Former ESCO deputy to serve federal time in brutality case
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Holtville High School basketball coach arrested
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Despite appeals for leniency from a wife, a mother, a father and Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin, Blake Hicks will serve 29 months in federal prison for his part in an excessive force case.
A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.
“This isn’t an average person kicking someone in the head during a bar fight,” Assistant
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
United States Attorney Eric Counts said at Hicks’ sentencing Monday. “This is a person sworn to uphold the law.”
Counts said the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington D.C. saw Hicks, a former Elmore County Sheriff’s Office deputy, performing excessive force in a video online and called Hicks to ask what was happening in Wetumpka. The video shows part of the encounter between Tristen
Wilson was the head basketball coach at Holtville High School and was placed on administrative leave Jan. 13 according to Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis.
“We had a report,” Dennis said. “We had a preliminary
Taste opens to fanfare in Wetumpka
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
Quinn and area law enforcement in March 2022. Quinn was arrested and placed in a police vehicle for transport where he reportedly struck law enforcement in the back seat of the car. Quinn was also able to get his handcuffed hands from behind him to his front. He then escaped the back of the patrol vehicle. The video from a convenience store on U.S. Highway 231 shows Quinn running from law enforcement. He turns
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office have the alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”
to face them when he is struck by Tasers. Hicks is then seen leaping and landing on Quinn. Hicks also strikes Quinn with his fist and with kicks.
The Wetumpka Herald first reported on the incident in July 2022. It was the first time a video of the incident had been released.
Quinn had multiple charges from the incident and filed an intent to sue in civil court. The City of Wetumpka and Elmore County
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The
settled out of court with undisclosed financial compensation to Quinn.
Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.
Federal District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler saw the video that caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Justice and started the prosecution of Hicks. He said at first the video of Hicks leaping towards Quinn was disturbing. But the judge slowed the video
Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach. Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while
Chamber of Commerce held its
and
erings but the chamber celebrated the
ple
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
Baxley sworn in as Elmore County district judge
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/
Baxley was sworn in as Elmore County District Judge replacing Judge Patrick Pinkston who is now in Lewis’ position. All three positions were filled by Gov.
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
Police
RIVER TOWN CENTER TO BRING RETAIL DEVELOPMENT
TO WEST WETUMPKA
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
There is little in the way of retail shopping in west Wetumpka, but that is changing.
The west of the Coosa River is home to historic buildings, farm land, schools and the new Wetumpka Fire Station. River Town Center on Highway 14 across from the Wetumpka Sports Complex will soon fill the void of retail development on the west side of town.
“(U.S. Highway) 231 is where our development has mostly been over the years,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis
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.
said. “This opens up a totally different area for us.”
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
Officials broke ground Friday on the first phase of the approximately 35-acre project. Five lots with streets and utilities will soon be prepared.
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.
The work is done thanks in part to a $5 million line of credit the Wetumpka City Council approved in November. The monies will be repaid as businesses purchase lots.
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
“As lots are sold, the monies go towards the debt,” Wetumpka public works director Justin Barrett said. “Even the sales tax revenue from the development goes to the debt until it is paid off.”
The city already has three
letters of intent from businesses serious about locating in the complex such as a food business, a coffee retailer and another retail operation. The letter of intent isn’t yet binding but city leaders said it’s a good sign of a commitment to the project.
City of Wetumpka economic development director Lynn Weldon said the River Town Center is great for everyone in the west part of Wetumpka.
“A development on this side of the river will improve the quality of life,” Weldon said. “It’s a big deal.” The site will also help
WILSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Taste at The Fain is now open on Bridge Street in Wetumpka.
The space was formerly Provisions. It was full of guests for a reception and the first nights of accepting diners.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
New Elmore County District Court Judge Ben Baxley, center, speaks with guests following his investiture ceremony Friday.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis, right, speaks about the city’s development of River Town Center. The retail complex is meant to service residents and guests on the west side of the Coosa River.
LEWIS BERRY HICKMAN
Lewis Berry Hickman, Jr. died peacefully at his Wetumpka, AL, home on June 16, 2024. He was born June 12, 1951, in Atlanta, GA, to Lewis Berry Hickman, Sr. and Velma Lupo Hickman, and raised in Dothan, AL. Lewis graduated from The University of Alabama and from which he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and he graduated from The Jones Law Institute with his Juris Doctor. For over forty years, he has dedicated his life to serving
his clients at his accounting and legal office in Montgomery, AL. He helped countless clients during some very trying times in their lives. He was devoted to his family and friends. Those who knew him gravitated toward his warm, generous, dynamic, and intellectual personality. He had a serving heart and took great pleasure in helping others. Lewis enjoyed cheering on the Alabama Crimson Tide, driving his boat, barbequing, fishing, bonding with all animals, and telling stories. Later
in life, he enjoyed feeding the birds and watching the antics of the squirrels when he greased the shepherd’s hook holding the feeders.
In addition to both parents, Lewis was predeceased by his son, Lewis “Heyboy” Berry Hickman, III, who he loved very much.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost fifty-one years, Carol Duren Hickman; his daughter Amber Carol Hickman McKowen (David) of Birmingham, AL; his two beloved grandsons, David
McKowen IV and James Lewis McKowen; siblings Carey Allen Hickman (Janna), Lamar Hickman (Elsie); and his adored black labrador, Blackbird. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Gassett Funeral Home in Wetumpka, Alabama, with Pastor Jason W. Duren officiating. Visitation will be before the services at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to The Humane Society of Elmore County.
Selma man arrested for rape
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
It’s been almost three years since an alleged sexual assault in Prattville, but now a Selma man faces first-degree rape charges.
Harold Bates, 41 was arrested Thursday and brought to the Elmore County Jail.
“It was a 2021 incident involving someone he knew,” Prattville police chief Mark Thompson said. The case was
indicted by an Elmore County Grand Jury in 2023, but Thompson said he couldn’t elaborate anymore on the case.
Bates posted a $100,000 bond and was released Thursday night. BATES
Traffic stop leads to fentanyl arrest
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
An old license plate prompted attention from a Wetumpka police officer and led to the discovery of illegal drugs Friday.
The officer noticed a tag that is no longer issued in Alabama on a vehicle near the Wetumpka Police Department. According to court documents the officer ran the tag and discovered it belonged to another vehicle altogether.
“A traffic stop was conducted,” the
incident report states. The driver identified himself as Ashton Turberville with an “ID card.”
The officer inquired about Turberville’s license status and he told the officer it was revoked.
“(The officer) noticed a pistol mounted to the dash and asked him to step out of the vehicle,” the report states.
The officer confirmed Turberville’s license status. Turberville also consented to the officer searching the vehicle. The officer found an open beer in the back seat with a scale with residue on it.
The officer then asked another officer on the scene to search for a magnetic box on the frame of the vehicle. One was found containing two bags of fentanyl weighing 3.2 grams and two bags of methamphetamines weighing 14 grams.
Turberville, 31, of Monroeville was arrested and charged with drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was taken to the Elmore County Jail and has a $1,536,000 bond available to him.
Dilapidated structures soon to be demolished
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Twelve structures across Wetumpka will no longer be standing soon.
At its Monday meeting the Wetumpka City Council approved bids to be funded by an Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs grant.
“We have been trying to do this for some time now,” Wetumpka mayor Jerry Willis said. Before the council voted on the measure one citizen inquired about taking one structure off the list as she has
been working towards saving the property.
“It’s been deemed unsafe,” Willis said. “The property is dangerous. It has been determined to be beyond repair.”
