Finding family roots in Elmore County
High School basketball coach
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Families are tracing their heritage back to Elmore County. Everyone knows about the Trail of Tears and how the Muskogee Indians were forced to Oklahoma by Andrew Jackson. But there are two major migrations of Blacks from Elmore County to “Indian Territory” in the 1800s and early
1900s. Some are the ancestors of Dr. Myrna Roberts who now lives in Oklahoma.
“It’s a diaspora of Africans,” Roberts said. “It’s in multiple parts.”
Diaspora refers to groups of people that share cultural and regional origins but are living away from their homelands. In Roberts’ case, her great grandmother left Elmore County and settled in Oklahoma in 1906.
Roberts was in Elmore County visiting the Elmore County Black History Museum and other places she had only researched in studies about her family stretching from California to Senegal. Her story starts centuries earlier.
“Once
“Most of the people who left Africa enslaved went to the West Indies and down to
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
See CHAMBER, Page A3
17 SPRINGS
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Millbrook.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
“There is nothing else in this state that can compete with this. This will draw visitors from all over. Once the market place is developed, it will be a gold mine of continuous revenue for the county and our municipalities.”
“It is going to perpetually serve and benefit us,” Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer said.
Police continue investigation, man no longer suspected
get another raise. At its meeting last week, the Elmore County Board of Education discussed the performance of current CSFO Jason Mann as part of a contract renewal. In August the board approved a raise for Mann who was making $118,000 to $138,500. If the board approves Mann’s
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
Charter school set to open in August in Elmore County
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
County.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle.
According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.
Founder Bradley Neave discovered classical education in Atlanta and loved the way it taught the Socratic method.
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
and tax revenue for years to come.
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
“It’s an economic boom for all of us,” Elmore County Economic Development Authority director Lisa Van Wagner said.
Ivy Classical Academy started with a promise to a wife to move back home. Now, construction is underway to create more than 30 classrooms as students are set to arrive in August. The school will open to more than 600 students in kindergarten through fifth grade and add a grade per year until it gets to 12th. Then approximately 1,200 students will walk the halls of Ivy in Elmore
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
“It’s a discussion,” Neave said. “In a conventional school, students are told the sky is blue. In a classical model they ask why is the sky blue? You aren’t being told; you are being asked. Then all these answers will pop up from students and have a discussion about
The development is fronted with commercial space in front of the athletic facilities. Two hotels are close to coming to the development. That is in addition to hotels already open in western Elmore County and two currently under construction in
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton. Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year
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.
“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 growth in sales and lodging tax has enabled the commission to commit to funding another $20 million in quality of life projects across Elmore County. There are more artificial turf diamond fields coming to Holtville and Eclectic. Turf is going down on football fields in those communities and Tallassee and all will be
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Masons lay block in the Fieldhouse at 17
See ROOTS, Page A5
Obituaries
MR. KENNETH MORRIS WILLIAMS
Born August 1, 1957 in Statesville NC to Bobby Lorenzo Williams and Charlotte Juanita Griswold Williams. Kenneth passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 12, 2024 at Jackson’s Hospital in Montgomery AL. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents Morris & Margaret Griswold, paternal grandpar-
Police Reports
ents Elbert Bland Williams and Francis Jackson (Robert). He is also preceded in death by his brother Ronnie L. Williams (Diane) and nephew Ty Williams. He was also preceded in death by his aunts Carolyn Renew, Faith
Swearingen, and Claudia Leopard.
He leaves behind his children: April (Ryan) Davenport, Matthew Ziegler (Aaron Allen), Kayla (Michael) Cooper, and Kendall (Ashlee) Williams. Grandchildren: Mackenzie & Lily Davenport, Blair & Levi Cooper, and Bentley & Paislee Mullis. Kenneth was also survived by his step father Edward (Nancy) Foster, Uncle
Douglas Griswold, Augusta GA and one nephew Lee Williams. Life long friends Joe & Nelda Parrish and numerous cousins.
Mr. Williams was a roofer by trade. He was an avid Alabama fanRoll Tide Roll, an amazing cook and he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. There will be a celebration of life at a later date and time.
Meeting held with state officials on ‘cloud over Coosada’
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Coosada officials have been upset about officials from the state, Elmore County and other municipalities ignoring them.
Disagreements have led to two lawsuits and until recently, Coosada officials have had few conversations with the local legislative delegation. Coosada Mayor Jim Houston requested a meeting with the delegation in hopes of airing the town’s grievances. State Sen. Clyde Chambliss, Rep. Jerry Starnes and Rep. Troy Stubbs sat down with Houston at the Coosada Town Hall.
“I thought it was a good meeting, but we didn’t get any kind of commitment out of them for anything,” Houston told the Coosada Town Council. “I asked them, ‘What is the cloud over Coosada?’”
Houston addressed the issues of annexation with the legislators who approved Millbrook’s annexation of Rodgers View Court. Houston said the majority of the neighborhood was in Coosada’s police jurisdiction and the town had been providing fire and police services.
“I gave them our viewpoint on why we thought it was wrong,” Houston said. “Their side was that 100% of the residents wanted to be in Millbrook.”
Houston said he addressed the town’s proposed local bill to annex portions of Highway 14, legislation that had been in Montgomery before the Rodgers View Court annexation.
“We told them we can’t seem to get anything done and everybody is against Coosada,” Houston said. “They didn’t admit to any of that.”
Houston brought issues with maps to the state officials.
“We know what ours is.
CARPDC knows what ours is,” Houston said. “Elmore they will tell you what theirs is.”
Coosada officials told Chambliss, Starnes and Stubbs of the lawsuits Coosada has filed against the Elmore County Commission and the Elmore County Fire Fighters Association.
“They would never say anything,” Houston said. “Their suggestion was to meet with other municipalities in the county and say whatever happened in the past we are over and move on.”
Houston addressed the issue of entities having different maps. It is the basis of the lawsuit against the fire fighters association. The state officials offered the town suggestions to deal with the issues.
“Chambliss said the way to do that is to sit down with the municipality and get the lines straight, come to them and we do a legislative act to fix it,” Houston said.
Houston said it was good to air the town’s grievances with the delegation and hopes the meeting might open doors down the road.
Houston informed the council the discovery phase of the two pending lawsuits were underway.
An outside firm helped the town recover the 2019-2021 IRS 941 forms showing employee income taxes. It was authorized by Houston and allowed the town to file them with the IRS. But the $375 invoice and quote for further work in the town’s old accounting data was an issue for the council.
Councilmembers questioned the work since it wasn’t
approved by the council and the contractor had access to employee information. Getting someone to do the work had been previously discussed.
Coosada police chief Leon Smith requested the council approve a $4,500 budget for the town’s Fourth of July celebration. Last year was the first time for the event.
“It was successful last year,” Smith said. “We are trying to do it a little bigger this year.”
Smith said organizers hope to bring in a live band and fireworks along with vendors.
Smith also asked the council what it wanted to do with police and fire vehicles the council had previously surplused.
“We need to make a decision on how to dispose of them,” Smith said.
The council settled on checking with local car dealers to determine the value of the vehicles and see if the town could get someone to purchase them for that price or more.
The council approved an ordinance requiring building permits for utility work on the town road right of ways. The permits would be $200 and good for three months. To get the permits, contractors and utility companies would have to provide the town with plans for the work to be performed.
Houston informed the council of a planning commission meeting for 6 p.m. June 24 for a convenience store. The business owners are seeking a variance to town zoning. The matter would still be taken up by the council at a later meeting, including a public hearing.
See MEETING, Page A3
WILLIAMS
Humane Society of Elmore County News
This graphic illustrates how many intakes HSEC has had this year.
Reduce pet population
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
One of the realities in Sheltering is that when our intake is at its highest, adoptions are at their lowest. Spring and summer sees a huge influx of kittens and puppies in need of homes. But starting in June, adoptions fall as families are focused on vacations and summer activities. Adoptions pick back up in the fall which means summers are very, very hard in the Sheltering world. The chart illustrates the intake we have, what we are talking about and why shelter staff is stressed at this time of year.
