The Wetumpka Herald 11-02-22

Volunteers join CASA of Elmore County

Holtville High School basketball coach arrested

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

CASA is now up and going in Elmore County.

volunteers are trained to advocate for the best interests of these children in the courtroom and in all areas of life, as needed.”

investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”

A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Elmore County is a nonprofit organization that recruits, screens and trains community volunteers to advocate for children in foster care.

“There are 89 children currently in care in Elmore County,” CASA of Elmore County Executive Director Charity Alpert said. “CASA

Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.

Wilson was the head basketball coach at Holtville High School and was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis.

The CASA program recently swore in their first two volunteers in Elmore County under Judge Patrick Pinkston. Wanda McCullers and Kathryn Bettich, both of Elmore County, completed their required CASA training and court observation and will start serving foster children in Elmore County.

Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.

More about CASA of Elmore County can be found on its Facebook page.

“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary

Holtville Middle School principal arrested

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

The Holtville Middle School principal was arrested Thursday night but has been on leave from his job since Tuesday.

“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”

“You

“Mr.

Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

Lee Jackson, 48, of Deatsville was arrested by the Millbrook Police Department and booked into the Elmore County Jail on a third-degree domestic violence charge.

The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon

The Elmore County Board of Education said in a statement it is aware of the matter.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.

“The incident that led to the arrest is unrelated to the school or our school system,” the statement said. “As of Oct. 25, the employee has been on leave. The Elmore County Public Schools has interim leadership taking care of the needs of Holtville Middle School students, staff and parents.”

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

See CHAMBER, Page A3

The statement said the Elmore County Board of Education couldn’t comment any further on the matter. Thursday morning the Holtville Middle School website still listed Jackson as principal.

Jackson was released from the Elmore County Jail Friday afternoon.

Three Wetumpka residents turn 100 years old

By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia reporter

Gardens of Wetumpka Assisted Living has three residents turning 100 years old this year — Joan Bromley, Jackie Sumners and Juanita Welker.

STELLAR SEASON

Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected

By Jake Arthur

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

thewetumpkaherald.com.

Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year

JOAN BROMLEY

Staff Report

Bromley’s birthday is Nov. 7, and she said it feels “impossible” to almost be turning 100. Thinking back on her childhood, she said what stands out the most was running away from home when she was around 6 years old.

The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.

schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Su perintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.

“I tell that story all the time. I was mad at my mother, and I packed my bag and I went probably two doors down. I ran away from home, but she [my mother] knew where I was,” Bromely said.

Bromley was born in New York City, and she went

The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a

See RESIDENTS, Page A3

“Kyle Futral is an exception al principal and is very proac tive and innovative in his think ing and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed

Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sher iff’s Office have the alleged vic tim’s phone. Authorities collect ed Wilson’s phone as well.

could see a conversa tion between the two,” Franklin said.

Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”

Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes af ter turning himself in accord ing to the Elmore County Jail website.

Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.

Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.

WILSON

to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.

Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon.

SUBMITTED THE HERALD

LEFT: Wanda McCullers poses with Elmore County District Court Judge Judge Patrick Pinkston. RIGHT: Kathryn Bettich poses with Elmore County District Court Judge Judge Patrick Pinkston.

JACKSON

Edgewood won their fourth consecutive state championship and the sixth championship in the last seven years for the program. Head coach David DeLozier has been the coach for each of the last three championships, and despite losing prominent senior classes each year, his teams continue to get better and better and keep winning. For the full story, see Page B1. For more photos, visit www.

Police Reports

•

•

OCT. 24

OCT. 21

OCT. 19

• Theft of property was reported on Wilson Street.

TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT

OCT. 27

• A domestic incident was reported on Second

Street.

• A prowler was reported on James Street. OCT. 26

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Powers Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Notasulga Road.

• A verbal fight was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Third Avenue.

OCT. 25

• A traffic accident was reported on Little Road.

• A prowler was reported on Third Avenue.

• Assistance was given during a medical call on Washington Street.

• The roadway was blocked on Gilmer Avenue.

• Harassment was reported on Hillcrest Avenue.

• Harassing communications was reported on Quail Crossing.

• Harassment was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• A white male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Harassing communications was reported on Third Avenue.

• Disorderly conduct was reported on North Ann Avenue.

• Robbery was reported on Central Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Central Boulevard.

• Animal control was requested on Cliff Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Central Boulevard.

• Gunfire was reported on Roberts Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black female was arrested on Quail Run Drive.

• A suspicious person was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Freeman Avenue.

• Debris was reported in

the roadway on Highway 229.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on West Roosevelt Street.

• Two white males and two white females were arrested on John Street.

• A private property accident was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white female was arrested during a suspicious person call on John Street.

• A stolen vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Manning Circle.

• Theft was reported on Notasulga Road. OCT. 23

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Ransom Drive.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gammils Store Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on North Ann Avenue.

• An animal complaint was reported on Wall Street.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Quail Run Drive.

• Theft was reported on North McKenzie Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on West Roosevelt Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Yates Dam Road.

• Reckless Driving was reported on McArthur Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on West Butler Street.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested during a call for gunfire on Grimes Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on East Roosevelt Street.

• Debris was reported in the roadway on North Ann Avenue.

• A welfare check was

conducted on East Roosevelt Street.

• A domestic dispute was reported on East Roosevelt Street.

• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Barnett Boulevard.

OCT. 22

• Trespassing was reported on Jacob Court.

• An assault was reported on Jordan Avenue.

• A domestic incident was reported on Friendship Road.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• A suspicious person was reported on Benson Avenue.

• Theft was reported on East Patton Street.

• A tree was reported in the roadway on Log Circle.

• A fight was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.

• A motor vehicle accident was reported on Rifle Range Road.

• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Highway 229.

• A Black male was arrested on Sims Avenue.

• A Black male was arrested on Barnett Boulevard.

OCT. 21

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Gunshots were reported on North Ann Avenue.

• A domestic dispute was reported on Charles CC Blalock.

• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on East Patton Street.

• Panhandling was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Panhandling was reported on Notasulga Road.

• A welfare check was conducted on Cotton Ridge Road.

• A Black male was arrested in Coosa County.

• A motor vehicle accident with injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Breaking and entering a vehicle and theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• A white was arrested during a traff ic stop on Gilmer Avenue.

• A welfare check was conducted on Kent Road.

• Animal control was requested on Riverside Drive.

• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.

• A white female was arrested on Freeman Avenue.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Lakewater Drive.

• Suspicious activity was reported on Notasulga Road. OCT. 20

• A suspicious person was reported on Poplar Street.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.

• Gunfire was reported on Poplar Street.

• A prowler was reported on Delta Road.

• A juvenile complaint was reported on Notasulga Road.

• Criminal mischief was reported on Highway 229.

• Panhandling was reported on Gilmer Avenue.

• Animal control was requested on North Ann Avenue.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Friendship Road.

• Animal control was requested on North Ann Avenue.

• Disorderly conduct was reported on Barnett Boulevard.

• Assistance was given to a motorist on Oak Heights Road.

Millbrook police seeking theft suspect

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

The Millbrook Police Department is investigating a third-degree theft of property case and seeks the public’s help in identifying the suspects.

Investigators released a photo of an unknown female wanted for fraudulently withdrawing $600 from the victim’s bank account. The offense occurred, Wednesday, Aug. 3 in Millbrook. Investigators say the female made the withdrawal from a drive-thru at a local financial institution and left in an unknown direction of travel.

There is no other information available currently.

Anyone with information regarding the identity of this suspect or his whereabouts is asked to call the Millbrook Police Department at 334-285-5603 or CrimeStoppers using its 24-hour tip line at 215STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP or download the P3-tips app. If anyone gives a tip, they are asked to make sure they receive a tip ID and password in order to dialog with Investigators in case there is a follow-up question. A tip may lead to a cash reward.

This

SUBMITTED | THE HERALD

suspect is wanted in regards to a theft being investigated by the Millbrook Police Department.

and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

Election year observations

This 2022 Election Year in Alabama has been monumental and memorable. Any gubernatorial year is big in the state. It is the brass ring of Alabama politics to be governor. However, the race to succeed our Senior Senator Richard Shelby has been the marquee contest. This year will be the last hurrah for our two leading political figures in the state.

Senator Richard Shelby is retiring after 36 years in the U.S. Senate at age 88. Governor Kay Ivey will be elected to her final term as Governor at 78.

An observation that occurred to me during the year that many of you may not know or realize is the power that Jimmy Rane, the legendary successful businessman from Abbeville, possesses. He is known to many Alabamians as the famous friendly giant sitting atop a horse as the Yella Fella on the ads of yesteryear promoting his Great Southern Wood Company.