The citizen doesn’t own the property and the property owner had given the city permission to put the structure on the list. The council’s motion on the 12 structures also gives the contractor permission to proceed with the project.
To continue with beautification efforts across town, the council approved the purchase of flowers and plants for downtown, along Main Street, in Gold Star Park and
at some entrances to town.
The $11,971 cost is funded through a recycling program.
IN OTHER ACTION THE WETUMPKA CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the June 3 meeting.
• Approved the purchase of three sets of turnout gear for the Wetumpka Fire Department at a cost of $10,833.
• Approved paying $12,620 to match grant funding for the restoration of windows at the Elmore County Museum.
• Approved additional webpages for the city’s
website for tourism and the library at a cost of $9,818.
• Approved the installation of a power meter for riverwalk lights.
• Approved a proposal to line the 24-inch and 36-inch storm water culverts under South Main Street near the old Faith Rescue Building.
• Gave permission to Caitlyn Popplewell to host Cars on the Coosa at the Wetumpka Sports Complex on Aug. 17.
The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday July 1.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Support one of our adopted dogs
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
This is a birthday week for a very special dog adopted from our shelter. Phoenix, adopted from our Shelter by Elizabeth at Blue Ridge Animal Clinic, is not only a very special dog, but perhaps one of the luckiest dogs ever getting to spend her life with Elizabeth & Russ.
So THIS week is Phoenix’s 9th annual ‘Yappy Barkday Pawty’ Fundraiser at Blue Ridge Animal Clinic, 4422 Wetumpka Hwy, Montgomery (in the Tallapoosa Crossings Shopping Center). This is a week-long ‘party’ starting today through Fri, 28 June from 7:30 am - 5:30 pm daily (and the clinic will also be open at lunchtime this week). Phoenix celebrates her birthday by asking for donations for our Shelter. Elizabeth has a list at the Clinic or check out our website wish list at http:// www.elmorehumane. org/hsec-wish-list.html . Phoenix & Elizabeth will also take monetary donations which will help us pay for medical treatments, vaccines,
spay/neuter surgeries and more.
Phoenix will have T-Shirts for sale, swag bags, refreshments for us humans, puppacinos, pet treats, bandana station, kissing booth photos and so much more! Phoenix has raised thousands of dollars and truckloads of supplies for our Shelter which is just incredible and a testament to so many Blue Ridge Animal Clinic clients and their friends and families. So stop by Blue Ridge Animal Clinic this week and thank Phoenix, Elizabeth and everyone at the Clinic for helping our Shelter like this!
Looking ahead, another fantastic local organization, Wetumpka Depot Players, is also helping our Shelter. Tickets are on sale for the upcoming ‘Hooray for Harry Wood’ (11-27 July), starring, Baxter, a very loved pup! Baxter’s human, Janet Cothran Robinson (Depot stage manager) has a heart for taking in older pups and giving them their best life. In honor of her love for Baxter and others like him, they will be accepting donations
of dog food or cash throughout the Hooray for Harry Wood showing to help our pets. They will thank donors with complimentary concessions, and we cannot wait to get our tickets to join in on this fun show!
Don’t forget that you can donate food as well while doing your grocery shopping at our local Wetumpka Winn Dixie! They are keeping this going all summer while our food need is at its greatest so thank you Wetumpka Winn Dixie for thinking of our pets like this.
If you have pets and are planning to be away for the 4th of July holiday, we sure hope you have made your pet boarding reservations already. Boarding facilities tend to book 100% for long weekends, so don’t delay making appropriate arrangements if you have not already, And this can include updating your pet’s vaccinations as required by any boarding facility so don’t wait til the last minute!
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Join Community Hospital in celebrating Men’s Health Month by empowering men and boys to make healthier lifestyle choices. Awareness, prevention, education and family engagement are key to a healthier future.
Health Tips:
• Check-ups: Regular visits to the doctor.
• Nutrition: Focus on a balanced diet.
• Exercise: Stay active and keep moving.
• Mental Health: Take time for self-care.
Help us spread the word and support the men and boys in your life. ♥
Kenneth Boone, Chairman
Tippy Hunter, General Manager
Lizi Arbogast Gwin, Managing Editor
Page A4 • June 26, 2024
Continue supporting local businesses
There is nothing more important than community. And at the very center of Wetumpka’s community is local businesses.
Down any road, whether that is Company Street, Highway 231 and now Highway 14, local businesses are everywhere. And they need support.
At TPI, we have seen and written about countless businesses that have popped up around town just to see that business leave its spot a few months later because it wasn’t making the money needed to continue.
Now we’re about to see even more.
A new retail center, the River Town Center, had its groundbreaking ceremony Friday. The retail development is going to be located directly across from the main entrance of the Wetumpka Sports Complex on Highway 14.
When businesses begin opening up in the retail center, it will add an opportunity for business to flourish on that side of town since the majority of businesses in Wetumpka are currently on Highway 231.
The city already has three letters of intent from businesses serious about locating in the complex such as a food business, a coffee retailer and another retail operation. When these businesses open up, it will be more important than ever to support them.
This will help a large portion of community members. It will save time and gas for people who live on that side of town and it will help parents and athletes who are playing at the Sports Complex.
And if everyone is supported the way it should, it will help local citizens open up and live their dreams of being business owners.
Owning and running a business is tough. We see that every day with new businesses constantly opening and closing on Company Street.
So when the River Town Center opens up, make sure to head over and support some of our community members.
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your
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 E-mail: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com
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Sports tourism at its finest
Ijust abruptly stopped reading the June 18 edition of The Wetumpka Herald, mid-article, to jot down my two cents on recent developments in Elmore County. Was it that urgent? I would say so.
If you haven’t already heard of this little ole development in Elmore County called 17 Springs, well buckle up! The project is now in Phase 2 and by all indications, a freight train couldn’t stop this brilliant concept from becoming the next big boom to the river region economy. I say brilliant because of the collaborative efforts by the City of Millbrook, Grandview Family YMCA, Elmore County Board of Education, Elmore County Economic Development Authority and Elmore County Commission.
“This is an example of what you can do when you extract personal agendas and egos and operate as government entities,” commission chair Bart Mercer said. “If you truly want to serve the people you represent, this is what it looks like.”
There have never been truer words spoken.
Years ago on a family vacation, I noticed a sign in Orange Beach that read “Small Town, Big Beach.” At the time Orange Beach wasn’t as crowded as it is now and I thought the concept was genius. In an ongoing attempt to get my money’s worth out of my degree, I immediately started thinking about what Lake Martin could do to mimic the idea. This was preCOVID and the lake hadn’t quite become the hot spot it is now and seeing firsthand what the Gulf Coast was doing for economic development by promoting the beach looked promising.
Fast forward a few years, and
on that same family vacation, I see yet another sign in Orange Beach that says “Sports Tourism at its finest.” My head spun around. They have the Gulf! We’d just passed an antique car show with thousands in attendance. Why do they care about sports tourism?
As loudly as I can type this — because we should all care about sports tourism!
Anyone who knows me from my younger days probably thinks I have no business speaking on sports tourism. I did good to toss a flag. “Coach” Steve Savarese had us write on the board in health class what we were grateful for and I wrote “Friday night with friends.” His nickname for me for the rest of my BR days was “Friday Night.” I’ve come a long way and even though I didn’t play sports, I did pay a lot of money for years and years for my daughter and son to play outside of regular school leagues. I’ve seen firsthand what a strong tournament schedule can do for a community. I’ve been to Millbrook’s current complex more times than I can count. They had the most active tournament director of any other complex we traveled to in the state. Thousands of people flocked there week after week to pay for parking, lodging, tournament tickets, tournament fees, food and shopping. Yes, shopping, because a smart director will conveniently space the schedule out enough to give visitors plenty of time to shop between games on multiple days.