The truly sad reality is
MEETING
Continued from A2
IN OTHER ACTION THE
COOSADA TOWN COUNCIL:
that for every kitten, puppy, cat and dog surrendered to our shelter there are that many and more out in the community looking for homes. If you just take a quick look at social media, signs in yards, free kittens & puppies in parking lots, Vet Clinics, friends and acquaintances advertising kittens & puppies that tells you that there are simply more looking for homes than there are takers.
While our shelter pets are all spayed or neutered prior to leaving us when adopted, far too many of the hundreds of pets being given away in the community will not be spayed/neutered in time to prevent their ‘oops’ litter and
the vicious cycle of litters with nowhere to go will only continue.
While our adopted pets will all be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to adoption ($50 adoption fee), if you do get a free pet, please take it to your Veterinarian immediately to get checked out and get its vaccinations started. Please also make (and keep) that appointment for the kitten or puppy spay or neuter no later than 5-6 months old and any adult immediately so you don’t end up with a litter in need of a home in the fall.
Spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted litters is the key to reducing pet over-
population and the shelter and community overload of homeless pets.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
• Approved the minutes of the May 28 meeting.
• Heard complaints about no skirting on a mobile home and a flag flown upside down at another residence.
• Approved mosquito sprayer purchase for $4,700.
• Approved annexing one lot contiguous to the town’s corporate limits.
• Approved spending $1,400 for a new illuminated sign on the current pedestal at town hall.
• The town is trying to move forward on a dilapidated structure demolition grant program on six properties. It is awaiting environmental assessments before moving forward.
Boone, Chairman
Kenneth
General Manager Lizi Arbogast Gwin, Managing Editor
Page A4 • Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Juneteenth is a time for celebration, reflection
rederick Douglass once said during a speech in 1852, “This Fourth of July is yours, not mine. You may rejoice, I must mourn.”
Thirteen years later, the last enslaved people in America received news of the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19, 1865, two years after the proclamation was first issued. The formerly enslaved people rejoiced — marking Juneteenth, which has many names including Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, Jubilee Day and Black Independence Day. While for some the Fourth of July is considered Independence Day, it was not a day of freedom for all. Juneteenth puts Black people at the center of American history, marking it as the day of freedom. And yet it took until 2021 for this holiday to be recognized as a federal holiday.
Within this dichotomy, Juneteenth is a day of celebration of how far the nation has come, but also a time of reflection for how much further we have to go. Freedom is a nuanced word. While there may be freedom in America, there isn’t equality.
For instance, Black women are 2.6 times more likely to die from childbirth than white women, according to the CDC. According to the Federal Reserve, only 3.4% of Black households make up the U.S. wealth with white households making up 84.4%. Out of the 500 Fortune CEOs, eight are Black.
These statistics are all linked to systemic issues that tie back to history. History, like being enslaved for the first 89 years of this country, being legally unable to occupy the same spaces as white people for the first 188 years or being unable to vote for the first 189 years.
These are just a few barriers Black Americans have had to overcome to be free in America that were put in place by white people. And while there is more work to be done, this Wednesday is a time to rejoice and a time to educate.
What’s your
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 35 cents per word and $25 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The text for the announcement must be in the body of the email (not as an attachment) and photographs must be sent as a .jpeg attached to the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Herald or The Tribune.
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
This year, our family decided to do Father’s Day a little differently. Usually, it’s all about finding my father-in-law the best gift he needs or wants. We all chip in a little — just like we do for Christmas or his birthday — to get him something really special. But this year, it wasn’t about the gifts or the best meal or anything monetary.
See, my father-in-law, Willie, is getting ready to have open heart surgery on Wednesday, and he doesn’t need anything but prayers and love right now. So when we asked him what he wanted for Father’s Day, he said simply: A day at Hatchett Creek with the family. So that’s what we did. We all loaded up the cars with our
The Wetumpka Word
LIZI GWIN Managing Editor
respective crews. We ate ham and cheese sandwiches and red Doritos. It wasn’t glamorous and it didn’t cost much money, but it was all about the memories we made.
Willie and the boys went fishing for most of the day, catching a few little bass but not much worth taking home. But if you ask them, they could’ve spent hours on that creek — fish or not. They just love hanging out with Dad.
with the kids, swinging from the branches and dunking each other underneath the cool water.
long swim to meet the boys. At one point I thought my legs were going to fall off, but we made it safely and even got to see Willie catch a big one. What I realized is even though we didn’t buy a gift technically for Willie this Father’s Day, we actually gave him the best gift we could’ve.
The girls and I went swimming
The best
Aband trip ever
s I conclude 28 years in the public school classroom, we are revisiting some archival columns that ran as “Bird’s Eye View” in the TALLASSEE TRIBUNE. This one appeared in the Thanksgiving edition of 2010.
Last week (November 18-23, 2010), the Tallassee High School Band traveled to Chicago, IL to participate in the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade down Michigan Avenue.
The finished product for ABC will air Saturday, December 11th at 6:00 p.m. on WNCF-TV 32 in Montgomery.
We were one of two out-ofstate bands invited to participate, and were the largest band there. Over the past six months the “Pride of Tallassee” has been hard at work fund raising.
In all my years of band trips, I have never been a part of a better, more organized, and more educational band trip than this. This is partially due to the parents and boosters, and the great teamwork of our band staff.
But the community of Tallassee, always so supportive of the arts, is very fortunate to have Holtville native Mr. Robby Glasscock as the Director of Bands at Tallassee High. At a time when high school bands are on the decline, participation in the Tallassee bands continues to increase, as we have the largest band in Elmore County again this year.
The trip itself was coordinated very well, starting with a departure time of 11:00 p.m. on Thursday. This enabled the band to go to sleep in Alabama and wake up the next morning in Bowling Green, Kentucky for breakfast. By lunch, we were driving through a field of wind turbines in Indiana, and by mid-afternoon
Friday we had reached our destination.
Our hotel was a Holiday Inn situated atop the Chicago SunTimes building. From our hotel windows, we could see the Sears Tower and the surrounding buildings. The Chicago River was below, and the elevated trains raced by every few minutes.
We spent a day at the Field Museum, home of Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered. Students marveled at the well-preserved Egyptian mummies and other natural history artifacts.
The band also had the opportunity to go to Navy Pier, a scenic and historic location. There is even a statue of Bob Newhart in front of the place! We saw Soldier Field up close, with renovations that looked like a giant hamburger stuffed inside the Colosseum. We saw an IMAX film while at the Museum of Science and Industry. We also went to the Water Tower Mall, the 8-story mall near the only surviving structure from the 1871 fire.
Entertaining, thought-provoking, and filled with audience participation, the performance art by Blue Man Group was a one-of-akind experience for our students. After the Blue Man Group show, many of us set out for the definitive Chicago dining experience. I chose the huge Maxwell Street Polish dog at Portillo’s, and with onion rings and a chocolate shake it was, like most of our meals, less than $10. Later on, I checked out Giordano’s with a group of our chaperones and students for the famous thick Chicago pizza. With about two inches of cheese topped with tomato sauce, it was by far the best pizza I have ever eaten. Between Mike McElroy
and myself, we were able to handle two slices! We also went to the 94th floor observatory of the John Hancock building. “Big John” features an elevator that travels at a stomach-churning 25 miles per hour, but reaches the top in 45 seconds. From the observatory, one can see four states on a clear day While food was important, we went to Chicago to perform a medley of Christmas carols in the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. A crowd estimated at 1.5 million people lined the streets of downtown Chicago as we formed our parade block behind Mickey Mouse, huge balloons, and Wilson Phillips. The parade stalled as we turned on to Oak Street near the start of the route. Our enterprising drum major, Tyler Sayers, encouraged by comments from some of the lady spectators, determined that the crowd needed to hear us and kicked off a miniature pep rally in the street. Once we started moving down Michigan Avenue, the scenery of the lights and the people in the big city was breathtaking. Chicago is a very clean town, and the people are extremely friendly. When we finally see our performance on December 11th on ABC 32, we can celebrate this tremendous accomplishment for Tallassee. But we will always have our memories of the Best Band Trip Ever.
Michael Bird co-hosts “The Saturday Morning Show with Michael Bird and Scott Adcock” on WACQ-AM 580 and FM 98.5.
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
completed by next summer.