In my years of observing Alabama politics, I do not believe there has been an individual that has been the closest confidant and friend to the two most powerful political people in the state. Senator Shelby and Governor Ivey are unquestionably the two most powerful political people in the state, but they are arguably two of the most important political figures in modern Alabama political history. If you sat both Ivey and Shelby down and asked them to tell you their best friend and confidant, they both would probably say Jimmy Rane.

Governor Ivey and Rane have been friends and allies since their college days at Auburn University 60 years ago. Shelby and Rane have

Opinion? What’s

L

be an understatement.

been bonded for at least 36 years. As busy as Senator Shelby has been as one of the most important leaders in Washington and world affairs, the last 10 years a week does not go by that Shelby and Rane do not talk. Rane knows when Shelby has a cold before his wife Annette knows. Rane has been Ivey’s and Shelby’s benefactor and ally for not what they can do for him. He does not get anything out of his relationship with Shelby and Ivey. He is just their friend. He is also loyal to his hometown of Abbeville and Henry County. The Great Southern Wood is the main thing in Abbeville and a mainstay for the entire Wiregrass. His benevolence to his hometown is unparalleled. Another development I have watched this year is some good old fashioned hardnosed hard work on the campaign trail by some of the 2022 candidates. It is understandable that those running for office on this year’s ballot would be on the campaign trail. However, one Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, the President of the Public Service Commission, has canvassed the rural counties of Alabama more extensively than most of the successful candidates running statewide this year. And, folks, her name was not even on the ballot this year. She runs for reelection to the PSC Presidency in 2024. To say that she will be unbeatable for reelection to her post as head of the PSC would

Twinkle Cavanaugh is probably the best known political figure in the state going forward in the post Richard Shelby/Kay Ivey era. She has run statewide numerous times and has been successful in most of those races. When you run that many times, you build a grassroots organization. Then you add that she has been Chairman of the Republican Party and a loyal supporter of popular past Republican presidents. She has not let any grass grow under her feet this year. She has watered that grassroots organization during this off year with one-on-one visits, especially to the remote rural counties of the state. Her diligence will pay off in future years. She is still young and a good bet to be governor or U.S. Senator one day.

Folks in Montgomery and throughout the state are glad to see State Senator Billy Beasley run again, successfully, for another term. He is one of the most well-liked and respected members of the upper chamber in the State Capitol. Billy is the only white Democrat in the Alabama Senate. Do not bet on his not running again in 2026. He is the youngest looking 82 year old I have ever seen and his brother Jere is the youngest 85 year old I have ever seen. They must have pretty good genes.

See you next week.

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

All killer, no filler

ast Friday, the final rock ‘n’ roll pioneer passed away at age 87.

Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard all crossed the way over the past few years, but the wildest one of them all was still there – even calling one of his final albums “Last Man Standing”: Jerry Lee Lewis. But now, the one they called Killer is gone.

If rock rebellion could be captured by a single person, I believe Jerry Lee Lewis was the complete embodiment of it. He approached both the sacred and the profane with the same energy and made defiance of established norms his brand.

Jerry Lee was born in Ferriday, Louisiana, a small town in Concordia parish bordering the state of Mississippi. His cousins, Mickey Gilley and Jimmy Swaggart also grew up nearby and all of them played piano in church.

He had originally planned to become a preacher. In fact, he spent time in the seminary and had prepared to serve the Lord as a career. However, his rave-up versions of gospel tunes gave the seminary’s leadership pause – if not a coronary – and they kicked him out of Bible college.

How rock and roll is that?

“I didn’t graduate,” he once said. “I was asked to leave for playing ‘My God Is Real’ boogie-woogie style, rock ’n’ roll style. I figured that’s the way it needed to be played.”

Jerry Lee made a living next by selling sewing machines door-to-door. But at night, Mr. Lewis played in bars and roadhouses around the Southeast and polished his trademark style: barrelhouse boogie-woogie, country, gospel, and a truly wild invention all his own that involved kicking over the piano bench and doing handstands on the keys – imitated years later by many others including Elton John in his younger days.

Jerry Lee’s father sold 33 dozen eggs to finance his son’s trip to make his big shot at recording. One day in November 1956, when he was 21 years old, he walked into Sun Studio in Memphis and told Sam Phillips that he was demanding an audition. Phillips had just sold Elvis Presley’s contract to RCA Victor – and while

STEVE FLOWERS Columnist MICHAEL BIRD Columnist

Phillips

That’s

His first single was a rockabillystyled version of Ray Price’s country hit “Crazy Arms.” While it was a hit in the South, the next cover – “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” – would rattle the very foundation of the music industry when it sold six million copies and became one of the biggest selling records in rock history.

Jerry Lee now went from obscurity to becoming a direct challenger to Elvis on radios and jukeboxes everywhere. In 1957, Sun put out Jerry Lee’s cover of Otis Blackwell’s sexually charged “Great Balls of Fire,” which was considered obscene at the time but became his second-biggest hit.

Jerry Lee’s style included beating the left-hand keys insistently while ripping through the right hand notes with powerful glissandos, a technique that the New York Times called a “scorching performing style [that] suited his material.” Lewis sweated, he howled, he grunted, he screamed. The records sold.

The fast living and performing of the “devil’s music” nearly took Jerry Lee off the radar completely when, in 1958, it was discovered that he was married to his 13-year-old cousin Myra Gale Brown – and not only that, he wasn’t even divorced from his second wife when he took this child to be his third one!

Busted back down to county fairs and small clubs, Jerry Lee needed redemption. And he found it in country music.

Smash Records, an offshoot of the larger and more powerful Mercury Records, had a growing country music

division. Smash/Mercury signed Lewis in 1963 and suggested Jerry Lee record some straight country.

These country releases really show the incredible range of Jerry Lee Lewis. He could make you cry in your beer with songs like “What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me),” from 1968, and honky-tonkers like “39 and Holding,” from 1981.

The Killer proved he was still the Killer. When invited to perform at the Grand Ole Opry, Jerry Lee Lewis had to promise that he would stick to his newer country songs.

In true Jerry Lee fashion, he didn’t – he played all of his rock ‘n’ roll songs, stayed on stage beyond his allotted time, and to top it off, cussed out the audience!

There were the poor decisions in management and material, and even worse times to come with one of his wives drowning, another overdosing, his shooting his bass player in the chest, and crashing through the gates of Graceland waving a gun and demanding to see Elvis. And those are just the more high-profile scandals of Jerry Lee’s later career.

Two weeks ago, Jerry Lee was too ill to attend his Country Music Hall of Fame induction, 36 years after being similarly honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In his acceptance letter, he wrote, “I am appreciative of all those who have recognized that Jerry Lee Lewis music is country music and to our almighty God for his never-ending redeeming grace.”

Elvis was indeed the King and the man who exposed this music to the world. Fats Domino brought the piano, Chuck Berry the guitar, and Little Richard the attitude (not to mention the piano). The Last Man Standing is now gone, too. But what a legacy this group of rock and rollers created – the fact that 60 and 70 years on, we are still listening to their music says a lot about its creators.

“I’m the only one left who’s worth a damn,” Jerry Lee said in an interview several years ago. “Everyone else is dead or gone. Only the Killer rocks on.”

Michael Bird is a music teacher for Tallassee City Schools.

may have initially thought he was flush with cash, he needed the next Elvis to walk through the door.

exactly what happened with Jerry Lee. He joined a Sun Records stable that also included Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison. Jerry Lee Lewis was a great artist to headline that roster.

Kenneth Boone, Chairman Tippy Hunter, General Manager Kaitlin Fleming, Managing Editor Opinions expressed in guest columns and letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the management of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.

“Our liberty cannot be guarded but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without danger of losing it.”

—Thomas Jefferson

Pet of the Week – Queenie

Queenie is an eleven-months-old, female, Shepherd/Bulldog mix, about 45 lbs. She is a very sweet gal, can be a bit shy at first, loves to be petted, not sure what to do with toys, very loving, good with other dogs, cats and children.

The adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under one-yearold; cats over one-year-old can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee completely covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, de-worming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if

Humane Society of Elmore County News

By Rea Cord Executive Director

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and we certainly love when our older pets are adopted. Many dogs and cats live well into their late teens so

adopting a five- or 10-yearold pet still means many, many years together. Of course, what would be best in our shelter world is that all pets stay with their families and never need our help in finding them new homes. That said, we ask

everyone to keep a check on others around you– those that may be elderly without family support, those less fortunate, those facing challenging times. We should all look out for one another as much as possible but also ask that you keep an eye out for the pets in those same homes.