In 2014 a community in Texas reported $11.4 million in additional business revenue in just its first year of sports tourism. In recent years the idea has been referred to as a phenomenon. It is considered recession-proof. It is
TIPPY HUNTER General Manager
for the good of the community’s children. It is for their health and well-being. There have also been studies indicating the presence of a sports and entertainment complex has the potential to reduce crime. Sports tourism is smart business.
In the case of 17 Springs, sales and lodging tax increases have already allowed the county commission to fund $20 million quality-of-life projects across Elmore County including adding artificial turf to fields in Holtville, Eclectic and Tallassee. Tallassee is also getting a new recreation center. Hotels have already opened or are under construction, and the potential for two additional are in the works. Already, 100,000 guests have visited Phase 1 in the short time the complex has been operational.
17 Springs is about more than sports tourism. I highly recommend reading Cliff’s latest update in the June 18 Herald for all the jaw-dropping details. Even if you’re like me and don’t live in the immediate area, you need to know what’s in your backyard. For those who live in Elmore County, write, call or go see some of these folks who are working tirelessly for your community. They deserve an enormous thank you! They did it for the greater good and they did it together as a team. That’s not something that happens in every community. My hats off to each of you.
Tippy Hunter is the general manager of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
The perilous state of public education
As I conclude 28 years as a public school classroom teacher, I have been revisiting columns that originally ran as “Bird’s Eye View” opinion pieces in The Tallassee Tribune. This one was more bitter than I remembered – and it ran in the spring of 2007. Reading it again now, I’m a little ashamed at how I chose to express my views, but this one was strong enough that it was also carried in The Montgomery Advertiser at the time (I was still working for a radio station in Montgomery back then and the Montgomery newspaper would feature selected Tallassee articles.) Here we go.
This week I had traffic cop duty because I guess our regular police officers think school has ended. Lord knows, the students think it’s over already!
Parents don’t like anyone telling them what to do. Try directing traffic while SUVs and school buses blow past, some with arms extended from a drivers-side window displaying a
one-finger salute. We just completed our spring testing schedule, which was spread out over three weeks of school. Now, the springtime assemblies begin, where – almost daily -- various government agencies speak to hormonal teenagers about sex, drugs, and anything else that might be considered bad for their bodies at this age.
Earlier this week, I was involved in breaking up a girl fight. Two girls were goaded into a fistfight because a third girl talked trash about both of them. Boys may push and shove, but girls often have dust clouds, pulled hair, and pieces of clothing flying around during their disturbances -- this was the case
the other day. It reminded me of the fragile and sometimes perilous state of public education today. We are treading on thin ice supported only by high-stakes standardized test scores, and it scares me to death.
Kids are kids, yes. There will be disagreements and disturbances. The occasional bomb threat or rowdy audience at a ball game or concert is expected. My friends who do not work in education often say, “they pay you guys for 12 months’ worth of work and you have 3 months off – must be an easy job”. And the truth is, our educational system can be a wonderful thing. I am blessed to be in a wonderful school system in Tallassee where our administration, faculty, and community is supportive of the efforts of its educators.
Still, there’s got to be a better way.
For all the beautiful things
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
Elmore County DYW this weekend
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The next Distinguished Young Woman of Elmore County will be named Saturday.
Nine soon-to-be high school seniors are participating in the Distinguished Young Women of Elmore County 2025 Scholarship Program.
“Our focus is to help these young ladies to receive scholarships to attend the college of their choice,” program co-chair Mel Reese said. “Participants will be evaluated on scholastic achievements, judges’ interview, talent performance, self-expression with an on-stage question and physical fitness. Scholarship and interview skills are the basis for 50% of the competition.”
The program awards scholarship money to the college of the girls’ choices, and gives them opportunities for scholarships in other areas..
This year $7,775 will be awarded in the Elmore County DYW. Gracie Hankins, 2024 Elmore County DYW, will present the awards. Reese said the entire program is successful because of donations from businesses, friends and family.
Participants must reside in Elmore County. Ansley Caudle and Gracie Nicholas of Elmore County High School, Holtville High
School’s Michelle Burleson and Sydney Burleson, Amelia Kate Skala of Montgomery Catholic, Stanhope Elmore’s Mya Carroll, Trinity’s Holland Williams and Wetumpka’s Gracie Arnold and Sydney Skipper will participate at 3 p.m. Saturday at Wetumpka High School. Admission is $10.
The program is sponsored by the Phi Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an educators’ organization.
“These teachers give many hours of service to produce this event,” Reese said.
The winner will represent Elmore County at the statewide competition in Montgomery on Jan. 24-25, 2025.
The Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama will then advance to the Distinguished Young Women of America’s competition. This is one of America’s oldest scholarship programs for senior girls. DYW inspires high school senior girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun experience that highlights their accomplishments. The program encourages young women to develop self-confidence and abilities to interview effectively, to speak in public, to perform on stage and to build interpersonal relationships.
Pet of the Week — Buster
Buster is a ten-month-old male Terrier mix, about 30 lbs. He came to us as a stray and was never reclaimed. Buster is very friendly and happy. He is playful and great with both male and female dogs. Like many terriers, Buster can be quite talkative at times.
The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immuni-
found on our campus.
zations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
I love about teaching school -- seeing that ‘light bulb’ occasionally go off, having students who are the textbook definition of “positive role models”, the parades and pep rallies and games and the school pride – it’s all a delicious flurry of activity that keeps my youth somewhat eternal. But, sometimes, it is difficult to
accept the junk that passes by during a typical school day. Like fights. Teenagers are so willing to show their emotions, whether tough or tender. It seems to happen so easily, and all too frequently. Bomb threats were in vogue earlier this year. We had three or four within the first few weeks of school, and now that we’re getting toward the end, I’m sure our resident terrorist will once again make a few of his intentions known, though nothing has ever been
Critics, such as Neal Boortz, call us “government schools”. The free-thinker in me is very resentful of the fact that my teacher’s union publishes pages and pages of literature that tells us who to vote for, how early, and how often – and lately, they are supporting people who may stand for public education, but not much else. The very people who say they support public school teachers seem to find it difficult to support
CommunityCalendar
our students; similarly, these same politicians would be just as happy at a Free Tibet rally, hugging a tree, and eating granola with a spotted owl while holding a sign that reads, “Keep Abortion Legal”. Every single one of us – from the fighting and threatening students, to the argumentative parents in the bus lane, to many of us in this profession – claim to act selflessly, when just about everything we do is as selfish as it can be. In fact, a lot of what
Michael Bird is a retired music teacher for Tallassee City Schools. EDUCATION
we do has very little to do with the children themselves and is more about checking off boxes created for us by some politician somewhere. Do I sound bitter? Maybe I need to head over to the Teacher’s Lounge for a few minutes to relax. And, after next month, I get three months off from my cushy job as a public school educator.
Local scouts and vets perform flag ceremony
JUNE
JULY 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY
location on Lake Jordan to 334-318-9471 to enter. Fireworks will start about 8:30 p.m. but weather could impact the time.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION: The City of Prattville is hosting a Fourth of July Parade in downtown at 9 a.m.
CELEBRATION: The Town of Coosada is hosting a Fourth of July Independence Day Fireworks Show July 4 at the Coosada Community Center on Pecan Grove Road. Festivities start at 2 p.m. There will be music, vendors and more.
INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION: The Lake Jordan HOBOs are organizing Fourth of July
PATRIOTIC CONCERT: The City of Prattville is hosting a Patriotic Concert at 3 p.m. at the Doster Community Center at 424 S. Northington Street.
Kay Ivey’s appointments. Baxley was on the job a few weeks before Friday’s investiture but he has already noticed something — judges work a lot.
Baxley was at the Elmore County Judicial Complex working late as he was trying to get accustomed to everything.
“I thought it was time to go home,” Baxley said. “I walked out the door and thought my predecessor Judge Patrick Pinkston had already gone home. I walk out in the parking lot and his truck is still here. I immediately sent him a text and said it is time to go home.”
Pinkston has helped the newly minted judge learn the many things a new district court judge must do. But Baxley noticed one
part of the job reminded him of a television show.
“There is a thing called a motions queue,” Baxley said. “In Star Trek there are these creatures called Tribbles. They have an amazing ability to breed and multiply. Every motion you rule on, just breeds more motions. They can go on forever.”
Baxley was a 1990 graduate of the University of Alabama Law School along with Alabama attorney general Steve Marshall and Elmore County district court judge Glen Goggans. Baxley’s fellow district court judge gave him some advice especially knowing there are circuit and appeals courts above them.
“I remember hearing district judges say if they don’t like it, they can just appeal,” Goggans said. “Most people don’t appeal. It is very important to remember we are all human beings. We
a gathering place for many over the years.
need to all be polite and courteous. We have to call it fairly and accurately.”
Baxley has served as a prosecutor in multiple districts in Alabama, in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and under Marshall in the Alabama Attorney General’s Office, most recently over the opinion’s division. Marshall said Baxley is well suited for the job he has recently taken in Elmore County calling him highly intelligent, a gifted communicator and a hard worker.
“The man we honor has the disposition and makeup to treat litigants and lawyers in the same manner,” Marshall said. “He will be respected and trusted by all.”
Marshall said even attorneys who didn’t win a ruling from Baxley will still respect him.
“When they go home they will have to admit he got it right,” Marshall said.
RETAIL Continued from A1
serve tournaments at the sports complex as parents and athletes look for meals and supplies. The travel time to retail on U.S. Highway 231 in southern Wetumpka wouldn’t be as common for those on the west side of the river.
“It gives another option for potential businesses,” Weldon said. “They can’t all be on 231. This is the next part of time that needs to be developed.”
Twenty years ago Willis suggested the city purchase the 175 acres the Wetumpka Sports Complex is located on. It was about the time the Highway 14 bypass was installed. The complex has grown over the years and Willis has his eyes on the property for this
development too.
“A group of people elevated this portion of property and brought it out of the flood area,” Willis said. “It is a major development for us. Having this property here on the bypass across from the sports complex. There will be businesses here that will compliment that sports complex.”
It’s the next step for Wetumpka as retail on U.S. Highway 231 is going strong and redevelopment of downtown is going well.
“I remember when we used to just dream about it,” Willis said. “We dreamed about downtown Wetumpka and its happening now. New restaurants are opening. These are first class restaurants choosing to come to Wetumpka. We think this will be a first class development.”
April said. “Now they don’t have to go as far. We are hoping to attract some of them. We are hoping it will be good for everyone.” JUDGE
April and Jeremy Hunt who have partnered with Ginger and Clint Hahn, of Taste in Montgomery.
“Basically it’s going from retail to restaurant,” April said. “It has gone from one partnership into another.”
The Hunts were partnered with friends Kate and Dustin Lawerence who are now enjoying retirement.
The change in partnership offered a chance to redirect the vision for the Fain Theater, which has been a mainstay on Bridge Street for almost a century. The Hunts saw Publix coming to Wetumpka and an opportunity to bring more food downtown.
The Hunts said the new grocery store has a great selection of cheese, while the new Taste will maintain the chocolates and wines for retail sale.
The building has been
Once movies were shown and Provisions attracted groups who showed up almost every week. The renovation from Provisions to Taste helped tie the history of the building to both its location and the new name. Local
carpenters created a live-edge bar for a waiting area. Others took wine cases from both Taste and Provisions to create a oneof-a-kind bar. The local nods don’t stop there.
“All of our art is local,” April said.
“Three artists featured are from Wetumpka and three from Montgomery. We tried to source as much local talent as possible everywhere we could.”
While affiliated with the two locations of Taste in Montgomery, diners will notice some differences in the menu.
“People familiar with Taste will see things
they like, but they will find new things,” Jeremy said. “Some of the things they find there will be a little bit different here.”
Wagyu steaks are frequently offered at all the locations but steak fanatics will notice the changes.
“There are differences in equipment,” Jeremy said. “We also season ours a little differently.”
Other menu items will be seasonal and may not be offered at all the locations. Ginger keeps tabs on all the kitchens to ensure the menu is up to par.
“She is the mastermind behind the food,” Jeremy said. “She is amazing.”
In addition, Clint has already scheduled numerous wine tastings and other events this year.
“We will be bringing in wine representatives and wine makers to talk about their products, showcasing a lot
of different wines and products,” Jeremy said. “It will be cool.”
April believes the Wetumpka location of Taste will not only
serve local diners but attract more people downtown.
“A lot of their clientele were driving from the lake down there,”
Interdependence
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge!
There was a very strange liquid coming from the sky earlier this morning. Call me crazy, but I believe people call the stuff “rain”! Next week, our nation will celebrate Independence Day. The holiday recognizes the declaration of independence from England made by the newly formed United States of America. We celebrate our nation’s 248th birthday this year!
I have always loved the Fourth of July. I love fireworks, but there is much more to my admiration for the holiday. I have always experienced it as a time to celebrate what is good about our nation, especially those things derived from our founding.
Over time, I began to be exposed to the not so goods from our nation’s history. Fortunately, I learned these lessons from teachers and elders who understood the relationship between good and not so goods. The two are connected, but they do not cancel each other out. In other words, wrongs do not eliminate rights, nor do rights eliminate wrongs. Rights and wrongs can diminish each other, but they do not cancel each other out. They affect each other, but do not define one another.
This is essentially right and wrong on God’s terms. The goodness of God and ongoing revelation of it does not eliminate the not so goods of the human condition. The
goodness of God informs the not so good and has sovereign authority, but it does not negate the not so goods present in life in the flesh.
One of God’s blessings is sometimes overlooked in Fourth of July celebrations. God created the earthly kingdom to be interdependent. In other words, all of the things God created and proclaimed good need each other. Humankind was created to be keepers of God’s interdependent creation.
Interdependence and independence are competing terms according to human definition. You cannot be both. A person is either independent or dependent. We either depend on others or we are self-sufficient, and we all know which option is
Church Briefs
identified as the best one.
I am one who believes that Independence Day celebrations, observances, and remembrances should be engaged on God’s terms. As such, the foundation of it all is interdependence, not independence. Honoring our nation’s history, the goods as well as the not so goods, should remind us that we need each other.
Think back to the times and places when we have truly come together as a nation. I am not speaking of some “good old days”, because history reveals that what some remember as good others do not.
That is the problem with the past, but I digress.
The times and places we have
REV. JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
flourished as a nation are the times and places we have put difference aside in the name of greater good. This involves sacrifice of self and self-interest. It is God’s definition of interdependence lived out in the mortal life.
The person volunteering or contributing at the food pantry, for instance, is sharing a blessing. The client shopping at the food pantry is as well. The shared blessing is meeting human need as it is where it is. Neither is more valuable than the other. They are interdependent. We should thank God for that!
