Deatsville man arrested for rape
Holtville High School basketball coach arrested
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Editor’s Note: This story contains information about sexual assault and may be triggering to some readers.
A teenager said she was
raped on Lake Jordan Saturday.
A 17-year-old came to the Elmore County Sheriff’s Department with her mother on May 27 to report she was sexually assaulted while boating on the lake. Court records indicate the victim
was on a pontoon boat with Michael Wayne Levchik, 42, of Deatsville in the early evening hours of May 25.
“The [victim] stated that Mr. Levchik had been providing her throughout the holiday weekend with alcoholic beverages and in her
“Once
words she ‘was very drunk,’” records state. “[Levchik] slowed the boat down and pulled into a secluded area.”
Levchik allegedly told the victim to remove her top and then removed his swim trunks.
“This is how you tan,”
victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
ple 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
STEM ENRICHMENT
Stanhope
Levchik allegedly told the victim. The victim reported Levchik came across the boat, removed her bathing suit bottom and performed several different sexual acts
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 Holt ville 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.
Coosada seeking AG opinion on Millbrook annexation
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Even after the 12 property owners of Rodgers View Court said they wanted to be in Millbrook, Coosada fought. Now after the Alabama legislature passed a law placing the subdivision, Coosada is still fighting.
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected
It is now seeking the opinion of the Alabama Attorney General’s Office on the matter.
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
“We want clarification on this on where they can annex property that lies outside the corporate limits but inside the police jurisdiction and also on the state constitution they can
rearrange the boundaries of a municipality unless it’s to the determinant,” Coosada Mayor Jim Houston said. “They crossed into our jurisdiction.”
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle.
Houston brought the idea to the Coosada Town Council at last week’s meeting to have town attorney Tyler Winans draft a letter seeking the opinion. Winans said the request would be sent the next day following the council’s approval. If the town gets an opinion it could then follow up with challenging the legislative act.
“What they have done
According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.
The National League of Cities brought its Centennial Roadshow 100 Years, 100 Cities to Wetumpka on Saturday.
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
See SHOOTING, Page A3
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
Stubbs pleased overall with the session
Staff Report
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
and education were all on the table when the 2024 legislative session started in February in Montgomery. For the most part, Rep.
(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
record setting
“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
The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Su perintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to
shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
It’s the most recent national attention the City of Wetumpka has received since HGTV revisited last summer with Hometown Takeover.
“We got a call a few weeks ago that said we were selected as one of their stops,” Wetumpka tourism manager Andrew Stieb said. “We are very excited.”
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
Wetumpka is one of three Alabama cities NLC is visiting as part of its Centennial Roadshow. NLC is celebrating its 100 years of serving municipalities by visiting 100 cities. It started at the University of Kansas where NLC was founded. The roadshow is being filmed and documented. At its last stop in Tampa, many of the cities will be highlighted and an airing of a documentary is planned for next spring.
“This initiative is part of NLC’s year-long celebration, marking a century of commitment to
WILSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
Stubbs gives members of the Elmore County Commission an update about matters in the Alabama Legistulure.
PHOTOS BY LIZI ARBOGAST
Lake Martin’s Best Source for News and Information.
Arrest made in prison drug smuggle attempt
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A Birmingham man is in the Elmore County Jail after being caught near the state prisons with illegal drugs.
Lawrence Dudley, 45, was arrested May 23 and charged with two counts of reckless endangerment by the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office.
According to court documents, deputies were asked to provide back up to officers with the Alabama Department of Corrections involved in a high speed chase in Elmore County.
“[ADOC] stated the offender had been observed dropping off suspected contraband at [Staton Correctional Facility],” court documents state.
When confronted Dudley got into a vehicle and fled the scene. An Elmore County deputy was able to
catch up to the pursuit on Highway 14 in Millbrook.
“The offender was traveling at speeds in excess of 100 MPH through town and also through residential neighborhoods,” the documents state.
Dudley forced law enforcement off the road and failed to stop for patrol vehicles with emergency lights on. Dudley also backed into patrol vehicles while evading. Dudley’s vehicle finally stopped after damaging a fence. Officers had to break the window and use tasers
Dudley was taken to the Elmore County Jail and charged with two counts of reckless endangerment.
ADOC charged Dudley with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking meth-
amphetamine, felony attempting to elude, two counts of first-degree promoting prison contraband and trespassing on prison property. Dudley has a $3,066,000 bond available to him.
According to court records in April, Dudley was arrested by ADOC in Bibb County. He was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, second-degree possession of marijuana, two counts of promoting prison contraband and third-degree criminal trespass. He posted a $75,000 bond.
Dudley also has a 2001 conviction for first-degree robbery. He pleaded guilty and served three years with 17 years of the sentence being suspended.
Wetumpka resident arrested for drug trafficking
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office has taken illegal drugs off the streets and made an arrest.
Michael Bozeman, 39, of Wetumpka, was arrested Wednesday following a search of his Owens Road home.
“We obtained information that he was involved in selling narcotics and
were able to obtain a search warrant,” Elmore County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Ric Boruillard said. “We found methamphetamine, marijuana and weapons inside.”
As law enforcement searched Bozeman’s
property, he attempted to dispose of some of the drugs.
“He dumped it in the back of the toilet,” Boruillard said. “When he did that, any mixture thereof we can charge him with. Anything that will test positive for methamphetamine, we can charge for it.”
Bozeman was arrested and charged with drug trafficking, possession of
a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, harassment, second-degree possession of marijuana and certain persons forbidden to carry firearms.
“He has previous felony convictions,” Boruillard said.
Bozeman was taken to the Elmore County Jail where he has a $1,532,000 bond available to him.
Robbery suspect arrested on scene of another incident
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Millbrook Police Depart
ment responded to a domestic violence call Monday but found an offender from another crime on the scene.
When law enforcement arrived on Crossings Drive, they located the 44 year old female victim with slight injuries who reported domestic violence. Officers also encountered Millbrook resident Cedrick M. Long, 30, who was wanted in connection to a robbery Millbrook police were investigating.
“This is an ongoing investigation, so there’s not a lot of information that we are able to release at this time,” Millbrook police chief P.K. Johnson said. “We’ve been actively attempting to locate
Police Reports
•
this individual with regard to this robbery warrant, which could possibly involve multiple victims, who have yet to come forward for whatever reason.”
Long had previously been identified as a suspect in the case. He was charged with first-degree robbery and taken to the Elmore County Jail where he remains with no bond available to him.
Long has a criminal history that Johnson said includes acts of violence involving weapons and attempting to elude law enforcement.
Johnson hopes the arrest puts the minds of other potential victims and witnesses at ease and they will
now come forward to report what was done or what they saw from Long or other connected possible crimes.
“While law enforcement is tasked with conducting criminal investigations and the apprehension of alleged criminal offenders, it is still necessary for victims and witnesses to play an active role in testifying against those alleged to have committed the crimes for which they are accused,” Johnson said. “Law enforcement stands at the ready to ensure justice for the victims of crime, but we need cooperation from our citizens to be successful in our mission, which is to keep our citizens safe.”
Officers completed a third-degree domestic violence report for the victim, who declined medical treatment for minor injuries.
DUDLEY
LONG
BOZEMAN
Two connected to Elmore County crimes granted parole, one denied
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Two people convicted of crimes in Elmore County are walking out of prison early, while a convicted murderer will stay behind bars.
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Parole voted last month to grant the early release of Kristent Rene Holloway and George Alton Walker Jr. and keep Willie F. Locke in prison.
According to court and Alabama Department of Corrections records, Holloway, 41, had served 40 months of a 180-month sentence for obstruction of justice-false identity fol-
lowing a 2021 conviction in Coffee County. She was also serving an 18-month sentence following a 2022 possession of a controlled substance conviction in Elmore County.
Holloway had previously been convicted of possession of a controlled substance in 2010 and 2019.
According to minutes from the parole hearing, the Alabama Bureau of
Pardons and Parole placed special conditions on Holloway’s release. She must complete the 12-month program at the Lovelady Center, wear a GPS ankle monitor and complete a mental health follow-up.
Walker, 48, was serving 15 years in prison following a 2014 conviction for manufacturing a controlled substance in Calhoun County. He was also serving a 15-year sentence for a 2015 escape conviction in Elmore County.
According to court
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Make a plan for your pets
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
une is National Pet
JPreparedness Month encouraging pet owners to plan ahead in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. For our area, tornados, hurricanes, flooding and fire are the most likely and all of us should plan for our family’s safety, to include our pets.
The first step in planning is to find a safe place to stay - a friend, family member, emergency shelter run by a local organization (many of which will not accept pets or will have a limit as to how many) or even a pet friendly hotel outside of the affected area. Most Humane/Animal Shelters in our area are unable to board pets during a disaster as shelters tend to have heavy intake before bad weather and are simply full of homeless pets of varying temperaments and health issues.
Identifying when to evacuate is perhaps the most important step as evacuating with a pet might slow you down a bit, so be sure to leave early to give yourself the extra travel time.
Ensure your pet is
wearing a collar, rabies tag and Pet Identification Tag (we can make custom tags at our shelter) &, if at all possible, a Microchip (call your Veterinarian) and make sure your contact information is current. Keep your pets leashed and if your pets are traveling in a carrier, be sure to secure identification to the travel carrier.
Having a crate large enough to accommodate a cat and its litter box, food and water is important for cat owners as your cat(s) might have to stay in that crate for more than a few days. They will be fine and better to leave them a well-appointed crate than losing them when you open a car or hotel room door.
Crating your dog while staying in a new area will protect your dog just the same.
Prep a Pet Evacuation and Disaster Kit in a sturdy, waterproof carrier containing: Food for a minimum of three days for each pet, can opener for any canned pet food, water for a minimum of seven days for each pet, food/water bowls, leashes/harnesses/pet carriers, bedding, pet medications, copies of pet medical records, for cats - litter/
Pet of the Week — Bunny
litter box, disposable bags for pet waste, current photos and description of your pets to help identify them if you were to become separated, toys/treats that may help distract/calm your pet. Take and store photos of your pets in your cell phone along with their tag and microchip numbers so you can access them in the event you lose or cannot get to hard copy records.
If you are away and your pets are under the care of a friend/neighbor or even a boarding facility, make sure they have a pet information sheet with your pet’s description, ID tag and microchip numbers, photo, veterinarian address and contact info, information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavioral issues. Also make sure your pet caregiver knows how to contact you in the event of an emergency and where you have gone. There is no better time to prepare than right now and for more tips (including for other species) go to: https://www.ready.gov/ pets.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Bunny is a female who is 3 ½ years old.
She weighs 40 pounds, so she is not a big gal. She was surrendered with three other dogs. Bunny is very friendly once she settled in and we were told is good with other dogs and cats. She is playful and affectionate – perfect size!
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic
records, Walker served three years in prison for 2011 convictions of third-degree burglary, first-degree theft, manufacturing a controlled substance.
Parole board hearing minutes state Walker must complete A New Beginning, a program to assist
immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-5673377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
formerly incarcerated individuals with reintegration back into the local community and society. He must also wear a GPS ankle monitor and complete a mental health follow-up.
Locke, 55, is serving a life prison sentence following a 1995 murder conviction in Monroe County.
He is also serving 15 years for a 2022 first-degree assault conviction in Elmore County.
The board denied Locke’s parole after hearing from four family members of the victim, a victim advocacy group and the Alabama Attorney General’s Office.
HOLLOWAY LOCKE WALKER
Our View Opinion
Small deeds in a small town
Here at Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., we are in the process of starting a new series called “Small Deeds in a Small Town,” and we need your help.
We are looking for Good Samaritans to feature, and we are talking about anyone who has done something nice and kind for someone else.
Too often we hear the media covers only bad news, but we are trying to break that stigma. We want to hear from the people who are doing good deeds across our tri-county coverage area. We typically encourage people to think big, but for this one, we’re looking for even the smallest deeds.