Tallassee is also getting a new recreation center.
All of the work is creating attention across the state.
“We don’t bring it up but everybody asks about it,” Mercer said. “They ask, ‘Hey what is it that y’all are building in Elmore County?’ Of course we love to tell everyone about it.”
Mercer and other officials across Elmore County are quick to note not one entity could pull all of these projects together by themselves.
“I have told multiple people this is an example of what you can do when you extract personal agendas and egos and operate as governmental entities,” Mercer said. “If you truly want to serve the people you represent, this is what it looks like. What we have accomplished is not only Class A facility but it is how we have done that has gotten the attention.”
The project in Millbrook involves five main partners — City of Millbrook, Grandview YMCA, Elmore County Commission, Elmore County Economic Development Authority and Elmore County Board of Education. The projects
ROOTS
Continued from A1
Brazil,” Roberts said. “A small portion came to the United States. As they landed on the East Coast, they worked and went further inland.”
across the county have varied partners depending on the location. Those include the City of Wetumpka, Town of Eclectic and the City of Tallassee. Everyone brings something to the table to make the projects come together in each community.
At 17 Springs the YMCA had a donation of property with an idea to create athletic opportunities for area children.
“The property was a catalyst for a lot of this back in 2013,” Grandview YMCA director Bill Meyers said. “We had a very generous family to donate the property, and it allowed us to dream big and get other partners on board.”
The YMCA didn’t have the needed capital to pull together a large scale project in Elmore County. Conversations started with the City of Millbrook and the county commission. Over a period of time the partnership formed. Millbrook purchased more property and provided funding. Elmore County provided funding and in-kind services such as site work.
A.J. Hernandez is the new CEO of the Montgomery YMCA. He comes from Texas and is used to large athletic facilities. He said the YMCA doesn’t have facilities like 17 Springs anywhere and the proj-
Roberts’ specialities are communication, history and identity.
“The only research question is who are we really?” Roberts said. “I’m talking about human
ect in Millbrook is a new approach for the organization.
“It is really the future state of the Y,” Hernandez said. “This will be the example they will use around the country.”
The Elmore County Board of Education is providing property for some of the projects across the county. Board president David Jones is pleased with how the partnership has benefited so many entities.
“It is amazing what you can accomplish when no one gets credit,” Jones said.
Phase 1 of the project was completed last year and has drawn more than 100,000 guests. It is only about 20% of the work at 17 Springs. Portions of the Blue Gray Tennis Tournament were at the complex. It has allowed Stanhope Elmore to create tennis teams. High school regional tennis tournaments have occurred there as well as numerous soccer tournaments.
Its pickle ball courts are constantly full and drawing the attention of tournament officials as well.
The soccer fields can also be used for football.
Meyers said one organization called on a Wednesday to host a three-day youth football tournament just two days later.
“They are coming back
identity and not just Black people. We want to inspire people to do their own research and tell their own story. No one else is going to tell your story like you. These stories are so important.”
Roberts research has shown her a mixing of races — Native Americans, Blacks and whites. Much of her research has surrounded obituary notices and stories passed through the generations. Roberts visited the obituary collection at the Elmore
in July, September and October to have a similar event bringing about 2,000 people,” Meyers said.
Junior college soccer teams are coming later this year from Florida, Texas and Louisiana.
“They are coming for two days of games,” Meyers said. “They meet here in the middle and invite others to come here.”
When Phase 2 of 17 Springs is complete in January 2025 and the other fields across Elmore County even larger events could happen.
Mercer envisions teams playing in all the communities on all the fields in a tournament-style play.
In the case of softball or 12U baseball and under, the championship fields at 17 Springs will be a huge draw with shaded bleachers and spacious amenities. 17 Springs also has four other diamond fields for tournaments to take advantage of.
The Field House at 17 Springs is more than 80,000 square feet. It is large enough to house four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts or a dozen wrestling mats. There are ways to use the facility for conferences and training.
“That’s Mayor Al Kelley’s brain child,” Beyer said. “He pitched it to the group and got buy in. This will keep traffic in the com-
County Black History Museum. She was able to put together how close places only referenced in her research such as Titus and Hissop in Coosa County.
Roberts said the first migration of Blacks from Elmore County to Oklahoma occurred in the early 1800s.
“There were Native Americans living in the area,” Roberts said. “They had slaves. When they were beaten out of here like dogs, we were the fleas on the
CommunityCalendar
plex year around.”
It all spills out onto a concourse overlooking the homestands of a stadium complex where soccer, football and track can occur. It is also being set up for outdoor concerts as well.
Many of the buildings can be used no matter what is happening. On the home side bathrooms can be used by those inside or outside.
The concession stand and bathrooms on the visitors side of the stadium are the entrance to the diamond fields.
All of the fencing and partitions allow for limited to unlimited access meaning home and visitor crowds can be segregated if needed. It also means those in the diamond field area won’t necessarily have access to the stadium.
“We have ways to have multiple events at the same time,” Beyer said.
The entire campus is pedestrian friendly. There are prep kitchens to allow catering for events. The facility will mainly offer stadium food.
“Out front with the marketplace, that is where we are trying to push them for restaurants,” Beyer said.
From the marketplace attention will be drawn back to the Fieldhouse on purpose. When viewed from Highway 14, everyone will first see the retail, restaurant
dog. One branch of my family was on the backside of time for about 50 years in Indian territory.”
Many of the Blacks dressed like the Native Americans wearing leather and feathers. The other migration of Blacks occurred after the Civil War with people dressed in coats and ties and dresses.
“They were educated. They were dressed up. They had technology,” Roberts said. “They
and hotel spaces and then the athletic complex behind.
The overall basic design is to have a noticeable visual impression on everyone.
“For this to work, there has to be a wow factor,” City of Millbrook projects manager Stuart Peters said. “It has to be a destination where the younger generation wants to come. 17 Springs, that is the place I want to go. This isn’t the biggest stadium or complex in the state or Southeast. It is going to be the nicest with the best quality, the best construction.” It is those amenities the partners believe will attract “next level events” from places like Atlanta, Birmingham and Nashville. It also helps to be centrally located in the state just one mile from Interstate 65.
County tourism falls under the Elmore County EDA. Wagner believes all of the quality of life projects including 17 Springs will help in developing Elmore County beyond athletics.
“It touches all aspects of economic development,” Wagner said. “Families are going to want to move here because of this. Families who are already here will want to stay because of it. It will draw the eyes of other developers and potential industries looking for a place to locate. It will be incredible.”
went from Titus to Tatums, [Oklahoma].” Roberts left Wetumpka to go to DC for more research before traveling on to Senegal. She feels a little like some of those referenced in the funeral notices at the museum.
“They said travelers rested,” Roberts said. “We are reversing it all the way back to Africa. We are stopping in places like this. We are looking for our identity. This is all about identity.”
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
p.m. each night or by email at wetumpkagrace@gmail. com.
JULY 15-19
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
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.
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.
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.
ROLLER SKATE: The Tallassee Parks and Recreation Department is hosting roller skating at the Tallassee Recreation Center on Gilmer Drive. Elementary students can skate from noon to 4 p.m. There will be an open skate from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
JUNE 23
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.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION: The City of Wetumpka and Main Street Wetumpka are hosting an Independence Day Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown. The celebration will feature music, fireworks and free family fun.
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.
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 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
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.
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 Christcentered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-567-2364 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.
AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka. RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments.
MASTER GARDENER HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877252-4769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.
CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.
Brooks named new WES principal
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Myeshia Brooks is no stranger to the halls of Wetumpka Elementary School. But starting July 1 she will start a new role at the school as principal.
Brooks has been an assistant principal at the school since 2021 and follows Gigi Hankins who is headed to the Elmore County Board of Education central office.
Like so many educators, Brooks has always felt a calling to teach.
“I've always been educationally inclined,” Brooks said. “I was the little girl in class who was always trying to take the teacher's resources home for the summer so I could line my Barbies up and teach them.”
A few years later while in high school Brooks found herself pulled to the elementary school to tutor younger students.
“I couldn't believe they were paying me to do something I enjoyed doing,” Brooks said. Brooks majored in elementary education and taught in Fairfield for eight years before moving to Montgomery where she also taught. Along the way she earned a masters in instructional leadership and more through the Univer-
sity of West Alabama.