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Wetumpka.
in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship.
Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blan-
kets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 334-312-4913.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
Please join us for Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. when the Rev. Lee Lowery will celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are asking everyone please to wear a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the
church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in
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.
Dalton MiDDleton SportS eDitor dalton.middleton@thewetumpkaherald.com
Delfin leads the nation in scoring
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Irvin Delfin jumped onto the scene in 2023 as a sophomore. Now in 2024, he’s a household name across high school soccer.
Only a junior, Delfin led the entire nation in scoring this season with Tallassee. Delfin scored 65 goals and added a county-best 21 assists. His 65 goals was 13 higher than the next closest player from Mississippi and his total points (151) were 25 more than the second-place finisher.
Tarpley leads Tallassee to historic season
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Tallassee’s soccer season was one for the history books.
Tallasssee, which had been to the playoffs only once, put together the best boys soccer season in program history.
The Tigers went 20-5-4, claimed the AHSAA Class 5A, Area 3 championship with a perfect 8-0 record, won back-toback playoff games and reached the 5A state tournament.
The team traveled to Huntsville and fell to eventual state champion Gulf Shores, 2-1. Despite the season ending earlier than hoped, Tallassee put itself on the soccer map. For the team’s success, coach Matt Tarpley has been named the 2024 Elmore County Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.
“This was a pretty magical season,” Tarpley said. “The boys joked all season that this was the makings of a Disney movie and it really kind of was. For the school and the little town and certainly for the boys to take this ride, it was an honor and a blessing and I enjoyed every minute of it.
They worked hard and earned it.”
Tallassee’s success certainly didn’t come out of nowhere. The Tigers went 16-4 in 2023, but they missed the postseason after going 5-3 in area play and finishing in third place.
Because of what he described as a gut punch, Tarpley knew his team had to change things up to ensure another great season didn’t go to waste.
The Tigers upped their intensity and training in the offseason and Tarpley made one of the toughest schedules in the surrounding area.
Tallassee scheduled four Class 7A teams, including Auburn, and went 2-1-1 against them. Tarpley then scheduled five Class 6A teams including Wetumpka, Stanhope, Ben Russell and Chilton County. Tallassee went 4-0-1 against Class 6A opponents.
Most of those games were close, and it prepared the Tigers for area play.
Instead of going 5-3 and finishing in third place, Tallassee was prepared and swept through its area opponents. The Tigers went 8-0, undefeated for the
His goal total set the school record for Tallassee and finished fourth in AHSAA single-season history. For his historic season, Delfin is the 2024 Elmore County Boys Soccer Player of the Year.
TARPLEY, Page B2 See DELFIN, Page B2
FILE | TPI Tallassee junior Irvin Delfin is defended by Gulf Shores in the Class 5A Final Four. Delfin scored a nation-best 65 goals this season while adding a countyhigh 21 assists.
2024 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY BOYS SOCCER TEAM
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: IRVIN
DELFIN, TALLASSEE JUNIOR
Delfin put the country on notice this season. The Tallassee striker scored a nationbest 65 goals to set the school record. He also added 21 assists as the Tigers reached the AHSAA Class 5A Final Four for the first time in program history.
FIRST TEAM
TREY BOSCH, TALLASSEE SENIOR
Bosch was one of the toughest keepers to score on in the entire state this season. He helped Tallassee secure seven shutouts as he recorded 145 saves in 29 games, including six penalty kick saves. He allowed just 1.4 goals per game.
AUSTIN HOLLEY, WETUMPKA SENIOR
Holley, part of Wetumpka’s two-headed monster up top, capped off his career with a stellar season that found him scoring 32 goals, good for third in the county, while adding 15 assists from the striker position.
ASHER JUSTICE, ELMORE COUNTY SOPHOMORE
Justice played one of the most versatile roles in the county this season. Whether he
was trailing an opposing team’s best offensive player or finding the back of the net for Elmore County, he proved to be one of the best.
LEWIS MOSELEY, TALLASSEE SOPHOMORE
Moseley proved to be one of the most efficient wingers in the state this season. The young Tallassee star recorded 11 goals but had a knack for great passes as he tallied 19 assists on the season.
JAY MYERS, STANHOPE ELMORE JUNIOR
Serving as one of the team’s captains, Myers scored 10 goals and was one of the team’s leaders in assists as well. His versatility allowed him to succeed both on offense and defense for the Mustangs.
TOM OVERDEIK, ELMORE COUNTY JUNIOR
Overdeik’s first season in Elmore County was a successful one for the talented offensive player. Overdeik was one of the Panthers’ top goal scorers while also tallying up the assists. He had a hand in nearly every goal Elmore County scored this season.
RHETT PINKSTON, WETUMPKA SENIOR
Already signed to Virginia Southern, Pinkston proved to be one of the county’s best
defenders this season. While holding teams to just 1.7 goals per game, he also found himself contributing to the offense as he recorded 5 goals and added 10 assists.
YUREN RODRIGUEZ, TALLASSEE SOPHOMORE Rodriguez has the most powerful leg of any player in the county, and the sophomore midfielder showed that off over and over again this season. He scored 25 goals, second best on the team only behind Delfin, and added 8 assists to help Tallassee to 20 wins.
SAM SEGARRA, HOLTVILLE SENIOR Segarra is a multi-sport star for the Bulldogs as he also landed on the All-County wrestling team in March. The senior forward was a big part of Holtville’s success this season and he was also named to Class 5A’s All-State team for his efforts.
STEVEN VASQUEZ, STANHOPE ELMORE JUNIOR Vasquez, who has manned Stanhope’s defense for the past few seasons, moved to center back this season and helped anchor a strong Stanhope defensive line. He was a key piece of the Mustangs’ +45 goal differential this year.
See SOCCER, Page B2
FILE | TPI
Tallassee coach Matt Tarpley led the Tallassee boys soccer team to its playoff win and Final Four appearance in program history.
FILE TPI Wetumpka senior Brody Worrell, a University of Alabama at Huntsville signee, led the Indians with 38 goals and 20 assists this season.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
COACH OF THE YEAR
Edgewood Academy’s Allison commits to Lawson State CC
able to go and do it, it’s a dream come true. I really liked Lawson State when I visited. They have a really nice facility and the coaching staff was great
Allison first got into contact with Lawson State early in the winter. He went for a visit around January, where he worked out for the team. He didn’t hear anything
from the team immediately after, but then received a text in the middle of his senior season.
He was asked how his season was going and then asked to come back for another visit when his senior season came to a close. Following Edgewood’s championship game appearance in May, Allison hit the road back to Lawson State for a second workout.
He was offered on the spot.
“It really didn’t take much thinking for me,” Allison said. “I already liked it the first time I went and so it was just a no-brainer.”
Stanhope Elmore hosts Youth Camp
be hosted at Foshee-Henderson Stadium. All kids, aged 5-12 years old, are allowed to participate in the camp. Participants can register by emailing varsity football coach Hunter Adams at hunter.adams@elmoreco. com or by visiting Stanhope Elmore High School’s main office. The registration fee is $30, but
the fee is lowered to $15 if the child enrolling is currently registered to play youth football with the Coosada Mustangs or the Grandview YMCA.
Registered children will go through drills and have the chance to play games and take photos with the Stanhope Elmore varsity football team.
be replicated again anytime soon. He’s a supremely talented player, but he also works harder than probably anyone else on the team. Whether it was conditioning and fitness work in October or a freezing cold practice in January or the semifinal game in Huntsville in May, Irvin showed up and worked every day. That led to his success.”