Not only do us humans live longer, but our pets do as well. Just like us, our pets live longer as a result of better diets, exercise and medical care by their veterinarian. But longer lives also lead to both people and pets with increased care requirements whether that be modified diets, more trips to the vet for recurrent issues, or just

RESIDENTS

Continued from A1

more attention paid to the changes happening with an aging pet. Increasingly we see senior pets coming to us, and upon arrival they are in a very apparent state of neglect. We see terribly overgrown (and ingrown) nails, coats with missing hair from parasites or neglected medical issues, teeth severely in need of dental care and often extractions, ears that are infected and painful, and more.

Many times, these pets have had elderly owners who have their own issues, such as reduced vision or limited means and ability to get around, and simply are not realizing the issues their beloved pet is also having. They may not be able to

to a boarding school in Pennsylvania. From there she went to college at Vassar, and throughout her years she has lived in Florida and Chicago as well.

“I taught daycare for all my life and I owned my own too,” she said. “I loved it because it was little kids… and so I did that until I retired.”

In addition to taking care of kids, she also made a home for many dogs. Bromley said she probably couldn’t even count how many she has had — sometimes she just had one; other times it was three or four.

Bromley originally moved to Alabama because it is where her daughter lives, and she said she hopes to “hang around a little while.”

JACKIE SUMNERS

Sumners was born in Lindale, Georgia, and had the first birthday of the 100-year-olds on Oct. 20. She came to Wetumpka when she was 9 years old and has lived in the area ever since.

“Wetumpka has changed a lot since I came here. The year we came here is when they opened the Bibb Graves Bridge and downtown was nothing [back then],” Sumners said. “It had cement sidewalks and all that, but it didn’t have traffic lights I don’t think.”

As a teenager, she went dancing with her friends on Friday nights and would go to Harrogate Springs to swim. She attended Wetumpka High School and was crowned May queen.

After graduating from high school, Sumners worked as a payroll clerk for the cotton mill and then later worked for

old enough, free health exam with your participating veterinarian.

If you are interested in meeting Queenie or any of the pets at the shelter, the first step is the adoption application you can do here: https:// elmorehumane.org/adoptionapplication-online-form2.html. Once approved, the shelter will coordinate with you to set up an appointment to meet and adopt.

The shelter is located at 255 Central Plank Road, Wetumpka, AL, 36092, the phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org for more information.

trim their dog’s nails and, if they cannot drive, cannot get their pet to a vet or groomer. These owners may not comprehend that their pet is simply not eating as well as it used to because its teeth are painful. If a pet owner is also dealing with human dementia or Alzheimer’s, they may forget to feed their pet or also not realize that their pet has been missing for longer than a few hours while it is locked outside (or has escaped).

So, we bring this up to ask that family, friends and neighbor’s please also keep an eye out for the pets of those who may no longer be seeing the reality of their pet’s needs and health. They may need help with

a ride to a vet or even need the help of a mobile vet to come to their house. Or they simply may need the help of checking to make sure they have dog/cat food and that the pet is being fed regularly. Helping a pet suffering from fleas is also helping the owner who may be being bitten by fleas in the house as well. We are asking for everyone to look out for each other and try to also look out for each other’s pets when there is a need for a bit more oversight. If you love animals this is not only helping the animal, but helping their human as well, and we can all use a lot more of helping each other these days.

the government until she retired.

“I was just glad I didn’t have to go to work, but then I thought ‘I wish I could go back to work.] My friends, most of them, were still working and I didn’t have nothing to do … I stayed at home, and it was boring,” she said with a laugh.

However, one of the constant joys in her life has been living in Wetumpka.

“Wetumpka is a good place to live, and people are very kind and lovely. And I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else…” she said.

JUANITA WELKER

Welker will be turning 100 on Dec. 31 — the last day of the year.

“I can’t tell any difference,” she said, considering what turning 100 might feel like. “I just don’t have the energy I used to have, but that’s been normal for a good long while.”

Growing up, Welker lived across the street from her grandparents in Alabama, and she said it was fun having family so close by. She went to high school in

Opp, Alabama, and later for college she attended Athens State University.

“I was really proud that I was able to have enough brains left to do college work and get my degree,” she said.

Welker also taught hair cosmetology courses at MacArthur Community College until she retired. Once she retired, she said she got to travel to California and some of the states up North where she visited with a former colleague and his wife.

“I would say get all [your] education while [you] are younger and not until [you] get too old like I was,” Welker said. “It’s harder when you’re older. You don’t retain it as well.”

Welker said teaching hair might not sound very studious, but there is a lot more book work than one might expect. With having the last birthday of three, Welker said she hopes she’s up for whatever “the kids” have planned and she’s sure it’s something.

In celebration of the centennial birthdays, Gardens of Wetumpka will have a parade on Nov. 18.

ABIGAIL MURPHY THE HERALD

LEFT: Jackie Sumners is the first of the three residents turning 100 this year.

RIGHT: Juanita Welker is the final Gardens of Wetumpka resident turning 100 this year.

Candy Apple Slices

Candied Apples are a Fall must, but they are so messy. Follow these steps to make a much neater treat!

1. Take one apple and have an adult cut it up into slices. (An apple corer will work.) Clean any seeds that have remained in the middle.

2. Using a squeeze bottle of caramel or chocolate ice cream topping, pour some caramel onto each slice. Add sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips.

3. Place in freezer for 20 minutes to harden caramel.

4. (Optional) Take a popsicle stick and push it into the end of the apple slice.

Fall is a time when the leaves change colors; kids go back to school; and people begin to spend more time indoors due to the cooling weather. Many people enjoy this time in the kitchen cooking recipes for cooler weather with foods that are in season, like pumpkin, squash, and apples. A good recipe tells you what ingredients you need, what tools you will need to prepare and cook it, and how long each step should take. Always read the entire recipe first to make sure that you have all the necessary tools and ingredients before you begin. It is also absolutely necessary to always have an adult’s permission before using the kitchen. Ask an adult for any help that you may need when using kitchen tools, knives, and appliances. Safety first is the most important rule of all! Have a great time cooking!

Cooking Tools Word Find

Hidden Words: Bowl, Flour, Fork, Glass, Knife, Measuring Cups, Microwave, Milk, Oven, Pan, Pepper, Plate, Pot, Rolling Pin, Salt, Spatula, Spoon, Stove, Sugar, Timer

Apple Pie Maze

Easy Apple Cider

Follow the directions below to make tasty, Autumn apple cider. You will need: 8 cups of apple juice, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of ground cloves, and 1 cup orange juice.

Step One: Mix all the ingredients together in a large saucepan.

Step Two: Have an adult warm the mixture up to a slight boil, then simmer on low for one hour.

Step Three: Pour into a glass container and allow it to cool enough before you drink it. Enjoy!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Everyone loves to carve pumpkins in the Fall. Don’t throw away your pumpkin seeds when you carve! Follow these steps below instead.

1. Line a baking sheet with tin foil and spray it down with cooking spray or lightly oil it.

2. Remove seeds from pumpkin and rinse them clean. A colander would work well.

3. Spread clean, almostdry seeds on the sheet in a single layer. Spread them around a little first to add some oil to them. Add a pinch of salt.

4. Bake at 350o for 25 minutes, or until toasted. Allow to cool and enjoy!

For all the saints

Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge! I do hope all is well with everyone reading this week’s column. The decorations and festivities of Halloween this year have been inspirational. It appears a good time was had by all!

All Hallows Eve gives way to All Saints Day at midnight on October 31st. Community celebrations of all things tricky and treaty shift to remembrance of those who have died in the past year. Most cultures have some annual means of remembering the dead with honor and respect.

In many churches, there will be a hymn sung in or around All Saints Day. The hymn is entitled For All the Saints. The

BETHLEHEM EAST BAPTIST CHURCH

REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist

text was written by William Walsham How in 1836, and the tune composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1906. The third stanza of that hymn captures the essence of All Saints remembrance.

O blest communion, fellowship divine! We feebly struggle; they in glory shine.

Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia! Alleluia!

What does it mean for any of us to remember the saints

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.

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.

who now rest from the labors of life in the earthly kingdom? If we are being honest, such remembrance is bittersweet. On the one hand, we are saddened by the loss of friends, family, and others known to us. On the other, we have the opportunity to observe the shining glory of the life they lived.

My father passed away in May of 2020. Not a day goes by that I am not reminded of him. Some of those days are sad, but more often than not they are joyful. In short, my sadness is overcome by the realization that everything my father ever told me about life and faith was true.