One of the inspirations behind this series was a simple good deed that we saw on Facebook. A parent had taken it upon herself to do some beautification at Alexander City Middle School. All she did (and we say that with caution) was trim a couple of bushes, but that was so much more than many people do. It was something she didn’t have to, and something she didn’t want credit for.
These are the type of people we are looking for. Have you noticed some push a cart across the Walmart parking lot for an elderly citizen? Did someone pay for your coffee when you were having a bad day? Did the lady at Burger King go above and beyond her call of duty at the drive-through window?
We aren’t working miracles here, but these small deeds are a miracle to someone and we want to spread the good word. If you or someone you know should be nominated for our new series, email editor@alexcityoutlook.com.
What’s your
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 E-mail: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com
Obituaries: 35 cents per word with a $25 charge for picture per paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals. Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 25 cents per word and $15 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and
We reserve the right to refuse to print any advertisement, news story, photograph or any other material submitted to us for any reason or no reason at all.
The publisher reserves the right to change subscription rates during the term of subscription with a 30-day notice. The notice can be mailed to the subscriber, or by notice in the newspaper itself. To subscribe or if you missed your paper, call Samantha Himes or Linda Ewing at 256-234-4281.
The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281
The Wetumpka Word
No judgements
From a very young age, I was taught not to judge people.
Whether it be by the color of their skin, the people they choose to love or the religion they chose to worship, I was taught to be non-judgemental.
As I’ve grown older, I understand why my parents taught me those lessons at such a young age.
See, my father is a gay man. He and my mother got married when they were very young; my dad was always aiming to please his family and they were very anti-homosexuality. The two had my brother and me before my dad came out when I was about 5.
I never really had to be “taught” not to judge people; it just came naturally growing up with a father who was so “different.” When he came out, it was the mid-1990s and it was a much less progressive time.
I remember when my dad first came out, I had to ask my older brother, “What’s gay?”
That’s how little I could judge him; I didn’t even know what it meant. Many times now people ask me,
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
“What was it like growing up with a gay dad?”
I can’t even answer that question.
Sometimes I’ll say, “I’m not sure. What was it like growing up with a straight dad?” My dad, to me, has always been gay and that’s just the way it was. There was nothing to … get used to. I never knew the difference.
I say all this to say, it’s not our job to judge people. I don’t consider myself a religious person, but I am very spiritual and I believe in my God. However, my God wouldn’t want people to hate someone simply because of who they choose to love. My God wouldn’t want people to hate someone because they don’t believe the same things or they don’t look like us.
My God would want us to treat people the way we want to be treated,
and my God would want us to love everyone equally — as long as they are good people.
has always been there for me when I was little, and he’s taught me some of the most important lessons I’ve learned. He gives great advice, and he knows a lot about struggles and grief. It doesn’t matter that he has a husband now instead of a wife. In fact, I just look at both
Board of education
As I conclude 28 years in public education, I am reminded of several articles that have appeared in this space over the past 20 years. Here is a favorite from the early days.
And now comes the story of the Board of Education – Frisco City style.
Once upon a time, way back yonder in the Frisco City days, my principal was a tough little lady who stood about five-foottwo and was one of the harshest disciplinarians for whom I’ve worked.
Coach Rodney Dollar (later of Tallassee) had been there the year prior to my arrival as the new high school band director, and from the beginning he was assigned to guide me through my first year out of college.
Coach Dollar visited my new apartment and brought groceries my first night in town. I appreciated his generosity in those early days. He also painted the lines on the band practice field, cut our grass without ever asking for a payment or even a thank-you note, and allowed us to hold rehearsals at the stadium on the football field (that is, until majorette boots destroyed most of the grass, but that is another story).
The principal, as I mentioned, was pretty strict and believed not in detention or I.S.S. but in corporal punishment all the way. Teachers stood in the halls and paddled those who were tardy or otherwise out of line.
(The coaches got away with
paddling not only for tardies, but for saggy britches, bad breath, pretty much anything.)
Our principal told me on my first day at work that I needed to – how to say this politely –“man up” and build a paddle before the opening of school. She said, “kids these days need to be paddled, just because.”
But all those college professors told us NEVER to paddle!
This argument failed – and the principal instructed me to buy or build one, as this was the policy of the school. So, away I went to find a paddle, that remnant of an old-fashioned public school education.
My dad fashioned a board for me to use, and tested it on me that weekend at my parents’ house. I felt like I had sat down in a bed of fire ants when he tried it out, so it seemed suitable for use on the Frisco fannies I’d soon be getting to know.
The first days of school came and went, and in an effort to follow the directives of my boss – and to appear tough enough to impress Coach Dollar – I decided to paddle anyone who was tardy to my General Music class.
The first customer was a young man who seemed to have a positive attitude, and was well-liked by his teammates and peers. One day, the bell rang, and a few seconds later he came running down the hall as I was closing the door.
Coach Dollar was standing by to witness my maiden voyage
into the world of corporal punishment.
I instructed the student to bend over and put his hands against the wall. He did, and I swung, and hit the back of his legs. The boy screamed like a little girl.
Dollar shouted. “No, Bird! Too low! You gotta go for that sweet spot where the butt ends and the legs begin,” he said.
“Let me show you.”
Coach grabbed the paddle and commented on how heavy it was, and took a swing. The Houston Astros pro baseball player hit that sweet spot just right, then handed back off to me. “Okay, now you try.”
I took my stance, raised the paddle, and struck – right on top of this kid’s behind. He squealed again.
Dollar took the paddle and was ready to demonstrate once more. But we noticed that this kid had a crumpled piece of paper in his hand.
It was a hall pass.
He wasn’t tardy, after all, and we’d been beating him within an inch of his life for the past five minutes.
All was forgiven – but I doubt any of us standing in that hallway will ever forget the day we learned about the Board of Education.
Michael Bird is a member of the music faculty at Faulkner University.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Portions of Rifle Range Road to close for culvert repairs
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Elmore County will install a new culvert on Rifle Range Road to help with flooding.
The work will force the closure of a portion of the road for up to six weeks beginning June 11.
“This is so we can replace a culvert,” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer said.
“This will make the road safer in wet weather.”
Elmore County is using American Rescue Plan funding from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to pay for the materials. The Elmore County Public Works Department will do the work. It will require digging up the road and constructing a larger culvert to allow more storm water to flow during times of rain.
The biggest issue is the closure of a section of Rifle Range Road west of the toll bridge and Dozier Road.
“No through traffic will be permitted during the construction,” Beyer said. “We hope it will take less than six weeks but a lot of the work is dependent on weather. An alternate route should be used while the work is ongoing.”
Those traveling east from Wetumpka on Rifle Range Road will have to detour. The easiest way will be to travel Redland Road to Dozier Road and turn south. The detour will place drivers just east of the culvert on Rifle Range Road.
CommunityCalendar
juried watercolor competition will feature state and national artists.
JUNE 8
JUNE 23
Sheriff’s office, county public works order trucks for next year
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office and the Elmore County Public Works Department are placing an order for a combined 12 new trucks. It will be at least six months before they arrive.
The Elmore County Commission approved eight trucks for the sheriff’s office and four for public works.
“We need to place the order now in order to get them next fiscal year,” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer said. “These will be in the next budget, not this one.”
Beyer told the commission the sheriff’s office normally uses Chevrolet Tahoes or Dodge Durangos for patrol vehicles. Those have been in limited supply.
“The sheriff’s office is overdue on some vehicles,” Beyer said. “They have been waiting for a supply through state bids.”
The county manages its vehicle fleet to bring new vehicles in before major maintenance issues begin to arise. To help accommodate this program some of the sheriff’s office patrol vehicles will be these trucks. The hope is supply issues are not a problem going beyond 2025.
Before the meeting ended, the commission recognized Stanhope Elmore students Aiden Klinger and Phoenix Dale for their state championship in the SkillsUSA Cybersecurity competition. Dale and Klinger will compete this summer in Atlanta at a national competition.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved minutes of the May 13 meeting.
• Approved the memorandum of warrants totaling $1,494,362.87 for May 4 to May 17.
• Recognized county administrator Courtney Clements for achieving certified county administrator status.
• Approved a plat for two units for the Fitzpatrick Development Group. The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. June 10.
County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.
OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission. RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB
FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOP: The Elmore County History Museum is hosting a family history workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8. The workshop features Dr. Marty Oliff and genealogists Susan Martin, John Michael Neill and Sheralyn Belyeu. Cost is $5 per person and anyone can register by calling 334-567-5097 or the day of the event.
JUNE 13
KINDERGARTEN BOOTCAMP:
Wetumpka Elementary School is hosting a kindergarten bootcamp from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 13 at the Wetumpka Elementary School Activity Center. Children will learn about and explore the school with classmates, teachers and more. Children must be fully registered for school.
JUNE 13-14
PLAY: The Wetumpka Depot Encore Players are presenting Mother Goose State Your Case June 13 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and June 14 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5.
JUNE 17-21
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Grace Baptist Church on Old Montgomery Road in Wetumpka is holding Vacation Bible School 6 to 8 p.m. June 17 - 21. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. each night or by email at wetumpkagrace@gmail.com.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Tallaweka Baptist Church in Tallassee is hosting Vacation Bible School from 9 a.m. to noon June 17 to 21 at its church at 1409 Gilmer Avenue. The Bible school is open to kindergarteners through sixth grade.
JUNE 22
SUMMERFEST: The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce is holding Summerfest from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 22 at Tallassee City Hall.
CONCERT: First Methodist Church Wetumpka is hosting gospel singer Ivan Parker in concert at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 23.
JUNE 24-29
THEATRE CAMP: The Stanhope Elmore Mustang Players are hosting a theater camp for students in the Millbrook area from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 24-29 at Stanhope Elmore High School School and will close out with performances. The cost is $100.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
MEN’S CONFERENCE: Village Church of Wetumpka is hosting a men’s conference. The keynote speaker is Rick Burgess of Rick and Bubba.
JULY 15-19
THEATER CAMP: The Wetumpka Depot Players are hosting a Heroes and Villains theater camp for children ages 8 to 15 July 15 to 19. The cost is $225. To register email Kristy Meanor at kmeanor@wetumpkadepot.com.
ONGOING
SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@aol.com.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Friday at Wetumpka Public Library.
ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL
MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street. NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore
MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events. MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH OF CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025
LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www.thekelly.org.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY GRACE
POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint.info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail.com.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334567-2364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist.org.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information.
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI
A portion of Rifle Range Road will close temporarily to allow Elmore County Public Works to replace this culvert. The work is being done in-house with material purchased under American Rescue Plan Act funds and will help alleviate flooding in the area.
ATTENTION
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advancing local government and advocating for the interests of cities, towns and villages nationwide,” Stieb said.
Wetumpka celebrated NLC with a ribbon cutting for the Wetumpka Impact Crater Discovery and Visitor Center.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the NLC Centennial Roadshow,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “This is an incredible opportunity to highlight Wetumpka’s progress and our strong partnership with NLC.”
The impact and visitor center is designed to help visitors understand what happened in Wetumpka 85 million years ago as a meteor crashed nearby. The crater is one of the best preserved impact areas in the world. The center also serves as a welcome center for tourists and visitors.
Stieb said city employees are still working to install shelves to help display brochures and information about the area. The Wetumpka Impact Crater Commission has already installed artwork and other displays to help visitors understand the significance of the meteor impact. NLC CEO and executive director
Clarence Anthony said Wetumpka and other cities selected for the Centennial Roadshow have made significant contributions to the advance of local government over the past 100 years.
“Each of these cities has played a pivotal role in moving our local communities forward and has a unique story that showcases transformative change,” Anthony said in a statement. “As we celebrate and chart a course for the next 100 years, I am more excited than ever for the future of cities, towns and villages and look forward to continuing important work together.”
with the general fund including monies to continue projects in Elmore County.
“There was money allocated from the supplemental budget to continue construction of the prisons, primarily the prison being constructed right now in Elmore County,” Stubbs said. “There are others that are planned. There is an 11.3% increase in mental health funding in the general fund budget. We are not where we need to be but it is important to know it is a priority in the legislature.”
Education and state employees will get a 2% raise as part of the budgets.