Brooks moved to Wetumpka and was a fifth grade teacher for a week at Wetumpka Middle School.
“I interviewed for an assistant position here at the elementary school,” Brooks said.
She worked under Hankins who was principal at the time. It was different being outside the classroom but much the same.
“I enjoyed being in the classroom so much, but this on this side, I feel like you have a greater impact,” Brooks said. “It's a larger scale and you're able to impact students, teachers and the community. It's a large responsibility, but I do it with excitement every day and I enjoy it.”
Hankins has been principal since 2020 and will continue in the role officially until Brooks takes the reigns July 1. But Brooks doesn’t see too many changes coming to WES besides a new entrance to the school to greet its 875 students daily. Brooks plans to follow many of the same paths Hankins pushed the school to.
“She set a strong foundation,” Brooks said. “Her leadership and service have been awesome. I can't see anyone else stepping into this role, because she's been the core of this for so long.”
SCHOOL Continued from A1
what is the case.”
Under this model everything is talked about at once — math, science and even psychology. Neave posed the idea of talking about the year 1492. The first thing that comes to mind is Christopher Columbus arriving in North America. Then the three ships. But what about how and why?
“Most have no idea of the cross between the traditional subjects,” Neave said. “Math isn’t just math. Everything is brought into the discussion.”
Neave’s wife Jessica is from Chilton County. The couple were living in the Atlanta area and thinking about raising a family, but Neave made three promises to his wife if they moved closer to her family in Alabama.
“A good school was one of those promises,” Neave said.
get educational bonds for lower interest rates that are not tied to local entities.
“The odds are stacked against charter schools unless you have an incredibly wealthy benefactor for start-up funds,” Neave said. “It is the reason charter schools will not take off in Alabama. The state won’t step in for a bridge loan.”
The main creditor is the foundations of Hillsdale College, which is also the source of Ivy’s curriculum.
After funding was acquired and building was purchased, a buildout of more than 30 classrooms was started. Along the way Ivy’s head of school, Dr. David Withun, started interviewing and 36 hiring teachers so far.
“We are close right now to being ready for the school year,” Withun said. “We are over 600 students for August. We are aiming for 642.”
25 meeting, Mann will make $145,000 and then get the 2% education salary raise approved by the Alabama legislature this spring. It would bring Mann’s salary to $147,900.
The $145,000 came about after discussion among board members wanting to keep Mann at his current salary and others floating as much as $150,000 to stay competitive with other school systems in the state. Board member Leisa Finley said they needed to look closer at what the other systems have in terms of students and facilities.
She said Mann’s salary was already in the top 21% of CSFOs in the state, and of those, only nine were county systems. Six of those school systems have triple the number of students as Elmore County. Those were Baldwin, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile, Mont-
gomery and Tuscaloosa counties. The average CSFO salary of those schools is $177,648. Finley said when looking at the number of schools, Mann’s current pay is almost double per school of those same counties. Finley said the system needs to look at salaries as a way to save money. “We have schools we can’t build because we don’t have the money and programs we can’t increase,” she said. “I’m not saying get rid of him. We already pay him in the top 4%.”
There is no school training for the CSFO position and classes are offered through the state for those hired into the position.
Other board members asked what is the replacement cost if Mann goes to a neighboring system that pays more than his current salary.
The salary increase comes as the Alabama Association of School Boards facilitated an evaluation as part of the new
contract. It included anonymous reviews by board members and superintendent Richard Dennis. The process found Mann to be accomplished, the highest rating of the review process.
At the June 25 meeting the board will vote on a new salary matrix allowing the 2% education raise to take effect July 1. If approved the move will cost the system about $200,000. Currently the monthly payroll for Elmore County Schools is approximately $4.5 million.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION:
• Approved a $58,000 bid for site work at Coosada Elementary School to prepare for new playground equipment.
• Approved a $269,070.65 bid for new playground equipment at Coosada Elementary.
• Approved a $23,050 bid for bush hogging board property.
“That is not a dig at the schools here. The issues with public education are at the federal level and the moment you tie federal funds to schools. We see the curriculum as the driver. Public schools can’t choose, we can.”
The process started five years ago. At first, Neave and the Ivy Classical Board picked Autauga County. They ran across roadblocks along the way. When they found the shopping center in Elmore County built by Citadel Contractors from Apex, North Carolina, they started to find solutions. Citadel built the never occupied space — some five acres under roof. It currently builds charter schools across the country. The Elmore County Board of Education was investigating charter schools and then became an authorizer of them.
“It’s a great partnership,” Neave said.
Next came start-up funding. Most charter schools are tuition free. In Alabama they depend on public education funding which comes a year after students walk the halls through average daily membership.
Neave and the Ivy board navigated the board market to
Potential kindergarten students have already been waitlisted. Some grades have openings. With Elmore County Schools being the authorizer, students from Elmore County get pushed towards the front of the line.
Ivy has waded through more than 900 student applications. Some applications were from as far away as Huntsville. Some of the accepted students were from close to Birmingham. Most are from Elmore, Autauga and Montgomery counties.
Most of the teachers in elementary school will be certified teachers.
The charter school status gets Ivy around the requirement of hiring certified teachers. But Withun said it doesn’t mean they are hiring unqualified teachers. Ivy will be hiring people who are passionate about teaching in their specialty.
“Most people that want to be a kindergarten teacher have known for a long time and go to school for it,” Whitun said. “It becomes convenient for us in high school because it’s more of a college level program once you get to the high school level. Our teachers will have masters and doctorates in math, literature and philosophy.”
RAISE
Passing the test with God’s help
Have you ever said, “I passed the test, Lord, and thank You for Your help!”?? Early one rainy morning, a quick trip to Walmart turned into a two hour trip. I got there at 6:00 and two flash drives were the most important items on my list. When I went to the electronics department I couldn’t find a clerk for that area, so I waited a while. An employee in another area tried to find someone who knew where the keys to the flash drives locks, but was unsuccessful. Around 7:00, an employee
BETHLEHEM
in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.
MELINDA BLAIR Columnist
came to help, but couldn’t find the keys to unlock the flash drive locks. Additional employees also came to help, but the keys had obviously been misplaced. I thanked them for trying and walked to the customer service desk to see if they could
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-
help and a very sweet lady called for assistance. We talked about how customers sometimes become rude. But that never helps. It only hurts ourselves! After chatting, I headed to electronics where a friendly gentleman was waiting for me. He willingly searched for the keys, but was also unsuccessful. I jokingly said to him that if I had some scissors, I’d just cut the flash drive packages from the rack and be on my way. He smiled and giggled and then cut it with his box cutter. I went through the self check-
Church Briefs
kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the
out and when I got in the truck, I realized I’d not scanned an item, so I went back inside to pay. During that time, another customer had parked too close to me making it difficult to back out, and there was also a large SUV behind me that was sticking out too far. I chose to remain calm and inched the truck back and forth, up and over, and finally got out! Natalie Grant’s song “To Be Held” began playing on my radio, and it reminded me of why I’d just passed my test. I began praising Jesus for wrap-
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
ping me in His presence, peace, love, endurance, etc. Let’s try harder to carry ourselves with kindness and goodness even when we are tempted to lose our patience. Within a matter of seconds, we can tarnish our Christian character and reputation, and I’ve learned that biting my tongue is much less harmful than using it the wrong way. We can bridle our mouth with God’s help. James 3:2
Melinda Blair is a religion columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m. (traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants. CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee.com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC
Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”
OUR LIFE’S JOURNEY Airs every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. on 580 WACQ, FM 98.5 & 101.1, on your smart speaker, your TuneIn app, or on our website www.wacqradio. com. Please share on social media. This set of programs features Msgr. Charles Troncale, Fr. Mateusz Rudzik, Fr. James Dean, Fr. David Carucci, Fr. Patrick Driscoll, and Deacon Jim Labadie.
Elmore County’s Hernandez serves as Swiss Army Knife
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tracking
Hines leads Elmore County to another area title
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
win.
The Elmore County girls soccer coach has always moved on instantly and started preparing her teams for the next game, no matter what the situation was. She wants to win, and that has been her main priority. In 2024, she took a different approach with her team.