Please don’t misunderstand. My father was not a perfect man by any means. He

Church Briefs

EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blankets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334312-4913.

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 informa-

had shortcomings just like everyone else. The only truth he ever spoke of with any confidence was the gospel truth. Sure, there was a gospel according to Felix, but that was not the good news he sought to spread.

On the contrary, he lived in the world as a child of God. He always maintained distinction between the ways of God and the ways of humankind apart from God. He did not attempt to define the ways of God via human understanding. He did not try to equate the ways of the human condition with the activity of God.

My father is one of many folks in my life thus far who continually reminded me of the goodness of God. They always gave God credit

tion, visit the church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet

for it. They did not boast in self-righteousness. They glorified God through humble servanthood.

If you took the time on the real All Saints Day to remember the saints who have gone before us, you understand the blessing from God I am describing. If you did not, it is not too late. The opportunity to recognize the blessings of the saints is eternally available.

It is important to remember who the saints of our lives are. It is more important to remember why they hold that place in our hearts and minds. This is the way to see that the glory of God continues to shine in their physical absence.

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

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.

Red hot Elmore County faces Demopolis in first round

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

For the first time since 2011, the Elmore County football team is playing in the postseason.

Elmore County, which finished the regular season with a 7-3 record and the No. 4 seed in its region, hits the road on Friday night to play Demopolis (9-1).

The Panthers are in the midst of their best season in recent history as their seven wins are the most in a season since 2008.

“It’s exciting for sure,” head coach

Kyle Caldwell said. “There’s a lot of history at this school and some peopled’t aren’t aware of it. We’re the only school in the county who has won a state championship in football, so there’s a lot of excitement and positivity. The boys have worked hard all year and they’re ready to come to work this week and play their hearts out on Friday night.”

Demopolis has been nearly unstoppable this season. After dropping a Week 2 matchup to Jackson, 43-20, the Tigers have reeled off eight wins in a row to wrap up the regular season.

During that eight-game win streak, they’ve outscored their eight opponents 430-71. They’ve shut out three opponents during that span, and they’ve held four teams to six points or less.

On offense, they’ve scored under 48 points only one time and they’ve scored 60 or more points three times, including 74 points in a blowout win.

Demopolis and Elmore County has three common opponents and both teams went 3-0 against them. Those teams are Holtville, Jemison,

Stanhope Elmore’s Bradford ‘following God’s plan’ with resignation

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Stanhope Elmore means everything to Brian Bradford, and that made his decision to resign the hardest decision he’s ever had to make.

Bradford, a Stanhope Elmore graduate who has spent 15 years in Millbrook as a coach and the last six as the head coach, announced his decision to resign last week.

In the six years he has spent as head coach and athletic director, he has led the Mustangs to a 34-31 overall record and made the playoffs four times. This season, the Mustangs finished the year 4-6 overall and missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

The decision to resign wasn’t an easy one to make for Bradford. He wanted to stay and continue to coach his dream school, but he felt God pulling him in a different direction the last two seasons.

That came to a head after the Mustangs started the season 0-2. After that second game, Bradford said he felt God overwhelmingly tell him to resign. So he marched into Principal Ewell Fuller office and told him his plans.

Bradford said he tells his players all the time that being obedient to God come first over everything, so he knew he would be a hypocrite if he didn’t follow that path.

By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor

Her kill gave Edgewood Academy a 3-0 win over Lowndes Academy in the AISA Class AA championship at the Cramton Bowl Multiplex in Montgomery.

The win is Edgewood’s fourth consecutive state championship and the sixth championship in the last seven years for the program.

Head coach David DeLozier has been the coach for each of the last three championships, and despite losing prominent senior classes each year, his teams continue to get better and better and keep winning.

“It’s a big deal for us as a school and us as a team,” DeLozier said of continuing the championship run. “We take pride in the fact that we train at a high level, compete at a high level, and carry ourselves with confidence. We train like it and we act like it. Even though we win and we’re used to winning, we don’t take it for granted and that’s really hard to do. …”

“I’m proud of the fact that we come out and we do our job and we do our job well.

Each one of the DeLozier’s three teams have been fantastic, and that’s evident with the team ending the year hoisting a trophy.

But the 2022 Edgewood Academy team was different.

From start to finish, this year’s Lady Wildcats team was as dominant as they could be. They started the season as the No. 1-ranked team in the state, and they proved why. The opening two matches of the season were the two closest games, when they edged by Glenwood,

Local teams suit

Dalton Middleton Sports Editor

THE PLAYERS

FOUR DOWNS

BANKS ACADEMY (6-4)

AT EDGEWOOD ACADEMY (5-5)

Edgewood Academy: QB Austin Champion has passed for 12 touchdowns this season. … DB Gabe LeMaster has four interceptions in his last three games.

… ATH Bradley Boone has been the team’s leading receiver this season.

the eventual Class AAA champion, with a 3-2 final score.

That was the start of a special season. Edgewood went on to beat every single team they faced from the state of Alabama. Not a single team that the Lady Wildcats faced could beat them. In fact, only Glenwood was able to even take two sets from the team.

They were nearly able to remain undefeated throughout the entire season,

playoff games

Banks beat Edgewood, 47-19, on Sept. 29 this season.

Since that loss, Edgewood has won three of its last four games.

Edgewood was shutout last week for the first time this season.

Banks has won two games in a row entering the playoffs.

NEXT UP : Winner advances to play winner of Patrician/ Abbeville.

“I was battling myself and battling God at the same time,” Bradford said. “My plan and everything I want is to stay here. I don’t want to go anywhere. This is my home and this is my dream job. When I got this job, I told my wife I had nowhere to go from here because there’s nowhere up from here. The pinnacle of my career is this job. This is where I wanted to retire at. …”

“I’m coaching 6A football at my alma mater. What else could I want? That’s what made this so hard. Everything in my life is Stanhope Elmore. I felt God pulling me everywhere else, but I was battling my plan. God’s plan and my plan are two totally different things right now, and I had to surrender over to him and say ‘Okay, I’ll listen to your plan. Yours is the one that matters.’”

No matter if he’s coaching or not, Stanhope Elmore is home for Bradford.

Bradford graduated from Stanhope Elmore in 1994, and he returned in 2005 when he was hired as the offensive coordinator under head coach Jeff Foshee.

He served in that role for nine years before he was hired away to be the head coach of Chilton County for three seasons from 2014-2016.

But after three seasons, he was called back home.

He took over the Stanhope program in 2017, and he has led the team to 34 wins with a 20-14 region record over the last six seasons. The Mustangs made the playoffs each of his first four seasons, including a playoff win in 2019 when the Mustangs went 9-3.

But for 17 years, he has spent time being a student and player, assistant coach, and head coach for his home team. And despite him moving on, Millbrook and Stanhope Elmore will forever be his home.

“Stanhope Elmore is everything to me,” Bradford said. “15 years of my life has been spent coaching here. I love this place. My family still lives here and my mom lives here. There’s no bad feeling towards anything with Stan-

When Edgewood Academy senior Elena Adams spiked the ball into the middle of the Lowndes defense last Wednesday afternoon, she capped off arguably the greatest volleyball season in Edgewood Academy history.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD

Edgewood Academy players celebrate after scoring a point against Lowndes Academy in the state championship match.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD

Edgewood Academy’s volleyball team hoists the trophy after winning the AISA Class AA state championship last week.

CLIFF WILLIAMS THE HERALD

Elmore County’s Garrettt Allen and the Panthers’ offense have scored 123 points in their last two games entering the playoffs.

See DEMOPOLIS, Page B2

JAKE ARTHUR FILE PHOTO

Stanhope Elmore coach Brian Bradford announced his retirement after six years as head coach and athletic director. Bradford, a Stanhope graduate, posted a 34-31 overall record in six years.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Continued from B1

but Edgewood played in some very tough tournaments featuring public schools from the states of Mississippi and Florida.

They competed in all of those tournaments, winning as many games there as they lost, but did suffer a few losses. But that made the team better when they returned to face AISA schools and it showed in the playoffs.

In the three matches in the state tournament, Edgewood only lost one set as they beat Pickens in the quarterfinals 3-0 (25-5, 25-16, 25-11), Macon East in the semifinals 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-13, 25-18) and Lowndes in the finals 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-18).

“This is the best team I’ve coached,” DeLozier said. “We took them out of state and beat some public schools. This team could compete at a really high level. This is the best team I’ve had since I’ve been at Edgewood. I’m proud of that and I’m proud of the fact that we just continue to roll and keep cruising and keep getting better and keep upping the standard.”