Some families will now get more options related to the education of children. Last year Stubbs went to a conference in Dallas to learn about school choice programs across the country. He brought the information he learned back to Montgomery and combined with research done here, state leaders put together the CHOOSE Act.
“This was a priority for Gov. Kay Ivey,” Stubbs said. “It was also a priority for the legislature.”
The bill allows up to $7,000 of state money to follow students to private school. For the first two years, only families at the 300% poverty mark or below can apply for the money. In the third year there is no cap on a family’s income.
But it doesn’t just cut a $7,000 check to a student’s family. Once students are accepted into the program, the schools send something like a purchase order to the state. The funds for the student are then distributed on a quarterly basis to the school.
“If the student drops out after a semester,” Stubbs said, “the money (will not be) there for the full year.” Stubbs is confident the bill is a step in the right direction.
“I see this as a net positive for all education,” Stubbs said. “I believe our taxpayer dollars should go to the education of students, the education of students no matter where they may be because it is an investment. We are investing in our students so they can in turn be productive citizens in the state of Alabama.”
There should be no huge increases in property taxes with one bill that passed this session. Now an individual’s property tax can only go up a maximum of 7%.
“Our county had some up double digits, but there are parts of the state where property taxes went 30 to 40% in one year,” Stubbs said. “That raises some eyebrows. It was alarming for people suffering from high inflation and what we are seeing with the economy right now.”
The bill sunsets in five years, meaning the cap will go away. In that time studies will be done to see how it affects funding for schools, counties and municipalities.
Gambling is one the bills that got all sorts of attention for the entire session. It ultimately died with the last gavel.
A form passed the house and a different form passed the senate. Even after going to a conference committee, lawmakers couldn’t agree. Stubbs voted no on every version of the gambling bill in the house.
“My intention will
be to always protect the interests of the people of Elmore County,” Stubbs said. “We are unique in that we have a casino here. It totally changes the dynamics here for us compared to other counties.”
Stubbs said some were trying to present the bill as lottery only.
“The proponents knew if they presented it as a lottery only it would have a chance of the public saying it is not that bad of a deal. It was not lottery only,” Stubbs said.
Stubbs isn’t confident a lottery only bill will ever come up but did say there were a number of bills to come up taking away gun rights.
“We made sure they didn’t see the light of the day,” Stubbs said.
Another bill stopped by the legislature would have increased online sales tax by 1.4% and be distributed among cities, counties and school systems.
“On the surface it sounds like an opportunity to make things more equitable to protect our brick and mortar stores,” Stubbs said. “The dis-
tribution of these funds was very far out of balance and benefited the 10 largest cities in the state. It left the counties out to dry. We stopped it before it got anywhere.”
Stubbs is pleased with the ballot harvesting bill passed to protect the integrity of absentee voting. He said there was concern people were getting large groups to participate in absentee balloting to process large numbers of ballots.
“It is an almost orchestrated system by which they try to manipulate our election system,” Stubbs said. “We failed to pass it last year but did this year.”
The legislature also strengthened laws regarding the trafficking of children through the Sound of Freedom Act.
“It imposes a minimum sentence of life in prison for those convicted of human trafficking of a minor in the state of Alabama,” Stubbs said.
Tallassee’s Grove Station ownership buys Wetumpka’s Our Place
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
New faces are coming to Our Place Cafe in Wetumpka.
Corrie Sid of Tallassee’s Grove Station has purchased the Company Street restaurant.
“I’m excited to be in Wetumpka,” Sid told the Wetumpka City Council Monday night. “I have been trying to get to
Wetumpka for a while.
I’m really thrilled to be here.”
Sid was at the meeting for a public hearing transferring the restaurant retail liquor license to Our Station LLC.
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis was pleased to see Sid at the meeting.
“This has been a process of about nine months talking back and
forth with you,” Willis said.
Sid took to social media afterwards announcing to Grove Station followers the acquisition.
“We can’t wait to bring what we brought to Tallassee here to Wetumpka,” Sid said.
Sid plans to open Our Station June 11. A restaurant retail liquor for Taste at the
Fain was also approved at Monday’s council meeting. It is the third location of the River Region business.
Additionally, the City of Wetumpka is recruiting more businesses to town. Last summer it purchased property across from the Wetumpka Sports Complex. At the Monday meeting it approved a bid in the amount of $1,059,436.76 from Alexander Sealcoating and Striping Inc. to begin improvements for five lots at River Town Center Development.
“This is for the utilities and streets to get put in so we can market the properties in there,” Willis said. “We have
done a great job of marketing already. Some people are waiting on us to get the development moving.”
The council also approved the next round of cleaning up dilapidated structures in town through an Alabama Department of Economic and Consumer Affairs Community Block Development Grant.
Property owners volunteered for the CBDG demolition grant program. City of Wetumpka staff have recently worked with 17 property owners and 12 got all the necessary paperwork completed.
“That is something we have been working on for some time,” Wil -
is passed something through the legislature freezing police jurisdictions of cities and towns in Alabama,” Winans told the council. “But now the legislature is allowing a city to come into the police jurisdiction of another municipality and take property.”
The council did approve making four properties that were once in the police jurisdiction in the town’s corporate limits.
Three parcels contiguous to Coosada’s current corporate limits owned by Elaine and Danny Williams along Price Road, near Airport Road were annexed in.
“All this came about after Rodgers View,” Houston said. “They decided they wanted to annex in.”
A Jehovah’s Witness property on Airport Road was also annexed. It was on the agenda at the last Coosada Council meeting but wasn’t yet contiguous until after that meeting.
The council also approved refunding the public safety few Jehovah’s Witnesses paid for police and fire protection in the police jurisdiction.
Town employees reported to the council many of the trees down on the right of ways in Coosada are on county roads and are Elmore County’s responsibility to clean up. The county is reported to have cleaned some up already on Coosada Parkway.
Issues with Elmore County brought the idea of permits from the town to do work on road right of ways in the town of Coosada.
“This is meant to help us know what is going on in our town on our
lis said. “We finally got everything in place to do that properly.”
IN OTHER ACTION THE WETUMPKA CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the May 20 meeting.
• Approved increasing hazardous duty pay for full time first responders from $150 per month to $300.
• Approved yearly dues to the Vector Solutions for the Wetumpka Fire Department.
• Approved Michael Proctor to host Beat the Streets in Gold Star Park on Sept. 14
The next Wetumpka City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, June 17.
right of ways,” Houston said. “They can’t just go and do things without letting us know what is going on.”
Houston said the town can give other governmental entities waivers to fees for working right of ways. Such work installing sewer lines and fiber optic has already occurred under the direction of Elmore County.
“At the same time they need to be reporting to us what they are doing,” Houston said. “We have no idea where they are putting that stuff in. They are not coming to us and when we stop them, they raise sand about it, ‘Nobody else is charging us.’”
Houston said he also has an issue with some of the unkept boxes that communication companies use to protect wiring.
“They are always knocked over, caps off them,” Houston said. “I want them to clean that kind of stuff up.”
Town clerk Breyona McCall-Richardson told the council the town has received notice from the IRS it did not receive 940 and 941 reports of employee tax withholdings for 2019 and 2020.
“They were paid but they are not in the filing cabinets,” McCall-Richardson said.
The clerk said it may be necessary to reengage Quickbooks to gain access to the files.
She also reported to the council the pump for the mosquito sprayer must be returned. The town had been waiting for the part to be shipped from backorder for more than six weeks. When it arrived, it wasn’t what was needed.
There were no estimates as to when the correct part would be available.
Worship together
Two of our mainstream dominations in the South according to membership numbers, are Southern Baptists and United Methodists. It seems that both denominations have discord amongst their membership. As a member of a Southern Baptist Church, remarks will be addressed only to our particular denomination. On June 11-25, elected delegates from each S.B.C. church throughout the U.S. will be elected to represent their church at the yearly Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis.
This is a giant “business meeting” including making new laws or abolishing old laws, committee meetings, etc. . A major item this year is whether or not a woman should be able to utilize the term Pastor for the ministries they head in the church. (Example: Pastor vs Minister, of Music, Youth, Senior Adults, Education, etc.). This stems from the whether or not women should serve in the role of a Senior Pastor. There is a small airstrip cut out of the African rainforest where a very vibrant church
worships in a building constructed of bamboo pole wall with a roof covered with palm and banana branches. In each corner of the building stands percussion instruments including animal skin drums. When an elder of the congregation was asked why there were different areas for musicians, he explained! “People from different tribes worship together here”. TOGETHER!
God instructed the Jerusalem church to choose leaders who were respected, wise, and full of the Spirit. The ethnically diverse church
needed spiritual leadership with a good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. Spiritual leaders will see that no one is neglected! The author Apostle Paul, who writes: “Therefore, my beloved as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but how much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” In this verse Paul is addressing the Christians, it is not referring
to “losing your salvation.” Paul is encouraging believers not to live in a continuous condition of nervousness and anxiety. “ In 2 Corinthians, Paul refers to Titus as being encouraged by the Corinthians’ reception of him with a great humility and respect for his position as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians, Paul himself came to the Corinthian church mindful of the great and awesome nature of the work in which he engaged.” Salvation is worked out by going to the source –the Word of God! Don’t
JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist
be anxious!!! Forgive us for seeking the comfort of separation from brothers and sisters who are different. Help us to accept the difficult path of reconciliation. Grant us the wisdom necessary for the task, and fill us with Your Spirit. Let us not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team.
in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.
Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting.
Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blan-
kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the
church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in
Worship With Us
person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC
Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
Wetumpka’s Holt ends record-breaking career
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
There
2024 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY SOFTBALL TEAM
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The 2024 softball season has come to an end in Elmore County, and this season proved to be one of the best in recent history. While there were no championships to celebrate, there was plenty of postseason success. Four of the five AHSAA teams reached their regionals, with three reaching the regional finals. Wetumpka made it back to the AHSAA Class 6A State Tournament, while Edgewood Academy reached the championship in AISA this season.
The 2024 All-Elmore County Softball Team is headlined by Coach of the Year Pat Love, who helped the Tigers reach the Class 5A Central Regional Finals after a great postseason run. The Player of the Year is Wetumpka senior Mya Holt, who hit .481 with 19 home runs.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE REST OF THE TEAM HERE:
PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
MYA HOLT, WETUMPKA SENIOR Holt is the Elmore County Player of the Year for the third-consecutive season. Holt wrapped up her Wetumpka career with a stellar senior campaign where she hit .481 with 74 hits, 15 doubles, 6 triples, 19 home runs, 54 RBIs and 53 runs scored. In the circle, she went 27-5 with a 1.205 earned run average and 208 strikeouts in 174 ⅓ innings.
FIRST TEAM
BAILEA BOONE, HOLTVILLE JUNIOR Boone continued her success at slap hitting as she hit .544 with a county-best 74 hits. She hit 67 singles, 3 doubles, 3 triples and 1 home run with 19 RBIs and 70 runs scored. She was a perfect 58-for-58 on stolen base attempts. She also tied the AHSAA record for most hits (6) in a game this year.
LINDSEY BROWN, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY SENIOR Brown, a University of Alabama volleyball signee, turned in the best hitting season of any Wildcat. She hit .441 with 63 hits, 18 doubles, 5 triples, 7 home runs with 30 RBIs and 71 runs scored. On the base paths, she was 35-of-37 on stolen base attempts.
ASHLEY BURGESS, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY SENIOR Burgess’ move to Edgewood paid off for the senior utility player. Burgess was one of the top players in AISA as she hit .427 with 61 hits, 16 doubles, 2 triples and 1 home run with a teamhigh 52 RBIs. In the circle, she went 13-2 with a 2.39 ERA and 81 strikeouts.
RILEY DISMUKES, WETUMPKA SENIOR Dismukes was one of the most consistent hitters in the county this year, hitting for average and power for the Indians. The senior outfielder hit .327 with 48 hits, 8 doubles, 2 triples and
8 home runs, tied for the third most in the county. She drove in 41 RBIs and scored 38 runs. She added 12 stolen bases.
