCourt of Elmore County, Alabama by DEMETRUIA L. PARKER, 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 THERESA D. PARKER 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 Address of Petitioner: 3405 Alabama Highway 143 Elmore, Alabama 36025
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 2023 EST/PARKER, T. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JASON SCOTT MULLINS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-199 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR AUTHORITY TO SELL REAL PROPERTY
TO: CREDITORS, IF ANY, OF THE ESTATE OF JASON SCOTT MULLINS, DECEASED, AND NOTICE TO ALL OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on August 30, 2023, a VERIFIED PETITION FOR AUTHORITY TO SELL PROPER-
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Public Notices
gg ed to RUSSELL PARKER on September 7, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: RUSSELL PARKER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF IDA LOU DARBY, DECEASED REGINA EDWARDS THE LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS, P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 13, 20 and 27, 2023
EST/DARBY, I. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH CHARLES SURETTE, ALSO KNOWN AS JOSEPH CHARLES SURETTE, JR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-232 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JOSEPH CHARLES SURETTE, ALSO KNOWN AS JOSEPH CHARLES SURETTE, JR., deceased, having been granted to BRADLEY EARL EKDAHL on September 8, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
BRADLEY EARL EKDAHL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH CHARLES SURETTE, ALSO KNOWN AS JOSEPH CHARLES SURETTE, JR., DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: KELLY LEE ATTORNEY AT LAW 164 WEST 5TH STREET N PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-358-0685
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4 and 11, 2023 EST/SURETTE J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JENNY LEIGH WESTBROOK, CASE NO: 2023-239 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JENNY LEIGH WESTBROOK, deceased, having been granted to DONALD BRUCE WESTBROOK on September 13, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
DONALD BRUCE WESTBROOK PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JENNY LEIGH WESTBROOK, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: REGINA EDWARDS THE LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS. P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-5141011
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 2023 EST/WESTBROOK, J. PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO: 2023-238 COUNTY OF ELMORE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WYLENE SCHULTZ SUTTON, DECEASED
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WYLENE SCHULTZ SUTTON, deceased, having been granted to CYNTHIA A. McGEE on September 13, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
CYNTHIA A. McGEE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WYLENE SCHULTZ SUTTON, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for such
Personal Representative: REGINA EDWARDS THE LAW FIRM OF EDWARDS & EDWARDS. P.C. 109 EAST BRIDGE STREET WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-5141011
Public Notices
Letters of Administration over the Estate of JOHN HAROLD HICKS, deceased, having been granted to CHARLES GERALD HICKS, on the 8th day of September, 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.
CHARLES GERALD HICKS, ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN HAROLD HICKS
Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. Attorney for Administrator 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 13, 20 and 27, 2023 EST/HICKS, J. PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE THAT WHEREAS, on the 18th day of December 2009, James Harsha, and wife, Ramona Harsha, (hereinafter called Mortgagor) did execute and deliver to EQUIPOINT FINANCIAL NETWORK, INC.,(hereinafter called Mortgagee) a mortgage on the real property hereinafter described, which mortgage was the Judge of Probate, Elmore County, Alabama, on the 12th day of January 2010, as Book 2010 Page 1410 and assigned to the Bank of America, a National Banking Association, on the 21st of December 2009 and recorded at Book 2010 Page 4029-4030 and corrected on the 22nd of August, 2016 as Book 2016 Page 45410-45411; NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, d/b/a CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY on the 27th of September 2012, as Book 2012 Page 51485; Bank of America, N.A. on the 8th of July, 2016 as Book 2016 Page 45412-45413; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on the 24th of October, 2016 as Book 2016 Page 58118-58119, assigned to Anders Capital Group on the 27th day of August, 2023; assigned and transferred all their rights, title and interest to LLACG Community Investment Fund on the 24th day of August 2023; WHEREAS, default has been made in the payment of the debt secured by said mortgage, and said mortgage is subject to foreclosure; NOW THEREFORE, notice is hereby given that, will sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash at the front door of the Elmore County Courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, between the lawful hours of sale on the 12th day of
EST/MULLINS J. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF IDA LOU DARBY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-231 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of IDA LOU DARBY, deceased, having been grant-
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 20, 27 and Oct. 4, 2023
EST/SUTTON, W. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN HAROLD HICKS, DECEASED CASE NO. 2023-236 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOUIS T. ROGERS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2023-230 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of LOUIS T. ROGERS, deceased, having been granted to RAMONA S. ROGERS on September 18, 2023 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of
Public Notices
g 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. RAMONA S. ROGERS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LOUIS T. ROGERS, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: CASSIDY LEE COURTNEY & MANN, LLP PO BOX 100 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-2545
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 27, Oct. 4 and 11, 2023
EST/ROGERS, L. PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE
Default having been made in the terms of that certain Mortgage, executed on 04/09/2019, by Dexter McMillion, an unmarried man, as Mortgagor, to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC as Mortgagee, which said Mortgage is recordof Probate, Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2019, Page 17929 on 4/18/2019, and subsequently assigned to BankUnited N.A. and recordof Probate, Elmore County, Alabama on 03/16/2022 in RLPY Book 2022, Page 17264, and default having continued under the terms of said Mortgage, and by virtue of Alabama Code Section 35-10-3 and 35-10-2, the following described real property will be sold at public outcry, for cash, to the highest bidder, in front of the Courthouse door of said County, during the legal hours of sale, on 10/11/2023. THE LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA, COUNTY OF ELMORE, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 8 ACCORDING TO THE PLAT OF LAKELAND ESTATES PLAT NO. 2, AS RECORDED IN OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN PLAT BOOK 13 AT PAGE 20. Subject to all easements, restrictions and reservations appearing of record. Said sale will also be made subject to any Federal Tax Liens and/or Special Assessments of any nature, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the property. 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.