After Delfin’s scoring abilities were discovered last season, he was moved to striker instead of midfielder so he could take advantage of finding the back of the net.
With that, one would expect his goals to increase while his assists decrease.
But both categories doubled from his sophomore season.
SOCCER
Continued from B1
first time, and outscored Elmore County, Beauregard, Valley and Brew Tech a combined 50-7.
That clinched the area championship and a firstround playoff game for just the second time in program history.
“We knew we had to do something different this year,” Tarpley said.
“Our fitness in the fall was ramped up and we were more intentional about our training. Then playing the larger and tougher schools paid off.
He tallied 21 assists, which was one more than the next closest player in the county. While it showed teamwork skills, his ability to find other players also helped himself out because he wasn’t the only scoring threat.
“Irvin made a point this season to get his teammates involved,” Tarpley said. “He understood with the amount of goals he’s scoring, he’s going to draw a lot of attention. It will make his life easier if he shares the ball and gets his teammates involved so opposing teams can’t focus all their attention on him.”
Delfin saw teams’ attention set on him early in the season. The striker scored 12 goals in the first five games, then the double teams came. Then triple teams. Then individual players keying on him and just playing his body instead of a specific position. There were games late in the season
where he had two players tailing him; their only goal was to stop him from scoring.
It didn’t work. None of the strategies stopped him from finding the back of the net.
His goals actually increased as the season went on. After scoring only 10 goals in the month of March including the only game he was held scoreless, he was on a different level in April.
In 13 games that month, he scored 40 goals which resulted in an average of 3.08 goals per game. He scored at least three goals in nine April games and was held under two goals just twice.
As the season turned into the playoffs in May, he continued his scoring ways. He scored in every Tiger playoff game. He netted two goals against both Demopolis and Brewbaker Tech then scored the team’s lone goal in a 2-1 loss to even-
scored 38 goals and added 20 assists out of the midfield position. He is signed to play college soccer at the University of Alabama at Huntsville.
SECOND TEAM
Ricky Murillo, Tallassee Francisco Diego, Tallassee Chris Romero, Tallassee
Nobody laid down or rolled over for us and we had to go out there and compete 29 times this season. Thankfully, it worked out for us more times than not.”
Every achievement Tallassee accomplished also came with a plethora of fans lining the stands of J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium.
The Tigers were a special team at home. They finished the year with an undefeated record on the home pitch, going 12-0-2. They also got to celebrate some of the biggest moments of the year right there in their backyard.
tual state champion Gulf Shores in the semifinals.
“There were times when we would try to move him from up top to maybe a wing to try and hide or disguise him,” Tarpley said. “That helped sometimes, but the field isn’t that big and everyone knows what he looks like and what number he’s wearing. When teams would find success defending him, it would just fall to his teammates to find him opportunities to get involved. They did a good job late in the season of getting him the ball in advantageous situations.”
Following the season, Delfin was named to Class 5A’s First Team All-State team for the second time in his career. He was also named to the Super All-State Team, honoring the Top 25 players in the state regardless of classification.
Nathan Phelps, Holtville Colt Wesson, Holtville Tate McNeely, Elmore County
Dragos Petrov, Elmore County
Alexis Cano, Stanhope Elmore
Thomas Ricahrdson, Stanhope Elmore Colby Beyer, Stanhope Elmore Angel Gabriel, Wetumpka Ashton Sipes, Wetumpka
In a 4-2 win over Wetumpka at home early in April, Tallassee claimed the informal Elmore County championship after going undefeated (5-0) against county opponents and beating all four – Wetumpka, Stanhope Elmore, Elmore County and Holtville.
Tallassee then clinched its area championship at home in an 11-1 win over Valley.
Nine days later, the Tigers celebrated their first playoff win in school history by beating Demopolis, 5-0. Later that week, the Tigers hosted their second
playoff game of the year and punched their ticket to the program’s first Final Four with a 4-2 win over Brewbaker Tech.
“It’s great being at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium,” Tarpley said. “There’s no place like home and it was phenomenal to experience an undefeated season at home. Every accomplishment we had there got more and more special, especially with the support and the crowds we had. It felt really good to give the Tallassee community something to cheer about and something to get excited about this year.”
FILE TPI
Edgewood Academy’s Drew Allison hits in the AISA Class AA playoffs this season. Allison has committed to play college baseball at Lawson State Community College.
The Alexander City Outlook The Dadeville Record
The Tallassee Tribune The Wetumpka Herald
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WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from SHANE M. ROYALS, A SINGLE MAN, AND MELISSA L. WINDHAM, A SINGLE WOMAN to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC., AS NOMINEE FOR FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION D/B/A RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE, on the 3rd day of January, 2014, said mortgage recorded in the on January 13, 2014, in Deed/ Mortgage Book 2014, Page Records, said Mortgage having
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ggg and assigned to PennyMacment recorded in the aforesaidPennyMac Loan Services, LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, unof sale contained in said mortthe main entrance to the Elmore county courthouse located at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 in Wetumpon July 10, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the situated in Elmore County, AlaLOT 54 BLOCK F OF COTTON LAKES PLAT NO. 10, AS THE SAME IS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK 22, AT PAGE 19.as 434 COTTON LAKES BLVD, WETUMPKA, AL 36092.
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gg y Young And Mary L Young Husband And Wife to Green Tree 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 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
Public Notices
ppg and Testament of JOHN GILBERT MARX, deceased, and -
bate 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 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
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, 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.
your home? Advertise here and sell it faster. Call Classifieds at 256.414.4250.
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH G. THORNTON, CASE NO: 2024-150 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JUDITH G. THORNTON, deceased, having been granted to CYNTHIA G. YOUNG on June 18, 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.
CYNTHIA G. YOUNG PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JUDITH G. THORNTON, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: KAMMIE B. LEE ATTORNEY AT LAW 109 COMPANY STREET SUITE 240 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-478-3808 kammieblee@aol.com
Wetumpka Herald: June 26, July 3 and 10, 2024 EST/THORNTON, J.