CHEYANNE EASTERLING, TALLASSEE FRESHMAN
The Tallassee leadoff hitter and shortstop turned in an impressive freshman season. The slap hitter hit .407 with 50 hits, 10 of which were extra base hits. She hit 10 doubles and 2 triples as she drove in 23 RBIs and scored 40 runs. She also stole 29 bases.
REAGAN EASTERWOOD, TALLASSEE JUNIOR
The Tallassee starting third baseman turned in one of the most consistent seasons of the year. She hit .386 with 44 hits, 12 doubles, 4 home runs and drove in 42 RBIs while scoring 27 runs. She added 7 stolen bases and fielded .904 at the hot corner.
AVERY GOFF, HOLTVILLE JUNIOR
The Holtville star shortstop hit .425 this season while tallying 26 extra base hits. She had 13 doubles, 7 triples and 6 home runs to go with 47 RBIs and 38 runs scored. She was a threat on the base paths as well with 12 stolen bases.
JADA MCLEOD, STANHOPE ELMORE SENIOR
McLeod saved her best season for her last as she led the county with a .592
Tallassee’s Love sets up postseason run with tough schedule
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Pat Love isn’t one to back away from a challenge.
Even after losing five senior starters, three of whom went to play college softball, Love made his Tallassee softball schedule as tough as possible.
Tallassee played three defending champions in Class 7A’s Hewitt-Trussville, Class 6A’s Wetumpka and Class 5A’s Brewbaker Tech. But Love didn’t stop there. His team also played Spanish Fort, Saraland, Hoover, Chelsea, Prattville and other top softball schools across the state.
And while those games resulted in early losses for Tallassee’s record, that didn’t matter.
Those games prepared Tallassee for the postseason, and the Tigers took a team whose starting lineup was half-filled with freshmen and finished just one run away from qualifying for the state tournament.
For his team’s postseason run, Love is the 2024 Elmore County Softball Coach of the Year.
“We had a good team and we played an extremely hard schedule throughout the year,” Love said. “We were young and we were making a lot of young mistakes early on. I kept telling them if we put it together, we’re a lot better than
what we’re playing.”
Even when the losses were mounting up, Tallassee was better than the record suggested.
Tallassee was 4-9 after the month of February, but four of those nine losses were close. The Tigers were tied with Spanish Fort, 1-1, in the third inning before losing 8-1. They trailed Saraland by only two runs in the fourth inning before losing, 6-1.
Tallassee led Wetumpka, 3-2, in the third inning before losing 6-3. Tallassee was tied with Prattville, 2-2, in the fifth inning before losing 10-6. Most of those losses were just due to inexperience, or a spare error here and there that eventually doomed the team.
“I could see the talent even from the start of the year,” Love said. “We played really well at times. Most of the time we’d play well for about three innings of a game then all of a sudden, we’d walk a few batters or make a crucial error and good teams would make us pay.”
Just before the team’s area tournament, Tallassee started putting it together.
The Tigers finished area play in the regular season with a 2-4 record, earning a No. 3 seed in the tournament. They lost to Beauregard, 8-0 and 8-3. They lost to Elmore County,
TEAM Continued from B1
batting average. The Stanhope shortstop had 42 hits, 10 doubles, 1 triple and 10 home runs to go with 32 RBIs. She scored 40 runs and fielded .827 for the Mustangs.
MARI BETH PARETTE, WETUMPKA SENIOR
Parette turned in a great final season as an Indian. The Wetumpka third baseman hit .385 with 52 hits, 14 doubles, 2 triples and 1 home run. She drove in 40 RBIs and scored 31 runs while walking 26 times. Playing the hot corner, she made only 10 errors the entire season.
MORGAN SPEAR, ELMORE COUNTY
SENIOR
Spear turned in one of the most impressive seasons of any Panther this season. The senior third baseman hit .373 with 25 hits, 7 doubles,1 triple, 2 home runs and a teamhigh 27 RBIs. She scored 18 runs and stole 5 bases.
ELLA WATSON, WETUMPKA SENIOR Watson had another impressive season as she wrapped up her Wetumpka career. She hit .407 with 61 hits, 12 doubles, 6 triples, 8 home runs, 59 RBIs and 40 runs scored. In the circle, she went 19-2 with a 1.77 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 118 ⅔ innings.
SECOND TEAM
Lalah Culpepper, Elmore County freshman Lily Davenport, Wetumpka junior Ava Farmer, Wetumpka junior Addison Hicks, Elmore County sophomore Taylor Price, Holtville senior Lexie Smith, Edgewood Academy freshman Abbi Snider, Holtville senior Kylie Snowden, Holtville sophomore Lily Stubbs, Edgewood Academy junior Madeline Weldon, Tallassee senior Arielle Williams, Stanhope Elmore senior
HONORABLE MENTION
Edgewood Academy: Avery White, Jr., Avey Rambo, So. Elmore County: Addie Stephenson, Fr., Addie Patterson, Fr. Holtville: Holley DeVaughn, So., Bethanee Harris, Jr.
Stanhope Elmore: Zoey Gipson, So. Tallassee: Kam Tate, Fr., Marlee Osborne, Fr. Wetumpka: Alyssa Brown, So., Bailey Carlise, So., Cassidy Bowers, Sr.
LOVE Continued from B1
4-0 and 17-2.
But those games didn’t matter anymore. This Tallassee team finally put it together. The Tigers played No. 2 seed Bearegard in the first game of the area tournament held in Eclectic. They may have lost, 4-3, but they had every chance to win the game as they had
HOLT
Continued from B1
Holt put together another stellar campaign. She hit .481 with 74 hits, 15 doubles, 6 triples, 19 home runs, 54 RBIs and 53 runs scored. In the circle, she went 27-5 with a 1.205 earned run average and 208 strikeouts in 174 ⅓ innings.
To wrap up her high school career, Holt is the Elmore County Player of the Year for the third consecutive season.
Wetumpka sees successful spring football season
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Rain may have canceled Wetumpka’s spring football game, but that didn’t stop coach Bear Woods and company from putting in two weeks of work.
Wetumpka was able to get out and hit the practice field for eight days of practice in pads this spring. The jamboree with Tallassee originally scheduled for May 17 was canceled due to rain.
Instead, Wetumpka went about its business and just hit the field for a second intrasquad scrimmage in place of its final practice.
“Our spring was very successful,” Woods said. “We have a new offensive and defensive coordinator and we were trying to get a lot of information and work in with just a little bit of time to do it. It all went well for us. It was nice to have a healthy team out and get everyone reps. We had a big freshman class that came in and we got those kids acclimated.”
During this offseason, Wetumpka made changes to the coaching staff leading the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
Quay Moncrief was hired from Prattville to be the new offensive coordinator after JC Chandler made the move to Pike Road. He was board
approved just a few weeks before spring training started.
On the flip side of the ball, Marvin Morton was hired as the defensive coordinator in January. He was the head coach at Chilton County for the last two years, leading the Tigers to an 8-12 overall record.
He’s had a full semester to get his system implemented, and Wetumpka has a lot of key returners on the defensive side of the ball. So for much of spring, the defense was ahead of the offense.
“We were way ahead on defense in terms of understanding our new system,” Woods said. “They hit the ground running and the defense was ready to hit the
Wetumpka’s Bailey picking up offers
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The offers are rolling in for Wetumpka football star Ethan Bailey.
Bailey, a rising senior for the Indians, has recently picked up a handful of Division I football offers. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound defensive end received his first offer from Marshall a year ago. In the last month, however, Bailey has received offers from Alabama State University, Alabama A&M and the University of Louisiana Monroe.
“Ethan is a guy who deserves everything he is getting,” Wetumpka coach Bear Woods said. “He works hard and busts his tail. He’s intentional knowing he has personal goals that align with our team goals. He’s going to have a big decision in the coming months about where he wants to go to school.”
Bailey showcased just what he was made of during his junior campaign in the fall of 2023. Bailey helped lead Wetumpka’s team to a playoff
the bases loaded with no outs, down one run, in the final innings and couldn’t scratch across the tying runs. It didn’t get easier as the Tigers then had to face Elmore County in the loser’s bracket. But behind a 3-hit pitching gem from senior Madeline Weldon, Tallassee upset Elmore County with a 2-1 win and clinched a postseason berth while also eliminating the Panthers.
“This year, I just came in wanting to perform as well as I did last year,” Holt said. “I knew that would be hard to beat, but I didn’t want to downgrade. I knew this was my last year playing so I wanted to go out with a bang and make the most of it while having fun with everyone.”
The majority of Holt’s records are hitting categories.
She holds the program record for career home runs (70), RBIs (312), hits (310), doubles
appearance in Class 6A. In the process, he recorded nearly half of Wetumpka’s total sack numbers with nine.
He had no issues getting to the quarterback and causing mayhem in opposing backfields. To go along with his sack numbers, Bailey also recorded 13 tackles for loss and 11 quarterback pressures. He had 61 total tackles and forced 3 fumbles on the year.
While he starts at defensive end at the high school level, Woods can see him playing anywhere on the defensive line at the next level.
“The thing with Ethan is he has just God-given size,” Woods said. “ I can see him playing the 3-technique (defensive tackle). He’s going to continue to grow, both up and out. If you can get his current skill set and his hip ability, footwork and ability to rush the passer to the inside position, you’re talking about life changing opportunities for Ethan and his future.”
Helping Bailey is his intel-
“Even in the loss to Beauregard, we kept them down and didn’t give them much. We had chances to win,” Love said.
“Then we played solid against Elmore County and grew and carried that into regionals. We had a dangerous team. We were just young and made a lot of mistakes early. At the end, we put it together and cut them out.”
Tallassee then entered the Class 5A Central Regional at
(74), slugging percentage (.845%) and OPS (1.385). In the circle, she holds the record for wins (118), ERA (1.48), strikeouts (757) and batting average against (.195).
She also holds the record for the most games played (263) and most team wins (212).
“I knew I had a few records but I didn’t know it was 20,” Holt said.
“That means so much to me. It feels good knowing that my hard work and dedication has paid
were battling small injuries, but Elijah Peake, Bryan Boswell and Ken Miles all played well.
“The most improved player on our defense was Kelby Walker, who is going into his second season at free safety. He looked comfortable and really excelled this spring,” Woods said.
On offense, Wetumpka is having to replace a threeyear, Division I starter at quarterback with Nate Rogers graduating. Taking the most reps at quarterback is Tyler Johnson, who started one game as a freshman in 2021 before transferring away but later coming back.
field full speed. With our veteran defense, it was no issue getting things installed. With offense, it was a slower process. It’s not so much a change of system, it's a change of language. But between practices 6-10, it was night and day different from practices 1-5.”
A few of the returning veteran defensive players stood out amongst the rest of the group this spring. Cleangelo Peake, an All-County linebacker who recorded 55 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 2 interceptions last year, had a great spring at outside linebacker.
Logan Garr and Walt Myrick both played at the inside linebacker spot. A few starters on the defensive line
“Tyler was really able to take control of the huddle and he can make every throw on the field,” Woods said.
Evan Dillard, Deon Floyd and Jaquan Delbridge impressed at receiver, while Peyton Finch-Ford took the majority of snaps at running back. Jushon Fleming, at 6-foot-4, played both ways at defensive back and receiver.
What most impressed Woods was the offensive line, which consisted of Lexton Hollenquest, Tyler Harris, Trey Hutcherson, Amari Jackson and Tavon Grays.
“They were the biggest standouts for me,” Woods said. “That whole unit really brought absolute leadership to the entire team.”
ligence and what he can bring a program off the field. Every time a college coach asks about Bailey, Woods is sure to tell them about him as a student.
An example is during the summer of 2023 when Bailey requested to miss nearly a week of football workouts to attend an engineering camp at Alabama State.
With Bailey’s focus on football and his education, Woods
knows the sky’s the limit for the rising senior.
“He knows what he wants to do with football and after football,” Woods said. “We’re trying to see what camps to take him to this summer, and his college decision will be determined by what he wants to do with his education. There’s no question that he’s the next level guy. He’s a great teammate and the best is yet to come.”