The Lady Wildcats’ had the make up any coach would want on their team. The Lady Wildcats were headlined by

DEMOPOLIS

Continued from B1

and Marbury. Demopolis outscored the three teams 182-38 while Elmore County outscored them 158-77.

“They’re a really good team,” Caldwell said. “They’re 9-1 for a reason. They’ve dominated their region and that’s what they expect to do. We’ve played three teams from that region as well, so we can kind of compare ourselves a little bit and see where we stand. They’re very good offensively.”

Demopolis’ offense is averaging 49.1 points per game. They have two very good running backs - Kelvin Rowser and Keishawn Rowser. The two Rowsers have combined for 1,656 yards and 37 touchdowns this year.

Quarterback Kevin McElroy runs the offense, however, and he’s had a stellar junior season. The star has completed 113 of 184 passes for 1,584 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. He’s a threat on the ground as well as he has 424 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

“They have two good running backs who are big and strong and kind of remind me of Beauregard’s running backs, but their quarterback is their best player,” Caldwell said. “He’s undersized, but he doesn’t play like it. He kind of plays like I did when I was in

junior star Lindsey Brown, who is currently committed to play for the University of Alabama and is arguably the best player in AISA.

She, who has been the team’s main hitter the last few seasons, played more of an all-around role this year and excelled on defense. She came up and played at the net when she needed to, and she played at a high level.

But the net was patrolled by some height and heavy hitters such as junior Madison Martin and seniors Adams and Karlee Mainor.

Adams and Mainor were two of five seniors on the roster this season, and all of them left their mark on the program and left the program better than when they joined.

The five seniors were Adams, Mainor, Jaylyn Strength, Samantha Wheat, and Emma Claire Moulton. Some of them joined the team later than others, but the majority of them have known nothing but winning as they leave the program with up to four rings the last four seasons.

DeLozier has seen each of those five girls improve over the three years he’s been the head coach, and he’s proud of each one of them and the way they ended their careers.

“This group means so much to me because I’ve had them for three years,” DeLozier said. “It’s been a long journey with some of them, but I think they’ve enjoyed the ride and the progress they’ve made along the way. I’m really proud of how far they’ve come.”

WETUMPKA (7-3) AT SARALAND (9-1)

THE PLAYERS

Wetumpka: QB Nate Rogers has passed for over 1,000 yards this season with 10 TDs; he’s added over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 TDs. …

WR Quashawn Wright leads the team with five receiving touchdowns. … LB Justin Crumbaugh has recorded 88 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks.

Saraland: QB KJ Lacey has completed 134 of 203 passes for 1,995 yards, 29 touchdowns, 3 INTs. … RB Santae McWilliams Jr. has 149 carries for 935 yards, 11 TDs. … WR Ryan Williams has 53 catches for 952 yards, 17 TDs.

FOUR DOWNS

Saraland defeated Wetumpka, 37-7, last year in the first round of the playoffs.

Wetumpka has lost two of its last three games entering the postseason.

Wetumpka is 0-3 when its opponents have scored over 30 points this year.

Saraland has been held under 35 points only once this season.

NEXT UP: Winner advances to play winner of Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa/Calera.

school. He’s very quick and smart and gets rid of the ball on time with a quick release. He gets his yards.”

On defense, they allow only 13 points per game and only 8.8 points per game over their last eight games.

Elmore County’s offense, on the other hand, is averaging 36 points per game this season and has gotten better and better as the year as gone on.

Over the last two weeks, the Panthers have scored 63 and 60 points, respectively, as they’ve blown out both Holtville and Jemison. That’s mostly from quarterback Payton Stephenson, who has scored 11 total touchdowns during that span.

hope Elmore. I love the community and everything. This place is my home and will always be my home. That’s why I wanted to come back in the first place. It’s home.”

Stanhope Elmore’s 4-6 record this season is its lowest win total since the 2016 season, and the Mustangs have now missed the playoffs two seasons in a row.

But despite that, the program is not in a bad place as Bradford departs. Four of the team’s six losses this season came by one possession, and one more play in each game could’ve given the Mustangs a 8-2 overall record instead of 4-6.

Along with that, the program continues to churn out Division I prospects year after year. Players are commit-

He’s thrown six touchdowns and rushed for another five in those games. As good as Demopolis’ defense is, Elmore County’s offense is hot. And when teams get hot, anything can happen in the playoffs.

“They play a little bit of a different front than what we’ve seen, but I’m familiar with what they’re running with my experience at Chelsea,” Caldwell said. “That’s helped me game plan a little. … We didn’t want our offense to hit a hot streak in the middle of the season. We really wanted to pick it up around Week 7 and on, and carry it onto the playoffs. Hopefully we can continue on that streak and keep the offense hot.”

ting and signing to programs such as Liberty and Troy each season, and that doesn’t look to change anytime soon.

So Bradford isn’t leaving the next head coach a mess. There are no scandals and there are players ready to continue playing for whoever takes over the program next.

“I think this is a great program,” Bradford said. “We didn’t do what we wanted to this year, but we could’ve easily been hosting a region game next week. We just let a couple of things slip away from us, a couple of plays here and there, and didn’t finish a couple of games like we should’ve. We could’ve had a great season. …”

“Stanhope Elmore is a great place and a great school and we have outstanding kids. We have kids that will fight to the end and do anything that you ask. They’re wonderful kids and great football players. This place is as great as it’s ever been.”

ELMORE COUNTY (7-3) AT DEMOPOLIS (9-1)

THE PLAYERS

Elmore County: QB Payton Stephenson has completed 116 of 189 passes for 1,710 yards, 20 touchdowns, 5 INTs; he has rushed for 634 yards, 12 TDs. … RB CJ Wilkes has 139 carries for 941 yards, 8 TDs. … WR Jabari Murphy has 52 catches for 769 yards, 9 TDs.

Demopolis: QB Kevin McElroy has completed 113 of 184 passes for 1,584 yards, 16 touchdowns, 4 INTs; he has rushed for 424 yards, 4 TDs. … RB Kelvin Rowser has 119 carries for 1,102 yards, 22 TDs. …

WR Dalyn Jackson has 28 catches for 582 yards, 9 TDs.

FOUR DOWNS

This is the first playoff appearance for Elmore County since 2011.

Elmore County’s 7-3 regular season finish is its best since 2008.

QB Payton Stephenson has scored 11 touchdowns in his last two games.

Demopolis has allowed only 71 points during its 8-game win streak.

NEXT UP: Winner advances to play winner of Eufaula/ Faith Academy.

TALLASSEE (6-4) AT SELMA (7-3 )

THE PLAYERS

Tallassee: QB Tyler Ellis has rushed for 767 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. … RB DJ Leonard rushed 15 times for 163 yards and a touchdown last week. … ATH Cade Everson added 67 rushing yards and a touchdown last week.

Selma: QB Roderick Ward has 957 yards and 6 touchdowns this season. … RB Marcus Walton has 100 carries for 682 yards, 9 TDs. … DB DaKaari Nelson has recorded 6 interceptions, 5 passes defended, and 1 fumble recovery this year.

FOUR DOWNS

Tallassee has won four straight games entering the postseason.

Selma, which has won six of its last seven games, did not play last week.

Tallassee and Selma have never played each other before.

Tallassee has posted two of its three highest scoring outputs this season the last two weeks.

NEXT UP: Winner advances to play winner of Charles Henderson/Williamson.

HOLTVILLE (3-7) AT CENTRAL CLAY COUNTY (82)

THE PLAYERS

Holtville: QB Keiland Baker has over 1,000 yards of offense and has scored 19 touchdowns this year. … LB Conner Hackett has recorded 89 tackles and 14 tackles for loss this year. … RB Shawn Brackett was limited in action last Friday due to an injury.

FOUR DOWNS Holtville has lost four straight games and six of its last seven entering the playoffs.

Central Clay County has won six straight games.

Central Clay County beat Holtville, 36-0, last season.

Holtville has never beaten Central Clay County (0-4).

NEXT UP: Winner advances to play winner of Gulf Shores/Carroll.