Public Notices
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
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
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 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
Public Notices
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 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 MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by ALBERT T. EAVES, AN UNMARRIED MAN, to MAX CREDIT UNION on NOVEMBER 16, 2020, said mortgage being recorded in the of ELMORE County, Alabama, 86084, the undersigned MAX CREDIT UNION, as mortgagee (or 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, at the entrance of the Courthouse of ELMORE 2024, between the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in ELMORE County, Alabama, to wit: AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION
SEC. EAST, 762.58 FEET
SEC. EAST, 580.55 FEET TO -
(60’ R.O.W. AS SHOWN ON
EAST, 208.71 FEET TO THE THE ABOVE DESCRIBED SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER AND CONTAINS 1.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS Subject to all zoning, easements, restrictions, restrictive covenants and reservations appearing of record. Said sale will also be made subject to any Federal Tax Liens, Ad Valorem Real Estate Taxes and<\\>or Special Assessments of any nature, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the property. The property is being sold “as is, where is”. Said property is sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use, enjoyment or condition. The mortgagee or transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. All bidders will be required to execute a bidding agreement prior to sale. Copies of the bidding agreement may be obtained prior to the sale. The successful bidder will be required to pay the bid amount at the time 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. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the attorneys fees and expenses of foreclosure. This sale is subject to cancellation or postponement. MAX CREDIT UNION, Mortgagee-Transferee Leonard N. Math
Wetumpka Herald: FC/EAVES
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
Public Notices
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, in front of the courthouse doors, main entrance, in Montgomery County, Alabama, during the legal hours of sale on July 11, 2024, the real estate being more particularly described as lying and being situated in Elmore County, State of Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the Northwest Corner of Section 10, Township 20 North, Range 18 East, Elmore County, Alabama; thence fence corner on the East ROW of a paved county road; thence continuing South on the East ROW of the paved county Beginning; thence East 210.0 feet; thence South 210.0 feet; thence West 210.0 feet to the East ROW of the paved county road; thence North 210.0 feet tract or parcel of land containing 1.0 acre, more or less, and lying and being situated in the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 10, Township 20 North, Range 18 East, Elmore County, Alabama. This conveyance is made subject to all restrictions, reservations, easements and right-ofway of record affecting the title to the above described property. Said sale and conveyance will also be made subject to the legal rights of existing Federal Tax Liens, and/or Special Assessments, if any, which might adversely affect title to subject property. Such sale will be made as provided in said mortgage for the purpose of paying the debt secured by said mortgage with interest thereon, any amounts required 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 STATE OF ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY FORECLOSURE NOTICE
WHEREAS, on January 25, 2011, Anrew Reid Smith, III, did execute and deliver to River Bank & Trust a mortgage on certain real estate hereinafter described, which mortgage apthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, at Real Property Book 2011, Page 6772, and, WHEREAS, 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, in front of the courthouse doors, main entrance, in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, during the legal hours of sale on February 27, 2024, the real estate being more particularly described as lying and being situated in Elmore County, State of Alabama, to-wit: Boundary survey of a 106.35 acre tract of land located mostly in the West ½ of the SW 1/4 of section 28 and partly in the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of section 29, all in T20N, R17E, Elmore County Alabama described as follows: Begin at a fence corner found near the SE corner of the West ½ of the SW 1/4 of said section 28; Thence S 88 deg. 54’ 17” W, 2665.41 Feet to a concrete monument found near the SW corner of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of said section 29; Thence N 0 deg 44’ 10” E, 1339.86 feet to a pipe found at a fence corner; Thence N 1 deg 09’ 04” E, 982.80 feet to an iron pin found; Thence N 90 deg 00’ 00” W, 413.67 feet to an iron pin found on the West edge of a gravel road; Thence N 90 deg 00’ 00” E, 526.51 feet to an iron pin found; Thence S 0 deg 49’ 37” W, 1870.90 feet to the point of beginning. Also,
Public Notices
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 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.
RIVER BANK & TRUST PARNELL & PARNELL, P.A. BY: Charles N. Parnell, III Attorney for Mortgagee Montgomery, Alabama 36102 334/832-4200
Wetumpka Herald: Jun. 26, Jul. 3 and 10, 2024 FC/SMITH
Selling your home? Advertise here and sell it faster. Call Classifieds at 256.414.4250.
PUBLIC NOTICE LAKE JORDAN STORAGE, LLC 1955 TITUS ROAD TITUS, AL 36080 334-312-2645 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE AND/OR AUCTION
LAKE JORDAN STORAGE, LLC URSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE ALABAMA SELF STORAGE ACT (CODE OF ALA, 1975 8-15-30) HEREBY GIVES NOTICE OF SALE UNDER SAID ACT TO WIT:
DATE: July 13, 2024 TIME: 10:00 AM LOCATION: LAKE JORDAN STORAGE, LLC 1955 TITUS ROAD TITUS, AL 36080
LESSOR WILL CONDUCT A PUBLIC SALE FOR CASH REIMBURSEMENT OF STORAGE DUES FOR THE FOLLOWING CONTENTS OF THE FOLLOWING UNITS:
NAME: Kenneth Jefferson ADDRESS: 41 W Campbellton Street Fairburn, GA 30213 UNIT: Storage Units 9 & 43
NAME: Laketa Austin ADDRESS: 1610 Jones Corner Rd Titus, AL 36080 UNIT: Storage Unit 61
NAME: Emily Kelley ADDRESS: 1930 Gallant Fox Dr Helena, AL 35080 UNIT: Storage Units BS 18
NAME: Lisa Palmer c/o Meagan Daly ADDRESS: 3440 McEntire Close Montgomery, AL 36106 UNIT: Storage Unit 72
NAME: Bob Henderson ADDRESS: 4008 Westwood Lane Apex, NC 27539 UNIT: Storage Unit 71 THE OCCUPANT HAS THE RIGHT TO REDEEM THE CONTENTS ANYTIME PRIOR TO THE SALE. THIS SALE IS BEING HELD TO STATISFY A STATUTORY LESSOR’S LEIN. CASH ONLY
Wetumpka Herald: June 26 and July 3, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION
Holt named Super All-State
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Wetumpka senior Mya Holt earned one final accolade in her high school career.
Holt, a Troy signee, was named to the Alabama Sports Writer Association’s Super AllState Team, which consists of the 10 best softball players in the state of Alabama, regardless of classification. The 10 players selected were Holt, Daphne’s Vic Moten, Hewitt-Trussville’s Sara
Phillips, Athen’s Morgan Stiles, Orange Beach’s Ava Hodo, Jasper’s Missy Odom, Opp’s Reese Cauley, Houston Academy’s Braya Hodges, Wicksburg’s Natalie Cole and Central-Phenix City’s Ally Susan. Holt and Stiles are both two-time Super All-State selections after being selected as juniors in 2023.
Holt, who was also named Class 6A’s Pitcher of the Year by the ASWA, recently wrapped up her senior year with Wetumpka as
Stanhope Elmore football legend hired as assistant coach
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
One of the best football players in Stanhope Elmore history is back on the sidelines.
Stanhope Elmore has hired former legend BJ Smith as its new running back coach.
Smith graduated from Stanhope Elmore in 2015 and went on to play six seasons at Troy University.
“As a head coach, your primary goal when putting a staff together is to put men who are great role models and strong positive influences around your kids,” Stanhope coach Hunter Adams said.
“BJ Smith is both of those.
It’s a huge bonus when that coach is from your community, excelled there, and excelled beyond there.”
Smith had a stellar varsity career for the Mustangs. As a junior, he was an All-County First-Team selection after rushing for 1,114 yards and 12 touchdowns. As a senior, he eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark once again and scored 10 more touchdowns. He was named First-Team All-County and All-Metro. After his final game in a Mustang uniform, Smith verbally committed and signed with Troy.
At Troy, Smith played in 61 games across six seasons.
He rushed 454 times for 2,203 yards and 23 touchdowns, good for 4.9 yards per carry.
He had 62 catches for 532 yards, 10 kick returns for 172 yards and 7 total tackles.
His best season came in 2018 when he rushed 219 times for 1,186 yards and 13 touchdowns and was named First Team All-Sun Belt.
“Our guys watched him be a star on the field in high
ALLISON Continued from B2
she led the Indians back to the AHSAA Class 6A State Tournament held in Oxford.
She hit .481 with 74 hits, 15 doubles, 6 triples, 19 home runs, 54 RBIs and 53 runs scored. In the circle, she went 27-5 with a 1.205 earned run average and 208 strikeouts in 174 ⅓ innings.
She was also named the Elmore County Player of the Year for the third-consecutive season.
Holt wrapped up quite the illustrious high school career. She
Lee era
leaves Wetumpka as the best player to ever step through the softball program and has 20 school records – 12 career and 8 single-season – to her name.
She’s the school’s all-time record holder in home runs, RBIs, hits, doubles, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, career wins at pitcher, career ERA, strikeouts and batting average against.