Lagoon Park as a No. 2 seed. The Tigers went on to beat Demopolis and Shelby County, 3-2 and 14-7, to clinch a berth in the regional finale. Just one win away from state, Tallassee fell short to Beauregard, 4-3, and Marbury, 10-9 in the second state qualifying game. That ended the Tigers season at just 14-29, but it was a season to remember for Love’s young squad. The two seniors will be missed, but Love’s bunch learned and improved after every loss and figured out a way to win when it mattered most.
off in many ways. I’ve put a lot of hours into this sport. All the hours have paid off.”
Coming off a season where she hit 22 home runs and was named Gatorade Player of the Year, Holt knew she would be pitched differently this season.
And she was. Multiple times this season, teams simply did not pitch to her, or tried to trick her by pitching outside a few times then coming back inside to try to throw her off.
“It was a different mindset with this team,” Love said. “We’ve always had an older class of girls leading us, but the majority of our lineup this year were freshmen. They had to learn to play at that level and intensity. We got better and better as the year went on.”
She was rarely fooled and came up big in the team’s biggest moments.
None was bigger than in the South Regional Tournament when she hit a walkoff two-run home run against Saraland to send Wetumpka to the state tournament for the second-consecutive year.
“I feel like I really hit well this year,” Holt said.
“I’m proud of myself for how I hit, and I can honestly say the same for my pitching. My ERA may have been a little higher than last year, but
all around I feel like I performed well. I’m not disappointed in anything I did. I’m just glad I was able to help my team throughout the year.” In the circle, Holt was just as dominant as she’d been her entire career. She allowed only 1.2 earned runs per game, giving Wetumpka a chance to win every time she stepped on the field. She threw two perfect games this season and held the majority of teams she faced to one run or less.
Wetumpka quarterback Tyler Johnson plays against Stanhope during his freshman season in 2021. Johnson is entering his senior season as Wetumpka’s starting quarterback.
FILE | TPI
Wetumpka defensive end Ethan Bailey, right, tackles Baker quarterback Josh Flowers last season. Bailey has picked up three Division I football offers in the last month. He had nine sacks as a junior last year.
The Alexander City Outlook
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR THE MINING OF SAND AND GRAVEL FROM STATE LANDS LOCATED IN ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Code of Alabama, 1975, Section 9-17-61, et seq., that sealed bids for an exclusive sand and gravel mining lease encompassing State property located in Elmore County, Alabama will be received by the State Lands Director until 4:00 PM August 19, 2024, as Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), as well as members of their families, shall be excluded from bidding. PREMISES
The tracts of land (Premises) upon which mining will be permitted are more particularly described as follows: Parcel A - A tract of land depicted in EXHIBIT A and lying in the SW ½ of the SE ¼ of Section 33, Township 19 North, Range 17 East, the E ½ of the NE ¼ and the East ½ of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 4, Township 18, North Range 17 East, the SW ½ of the NW ¼ and the N ½ of the SW ¼ and the SW ½ of the SE ¼ of Section 3, Township 18 North, Range 17 East. Excepting established and recognized rights-of-way, Parcel A consists of 364 acres more or less.
Parcel B - All that unexcavated land lying between and due North of two points lying along a diagonal line running between the center of Section 33 Township 19 North, Range 17 East, and the SE corner
EXHIBIT A and consists of 39 acres, more or less. responsibility to review. LEASE TERMS
Below represents a list of the basic terms to be included in the resulting agreement.
1) The term of this lease will be for four (4) years with an option to renew for three (3) additional two (2) year terms contingent on written approval of the Department of Corrections, to be granted in its sole discretion.
2) All properties mined will be done so in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act and all other governing regulations, both state and federal;
3) Production of materials must begin within six (6) months of contract date. A minimum monthly royalty payment of $3,000 will be due the month following the attainment of all permits required for mining operations to commence;
4) The royalty rate (see minimum requirements below) paid for material removed and sold from the Premises will increase each year the lease remains in effect by the following amounts:
a. Gravel - $0.010 per ton and
b. Sand - $0.005 per ton.
5) Reclamation, restorations and bonding must be performed and provided in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations in effect at the time of mining. The maximum amount of disturbed/non-reclaimed land at any time during the lease shall not exceed 60% of the total surface acreage.
6) In addition to the minimum state and/or federal requirements for bonding, as a condition of entering the Lease, Lessee shall be required to post a performance bond in the amount of One performance required by law, and/or required property reclamation and/or property restoration
7) Premises shall be used and occupied solely for sand and gravel mining and processing purposes.
8) Lessee shall be prohibited from assigning or transferring a lease.
BIDDER DUE DILIGENCE
Interested bidders will have an eight-week period beginning 8:00 AM, June, 12, 2024 and ending
5:00 PM August, 7, 2024 to conduct sample borings for assessment of material volume and quality.
Management. Agreements stipulating conditions for entry and indemnifying the Department against any damages or loss must be executed before any boring activities can commence. Interested 1400 Lloyd Street Montgomery, Alabama 36107-0084 or (334) 224-2186 to make application for boring expeditions.
MINIMUM BID REQUIREMENTS
Acceptable bid submittals shall be a production royalty offered as a dollar amount per ton of material mined by the Lessee and sold. The minimum bids shall be $0.520 per ton for gravel, and $0.250 per ton for sand. acceptance of any bid which may equal or exceed that amount. The State reserves the right to reject any or all bids and further reserves the right to negotiate a higher royalty with the highest bidder. Each bid package submitted must also be accompanied by a or check in the amount of $3,000.00 as a bid deposit made payable to the Alabama Department of Corrections which will be forfeited if the bid is accepted and the Bidder does not complete the transaction.
payment due seven (7) months after contract award.
EACH bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope and the exterior of each envelope must be clearly marked on the outside “SEALED BID FOR SAND AND GRAVEL MINING RIGHTS - DRAPER CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, DO NOT OPEN.” and delivered to: State Lands Division, Room 464, Folsom Administrative Building, 64 North Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1901. (36104
IF DELIVERED BY PRIVATE COURIER). NO BID SHALL BE RECEIVED FOR ANY REASON ANY TIME AFTER 4:00 P.M. August 19, 2024.
IT SHALL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIDDER TO ENSURE ACTUAL RECEIPT
OF THE BID BY THE STATE LANDS DIVISION PRIOR TO THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE. All bids received by this deadline will be publicly opened and read the following day, August 20, at 2:00 Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1901. If ADA accommodations are needed as to the bid opening, please contact Delicia Baker at (334) 242-3484. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least seven days prior to the bid opening date. The successful bidder shall reimburse the Alabama Department of Corrections for any advertisement fees and bid evaluation costs that might be incurred for this notice, which may be deducted from the bid deposit. The successful bidder must complete the transaction within 30 days of award or forfeit the bid deposit. LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
This lease is conducted pursuant to the provisions of Section 9-17-61 of the Code of Alabama 1975 and/or other laws of the State of Alabama governing this transaction whether or not included in this notice. The State of Alabama, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the ADOC do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, pregnancy, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in its hiring or employment or leasing practices nor in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities.
The State does not warrant nor guarantee title to the lands herein advertised or otherwise warrant or guarantee the condition of the land or improvements related to the land herein advertised. Please be advised, adjacent to the property in the description, the ADOC operates a shooting range for the purposes of training its employees. By submitting a bid, the successful bidder hereby waives any conditions as stated in this notice shall be controlling over this transaction.
Christopher M. Blankenship CommissionerDepartment of Conservation & Natural Resources
State Classified
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WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from 3 FIVES, LLC A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE,
Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust, by instrument recorded notice is hereby given that the
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Discipline Summary Wetumpka attorney Monica Gay Mann, was interimly suspended pursuant to Rule 20(a), Alabama Rules of Disciplinary Procedure, from the practice of law in the State of Alabama by the Supreme Court of Alabama, effective April 1, 2024. The Supreme Court entered its order based upon the Disciplinary Commission’s causing, or is likely to cause, immediate and serious injury to the client or to the public.
SUDOKU ANSWERS
tate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: COMMENCE AT AN IRON PIN (1” CRIMP-TOP PIPE) AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1, OF THE RESUBDIVISION OF RIVERVIEW ESTATES, AS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK 7, AT PAGE 97, SAID POINT BEING ON THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY OF RIVER DRIVE (FORMERLY WATER WORKS ROAD): THENCE SOUTH 89 DEG. 53 MIN 36 SEC. EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, 136.52 FEET TO AN IRON PIN (1/2”” REBAR) ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY OF JACKSON TRACE ROAD (FORMERLY U.S. HIGHWAY 231), 60 FOOT RIGHT OFERLY, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, CHORD BEING NORTH 04 DEG. 58 MIN 00 SEC. WEST, 714.62 FEET, AT A CALCULATED POINT IN ELMER BRANCH, SAID POINT BEING THENCE NORTH 87 DEG. 48 MIN. 42 SEC. WEST, ALONG SAID BRANCH, 210.00 FEET THENCE LEAVING SAID BRANCH, NORTH 09 DEG. 02 MIN. 28 SEC. WEST, 210.00 FEET TO AN IRON PIN (2 INCH DEG. 49 MIN. 41 SEC. EAST, 210.30 FEET TO AN IRON PIN (1 INCH OPEN-TOP PIPE) ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY THENCE SOUTH 08 DEG. 57 MIN. 26 SEC. EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, 210.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY LIES IN THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 8, T18N, R19E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AND CONTAINS 0.99 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY OF RONALD BURKE, ALA. REG. #16670 DATED FEBRUARY 20, 2001. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 1003 JACKSON TRACE ROAD, 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 those contained in the records Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
gg
3145 Avalon Ridge Place, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071
Telephone Number: (877) 8130992 Case No. LMA-23-048138 rlselaw.com/property-listing
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 230946
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE ELMORE COUNTY
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Jennie Smith, unmarried, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for American Advisors Group, its successors and assigns on May 17, 2013, said mortgage recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, at RLPY Book 2013, Page 36660; the undersigned U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust, 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 the main entrance of the Courthouse at Elmore County, Alabama, on June 13, 2024, 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, to-wit: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE NE ¼ OF THE SW ¼ OF SEC. 8. T -17-N, R -17-E, CONTINUE THENCE S 89° 24’ 57” E, 815.82 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTINUE THENCE S 17° 26’ 59” E, 168.05 FEET; THENCE N 85° 48’ 04’ E, 195.03 FEET TO A FENCE. THENCE N 10° 05’ 15’ W, 146.72 FEET; THENCE N 89° 24’ 57’ W, 219.25 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL OF LAND BEING NE ¼ OF THE SW ¼ OF SEC. 8, T -17-N, R -17-E AND CONTAINS 0.73 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. Subject to Ingress/Egress Easement at book 2000 page -
THIS CONVEYENCE IS MADE SUBJECT TO ALL RESTRICTIONS, RESERVATIONS, EASEMENTS, AND RIGHTS -OF -WAY OF RECORD AFFECTING THE TITLE TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY. Being the same property conBook 230, Page 1136.