Public Notices
yp
An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The property is being sold “as is, where is” Said property is sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use or enjoyment. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.
Kent D. McPhail
McPhail Sanchez, LLC Counsel for Mortgagee/Transferee 126 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602
251-438-2333
Wetumpka Herald: Sept. 13, 20 and 27, 2023
FC/MCMILLION
PUBLIC NOTICE
ORDINANCE NO. 2023-6
AN ORDINANCE TO RESTRICT A PORTION OF HILL STREET FOR PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ONLY
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE City Council of the City of Wetumpka, Alabama, as follows: WHEREAS, the City of Wetumpka is the City of Natural Beauty and is positioned along the banks of the historic Coosa River and the Fall Line of the Appalachian Mountains and the Coastal Plain; and WHEREAS, the City desires to highlight a portion of the Coosa River in its downtown by providing a viewing area and pedestrian walkway within the north right of way of Hill Street; and WHEREAS, the City has part-
Public Notices
DECIDING ON FUTURE CAREERS IN KINDERGARTEN
SUBMITTED THE OBSERVER Not many know what they want to be as a 10 year old, but Eclectic Elementary School kindergarteners already do. Last week they paraded around the halls of the school dressed as their chosen profession. There were doctors, nurses, wildlife specialists and athletes to name a few.
ECHS announces homecoming court Celebrating for more than a century
SUBMITTED
The 2023 Elmore County High School homecoming queen will be announced during pre-game ceremonies before Friday’s game with St. Clair County.The homecoming court is: front, Bethany Davis, left, and Payton Jackson; middle Sydney Boardwine,left, Jayla Brooks, Alexis Downey and Addison Hicks; back Bailey Arnold, left, Addie Patterson, Addi Stephenson and Ally Orr. Homecoming queen nominees are Brooks, Davis, Downey and Jackson.
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Virginia Thomas Wingard celebrated her 103rd birthday Sept. 17 with cake and ice cream surrounded by family.The Eclectic resident was born in Roanoke and raised in New Site. She married Eclectic native Glen Winged. They had two children: Glenda Wingard Hughes and Barry D. Wingard. They have six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She lived in Albany, Georgia for 40 years as Glen worked on the Marine Base there until he retired. The couple returned to Eclectic 25 years ago.
BEST FLORIST: THE PETALER
The Petaler in downtown Tallassee was selected as best florist in the Best of Elmore County 2023. Pictured is owner Claire Scroggins.
Cliff Williams / Tallapoosa Publishers
BEST AUTHOR: JENNY STUBBS JENNY
Jenny Stubbs was Stubbs was selected as best as local author in the Best of Elmore County 2023. 2023.
Submitted / Tallapoosa Publishers
BEST FEED STORE: FARMER’S FEED
Cliff Williams / Tallapoosa Publishers Farmers Feed Wetumpka was selected as best feed store in the Best of Elmore County 2023. Pictured is owner Clint McCullers.
BEST TEACHER & ADMIN
Tallassee High School’s Marilyn Speake, left was selected as best administrative assistant and John Mask as best teacher in the Best of Elmore County 2023.
Cliff Williams / Tallapoosa Publishers
Cliff Williams / Tallapoosa Publishers
Restoration Coffee in downtown Wetumpka was selected as the Best of Elmore County 2023 new business. Pictured are owners Dylan and Haley Daniel.
BEST COACH: BEAR WOODS
Cliff Williams / Tallapoosa Publishers
Wetumpka football coach Bear Woods, center, was selected last best coach in the Best of Elmore County 2023. Also pictured are Dr. Jamey McGowin, left, and Richard Dennis
ACTIVIT Y: GROVE STATEION ACTIVITY:
Cliff Williams / Tallapoosa Publishers
Grove Station in downtown Tallassee was selected as best date night and wine shop in the Best of Elmore County 2023. Picture is owner Corrie Sid.
Cliff Williams / Tallapoosa Publishers
Wetumpka Flea Market & Antiques was selected as the best antiques store in the Best of Elmore County 2023. Pictured is Ryan Rushing. The Rushing family has owned the store for two decades.
BEST TANNING: THE TANNING: THE ECLECTIC COLLECTION
The Eclectic Collection and owner Elizabeth Geer won the Best of award for Best Tanning Salon.
Lizi Arbogast Gwin / Tallapoosa Publishers
T
P O R
Cliff Williams / Tallapoosa Publishers
Tiger Paw in downtown Tallassee was selected as the best sporting goods store in the Best of Elmore County 2023. Pictured are Lauren Cole, left and Kaileigh Denning.