She wanted to appreciate the wins a little more and spend more time just enjoying her team. In doing so, she found that led to just as much, if not more, success as she ran into in the past.
Hines and the Panthers went 12-3 this season and a perfect 8-0 in AHSAA Class 5A, Area 3. After claiming the area championship, they hosted a playoff game for the second-consecutive season.
For her team’s success, Hines is the 2024 Elmore County Girls Soccer Coach of the Year.
“I’ve just always had a hard time enjoying wins because I want so much success for my girls,” Hines said. “I want them to reap the benefits of their hard work. But this team really made it easy to just enjoy soccer and being around them. I didn’t have any drama, backlash or attitudes. I didn’t
have to deal with any negativity and with that comes just a natural ability to guide the young girls to play and enjoy a game and work together.”
Elmore County has dominated its current area, but the Panthers were basically an entire new squad this year. They returned just a handful of starters, and most of the team were new to starting and even new to the sport.
Out of the 21 members on Elmore County’s team, seven players had never touched a soccer ball before in their life.
But Hines shifted some key players around and made a team that instantly found success on the field.
A lot of that was due to the team’s defense, where three returning starters played on the defensive line and a returning starter was in goal. With that experience, Elmore County held teams to just 16 goals the entire season, good for 1.06 goals scored against the Panthers per game. They had seven shutouts, four of which came in area play.
“Our defense was really the backbone of our team,” Hines said. “They allowed the ball to stay on our side of the field and it made the scoring opportunities more available for our girls.
2024 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY GIRLS SOCCER TEAM
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
ALEE HERNANDEZ, ELMORE COUNTY SENIOR
Alee Hernandez has been named the Elmore County Player of the Year after a successful season manning the Panthers’ defensive line. Helping the team to seven shutouts, she also pitched in on offense with four goals and two assists. She is a fiveyear starter and capped off her high school career as a two-year captain.
FIRST TEAM
TANIA ALVAREZ, TALLASSEE SOPHOMORE Alvarez served as the team’s leading goal scorer this year. Despite missing five games due to injury, she still managed to score 17 goals and added three assists. She was the team’s best player.
BELLA BROWN, STANHOPE ELMORE SENIOR
Brown wrapped up her varsity career as a five-year letter winner for the Mustangs. The Stanhope center back anchored the Mustangs’ defense as they reached the playoffs again this season.
ANSLEY CAUDLE,
ELMORE COUNTY JUNIOR
The Elmore County goalkeeper was instrumental in the Panthers’ success this season. Caudle, who played over 1,200 minutes in goal, held opposing teams to just 16 goals on the season and pitched 7 shutouts. She had over 60 saves on the year.
JA’NIYAH COUSINS, STANHOPE ELMORE JUNIOR
Only a junior, Cousins was the team’s leading goal scorer this season in Millbrook. Playing a tough schedule, Cousins was a catalyst in many games when the team needed a spark and will continue in that same role as a senior next season.
CADI CREWS, ELMORE COUNTY SEVENTH GRADER
Crews is one of the youngest varsity players in the state at just 13-years old, but that didn’t stop the Elmore County forward/midfielder from dominating the varsity pitch. Crews scored 15 goals this season, good for nearly one per game, and added 4 assists for the Panthers.
KRISTINA ELMORE, ELMORE COUNTY SOPHOMORE
Elmore has been one of the county’s best players the last few seasons and that continued during her soph-
omore season. The center midfielder scored a teamhigh 16 goals as she helped lead Elmore County to an undefeated area record and a playoff appearance.
JEWELIANA HOLTON, WETUMPKA SENIOR
Holton, after shining in the AHSAA North/South AllStar Game last summer, put on a show from the midfield position this year. The star senior scored six goals and added over 20 assists as she had a foot in almost every one of Wetumpka’s goals this year.
AUBREY PAGGETT, TALLASSEE SOPHOMORE Paggett played in a multitude of roles this season but mostly settled in at wing and midfield. In just Tallassee’s second year as a varsity program, she scored 15 goals and added 5 assists and led the team in minutes played.
JOANNA PENA, HOLTVILLE SENIOR Pena served as one of the county’s top defenders this season. The multi-year starter helped Holtville’s defense to allow just two goals per game and nine shutouts on the year. In her final year, she helped Holtville set a
FILE | TPI
Elmore County coach Leslie Clark Hines celebrates after the Panthers scored a goal against Marbury in the first round of the AHSAA Class 5A playoffs. Elmore County went 12-3 and 8-0 in area play this season.
SUBMITTED CAROLINE JOY Holtville eighth grader Hailey Phelps led the county with 20 goals this season. The star forward has already landed on two All-County teams before starting high school.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
COACH
Wetumpka promotes Brooks to head baseball coach
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Wetumpka looked within for its next head baseball coach.
Russ Brooks has been promoted from assistant coach to lead the Wetumpka baseball program.
He is replacing Michael Dismukes, who recently left the job after seven seasons to take over Elmore County’s program.
Brooks will be taking over as the head coach for the second time in his Wetumpka career. He previously spent two seasons as head coach in his first stint at the school.
He has also been the head coach at Montgomery Academy and Robert E. Lee in his career.
“I really want to thank Bear Woods and Kyle Futral for this opportunity,” Brooks said. “I’m very excited to get started in a different capacity for sure. It’s totally different being the head coach than an assistant, but I was lucky enough that coach Dismukes allowed me to do a lot of stuff here. To his credit, I feel like he let me be a head coach at times. But I’m very excited and I hope to keep it rolling just like coach Dismukes did.”
Brooks has been a member of the Wetumpka community for roughly 15 years.
His most recent Wetumpka coaching stint started in 2018 when his oldest son, Ty, was in seventh grade.
He served as an assistant throughout Ty’s entire high school baseball career, and is now taking over as head coach after Ty graduated and is playing baseball at the University of South Alabama.
His two youngest kids, Candler and Lane, are a rising senior and junior, respec-
tively, at the high school.
“God is really good for giving me another chance,” Brooks said. “Wetumpka is a special place for me. I’ve been here a long time and all three of my kids have gone here. I’ve been with two different head baseball coaches and both were great men.” Brooks also knows what it takes to win at Wetumpka. He’s been part of Wetumpka baseball teams that have.
“I know what it takes here,” Brooks said. “We aren’t going to roll out there and have the most talent in the world every game, but I know what we have to do. We have to be hard nosed and work hard. We have to get after it and play really good baseball. This is a special place.”
Wetumpka is coming off its best season in 32 years. The Indians went 24-16
overall, but reached the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 1992. A handful of the team’s talent returns in 2025 including shortstop Mason Fuller, catcher Logan Fawcett, pitcher Asher Nobles and outfielder Aidon Peake among others.
The Indians will have a slight chance to the region championship with Percy Julian joining alongside Stanhope Elmore and Wetumpka. “I think we have a chance to have a good baseball team,” Brooks said. “But baseball is funny. It doesn’t matter who the coach is or who the players are. You have to get hot at the right time and a lot of things have to fall your way once you get into the playoffs. Hopefully we can keep on moving forward. We just want to be playing well in April.”
SERVES
Continued from B1
allowed just 16 goals the entire season.
While doing that, she also pushed up and added four goals and two assists.
For her flexibility and dominance across the back line, Hernandez is the 2024 Elmore County Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
“Alee could play any position she wanted for our team,” Elmore County coach Leslie Clark Hines said. “She has a great leg on her and we could have utilized her in multiple positions but she helped us the most on defense. We’d pull her up when needed. She took every free kick. Most of the time, she takes corner kicks and wants to score. It’s a lot of pressure to be a player who has to score, but it’s more pressure to be on the defensive line. When you have a package player who is willing to do all of it, it just benefits the team greatly.”
Hernandez has been a part of Elmore County’s varsity team for the last six years. She was a starter for the last five seasons, and she was a captain both her junior and senior years.
She has played in a multitude of roles for the Panthers, and that role seemed to evolve this year into doing everything.
While dominating the defense line, she was asked to come up and be a massive part of set pieces. There, she was able to show off her leg and her skills.