36054
029.008 Property street address for informational purposes: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 AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tenpayable to Aldridge Pite, LLP at the time and place of the sale. Aldridge Pite, LLP 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. U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust, Mortgagee/Transferee ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP Six Piedmont Center 3525 Piedmont Road, N.E., Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30305. Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee. THIS OFFICE IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 231736
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Chase Anthony Pollard, an unmarried man, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, on April 26, 2019, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2019 Page 20135; the undersigned Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Althe 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 same appears of record in the of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 22 at Page 12.. Property street address for informational purposes: 120 Waterview Drive , Wetumpka, AL 36092. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TOMENT AND WILL BE SOLD REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File
Wetumpka Herald: 24-00948
PUBLIC NOTICE
BID 24-18 CITY OF ALEXANDER CITY, ALABAMA DEMOLITION OF CONDEMNED HOUSES
The City of Alexander City, Alabama, is requesting bids for the purpose of demolition of condemned houses within the city limits of Alexander City, per full copy of the bid and all addendums may be obtained at [ in writing to the Alexander City Include bid number and opening date on the outside of the envelope.posals must be mailed or hand
No proposals will be allowed to -
tors License (Specialty Trade Demo License or Building ConGenerals Contractors License number must be listed on the outside of the envelope
ADDRESS ALL RETURN ENVELOPES TO: CITY OF ALEXANDER CITY CITY CLERK’S OFFICE BID NO: 24-18
35010
BID SOLICITATION SCHEDULE 2024
2:00pm CST 10th, 2024 15th, 2024
Alex City Outlook: BID 24-18 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA, COUNTY OF ELMORE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Charles E. Kelley, originally in favor of
Public Notices
ygy Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Hometown Lenders, LLC, on December 6, 2016, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Book 2016, Page 60650; the undersigned Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Elmore County, Alabama, on August 1, 2024, 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 12 and a strip 20 feet wide of uniform width off the North side of Lot 11, all in Block 2 of the Meadowbrook Subdivision, the Judge of Probate, Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 3, Page 207. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as: 105 Lee Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092. 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. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Three Thousand Dollars made payable to Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be over-
Price & Gregg, LLC at 339 Hey-bia, SC 29201. Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate.
This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. If the sale is set aside, the Purchaser may be entitled to only a return of any tendered purchase funds less any applicable fees and costs and shall have no other recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC. 2100 Southbridge Pkwy, Suite 650, Homewood, AL, 35209. www.bellcarrington. com. File Number: 24-42483
Wetumpka Herald: May 29, June 5 and 15, 2024 24-42483
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
Notice is hereby given that J & P Construction Co., Inc., 2550 39th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, has completed the work on the Sedimentation Basin Improvements for the Five Star Water Supply District. All claims held against same should be itemized, notarized and presented to Jasper N. Buckner
Supply District, 251 Lakeview Drive, Wetumpka, AL 36092, on or before Wednesday, June 12, 2024 or same will be barred.
J & P Construction Co., Inc. PO Drawer 3147 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29, June 5 and 12, 2024 COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Schmidt Environmental Construction, Inc. has completed the Contract No. 2 Lagoon Upgrades for the City of Tallassee, a municipal corporation,nal settlement of said contract. All persons having any claims for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify the City of Tallassee, 3 Freeman Ave, Tallassee, AL 36078 (334)283-6571.
Schmidt Environmental Construction, Inc. P.O. Box 369 Auburn, AL 36831-0369 (334) 887-0334
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 COMPLETION
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: DV-2023-900375.00
WILLIAM HUNT VS. MELISSA HARROD, DEFENDANT. NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: MELISSA HARROD, whose whereabouts are unknown; and, Take notice against you in the District Court of Elmore County, Alabama, in case styled, WILLIAM HUNT vs. MELISSA HARROD, Case No., DV-2023-900375.00. You mustplaint on or before thirty (30) days from the date of the last publication of this Notice or a default judgment will be taken against you. Your answer County Circuit Clerk, LaKeshia C. Parks, Esq., and Stewart E. Vance, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiffs, 7079 University Court, Montgomery, Alabama 36117. Dated this 1st day of May 2024. Michael Dozier, Circuit Court Clerk, Elmore County, AL The Wetumpka Herald: May 8, 15, 22 and 29,2024 DV-2023-900375.00
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELA C. BLALOCK, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-082 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of ANGELA C. BLALOCK, deceased, having been granted to LORRAINE TUCKER on May 7th, 2024 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.
LORRAINE TUCKER ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELA C. BLALOCK, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: KYLE C. SHIRLEY MCDOWELL, FAULK & SHIRLEY, LLC 145 WEST MAIN STREET PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-365-5924
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/BLALOCK, A.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID BRUCE BROWN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-128 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DAVID BRUCE BROWN, deceased, having been granted to CAROLYN ANN WALKER BROWN on May 10, 2024 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.
CAROLYN ANN WALKER BROWN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID BRUCE BROWN, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JOHN B. BRADLEY VOGEL LAW FIRM, LLC 41 CAMBRIDGE COURT WETUMPKA. ALABAMA 36093 334-409-0088
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22, and 29, 2024 EST/BROWN D.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT M. FUNDERBURK, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-130 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ROBERT M. FUNDERBURK, deceased, having been granted to JENNY LYNN FUNDERBURK GUY on May 17, 2024 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.
JENNY LYNN FUNDERBURK GUY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT M. FUNDERBURK, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JOHN B. BRADLEY VOGEL LAW FIRM, LLC 41 CAMBRIDGE COURT WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-409-0088 Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/FUNDERBURK R.
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PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2024-134 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TIMOTHY CARSON GOLDEN, DECEASED
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of TIMOTHY CARSON GOLDEN, deceased, having been granted to SUSAN GOLDEN VALLADARES on the 21st day of May 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred. SUSAN GOLDEN VALLADARES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF TIMOTHY CARSON GOLDEN, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JACK OWEN BALL, BALL, MATTHEWS & NOVAK, P.A. PO BOX 2148 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36102-2148 445 DEXTER AVENUE SUITE 9045 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-487-7680
Wetumpka Herald: May 29, June 5 and 12, 2024 EST/GOLDEN T. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF VINCENT JOSEPH GYORKOS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-125 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of VINCENT JOSEPH GYORKOS, deceased, having been granted to ED PARISH, JR. on May 9th, 2024 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.
ED PARISH, JR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF VINCENT JOSEPH GYORKOS, DECEASED
Name and Address of Administrator: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM P O BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/GYORKOS, V. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EMERY GENE HELTON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-114 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of EMERY GENE HELTON, deceased, having been granted to EFFIE LOUISE HELTON on May 8, 2024 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.
EFFIE LOUISE HELTON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF EMERY GENE HELTON, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: RODERICK B. PERDUE ATTORNEY AT LAW 2033 HOLTVILLE ROAD WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-7373
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/HELTON E. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NORMAN TRUETT HOLMAN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-124 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of NORMAN TRUETT HOLMAN, deceased, having been granted to ED PARISH, JR. on May 15, 2024, 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.
ED PARISH, JR. AMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF NORMAN TRUETT HOLMAN, DECEASED Name and Address of Administrator: ED PARISH, JR.
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THE PARISH LAW FIRM P O BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/Holman, N.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES MICHAEL KORNOSKY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-095 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters of Administration over the Estate of JAMES MICHAEL KORNOSKY, deceased, having been granted to BRANDON KORNOSKY on May 6, 2024 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.
BRANDON KORNOSKY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES MICHAEL KORNOSKY, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JOSEPH K. BAMBURG ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 US HWY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-478-3196
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/KORNOSKY, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN EVANS LUSK, CASE NO: 2024-131 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CAROLYN EVANS LUSK, deceased, having been granted to STACI RENE LUSK WATSON on May 17, 2024 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.
STACI RENE LUSK WATSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN EVANS LUSK, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: GEORGE W. FENDLEY, III ATTORNEY AT LAW 108 BROAD STREET P O BOX 261 CAMDEN, ALABAMA 36726 334-682-5173
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/LUSK, C. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT ENTREKIN LUSK, SR., CASE NO: 2024-132 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ROBERT ENTREKIN LUSK, SR., deceased, having been granted to STACI RENE LUSK WATSON on May 17, 2024 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.
STACI RENE LUSK WATSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT ENTREKIN LUSK, SR., DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: GEORGE W. FENDLEY, III ATTORNEY AT LAW 108 BROAD STREET PO BOX 261 CAMDEN, ALABAMA 36726 334-682-5173
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/LUSK R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF STANLEY R. MERCHANT, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2024-101 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: BRANDON STANLEY JONES, A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND NEXT OF KIN OF STANLEY R. MERCHANT; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF STANLEY R. MERCHANT, DECEASED YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on April 10, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of STANLEY R. MERCHANT, de-
POWER, deceased, having been granted to NANCY M. POWER on May 17, 2024 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.
NANCY M. POWER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DANIEL N. POWER, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for such
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y Personal Representative: WILL O’REAR, JR. SASSER & O’REAR, LLC 7007 FULTON COURT MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334356-2400
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/POWER D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-063 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR., deceased, having been granted to WILLIAM B. PRICE, JR. on May 15, 2024 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.
WILLIAM B. PRICE, JR. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR., DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024
EST/PRICE W. SR. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WHEATTON K. PYNES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-122 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Es-
tate of WHEATTON K. PYNES, deceased, having been granted to BEVERLY PYNES GRANT on May 16, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, no-
Public Notices y tice is hereby given that all per-
sons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
BEVERLY PYNES GRANT
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WHEATTON K. PYNES, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for
Personal Representative: CHIP CLEVELAND THE CLEVELAND FIRM, LLC 707 MCQUEEN SMITH ROAD
SOUTH PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36066 334-365-6266
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024
EST/PYNES W. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024- 073 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to RUSSELL PARKER as Personal Representative on the 9th day of May, 2024, 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.
RUSSELL PARKER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq.
The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/VANDERBILT R. PUBLIC NOTICE FORECLOSURE NOTICE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness described in and secured by that certain mortgage executed by JAMES F. MRACEK, II and ANN MARIE MRACEK,
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y ing declared all of the indebtedness secured by said mortgage due and payable, and such default continuing, notice is hereby given that, acting under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, PNC Bank, N. A. will sell at public outcry, for cash, to the highest bidder, in front of the County Courthouse door at 100 Alabama, at approximately 1:00 PM on June 20, 2024, the following described real estateabama, to-wit: Commence at a nail at the base
more County, Alabama; thence
165.37 feet to a 1” iron bolt being the Point of Beginning (P0B144.00 feet to a 1/2” rebar set; feet to a 1/2” rebar set; thence
feet back to the Point of Beginparcel of land lying and being
easement described as follows: Commence a nail at the basemore County, Alabama; thence of Way of Lightwood Road and the Point of Beginning (POB-2); wide private access easement for ingress and egress the fol-
lying and being situated in thety, Alabama.ly known as: 6857 Lightwood Road, Deatsville Alabama 36022. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. and appurtenances thereunto attached to and used in connection with the premises herein described.
right of way easements and restrictions of record in the Pro-
existing special assessments and liens of record, if any, which might adversely affect the title to “As Is, Where Is” basis without warranty or recourse, express or implied as to title, use and/
husband and wife, as Mortgagor(s) to Regions Bank, as Mortgagee, dated the 19th day of March, 2008, and recorded in RLPY Book 2008, Page 19773, et seq. of the records inbate Court of Elmore County, Alabama; said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the undersigned will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bidder during legal hours of sale, on the 10th day of July, 2024, in the city of Wetumpka, at the front door of the Court House of Elmore County, Alabama, the following described real property situated in the County of Elmore, State of Alabama, to-wit: A parcel of land located in the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 19, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, Elmore County, Alabama, being more particularly described as follows: For the Point of Beginning commence at an iron pin marking the accepted northeast corner of the said Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter; thence South 86 degrees, 06 minutes, 07 seconds West and on the north boundary of the said Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, 705.09 feet to an iron pin; thence South 02 degrees, 32 minutes, 13 seconds East, 139.76 feet to an iron pin on the north right of way of Blueberry Lane; thence North 82 degrees, 36 minutes, 29 seconds East and on said north right of way, 38.93 feet to an iron pin at the end of said right of way; thence North 86 degrees, 10 minutes, 28 seconds East; 148.91 feet to an iron pin; thence South 03 degrees, 52 minutes, 04 seconds East, 269.99 feet to an iron pin; thence North 83 degrees, 01 minutes, 59 seconds West 257.05 feet to an iron pin; thence North 02 degrees, 35 minutes, 05 seconds West, 170.20 feet to an iron pin on the south right of way of said Blueberry Lane; thence South 85 degrees 00 minutes, 39 seconds West and on said south right of way, 49.53 feet to an iron pin at the northeast corner of Lot 9 of Indian Hills Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book the Judge of Probate of Elmore County,Alabama; thence South 02 degrees, 30 minutes, 00 seconds East and on the east boundary of said Indian Hill Subdivision, 468.27 feet to an iron pin at the southeast corner of Lot 7 of said Indian Hill Subdivision; thence North 86 degrees, 09 minutes, 29 seconds East and on the south boundary of the North Half of the said Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, 829.41 feet to an iron pin at the accepted southeast corner of the said North Half of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter; thence North 03 degrees, 49 minutes, 24 seconds West and on east boundary of the said Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, 658.79 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. According to survey of Reg. Land Surveyor, Otis R. Allen, Ala. Reg. No. 12771 dated July 22, 1996 and revised on November 16, 1996. Property is subject to a 50 foot access easement as shown on attached survey prepared by Otis R. Allen , dated July 22, 1996 and revised November 16, 1996.