BRADFORD Continued from B1

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE HERALD

Elmore County quarterback Payton Stephenson has scored 11 touchdowns in his last two games.

matters or a difference in values today, especially this morning. Later in the day, travel if possible, because you want to explore your world and do something different! Tonight: Explore something new. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) This morning, you will have to be cooperative and conciliatory with partners and close friends. Later in the day, focus on nances, inheritances, bills, debt and insurance issues. You’re keen to improve your home now, which costs money. Tonight: Check your nances.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Postpone important decisions that are work-related or perhaps related to your health this morning, even though they might be an issue. Later in the day, be ready to cooperate with others and go more than halfway. Sometimes you have to go along to get along. Tonight: Be cooperative.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

This is a very creative morning for those of you who work in the arts or the entertainment world or the hospitality industry. You also might enjoy playful activities with children. Later in the day, you will decide to get busy and organized at work. Tonight: Work.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

This morning you might want to relax and take it easy at home. Very likely, you will have a slow start to your day. Sometimes you need that second cup of coffee and a chance to stare into the abyss, wondering, “What’s it all about, Ale?” Enjoy a playful, creative afternoon! Tonight: Socialize!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

You might be in a contemplative mood this morning; nevertheless, this is a poor time to make important decisions. Just contemplate your options. By the afternoon, you will know what to do, especially because you might have a serious discussion with a female family relative. Tonight: Cocoon.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Postpone important nancial decisions or shopping until after 3 p.m. EDT today. (No regrets.) Later, short trips, conversations with others and a chance to learn something new will intrigue you. Do something that is novel, different or thought-provoking.

Tonight: Check the conversations! AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) This morning, the Moon is in your sign; nevertheless until 3 p.m. EDT today, it’s a time of fuzzy thinking for you. Therefore, avoid important decisions even though you feel tempted to do so. Wait until later in the day, especially to shop or make nancial choices. Tonight: Maintain your possessions. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) Today, after 3 p.m. EDT, it’s

AlaScans

Public Notices

Public Notices

Public Notices

Public Notices

p

alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 +FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828.

FOR SALE

DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108

NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades.

FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165.

Ask about our specials!

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-877-323-5516

AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT THE BLIND! Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not. maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.

AUTO

Public Notices

Public Notices

MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE FOR NEW SOUTH FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK, on the 29th day of November, 2005, said mortgage recorded Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on December 8, 2005, in Deed/Mortgage Book 2005, Page 91522, Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to Nationstar Mortgage LLC, by instrument recorded in the is hereby given that the undersigned Nationstar Mortgage 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 on the Front Steps of the Elmore County Courthouse, 100 East Conners Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on December 8, 2022, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, towit: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE SW 1/4 OF THE NW 1/4 OF SECTION 14, T20N, R19E, AND CONTINUE THENCE N THENCE N 43 DEG. 23` E, 1481.0 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTINUE THENCE N 01 DEG.

THENCE S 60 DEG. 58` E, 308.4 FEET TO THE NORTH SIDE OF A PAVED COUNTY ROAD, COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE GRIER ROAD FOR THENCE N 29 DEG. 30` W, 492.0 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL OF LAND BEING IN THE SE 1/4 OF THE NW 1/4 OF SECTION 14, T20N, R19E, AND CONTAINS 5.0 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. THE ABOVE LEGAL DESCRIPTION TAKEN FROM THAT CERTAIN SURVEY PREALA. REG. NO. 10364, DATED Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 9575 GRIER RD, WETUMPKA, AL 36092. 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 property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions

p

those contained in the records

Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto and subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable). This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Mortgagee/Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Rubin Lublin, LLC, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 11 N. Water Street, Suite 10290, Mobile, AL 36602 Telephone Number: (877) 8130992 Case No. NAT-22-049101 rlselaw.com/property-listing Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 2022 200263

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE

OF MORTGAGE

FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF Alabama COUNTY OF ELMORE Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Justin Piatek A Single Man to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership, its successors and assigns dated August 20, 2019; said mortgage being recorded on August 20, 2019, in Book 2019 Page of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2022, Page 55932 in the OfElmore County, Alabama. The undersigned, Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 8th day of December, 2022 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 31, Block 2, Blue Ridge Estates, Plat A, as shown on the Judge of Probate, Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 4, Page 8. Said property is commonly known as 352 Blue Ridge Road, Wetumpka, AL 36093. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those superior to said Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the above-named or the undersigned. The successful funds in the amount of the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subject is not prohibited under the U.S.status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. CARDINAL FINANCIAL COMPANY, LIMITED PARTNERSHIP as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (800)275-7171 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 22-03571AL www.foreclosurehotline.net Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 2022 22-03571al

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF Alabama COUNTY OF ELMORE

Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Charles Golden And Debra Golden , Husband And Wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee,

yg g as nominee for Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., its successors and assigns dated January 6, 2003; said mortgage being recorded on January 24, 2003, in Book 2003, Page 7035, agreement recorded on and recorded in Book 2022, Page of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to LNV Corporation by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2008, Page 37017 in the of Elmore County, Alabama. The undersigned, LNV Corporation, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 29th day of November, 2022 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the NE corner of the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 11, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence South 88 degrees 13 minutes 26 seconds West along the North line of Section 11, 1190.55 feet to an iron pin, said point being the Point of Beginning; thence South 08 degrees 32 minutes 31 seconds East, 141.53 feet to an iron pin on the North margin of Dorothy Lane, gravel; thence South 88 degrees 13 minutes 46 seconds West, along the North margin of said road, 121.05 feet to an iron pin on the East margin of Old Georgia Plank Spur; thence North 08 degrees 30 minutes 00 seconds West, along the East margin of said road, 141.50 feet to an iron pin on the North line of Section 11; thence leaving said road, North 88 degrees 13 minutes 26 seconds East along said Section line, 120.95 feet to the Point of Beginning.

The above described property lies in the NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 11, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 0.39 acres, more or less. Said property is commonly known as 15 Dorothy Lane, Wetumpka, AL 36092.

the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage.

LNV CORPORATION as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Two North Twentieth 2 20th Street North, Suite 1000 Birmingham, AL 35203 (800)275-7171 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 22-03461AL www.foreclosurehotline.net

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 2022 22-03461al

PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that WAR Construction, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for 2022-PW7 Tennis Courts at Wetumpka Recreational Facility, located at 1178 Holtville Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092, for the Elmore County Commission, Owner, settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify the Contractor: WAR Construction, Inc., P.O. Box 1218, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403.

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 2022

COMPLETION

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE. Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Kristen E Autry, A Single Woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for SouthPoint Bank, on February 22, 2019, said

of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2019 Page 8095; the undersigned Freedom Mortgage Corporation, 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 10, 2022, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 48 of Redland Ridge Subdivision Plat No. 1, as recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 26, at Page 40.. Property street address for informational purposes: 94 Watkins Glen Dr , Wetumpka, AL 36093.

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

p 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. Freedom Mortgage Corporation, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2311 Highland Avenue South, Suite 330, Birmingham, AL 35205 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 22-06704

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 2022 22-06704

Do you have available jobs? Call 256.414.4250 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

SALE. Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Lester R. Brett and Laura C. Brett, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., acting solely as nominee for Everett Financial, Inc. DBA Supreme Lending, A Texas Corporation , on December 26, 2012, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama,-

gagee/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 December of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, toas said Map appears of record -

for informational purposes: 200 Tacoma Drive , Coosada,-

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-

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated November 18, 2017 executed by Michelle E. Rushing, a married woman, joined by spouse, Johnny D. Rushing, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for Ditech Financial, LLC, said Mortgage being recorded December 18, 2017, in RLPY Book of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama; having later been assigned to NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing by instrument recorded in Book 2020, Page 19190, Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the main entrance to the County Courthouse, Elmore County, Alabama on 01/03/2023, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 32, Block E, Grandview Pines #2, as the same appears Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 7, at Page 105. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 134 Camellia Rd., Millbrook, AL 36054. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control.

THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS, WHEREIS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage.

NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park South-Suite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205)298-1800 30-FC-22-01320

Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 2022 30-FC-22-01320

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBERS: A2022-041, 042 and 043

TO: THE UNKNOWN FATHER, WHOSE IDENTITY AND WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, OF A. A. M. V., A MINOR, AND OF A. E. G. V., A MINOR, AND OF K. A. L., A MINOR; AND NOTICE TO JUSTIN AVERY LYNN, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, THE ALLEGED FATHER OF K. A. L., A MINOR, AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY. Take notice that a Petition for -

for the adoption of A. A. M. V., take notice that a Petition forfor the adoption of A. E. G. V., take notice that a Petition for-

these adoptions. Be advised-

consider such Petitions without JOHN THORNTON PROBATE JUDGE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CLYDE T. BAILEY, III ATTORNEY AT LAW

A2022-041, 042 AND 043

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

The following vehicles will be auctioned off by J&J Towing 65 Pierce Rd. Elmore @ 10:00 a.m. on 12-07-22 2011 Dodge Avenger 1B3BD4FB5BN591981 2005 Ford Mustang 1ZVFT80N155120442

Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 2, 2022 AV/11 DODGE

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT HARTWELL BORDEN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-311

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ROBERT HARTWELL BORDEN, deceased, having been granted to CAROLE DURHAM BORDEN on October 18, 2022 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.