She scored two goals off of free kicks. The first came in an area game against Brewbaker Tech, then she scored a second goal on a one-foot tapper off a corner kick. The Panthers won that game, 3-2, off her two goals. Later in the season against Brew Tech, she scored her third goal on a free kick against Horseshoe Bend. Her fourth goal came on a header off a corner against Pell City.
“She’s a very rare double-threat player who can dribble the ball up and take shots on goal while still hustling back to maintain her defensive position,” Hines said. “She is a beast in the stack during corner kicks and
Continued from B1
I think the younger girls and the girls who didn’t have as much experience were able to buy into the system easier because they don’t know any difference. They were excited to be there and be a part of the team and we worked hard in the offseason to get ready. I just really relied on my veterans to build the team camaraderie.”
With new and inexperienced players lining the roster, Elmore County wasn’t blowing out teams like it had in the past. Eight of the team’s 15 games were decided by two goals or less, and six were decided by just one goal.
SOCCER
Continued from B1
puts her whole body into the play to score a goal. Her free kicks would hold comparable to the best. Alee was the backbone of the success of our team this season.”
Elmore County was best on defense this year, and Hernandez played a critical role in that. The Panthers allowed just over one goal per game this season. In the regular season, Elmore County had a shutout in half (7) of its games. Those matches came against Pell City, Beauregard, Tallassee, Horseshoe Bend (2) and Valley (2).
In area play, Elmore County allowed only six goals in eight games.
Hernandez helped stop potential goals from getting to keeper Ansley Caudle, and helped turn the ball up the field for the offense to score easy goals.
“Alee is the defensive player coaches dream of,” Hines said. “She is tough, disciplined and passionate. She’s hard on herself and her teammates and she communicates on the field. She encourages her teammates and is a humble opponent who is often heard encouraging her opponents or helping them up when they have bounced off of her during an interaction on the field.”
Hernandez is also what Hines described as a perfect teammate.
Coming from a military family, Hernandez had one of the best work ethics Hines has seen in her coaching career. Instead of choosing early dismissal like most seniors, she instead came to workouts early and started working before the rest of the team. She did that while also working a part-time job and keeping her grades in check.
“Alee is an extremely hard worker and she’s just a rare find of a young athlete,” Hines said. “She’s so well rounded. She is just harder on herself then I could ever be. She wants to do better and be better every minute she’s on the field. With that leadership and that attitude of go, go, go, it translates to other players. She’s willing to run extra laps and she encourages her teammates to do the same because it benefits the team.”
Most of those were close wins. Elmore County beat Holtville 3-2, Tallassee 2-1, Brew Tech 3-2, Horseshoe Bend 2-0 and Brew Tech a second time, 3-2.
“I call those gritty wins,” Hines said. “You have to stay tough to the very end. It takes true grit to win some of those games. You walk into halftime and it might be 3-0, but that doesn’t matter.”
Elmore County likely could have won some of those games by more goals, but that wasn’t Hines’ objective. She wanted to get her team as much experience as possible. If the team went into halftime up 2-0 or 3-0 and she’d pull individual starters and put in new girls to get them varsity minutes.
new program record for wins (13).
HAILEY PHELPS, HOLTVILLE EIGHTH GRADER
Phelps jumped onto the scene as a seventh grader a year ago, and she now lands on her second All-County team before even entering high school. The middle school forward shined at the varsity level as she scored a county-best 20 goals this season.
MORGAN SIMS, WETUMPKA SENIOR
Sims has proven to be one of the best players in the county every year she’s been a starter, and that didn’t change as she capped off her senior season. The Wetumpka forward scored a team-best 19 goals with five assists to lead Wetumpka back to the playoffs.
Then she would rotate and put starters back in and take others out, letting someone else get valuable minutes. Sometimes that would allow teams to cut the lead to one goal near the end, but that led to valuable experience that can’t be replicated in an 8-0 blowout.
“We rarely scored in the second half,” Hines said. “We would get our goals and just hold on with our defense in the second half. That shows the youth of our group. But I was also trying to play as much as my bench as possible and getting girls experience they need moving forward. With that came some goals being conceded but that was worth it to me because now they have that experience.”
EMILY SMITH, WETUMPKA SENIOR Smith, after starring on the Indians’ basketball team in the winter, took to the soccer pitch and continued to shine for Wetumpka sports. The utility player was used in a variety of positions wherever she was needed and scored 13 goals with several assists.
SECOND TEAM
Jhakhia Anderson, Tallassee Reagan Christensen, Wetumpka
Milly Crain, Tallassee Lindsay Davis, Wetumpka
Delaney Hines, Elmore County
Kinslee Jackson, Holtville Caden Jordan, Elmore County Maddy Moseley, Tallassee Kennedy Rhodes, Holtville Savannah Scott, Holtville Isabelle Searcy, Holtville Katelynn Smith, Wetumpka Emily Spears, Elmore County Anna Claire Stark, Holtville
HINES
Wetumpka’s Russ Brooks coaches the Indians in a game earlier this season. Brooks has been named the head baseball coach at Wetumpka.
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Involvement Meeting and Online Public Involvement
Project No. HSIP-0014 (555)
Installation of Signalized continuous Green-T intersection At SR-14 and CR-59 (Firetower Road) Elmore County
Notice is hereby given that the State of Alabama Department of Transportation will hold a Public Involvement Meeting on Project No. HSIP-0014 (555). This project is located in Elmore County. This project will require the purchase of additional right-of-way. This informal meeting will be held as follows:
Place: Reformation Baptist Church 500 AL-170, Wetumpka, AL 36092
Date: July 9, 2024
Time: 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M
The presentation will be available as follows:
Website: www.aldotinvolved.com June 19, 2024 – July 19, 2024
This meeting will be conducted as an “open house” type format where no formal presentation will be given. Interested persons are urged to attend on July 9, 2024, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Representatives of the State of Alabama Department of Transportation will be present to discuss the proposed project and other technical aspects of this project. Provisions will be made to receive written comments at the meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for interested persons to be informed and participate in the public process of this project. Preliminary Maps as well as other information developed on this project are
Alabama Department of Transportation
100 Capitol Commerce Blvd., Suite 210, Bldg. B Montgomery, AL
SUDOKU ANSWERS
Public Notices
gage executed by Joshua Neal Grier to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for WR Starkey Mortgage, L.L.P., dated October 23, 2015 said mortgage recorded Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Book 2015, Page 49525. Said mortgage was subsequently sold, assigned and transferred to Nationstar Mortgage LLC. Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, the undersigned, Nationstar Mortgage LLC, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse in Elmore County, Alabama on July 2, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following describe real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT 57 OF WOODLAND ESTATES PLAT NO. 1 SUBDIVISION AS SHOWN BY PLAT MADE BY RALPH H. HAYS REGISTERED LAND SURVEYOR NO. 1878, DATED 9/20/1975 AND RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 8, PAGE 5 IN THE PROBATE OFFICE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA. Property Street Address for Informational Purposes: 747 Pine Leaf St Wetumpka AL 36092 Said property will be sold “AS IS”. NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, IS MADE AS TO THE TITLE OF SAID PROPERTY. Said property is subject to but not limited to: any outstanding ad valorem taxes - including taxes which are a lien but not yet due and payable, federal tax liens any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments liens, encumbrances, zoning ordinances, restrictions, covenants, and matters of record set out above. Said property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. The highest bidder must tender the total amount of at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand the rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale will be made for the purpose of paying the same and all expenses of this sale, as provided in said Mortgage and by Alabama law. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.
**This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained may be used for that purpose.** Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Mortgagee or Transferee
ALAW One Independence Plaza, Suite 416 Birmingham, AL 35209
Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 24-007793
Wetumpka Herald: 24-007793 PUBLIC NOTICE
FOLLOWING WILL BE AUCTIONED OFF BY J&J TOWING 65 PIERCE RD ELMORE, AL 36025 ON 7-10-24
2008 HONDA ACCORD1HGCS12898A013160 2013 LEXUS 460JTJBM7FXXD5052042 2004 FORD EXPLORER1FMDU63W44UB04364
Wetumpka Herald: June 12 and 19, 2024 AV/08 HONDA PUBLIC NOTICE
Michael Perkins and M Perkins Construction, LLC f/k/a 2M Construction Co., LLC, whose whereabouts are unknown, notice is issued by publicationtrict Court of Elmore County, 900415 by Michael Griggs on behalf of the Plaintiff, Suzanne Needham. Said Complaint was plus costs, and all other efforts to serve have been unsuccessthey have fourteen days from the date of the last publication or Plaintiff will apply for a default judgment.