This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, reservations and exceptions or those contained in the reof Probate of the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as 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. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying said indebtedness and the expenses incident to this sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, and the other purposes set out in said mortgage. The sale will betion that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcytion and audit of the status of the loan with the Mortgagee. REGIONS BANK Holder of said Mortgage Goodman G. Ledyard
PIERCE LEDYARD JOHNSTON, P.C. Attorneys for Mortgagee Mobile, Alabama 36616 (251) 338-1300
Wetumpka Herald: May 29, June 5 and 12, 2024 FC/MRACEK PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE ELMORE COUNTY
Default having been made in the payment of indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Michael A. Rambo, a married man, the 30th day of November, 2018, to Compass Bank, now known as PNC Bank, N.A., which said mortgage is recorded in thety, Alabama, in Real Property Book 2018, at Page 57116 and by reason of such default, hav-
right(s) of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Neither therectors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of the mortgagee make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition, including those suggested by Code of Alabama (1975) § 35-4-271, expressly are disclaimed. 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.
purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by the above-described mortgage, and the proceeds thereof will be applied as provided by the terms ofreserves 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. to pay the purchase price and close this sale shall, at the option of the Mortgagee, be cause have the option of making the sale to the next highest bidder who is able, capable and willing to comply with the terms thereof. during lawful hours of sale between 11:00am to 4:00pm. A in the amount of $ 10,000.00 is required on auction day from the successful bidder and with the balance of funds within 24 hours both payable to Reynolds, Reynolds & Little, LLC. Balance payable funds may be wired. Wire instructions will be provided by the auctioneer to the successful bidder.ment or cancellation.
PNC BANK, N.A. Mortgagee c/o Robert D. Reynolds Mortgagee
Montgomery, Alabama 361029553 File No.: 3714.035
Wetumpka Herald: May
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on the 13th of June 2024, at 9:00am AT STORAGETREASURES. COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE.
Southeast Storage 8416 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36092 2111:Kim Posey.9175 Georgia Rd,Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: washer/dryer, tv, mattress, outside couch,table 1407:Allison Brown.8436 Georgia Rd,Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents:boxes, bags of clothes,wooden shelves, table, rocking chairs
3119:Denise Hussey.106 W. Osceola St.,Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: desk, clothes, boxes, shelves, chairs, counter tops, trunk, table 3097:Tracey Hart.P.O. Box 151, Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: tv stand, weight set, dresser, basketball goal, pictures, 3026:Denise Hussey. 106 W. Osceola St, Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: Insulation, tool cart, sheet rock, tools, boxes, 3131:Tracey Hart.P.O. Box 151,Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: bags of clothes, electric scooter, night stand Wetumpka Herald: May 29 and June 5, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Council of the City of Wetumpka for approval of a 020-Restaurant Retail Liquor license.
Name of Applicant: Taste at the Fain, LLC Trade Name: Taste at the Fain Address: 101 E. Bridge St. Wetumpka, AL 36092
Public Hearing on said application has been scheduled for June 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM, before the Wetumpka City Council at the City of Wetumpka Council Chambers at 212 S. Main Street, Wetumpka, AL.
Anyone desiring to be heard either for or against said appli-
ELMORE COUNTY TO WRESTLE IN ALABAMA STATE GAMES
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Elmore County wrestling team will get quite the test next week.
The Panthers have signed up to participate in the Alabama State Games inaugural Duals Tournament held at Hewitt-Trussville on Saturday. It is a 16-team duals tournament that will feature many of the top programs across the state such as Tallassee, Thompson, Bob Jones, Mountain Brook, McAdory among others.
“There’s going to be a lot of good teams from every classification,” Elmore County coach Mason Thornton said.
“We wanted to get a summer date in and we wanted to get a feel for the top guys in other classifications and see how we hold up against them.”
Elmore County is coming off a 2024 season where the Panthers finished 8th overall in Class 5A at the State Tournament. In the process, two individual wrestlers –graduating senior Myles Eyerly and rising sophomore Tyler Payton – won state championships in their weight classes. Four other returning Panthers qualified for the state tournament in Stran Webb, Dylan Andres, Luke Reinert and Hayden Fochtmann.
Thornton is unsure if every team member will be available for the trip up to Huntsville, but he is expecting to fill out a lineup of at least 12 kids.
“This is going to be a good opportunity for some new guys to get in and get some work,” Thornton said. “We’ll get some younger guys and back-ups some summer work and see where they stand going into the fall. For some of our younger qualifiers, we’d like to see them take the next step here.” Elmore County will
have a talented wrestling team this year. Payton headlines the group coming off a 37-1 freshman season with a state championship, but the other returning state qualifiers are no slouches either.
Webb and Andres, also rising sophomores, both had over 25 wins on the year. Webb went 27-17 while Andres finished 25-15.
Reinert, a senior who has really wrestled only one season, went 23-17
last season while Fochtmann went 17-17 in his junior year.
“It’s going to be really good work for everyone,” Thornton said. “That’s the main reason I wanted to go. I wanted our guys to either take the next step or find out what steps they need to take to get there. For some of the guys who weren’t qualifiers but were close, we’d like to see them continue developing. We’ll get to see them
in action against some of the best talent in the state.”
While participating in the State Games, every athlete is also invited to attend the State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit and Opening Ceremony on June 7th inside Legacy Arena at the BJCC.
Registered athletes in attendance are entered into scholarship drawings where 34 scholarships (30 $1,000 and 4 $5,000)
will be drawn, totaling $50,000 to be given away. Through the years, Alabama State Games has awarded 564 scholarships totaling $363,000.
“It’s a huge event,” Thornton said. “The sport of wrestling as a whole is growing and seeing these guys get opportunities for scholarships is a huge deal. And then they can get eyes on them early in their high school career. It’s a great thing all the way around.”
Elmore County hiring new softball coach
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County High School is searching for a new head softball coach.
After a 15-11-1 season in Tranum Blackwell’s first season, the school and Blackwell have parted ways.
The job opening will not be attached to a teaching position — just a softball coach stipend. Any interested candidate should send their resume to Jason Eason (jason. eason@elmoreco.com) or Kyle Caldwell (kyle.caldwell@elmoreco.com).
Elmore County has been
one of the most successful programs in Class 5A the last half decade. Between 2020 and 2024, including the COVID-shortened season, Elmore County went 131-524 and was a state qualifier in 2021, 2022 and 2023. In 2023, the Panthers finished No. 3 in the state after beating eventual champion Brewbaker Tech before falling in the loser’s bracket semifinals at Oxford’s Choccolocco Park. This season’s 15 wins was the lowest an Elmore County team has recorded since 2019. Elmore County looked to continue the streak of
Oxford trips as the Panthers clinched the No. 1 seed in area play and hosted the area tournament. The Panthers quickly went 1-2 in the area tournament, however, losing to Beauregard and rival Tallassee to end their season at home as they missed the Class 5A Central Regional. Elmore County will return a handful of starters to next year’s lineup including leadoff hitter Addison Hicks, who led the team with a .488 batting average, and both starting pitchers in Lalah Culpepper and Addie Stephenson. The two combined for 165 ⅓ innings this year.
FILE | TPI
Elmore County’s Tyler Payton celebrates with coach Mason Thornton after Payton’s state championship. Payton and the rest of the Elmore County wrestling team will particpate in a 16-team duals tournament held at Hewitt-Trussville this Saturday.
Jazz Fest is back in full swing this month
The 34th year of the Southeast’s longest running, free-toattend jazz festival will soon kick off.
Jazz Fest is back on June 14 in Strand Park in the heart of Alexander City and June 15 at the Lake Martin Amphitheater.
Downtown, the quiet, grassy field at Strand Park in Alexander City will soon be full of commotion. There will be a large stage set in the center of the field, complete with lights, large speakers and scaffolding that rises high above the park’s trees.
Vendors will surround the area, selling barbeque and cheeseburgers, cotton candy and
refreshments. And of course, there will be plenty of jazz.
Things will begin at 6 p.m. with the Grant Green Jr. Group, a guitar-driven jazz band led by the son of legendary jazz guitarist Grant Green. Later, J & The Causeways take the stage, bringing with them tunes blending elements of jazz, funk, soul and R&B. The night will also
feature a performance from the Benjamin Russell High School Jazz Band. With the music continuing into Saturday at the AMP, Jazz Fest will feature performances by The Sophia Goodman Group and The Grayson Capps Band. The Sophia Goodman group kicks off the Saturday night festival at 6 p.m.
HATCHETT’S ARTISTIC PASSION SERVES
ALEX CITY
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
In the heart of downtown Alexander City, you’ll find a quaint tattoo shop located right on Madison Street. Inside, you’ll be greeted by a plethora of comic book pictures, and unique decorations throughout each room. No matter what tattoo you desire, the artist behind Excelsior Ink Custom Tattoos can make it happen.
As someone who has loved comic books for as long as he can remember, Faelan Hatchett began drawing as soon as he could pick up a pencil. He loved drawing characters from Marvel and DC comic books, and knew he wanted to pursue his artistic passion as a career.
Hatchett’s journey into tattoo artistry began over a decade ago when he embarked on his apprenticeship in March 2011.
“I had an opportunity to start an apprenticeship in tattooing,” Hatchett said. “It was a chance to make money with my art and do something I enjoyed.”
His apprenticeship taught him the ins and outs of tattooing, starting with learning how to properly disinfect and sterilize tattoo equipment.
“With the apprenticeship, it’s sort of not what you would expect,” Hatchett said. “The first thing was learning about ‘cooties,’ cross
contamination, blood borne pathogens, anything like that. It was very medical and clinical.”
After moving past the bacterial portion of apprenticeship, Hatchett then learned about different types of equipment, and the equipment that would work best for him.
“I always (say) picking tattoo needles is sort of like picking golf clubs,” Hatchett said. “You can get the job done with a few of them, but there’s going to be a particular tool that’s going to be best.”
Hatchett said tattoo artists will generally use liner and shading needles — but it’s best to find the needles that work best for the particular artist’s style.
“For liner needles, I’ll try to operate with either three or five, but I’ll use some of the larger ones for really bold lines,” Hatchett said.
“Same thing with shading needles, but the difference is a liner is a bunch of needles pushed together where singular points all kind of hit the same place. A shader is sort of fanned out with a stack configuration.”
Once he learned the ropes of proper decontamination and discovered the right equipment for him, it was time to finally practice tattooing.
“There’s a lot of things, with art particularly, that I was able to teach myself,”
Hatchett said. “You cannot adequately teach yourself how to tattoo. That’s why certain things have an apprenticeship.”
With tattooing’s one-of-akind canvas, there really is no alternative to practicing tattooing other than real human skin, Hatchett said. To get to the skill level he’s at now, he had to start small and work his way up. He started with doing tattoos of a smaller scale, such as names and tiny pictures.
“I kind of liken it to a mix between wood carving and painting,” Hatchett said. “The difference being when you paint, you pull your brush strokes, but when you’re tattooing, you push. In woodcarving, once (the work) is done, you don’t take it back. Every line you make needs to be really deliberate.”