CAROLE DURHAM BORDEN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT HARTWELL BORDEN, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D.KYLE JOHNSON CAPELL & HOWARD, P.C. 150 SOUTH PERRY STREET MONTGOMERY, AL 36104 PO BOX 2069 MONTGOMERY, AL 36102 334-241-8000

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 26, Nov. 2 and 9, 2022 EST/BORDEN R.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JESSE L. GRAVES, JR., CASE NO: 2022-210 DECEASED

Public Notices

6062 Buford Hwy, Ste 207 Norcross, GA 30071

Property Location: Elmore County Public Works Building 155 County Shop Rd Wetumpka, AL 36092

Roof Consultant: Roof Asset Management, Inc. Millbrook, AL 36054

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 12, 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 2022

COMPLETION

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DANIEL LOWRY KAYLOR, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-308

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DANIEL LOWRY KAYLOR, deceased, having been granted to KATHLEEN KAYLOR WELCH on October 14, 2022 by Justin Edwards, Special Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

KATHLEEN KAYLOR WELCH PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DANIEL LOWRY KAYLOR, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: LINDA BENSON ATTORNEY AT LAW PO BOX 780818 TALLASSEE, ALABAMA 36078 334-283-5800

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 2022 EST/KAYLOR, D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES RICHARD IRVIN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-235 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Public Notices

THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND P. BUTLER, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: MITCHELL E.GAVIN ATTORNEY AT LAW 1258 LEE STREET PO BOX 248 ALEXANDER CITY, ALABAMA 35011 256-329-2211 megavin@bellsouth.net Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 26, Nov. 2 and 9, 2022 EST/BUTLER, R.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANN WHITE PARSONS, DECEASED

NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE

TO: DAVID E. PARSONS: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 13th day of September, 2022, a certain paper in writing, dated March 4, 2014 purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of ANN WHITE in the Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama along with a Petition for Administration with Will Annexed requesting such Last Will and Testament to be admitted into Probate and for the appointment of DONALD WHITE PARSONS as Administrator with Will Annexed of such Estate. This Notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next of kin of ANN WHITE PARSONS. Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition.

Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, PC 109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334)514-1011

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 26, Nov. 2 and 9, 2022 EST/PARSONS, A.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBERS: A2022-039 and 040 TO: THE UNKNOWN FATHER, WHOSE IDENTITY AND WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, OF C. K. V., A MINOR AND OF R. C. V., A MINOR, AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition for-tice that a Petition for Adoptioncontest either or both of theseconsider such Petitions without JOHN THORNTON

PULIC NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR ADOPTION IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA AT CASE NUMBER: A2022-035

TO: THE FATHER OF T.B.M., WHOSE IDENTITY AND WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN,AND NOTICE TO ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY Take notice that a Petition for-

You have the right to contest this adoption. Be advised that ifsponse with the Probate Court

notice. The Probate Court of consider such Petition without ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA ATTORNEY AT LAW STREET

A2022-035

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE FARRELL, JR., DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2022 -330 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: ANGIE STINNETT, A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA and TO: RITA JONES, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, BEING HEIRS AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF GEORGE FARRELL, JR., AND NOTICE TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF GEORGE FARRELL, JR AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 25th day of October 2022, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of GEORGE FARRELL, JR., deceased, wasmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, LAURA LANGSTON, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate 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 an heir at law and next-of-kin of GEORGE FARRELL, JR. Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you.

JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: D.Jason Britt, Esq. STONE, BRITT, & WEBB, LLC 114 South Main Street

Wetumpka Herald: EST/FARRELL, G.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JESSE L. GRAVES, JR., deceased, having been granted to JACQUELINE ZEIGLER, who is also known as JACQUELINE ZEIGLER GRAVES, on October 20, 2022 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

JACQUELINE ZEIGLER, who is also known as JACQUELINE ZEIGLER GRAVES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JESSE L. GRAVES, JR., DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JAMES D. FANCHER FANCHER LAW 105 4 th STREET NORTH CLANTON. ALABAMA 35045 205-530-1313

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 26, Nov. 2 and 9, 2022 EST/GRAVES, J.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF, CHARLES LEE BROWN, Deceased. CASE NO.: 2022-269 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of Charles Lee Brown, deceased, having been granted to Regina Brown Smith and Linda Estelle Sexton on the 13TH day of October, 2022 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.

REGINA BROWN SMITH and LINDA ESTELLE SEXTON CO-ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES LEE BROWN

ATTORNEY FOR THE CO-ADMINISTRATORS: Jeffrey J. Courtney COURTNEY & MANN, LLP

Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 Telephone: (334) 567-2545

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 2022 EST/BROWN C.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of CHARLES RICHARD IRVIN, deceased, having been granted to GARY OATES on October 11, 2022 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.

GARY OATES ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES RICHARD IRVIN, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: BRIAN JUSTISS ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 U S HWY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-306-4713 brian@jh-legal.com Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 2022

EST/IRVIN, C.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LONNIE EARL FLOYD, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-313

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of LONNIE EARL FLOYD, deceased, having been granted to RUBY FLOYD on October, 25, 2022 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.

RUBY FLOYD ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LONNIE EARL FLOYD, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: FOSTER D. KEY KEY, GREER, HARRISON & CASEY ATTORNEYS AT LAW 2163 HIGHWAY 31 SOUTH SUITE 102 PELHAM, ALABAMA 36124 PO BOX 350345 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35236-0345 205-987-2211

Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 2, 9 and 16, 2022 EST/FLOYD, L.

PUBLIC

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EMMIE DEE MONCRIEF, DECEASED CASE NO: 2021-231 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of EMMIE DEE MONCRIEF, deceased, having been granted to TERRI MONCRIEF JAMES on October 13, 2022 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.

TERRI MONCRIEF JAMES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF EMMIE DEE MONCRIEF, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: RICHARD D. MORRISON THE MORRISON LAW FIRM 418 SCOTT STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 PO BOX 1906 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36102 334-513-1323 rick.morrison@morrisonfirm. com

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 2022 EST/MONCRIEF, E. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRED D. SOLOMON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-306 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of FRED D. SOLOMON, deceased, having been granted to MARY CURTIS SOLOMON on October, 12, 2022 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.

MARY CURTIS SOLOMON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF FRED D. SOLOMON, DECEASED

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF COMPLETION

In accordance with the Code of Alabama 39-1-1(f), notice is hereby given by the Elmore County Commission that the Public Works contract for Milling Alabama Street & Opeothleohola Street under Proceed Order 2022-PW5-1, per Bid Inquiry 2022-PW5, has been completed.

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2 and 9, 2022

COMPLETION

GMC Blue Service, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Elmore County Public for the Elmore County Commission, Owner, and have made reContract.

Project Title: Elmore County Public Works Building

Owner: Elmore County Commission 100 E. Commerce Street, Suite 200 Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 Contractor: GMC Blue Service, Inc.

NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND P. BUTLER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-321

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of RAYMOND P. BUTLER, deceased, having been granted to PATRICIA L. BUTLER on October 20, 2022 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.

PATRICIA L. BUTLER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: D.KYLE JOHNSON CAPELL & HOWARD, P.C. 150 SOUTH PERRY STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 PO BOX 2069 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36102-2069 334-241-8000

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 2022 EST/SOLOMON F. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CONNIE JEAN IRVIN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2022-236 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

OF THE ESTATE OF CONNIE JEAN IRWIN, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: BRIAN JUSTISS ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 U S HWY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-306-4713 brian@jh-legal.com Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19, 26 and Nov. 2, 2022 EST/IRVIN, C.

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE JUVENILE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: Elizabeth Weathers CASE No: JU-2016-245.06

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS

TO: Regina Weathers also known as Regina Gamache (mother)

You are hereby given notice that Elmore County Department of Human Resources requesting that your parental rights be terElizabeth Weathers, born on August 17, 2015,ham, Alabama. You are hereby given notice Answer with the Clerk of the Petitioner’s attorney, Alan H. Polson, Alabama State Department of Human Resources,

January 12, 2022, at 1:30 P.M. at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka, Alabama contest the same if you choose.

ELMORE COUNTY DISTRICT CLERK

JU-2016-245.06

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARTHA ANN BALL LACKEY, DECEASED CASE NO. 2022- 320 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to LOUIS HERBERT LACKEY, III as Executor on the 19th day of October, 2022, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

LOUIS HERBERT LACKEY, III EXECUTOR OF THE ESTATE OF MARTHA ANN BALL LACKEY, DECEASED.

Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 26, 2 and 9, 2022 EST/LACKEY M.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that an application has been made to the Elmore County Commission for a 050 – Retail Beer (off premises only) Alcohol License Transfer Application from Holley Mark 6 to G Mart by Georgia Road LLC at 10790 Georgia Road, Eclectic, AL 36024. The Public Hearing on said application is set before the County Commission at 5:00pm, Monday, November 14, 2022 in the Elmore County Courthouse Courtroom, 100 East Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama. Anyone desiring to speak either for or against said application should appear in person at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing to: Elmore County Commission 100 East Commerce St., Suite 200 Wetumpka, AL 36092 wrbechd@elmoreco.org

Wetumpka Herald: Nov. 2 and 9, 2022 G MART

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Jeremy B.Cramer and Magen A. Cramer in favor of First Community Bank of Central Alabama, on December 12, 2014, said mortgage recorded December 17, of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Real Property Book 2014 at Page 52384 (the

Public Notices

g( “Mortgage”), and, pursuant to the laws of the State of Alabama, the undersigned First Community Bank of Central Alabama, under and by virtue of the power of sale provision and other terms contained in said Mortgage, elects to declare the entire indebtedness secured by said Mortgage due and payable, and will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder, for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse of Elmore County, Alabama, at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092, during the legal hours of sale on November 16, 2022, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Begin at an iron pin at the NE corner of the W ½ of the NE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 21, T20N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence South 01 degrees 09 minutes 29 seconds East, 891.35 feet to an iron pin in the centerline of Tanner Lane, a county maintained gravel road; thence South 89 degrees 02 minutes 19 seconds West, along the centerline of said road (more or less), 465.33 feet to an iron pin, thence leaving said road, North 02 deg. 29 min. 07 sec. East, 894.40 feet to an iron pin on the North line of the Southwest Quarter of Section 21; thence North 89 deg. 14 min. 23 sec. East, along Half section line 408.50 feet to the Point of Beginning. The above-described property lies in the W ½ of the NE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 21, T20N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 8.95 acres, more or less, and the South 30 feet is subject to ingress/egress & utility easement. According to survey by Ronald Burke, Ala. Reg. No. 16670, dated January 30, 2012. LESS AND EXCEPT THE FOLLOWING PARCEL: Commence at an iron pin at the NE corner of the W ½ of the NE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 21, T20N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama; thence South 01 degrees 09 minutes 29 seconds East, 891.35 feet to an iron pin in the centerline of Tanner Lane, a county maintained gravel road; thence South 89 degrees 02 minutes 19 seconds West, along the centerline of said road (more or less), 165.33 feet to an iron pin, said point being the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence continue South 89 degrees 02 minutes 19 seconds West, along centerline of said road (more or less), 300.00 feet to an iron pin; thence leaving said road, North 02 degrees 29 minutes 07 seconds East, 582.45 feet to an iron pin; thence North 89 degrees 02 minutes 19 seconds East, 300.00 feet to an iron pin; thence South 02 degrees 29 minutes 07 seconds West, 582.45 feet to the point of beginning. The above-described less and except parcel lies in the W ½ of the NE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 21, T20N, R17E, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 4.00 acres, more or less. According to survey by Ronald Burke, Ala. Reg. No.

Public Notices

g 16670, dated March 30, 2012.

This property constitutes no part of customer Homestead rights. Said foreclosure sale and conveyance incident thereto are subject to the legal rights of any existing federal tax liens, mortgages, special assessments, easements, restrictions, and reservations appearing of record. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO TITLE, USE 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 nonrefundable deposit of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) to Memory Memory & Causby, LLP Client Trust Account at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price by noon the next business day Memory & Causby, LLP at the address indicated below. First Community Bank of Central Alabama 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. The sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Address: Memory Memory & Causby, LLP, 469 S. McDonough Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36104. By: /s/ Stuart H. Memory Stuart H. Memory, attorney for First Community Bank of Central Alabama Montgomery, Alabama 36103 Tel (334) 834-8000 smemory@memorylegal.com

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 26, Nov. 2 and 9, 2022 FC/CRAMER

Put your ad here call 256.414.4250

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE: James Anderson Nelson and Hanna Marie Meeks, whose whereabouts are unknown, take notice that a Petition for Termination of by James Michael Shields and Jessica Dee Shields in the Juvenile Court of Elmore County, Alabama (JU-2020-000027.03).

You must answer, plead to, or demur to the Petition by the court date set December 30, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. and appear on said date at the Autauga County Courthouse, Prattville, Alabama, or said Petition may be Granted.

Wetumpka Herald: Oct. 19 ,26, Nov. 2 and 9, 2022 JU-2020-000027.03

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on 17th of November, 2022, at 11:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE.

Southeast Storage 8416 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36092

Wetumpka Herald Nov. 2 and 9, 2022 STORAGE AUCTION

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice to Contractors

Federal Aid Project No. STPMN-2620(259) ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation at--

Plans and Proposals are avail--

Public Notices

and are set forth in the adver-ny each bid as evidence of good on the decision to award this-----sponse to this invitation and will -

Transportation Director

STPMN-2620(259)

Selling your home? Advertise here and sell it faster. Call Classifieds at 256.414.4250.

STATE OF ALABAMA PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR

WHEREAS, WHEREAS

WHEREAS WHEREAS WHEREAS WHEREAS, WHEREAS, NOW, THEREFORE,

TheWetumpkaHerald.com

WHEREAS

a person the properties heretofore heretofore or hereafter , for the an shall not this thereto the a the its Visit our sister website: TallasseeTribune.com

in

PROPOSED CONSTITUTION TO APPEAR ON THE BALLOT STATEWIDE CONSTITUTION OF ALABAMA OF 2022

STATE OF ALABAMA PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR

Wilson named Male Country Vocalist of the Year in Josie Awards

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

It’s been 25 years since Alexander City native Chad Wilson has been on stage at the Grand Ole Opry.

“When I was 17 and a senior at Benjamin Russell, I entered a competition advertised in the newspaper,” Wilson said. “I ended up winning it and going to the finals. At 17 years old I performed two songs at the Grand Ole Opry. I didn’t win the competition, I came in third.”

Just a few days ago Wilson returned to the famed stage to accept the Josie Award for Male Country Vocalist of the Year.

“When I walked across the stage Sunday night to get that award, that was the first time I had been on that stage since,” Wilson said. “I was pretty special.”

Wilson received the one award, but he was nominated for three others. His ‘Lie Like You Love Me’ was nominated for single of the year and video of the year. Wilson was also nominated for country artist of the year.

Last year Wilson was nominated three times for Josie Awards.

The nomination process for the Josie Awards is tough. Wilson said more than 53,000 submissions were made and only 1.1 percent made it to a ballot.

“They have their own panel with two different rounds to get to the ballot,” Wilson said. “They go through all the submissions. It’s a big panel but it is made up of these giants in the industry.”

While performing with

his brother Kyle as The Wilson Brothers, the duo topped the Country Music Television video charts for a few weeks and won best group or band for the NIMA Awards in back to back years.

Wilson said the recognition as a solo act was very gratifying.

“These past two years have been some of the hardest of my life just because of all the situations going on with the industry being shut down because of COVID and the stuff that goes with it and I stepped out on my own,” Wilson said. “Winning this award is such validation to be recognized. It’s so cool. It means so much to me.”

Wilson credits the success to support from friends and family in Tallapoosa County.

“I don’t know that I would ever be in a position to win an award like this without the support from home,” Wilson said. “My hometown of Alexander City and the surrounding areas and Alabama has done more for me and my career than I could have ever imagined. I still have supporters from there. I had people from home at the awards show.”

To celebrate Wilson and Lexie Lew will perform at The Eclectic Warehouse starting at 6 p.m. Saturday.

“We are going to do a little victory celebration there,” Wilson said. “It’s a family deal. I’m just going to sit down with my guitar and just pour my heart out for three to four hours.”

Children can get in free and the cost is $10 per

person. There is no alcohol being sold but attendees can bring their own within reason.

The Josie Music Awards is the largest, all-genre, pri-

vately-owned, independent music award show globally since its inception in 2015. This team set out and successfully created an award show where winners are

selected on their talent, skill, material, professionalism and more and not by button pressing voting. Nominee suggestions go through a lengthy review process by

a team of industry leaders and the official nomination list is created from their final decisions. Winners are also selected by the industry leader deciding panel.

CLIFF WILLIAMS | THE OBSERVER

Chad Wilson performs on the stage on Main Street in Alexander City for the inaugural Lake Martin Songwriters Festival and the A Little Love Concert.