Wetumpka Herald: June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2024 COMPLETION PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE. Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by James M. Penn and Nicole Penn husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Everett Financial, Inc. d/b/a Supreme Lending, on November 30, 2016, said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Book 2016 Page 59649; the undersigned Matrix Financial Services Corporation, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to
Public Notices
gg py the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on June 6, 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, towit: Commence at an iron pin at the Southwest Corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 19, Township 20 North, Range 21 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence South 89 degrees 01 minutes 37 seconds East, along Quarter Section line, 964.32 feet to an iron pin, said point being the Point of Beginning; thence leaving Quarter Section line, North 11 degrees 20 minutes 15 seconds West, 558.88 feet to an iron pin; thence North 50 degrees 11 minutes 45 seconds East, 383.00 feet to a concrete monument on the West Right of Way of Holley Mill Road, County Road Number 357, 80 foot Right of Way.; thence South 39 degrees 52 minutes 55 seconds East, along said Right of Way, 1052.63 feet to an iron pin on the South line of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 19; thence leaving said Right of Way, North 89 degrees 01 minutes 37 seconds West, along Quarter Section line, 859.45 feet to the Point of Beginning. The above-described property lies in the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter and the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 19, Township 20 North, Range 21 East, Elmore County, Alabama.. Property street address for informational purposes: 396 Holley Mill Rd , Eclectic, AL 36024. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from June 6, 2024 until August 15, 2024, during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. Matrix Financial Services Corporation, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 23-07008
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 19, 2024 24-00846 PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Jeremy David White and Crystal Rigdon White, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, on December 30, 2021, said of the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2022 Page 50; the undersigned CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on July 5, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following
Public Notices g described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the Southeast Corner of Lot 732 Block 72, Plat Number 5, West Tallassee Subdivision, Tallassee Mills, thence South 01 degrees 17 minutes 36 seconds East, along the West Right of Way of Jordan Avenue for a distance of 347.86 feet to a 1 inch open end pipe found; thence South 02 degrees 18 minutes 21 seconds East, 77.94 feet to a capped iron pin located on the West Right of Way of Jordan Avenue marking the Point of Beginning of the following described property; Thence South 01 degrees 08 minutes 45 seconds East, 134.22 feet along said Right of Way
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Sharon M Jones to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as mortgagee, as nominee for Residential Mortgage Corporation, its successors and assigns dated January 31, 2006; said mortgage being recorded on February 17, 2006, in Book 2006, Page of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2019, the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Nationstar Mortgage LLC, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 5th day of July, 2024 the following property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 47, according to the Map of Chapmanor Subdivision in Millbrook, Alabama, as shown the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 3, at Page 79. Said property is commonly known as 4351 N. Forest Dr, Millbrook, AL 36054. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage. NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 505 20th Street North, Suite 1775 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 9157919 www.foreclosurehotline.net
Wetumpka Herald: June 12, 19 and 26, 2024 89117 PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROSELLE ANNE DRENNON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-140 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ROSELLE ANNE DRENNON, deceased, having been granted to DAILIA L. ADAMS on Aune 4, 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.
DAILIA L. ADAMS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROSELLE ANNE DRENNON, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ME-
LISSA L. CAMPBELL ATTORNEY AT LAW
3170 PARLIAMENT CR. STE. B MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36116 334-224-1265 clm4691@gmail.com
Wetumpka Herald: June 12, 19 and 26, 2024
EST/DRENNON R.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE
FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE
Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by Christian Young And Mary L Young Husband And Wife to Green Tree
Public Notices
Financial Corp. - Alabama dated August 19, 1998; said mortgage being recorded on September 14, 1998, in Book 207, Page
Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said Mortgage was last sold, assigned and transferred to Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, not in its individual or banking capacity, but solely as Trustee on behalf of the Lake Country Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-HE1 by assignment recorded in Deed Book 2020, County, ALABAMA. The undersigned, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, not in its individual or banking capacity, but solely as Trustee on behalf of the Lake Country Mortgage Loan Trust 2005HE1, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Elmore County, Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on the 23rd property, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 18 EAST, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, RUN WEST ALONG THE QUARTER SECTION LINE 719.52 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH PARALLEL TO THE EAST QUARTER SECTION LINE 210 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUE LAST NAMED COURSE 120 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 156 AT PAGE 29; THENCE RUN WEST 980 FEET MORE OR LESS TO THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY OF CRENSHAW ROAD (60 FOOT RIGHT OF WAY) THENCE RUN SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY 130 FEET MORE OR LESS TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN DEED ROLL 63 FRAME 01923; THENCE RUN EASTERLY ALONG NORTH LINE THEREOF 301.5 FEET; THENCE RUN SOUTH 1 DEGREE 30 MINUTES EAST 70 FEET; THENCE RUN EAST 525 FEET AND ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF MILTON PROPERTY AND OTHERS 525 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 2 ACRES MORE OR LESS. Said property is commonly known as 1308 Crenshaw Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092. the property address and the legal description the legal description will control. Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority, all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments, liens, encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances, restrictions, special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law, and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those supeout above. Said property will be sold on an “as-is” basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the abovenamed or the undersigned. The successful bidder must present the winning bid at the time and place of sale. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The sale will be conducted subsale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and (2) of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage.
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL OR BANKING CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE LAKE COUNTRY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-HE1 as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 505 20th Street North, Suite 1775 Birmingham, AL 35203 (205) 216-4238 FT21@mccalla.com File No. 9274720 www.foreclosurehotline.net Wetumpka Herald: 9274720 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FAYE HIGHSMITH ELSTON, CASE NO: 2023-301 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of FAYE HIGHSMITH ELSTON, deceased, having been granted to CHERYL E. JACKS on June 5, 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
Public Notices
q the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
CHERYL E. JACKS
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF FAYE HIGHSMITH ELSTON, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for
Personal Representative: REID TOLAR TOLAR AND TOLAR 3779 HIGHWAY 14 MILLBROOK, ALABAMA 36054 334-285-5070
Wetumpka Herald: June 12, 19 and 26, 2024 EST/ELSTON, F.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BEN FRANKLIN, JR., CASE NO: 2024-139 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of BEN FRANKLIN. JR., deceased, having been granted to VALLORY FRANKLIN on May 29 th , 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claimsagainst said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
VALLORY FRANKLIN
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF BEN FRANKLIN, JR., DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: LINDSEY EASTWOOD EASTWOOD ESTATE & PROBATE LAW 2001 PARK PLACE, SUITE 875 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35203 205-319-9995
lindsey@lindseyeastwood.com
Wetumpka Herald: Jun.12, 19, and 26, 2024 EST/FRANKLIN, B.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FRED MICHAEL HINSON, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2024-143 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: JEFFREY MICHAEL HINSON, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, A NEXT OF KIN OF FRED MICHAEL HINSON, DECEASED; JENNA RUTH HINSON FAOUR, A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA, A NEXT OF KIN OF FRED MICHAEL HINSON, DECEASED; AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY OR UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF FRED MICHAEL HINSON, DECEASED YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on May 28, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of FRED MICHAEL HINSON, deCourt of Elmore County, Alabama by CYNTHIA K. PAGE, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of- kin of FRED MICHAEL HINSON. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you. Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: RONALD A. HOLTSFORD ATTORNEY AT LAW JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA 7956 VAUGHN RD #124 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36116 334-220-3700
Wetumpka Herald: June 5, 12, and 19, 2024 EST/HINSON, M.