When learning how to tattoo, Hatchett practiced on friends and family members who trusted him. In 2014, he did a guest spot at a tattoo shop in Pittsburgh — meaning he was able to work under master tattooists including Sarah Miller, who was on season two of Ink Master, for two weeks. After his apprenticeship and putting his talents to work in a big city, he realized he wanted to take his talents back to his hometown, Alex City. In June of 2015, Hatchett
The band is composed of a collection of Nashville-based jazz musicians, headed by composer, drummer and leader Sophia Goodman. Following that act will be The Grayson Capps Band. The band combines elements of blues, americana, folk and rock in their
Cannon-Goodman returns for songwriters festival
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
Marla Cannon-Goodman grew up around music with her father being songwriter Buddy Cannon.
However, Cannon-Goodman didn’t start her music career through vocals or instruments, but through poetry. That was her passion growing up and she later found her poems could be turned into songs.
Since then, she has recorded songs with Sammy Kershaw, Billy Currington, Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Sarah Evans and Willie Nelson. Cannon-Goodman said she
first found out about the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival from fellow songwriters who were performing there. Soon she was approached by the festival committee and agreed to come performing.
Going into her third year with the songwriters festival, she said she loves it and is looking forward to seeing familiar faces of both audience members and songwriters alike.
“It’s fun to get to meet new people and hop from show to show and watch other people do what they do because a lot of times we don’t get that opportunity,” Can-
Emporium Wine turns 20 years old
By ABIGAIL MURPHY Multimedia Reporter
In the heart of Alexander City, Emporium Wine has been serving the Lake Martin community since May 26, 2004.
Owner Henry Foy said he wanted to bring good wines to the area. There were some good selections around town at the time, but he wanted to bring something more elevated. Overall, Foy felt
a wine store could be an asset to the community.
“There was a lot going on downtown that we felt like we could contribute to,” Foy said.
Foy grew up in Alexander City and after retiring from the food industry in Atlanta, Foy soon opened up Emporium Wine. The wine store started at 15 Main St., where Scent Wizards is currently
Faelan Hatchett, owner
FILE TPI
Marla Cannon-Goodman performs at Copper’s Grill during last year’s Lake Martin Songwriters Festival.
housed. In 2009, Foy moved the store to its current location at 128 Calhoun St. Through the years, Emporium Wine has done things that would complement the wine such as art showings and tapas. Now, the store carries wine, cigars and spirits.
Foy said part of the secret of staying in business is always working at it. Opening a business isn’t an easy job, it’s something that needs to be a constant labor of love. With that, Foy said he is thankful to all the customers and traders who have supported Emporium Wine these past 20 years.
“We wanted to be downtown for a reason and although I have considered many times other locations that were not downtown, I have no regrets about being downtown,” Foy said.
“We look forward to what downtown could be and maybe will be.”
For the 20th anniversary, Emporium Wine celebrated with a wine tasting of wines from around the world on May 24. That Saturday, the store opened up early for the first day of the downtown’s farmer’s market. WINE Continued from E1
FESTIVAL
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non-Goodman said.
Cannon-Goodman said the festival is especially amazing because it’s a free event and you get to experience all kinds of venues throughout the festival days. The songwriters themselves also get time to explore Lake Martin. Cannon-Goodman said it’s a beautiful place and she loves getting to see the scenery around the lake.
One of the other unique things about the songwriters festival is it’s focused on songwriters. Cannon-Goodman said for people who sing on the radio, many of them don’t write the songs they are singing.
“It’s just really fun to get to hear the story behind the song and then hear the song from the perspective of the songwriter,” she said. “When a songwriter delivers their song, it comes from a different place.”
The Lake Martin Songwriters Festival will kick off July 24.
JAZZ
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music, led by prolific musician and Opelika native Grayson Capps. Jazz Fest has been a staple in the Alexander City music scene since it first began in 1991, originally orchestrated as a celebration of the
ARTISTIC Continued from E1
opened Excelsior Ink Custom Tattoos.
Funky fun at The Funky Goat
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Editor
I have known about The Funky Goat in Dadeville for quite some time, but never stopped in. But knowing of its live music and fun drinks, after work one day, a couple of us decided that was when we were all going to go out to The Funky Goat and decompress after a long week. I am surely glad we did.
Myself and magazine editor
Ben Smith sat at the bar on a calm Wednesday evening. It wasn’t terribly busy, though there was a good bit of coming and going with people ordering food or a drink or two.
We sampled a couple of the more summer, festive-themed drinks on the menu then finished the night off with some beers. I started off with a Big Beach — Malibu, Peach Schnapps, pineapple and cranberry — and then transitioned to the Tipsy Mermaid — Captain Morgan, Malibu, lime and pineapple. While I acknowledge both drinks may not have the manliest look, they were darn good. As I have said before, flavor knows no masculinity and The Funky Goat nailed it with these few drinks. Outside of the five summer selection cocktails, The Funky Goat has a more standardized list of concoctions and a broad selection of beer. Smith enjoyed
an IPA from Red Clay Brewing in Opelika and I had to follow suit. All of our drinks were well made and extremely tasty. We sat at the counter for about three hours, and enjoyed every second. With summer cocktails like these it could be easy for them to be overdone on sweetness but not the pair I had. The overall venue itself is a nice place to relax. The music selection for when we attended was a mix of 1980s and 1990s pop-rock hits, with music videos on the televisions. No sports were on, so Ben and I were more than happy to bob our heads along to some tunes. Though we didn’t grab any grub, there is an extensive menu at Funky Goat. Sliders, flatbreads, chicken breast sandwiches and wings are all available and for good prices. Multiple groups around us were crushing through some wings and even taking some to go. Just this past weekend, The Funky Goat celebrated its one year anniversary of being in Dadeville. It is safe to say that its friendly confines are a welcome treat to the Dadeville community. Smith and I may have been a little tardy to the party in terms of going to The Funky Goat, but we certainly will be going back. We hope to see you there.
Hometown Kitchen Great food and hospitality
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
For this month’s Food Spotlight, I was actually recommended a place to go. I drove over to Millbrook and tried out Hometown Kitchen, a Meat & Three restaurant located in the heart of town.
I went on Thursday right as lunch was beginning, and their menu consisted of many different options. There were Oxtails, pork chops, dark or white meat chicken, catfish, hamburger steak or wings.
I was recommended the Oxtail, but I’ve never had them before, so I went with something I knew I would enjoy. I got the porkchop. I was between the fried and smothered, and was pointed in the direction of the fried. It was delicious — much bigger than I expected it to be. Every bite was filled with flavor, and I even spiced mine up a little bit with some hot sauce.
I was given three sides, which I picked mac and cheese, lima beans and fried okra for a $1 upcharge.
All three were fantastic, but the mac and cheese stole the show. The mac and cheese was casserole-ish, with a layer of cheese baked on top of the noodle as well as intertwined within. It was some of the best mac and cheese I’ve ever gotten from a restaurant. The fried okra was good, with more crunch than I’m used to. It was still delicious and I ate every piece. The lima beans, or butter beans, were good. They were creamy and salty and they were a great complement to the fried okra. I added hot sauce to them as well, although I didn’t need it. While the food was good, the hospitality was better. As soon as I walked in the door, I was greeted by three members of staff. When I sat down, my waitress brought me my food and she came back and checked on me twice during my 25 minutes there, including once offering me a piece of homemade
Frohsin’s Department Store’s 100-year anniversary. Naturally, Jazz Fest is about more than just the music; it’s a chance for the community to merge and blend, for people to bond over the shared experience of musicianship.
“Growing up here, it was always something
“I had been tattooing for about four years at that point, and I realized I was ready to do my own thing,” Hatchett said.
“Ultimately, I wanted to move on from something like a street shop, and make something that was more of a boutique experience.”
Because of the experience
that I looked forward to even when I was young and didn’t really prefer that style of music,” said Jacob Meacham, president and CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. “It was still a place that the entire community came out to, where you knew you were going to see a
he cultivated in larger cities, he brought back an array of skills he can put forth in Alex City. Because of the small selection of tattoo artists in the area, he has become proficient in several tattoo styles to serve a multitude of clients and their desires.
“If you work in a larger city, where there’s a tattoo shop on every street corner, it behooves you to pick a lane and become very proficient in one style,” Hatchett said. “Because of where we are, I kind of have to be a working man’s tattoo
lot of people and have a lot of fun. And as I got older and moved off and went to college and lived other places, Jazz Fest weekend was always something that we circled on our calendar to try to make it back to town for. Things change. Times change. People’s interests change, but I think Jazz Fest is still
order. I’ll delve into everything from photo realism to traditional color realism. I think that’s sort of my superpower is being more pliable and being able to do all kinds of things.”
Now that he’s been tattooing professionally for over a decade, Hatchett knows the ins and outs of tattoo preparation. For the first timer, he recommends knowing what designs you want prior to coming in, knowing how much you want to spend, being open to suggestions and most importantly
Red Velvet cake. I turned it down, but it was a nice offer. If you’re looking for some delicious hometown cooking, or just any kind of soul food, head to Millbrook and check out Hometown Kitchen. You won’t regret it. And if your palette is more sophisticated than mine, maybe pick up the Oxtails.
one of those signature community events with a historic tradition.”
But despite the levels of popularity and talent that headline the event, the jazz festival has remained a free-to-attend concert.
“Anytime you can offer something for the community that is low
eating before you come. “Anytime I have had somebody getting a tattoo, it’s because they’re doing it when they’re hungry,” Hatchett said. “Even just having a snack before will work wonders compared to doing it on an empty stomach.”
Hatchett prides himself on keeping the client’s best interest in mind. He will always recommend the best healing spots to optimize the process for the customer. His unique approach to
cost or no cost to attend, you’re able to provide a cultural and artistic experience for folks maybe who otherwise wouldn’t have had it,” Meacham said. “I think that’s important for building connection and culture in your community around events and unique experiences.”
customer service has fostered relationships with multiple clients over the years. Hatchett has seen clients from Europe, Las Vegas, Mississippi and even the Isle of Man who visit his shop specifically for tattoos. Those interested in scheduling appointments with Hatchett must get in touch with his wife Joanne. Because he prefers to focus on one to five clients a day, appointments are normally scheduled about two months in advance.
HENRY ZIMMER TPI
The Funky Goat in Dadeville is rolling out summer themed drinks to bring a bit of an island flare to the downtown area.
DALTON MIDDLETON | TPI
Hometown Kitchen in Millbrook has a variety of meat and three options available to customers. Here is a fried porkchop with lima beans, macaroni and cheese and fried okra.
SHAKE THE LAKE
MURPHY TPI
Throughout Memorial Day weekend, multiple musicians came to Lake Martin performing at Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters for Shake the Lake. On Friday, Blane Rudd performed along with opening act Kaleb Scott King. Saturday, Charlie C & The Cuzamatics took to the stage and Sunday Blackberry Breeze performed with opening act Jess Meuse.
Rain slows but doesn’t stop River and Blues
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The City of Wetumpka dodged the weather for the River and Blues Music and Arts Festival in May.
The break in rain cooled things down as local favorites The Fabulous Fliptones and Greensprings took to the stage. Piper & The Hard Times also got in a rain free performance. Nathan and The Zydeco Cha Chas played so well thunder struck and the clouds opened up.
Thousands of people brought out their lawn chairs and coolers and took in the vendors as the music played between Gold Star Park and the City Administration Building. Children were able to take advantage of a “Kids Zone” with bouncy houses.
The annual event has been free thanks to sponsors throughout the area.
“We hope everyone will come back next year,” Wetumpka tourism manager Andrew Stieb said. “It’s been fun.”
Blackberry Breeze hosts three-day music festival
Thousands fill the streets for annual art walk
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The growing art scene in Wetumpka was evident Saturday with the Downtown Wetumpka Artists Show. For the last few years Don Sawyer has organized efforts bringing his friends and artists to Company Street. It's an effort to put Wetumpka on the map with artists and those who like art.
“We have quality artists here,” Sawyer said. Saturday more than 50 booths were set up on Company, Bridge and Hill streets. All had a variety of art. There was cement sculpture, iron work, pastel, oil, acrylic, woodworking and photography.
“It’s exciting to see all these blossom around us here in downtown Wetumpka,” Sawyer said.
ABIGAIL
ART ON THE LAKE