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PEDDLERS LICENSE APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Millbrook City Council for approval of a Peddlers License for Carson the Education Man for door to door sales. Said application has been set for Public Hearing before the City Council on June 25, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 3900 Grandview Road, Millbrook, Alabama. All persons who desire shall have an opportunity to be heard or may indicate his or her wishes in writing in favor of or in opposition to the above item. The item may be reviewed at the Millbrook City Hall, 3160 Main Street, Millbrook AL 36054 or call (334) 285-6428 for additional information. Lori Davis, City Clerk, City of Millbrook Posted in four public places on 6/5/24.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN GILBERT MARX, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-075 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL AND PETITION FOR PROBATE
TO: JON ARTHUR MARX AND ANY OTHER HEIRS AND NEXT OF KIN OF JOHN GILBERT MARX, DECEASED: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on the 10th day of June 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of JOHN GILBERT MARX, deceased, andbate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, SUSAN MARIE MARX, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This Notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir at law and next of kin of JOHN GILBERT MARX. Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court withincation of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: REGINA B. EDWARDS, ESQ. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, PC 109 East Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 (334) 514-1011
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 19, 26 and Jul. 3, 2024
EST/MARX J.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOE MERVIN OWENS, CASE NO: 2024-112 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of JOE MERVIN OWENS, who is also referred to as JOE MARVIN OWENS, deceased, having been granted to ALLAN WAYNE OWENS and JOE STEPHEN OWENS on the 5 TH day of June, 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.
ALLAN WAYNE OWENS and JOE STEPHEN OWENS CO-ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE OF JOE MERVIN OWENS, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrators: BONITA J. CALDWELL ATTORNEY AT LAW 576 Gilmer Avenue TALLASSEE. ALABAMA 36078 256-307-1865
Wetumpka Herald: June 12, 19 and 26, 2024 EST/OWENS, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RICKY LEE PEEVY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-148 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of RICKY LEE PEEVY, deceased, having been granted to KIMBERLY MARAMAN on June 7, 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. KIMBERLY MARAMAN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF RICKY LEE PEEVY, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: SABRINA L. COMER COMER ELDER LAW, LLC 2145 EDINBURGH DRIVE MONTGOMERY. ALABAMA 36116 334-549-5610
sabrina@comerelderlaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 19, 26 and Jul. 3, 2024 EST/PEEVY R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRETT LEE SAVAGE, DECEASED CASE: 2024-136 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Public Notices y to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
KASEY SUTTON ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF BRETT LEE SAVAGE, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: ROBERT J. MORRIS ATTORNEY AT LAW 10365 HOLTVILLE ROAD DEATSVILLE, ALABAMA 36022 334-569-1820
Wetumpka Herald: June 12, 19 and 26, 2024 EST/SAVAGE, B. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ESTATE OF EDWARD ERNEST SEAL, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2024 - 144 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TERRI ELAINE SEAL AND MICHAEL EDWARD SEAL, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND BEING HEIRS-AT-LAW AND NEXTOF-KIN OF EDWARD ERNEST SEAL, AND NOTICE TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN HEIRSAT-LAW AND NEXT-OF-KIN OF EDWARD ERNEST SEAL AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on May 29, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of EDWARD ERNEST SEAL,bate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by Petitioner, JOSEPH FRANKLIN DECKER II, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as an heir-at-law and next-of-kin of EDWARD ERNEST SEAL. Unless an objection to admission to Probate of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court withincation of this notice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition. Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: D. Jason Britt, Esq. JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA STONE & BRITT, LLC 114 South Main Street
Wetumpka Herald: EST/SEAL, E. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGY F. THOMPSON, CASE NO. 2024-146 DECEASED. NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: CHRISTINA L. McATEE, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND WHO IS POSSIBLY A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA, AND WHO IS A NEXT OF KIN OF PEGGY F. THOMPSON, DECEASED; AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY AND UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF PEGGY F. THOMPSON, DECEASED YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on May 30, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of PEGGY F. THOMPSON, de-bate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by JOHN MILTON THOMPSON, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of PEGGY F. THOMPSON. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you. JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Public Notices
pg 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 ANGELA JEAN TOLBERT, 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: June 12, 19 and 26, 2024 EST/TOLBERT, A.
PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY FORECLOSURE NOTICE WHEREAS, on December 7, 2011, Reuben D. Hall, Jr., a married man, did execute and deliver to River Bank & Trust a mortgage on certain real estate hereinafter described, which mortgage appears of record inbate of Montgomery County, AlWHEREAS, default has been made in the payment of said Mortgage as provided therein, which default continues at this date making said Mortgage subject to foreclosure. NOW, THEREFORE, three weeks notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell at public outcry for cash, to the highest bidder,
Wetumpka Herald: June 12 and 19, 2024 PERMIT
Letters of Administration over the Estate of BRETT LEE SAVAGE, deceased, having been granted to KASEY SUTTON, formerly known as KASEY SAVAGE, on May 31, 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,
Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: JOHN E. “JED” CARTER CAPELL &HOWARD P. C. 150 SOUTH PERRY STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 P O BOX 2069 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36102-2069334-241-8014 Jed.Carter@chlaw.com Wetumpka Herald: June 12, 19, and 26, 2024 EST/THOMPSON, P PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELA JEAN TOLBERT, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-129 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of ANGELA JEAN TOLBERT, deceased, having been granted to ED PARISH, JR. on June 3, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims
to be paid for taxes, insurance or other charges provided in said mortgage, and the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fee. Said property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions contained in said mortgage and those contained in the records of the where the above-described property is situated. Said 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 hereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumexist 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. RIVER BANK & TRUST BY: Attorney for Mortgagee
Wetumpka Herald: FC/HALL PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, at 11:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE
Southeast Storage 749 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36093
646: Danielle Rogers. 395 Woodhaven Lane, Wetumpka, AL 36093 Contents: 2 pallets of clorox wipes Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 19 and 26, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION Selling your home? Advertise here and sell it faster. Call Classifieds at 256.277.4219.
ELMORE COUNTY SEES PROGRESS IN STATE GAME DUALS TOURNEY
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Elmore County wrestling team faced off with the state’s best teams on Saturday.
Elmore County, along with Tallassee, made the trip up to Hewitt-Trussville to wrestle in the inaugural Alabama State Games Duals Tournament.
The Panthers were one of 12 teams to compete in the duals event. Ten of the 12 teams in the event were either Class 6A or Class 7A.
“Overall, we wrestled nothing but the top 6A and 7A schools,” coach Mason Thornton said. “We had eight guys and pretty much everyone but one guy got multiple wins. They showed they can compete with some of the best wrestlers in the state. To have every guy go five or six matches, they did very well.”
With only eight wrestlers, Elmore County started every single match down six rounds. That led to the Panthers having to forfeit at least three rounds in every match and at least four in five of the six matches.
With only eight wrestlers, Elmore County started every single match down six rounds. That led to the Panthers having to forfeit at least three rounds in every match and at least four in five of the six matches. That led to some lopsided scores, as Elmore County lost to Bob Jones 51-14, Pelham 49-12, McAdory 60-12, Hewitt-Trussville 66-4, Auburn 46-15 and Opelika 42-24.
The Panthers were down by 24 points to begin five of the six matches just on forfeits. With that being the case, Thornton and the Panthers never worried about winning. They wanted to com -
pete, and that’s exactly what they did.
“We were competitive against every single team we faced,” Thornton said.
A few of the individual wrestlers had impressive weekends.
Six of the eight wrestlers had at least one win, while two had 4-2 records.
Stran Webb, a two-time state qualifier, had one of the best days on the team. Webb went 4-2 with a forfeit win, a major win and two pins.
“Stran is really taking that next step,” Thornton said. “He made some minor issues in two matches and he knew exactly what he did
right after. He then fixed them and went back and won the rest of them.”
Hudson Fulmer also went 4-2 and had almost the exact same day as Webb. He won one match via forfeit then earned a major win and had two pins.
“Hudson looked great offensively,” Thornton said. “He was great off the whistle in the matches he won. We haven’t had much practice with him over the summer, but he showed out.”
Rising senior Haggan Parker went 3-3 on the day with three pins, earning him one of the most impressive days of any Panther. No other wrestlers on the team had more than two pins.
“Haggan is really trying to take those next steps further,” Thornton said.
Grayson Meeks, Kayden Haskins and Luke Reinert all had at least one win in the tournament.
The Elmore County wrestling team wrestled in the Alabama State Games duals tournament held at Hewitt-Trussville. The Panthers finished in 12th place in the tournament.