After a junior campaign in 2023 where she led Wetumpka to its second state title in program history, she was the first Wetumpka player to earn
begins as Holtville enters new region
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The Cory Lee era of Holtville football is officially underway. Lee has taken over the Bulldogs’ program after Jason Franklin retired this offseason. The Bulldogs went 7-4 last season and hosted a first-round playoff game. Lee and his team will look to continue that hot streak as the Bulldogs enter Class 5A, Area 4. Holtville’s schedule in Lee’s first year looks to be feast or famine. The 10 teams on the schedule had a combined record of 57-55 last season.
ville will face this season. Even going down with a leg injury and missing the final two games of Central Clay’s season last year, Boyd finished his junior campaign with 154 carries for 1,621 yards and 22 touchdowns. He averaged more than 10.5 yards per carry.
school and in college,” Adams said. “He was a star in the classroom during his time at SEHS as well. … We are thrilled to have him on staff and excited about what he can give back to his alma mater. He has a great veteran coach to work alongside in Scott Johnson, who knows the game and the profession very well, and can offer a wealth of knowledge to a young coach.”
Smith will have plenty of talent to work with as he joins Stanhope’s staff.
The Mustangs are led offensively by Arthur McQueen, who jumped onto the scene last year with a stellar sophomore season.
McQueen rushed for 1,430 yards and 13 touchdowns and is looking to carry that momentum into this fall.
Earlier this spring, McQueen had 16 carries for 213 yards and five touchdowns in the spring scrimmage against Chelsea.
McQueen is running behind All-County linemen Macin James and Xavier Foxhall.
Rising sophomore Dee Barnes is also returning in the backfield after rushing for more than 200 yards with three touchdowns as a freshman.
“Someone like BJ is especially beneficial to guys like Arthur McQueen who has the potential to be the same kind of Division I impact running back, and Dee Barnes who is a rising sophomore with the same kind of ceiling,” Adams said. “He can give them first hand perspective on details of the position and on what’s needed to be the best at that position in high school and beyond.”
Allison has played both second base and shortstop in his Edgewood career. He was the team’s primary shortstop this year, and that’s where he played
Eight of those 10 teams reached the playoffs, with two reaching the third round. Four teams had at least eight wins last year and two won 10. On the other hand, the Bulldogs will face four teams that had two wins or less.
TRENDS
The Bulldogs open the season against one of the toughest teams on the schedule with Trinity coming to town. Trinity went 11-2 last year and reached the third round of the Class 3A playoffs. Holtville has never beaten Trinity (0-4) and has been outscored 172-19 in those four games.
The next two weeks, however, are both against teams that won only two games in Shelby County and Sylacauga. Holtville is 4-0 against Shelby County and has won that matchup each of the last two seasons by at least 21 points. The middle of the season will see a five-week
stretch during which Holtville faces five straight opponents with a winning record a year ago, all of which made the playoffs. In the middle of that is matchups against Central Clay and Valley. Holtville has never faced Valley before and is 0-5 against Central Clay. The last two weeks of the season will be against Marbury (2-9) and Tallassee (1-9), which could mean a positive end is in store for the Bulldogs. Holtville beat Tallassee by 26 points last season and Marbury by 36.
GAMES TO WATCH Holtville and Elmore County are continuing the annual rivalry game. The two schools have played each other every year since 2006 and are region opponents again after a twoyear separation. This game the last two seasons has been one of the most exciting games in the county. Two years ago, the schools set records for the most total points scored in a game (111) and last season was a 28-21 Elmore County win that came down to the wire. Holtville will face Valley for the first time in program history Oct. 18.
Both schools had successful seasons last year, going 7-4 and reaching the first round. Valley, however, will look much different as the Rams lost their starting quarterback and all four of their talented receivers. Holtville will end the season once again with a non-region matchup with Tallassee. The Tigers, which went 1-9 last season, lost to Holtville for the first time since 1982. Tallassee has a new coach and some new key players who have transferred in, and this matchup could be exciting to see play out in the first weekend of November.
OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH TILYN CARRELL, VALLEY RUNNING BACK
Carrell enters the 2024 season as the only skill player who started for Valley last season. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound running back will be the star of Valley’s offense. He rushed for 1,081 yards and six touchdowns last season while averaging 7.5 yards per carry. He added 104 receiving yards, 12 tackles and 1 sack.
LADAMION BOYD, CENTRAL CLAY COUNTY RUNNING BACK Boyd will be one of the top skill players Holt-
JOSH GRIFFIN, TALLASSEE RUNNING BACK It doesn’t get any easier for Holtville’s defense when the Bulldogs face Tallassee to end the season. Josh Griffin announced on social media he is returning to Tallassee for his senior season. In his one year at Montgomery Catholic last year, the three-star back rushed for 1,898 yards and 25 touchdowns while winning a state championship. He holds offers from Liberty, Appalachian State and North Alabama.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 23 – Trinity at Holtville
Aug. 30 – Holtville at Shelby County Sept. 6 – Sylacauga at Holtville* Sept. 13 – Holtville at Elmore County* Sept. 20 – BYE Sept. 27 – Maplesville at Holtville
Oct. 4 – Beauregard at Holtville*
Oct. 11 – Holtville at Central Clay County*
Oct. 18 – Valley at Holtville*
Oct. 25 – Holtville at Marbury*
Nov. 1 – Holtville at Tallassee
* denotes region competition
Battle for the County returns for second year
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Wetumpka is looking to keep its bragging rights for another calendar year. The second annual Battle for the County 7-on-7 Tournament is back this week. Wetumpka, the defending champions, is set to host Stanhope Elmore, Holtville, Elmore County and Tallassee at 5 p.m. Friday at the Wetumpka Sports Complex. The five teams will all play each other one time
when he worked out for Lawson State CC. No matter where he plays at the college level, Allison is comfortable with his defense. “I can play shortstop and second base, or I can play somewhere else if they need me to,” Allison said. “I feel like I’m
in a round robin format to begin the tournament before seeds are determined. Then the five teams will play in a single-elimination tournament with the winner earning the trophy for the next season. The Indians claimed the trophy last year as they went 5-1 and beat Elmore County, 32-0, in the championship game. Elmore County finished second, and Stanhope and Tallassee were third and fourth, respectively. At least three of the county teams will be breaking in new quarterbacks with Wetumpka’s Nate Rogers, Stanhope’s
pretty good on defense and I can be a top of the lineup and speed guy for them.”
Allison was one of the county’s, and AISA’s, best leadoff hitters this year. He earned AllState honors for his play where he hit .358 with 38 hits, 15 doubles, 7 triples, 2 home runs and
25 RBIs. He was a force to be reckoned with on the base paths with 21 stolen bases and 50 runs scored. He didn’t have as many stolen base opportunities as a normal leadoff hitter would as 24 of his 38 hits were for extra base hits.
Those hits allowed him to show off his speed out of the batter’s box.
“Normally when I hit the ball, I’m always thinking extra bases no matter what,” Allison said. “If it’s in the outfield, I’m thinking extra bases. Hopefully I can bring that to Lawson State.”
Gatorade Player of the Year honors.
Wetumpka’s Mya Holt has been named to the ASWA’s Super All-State Team. She is one of two players who have made the list in back-to-back seasons.
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Stanhope Elmore and Troy graduate BJ Smith has been hired as the Mustangs’ running backs coach. Smith rushed for over 1,000 yards twice in high school and once at Troy in 2018.
Holtville football team runs onto the field during a game last season. The Bulldogs went 7-4 and reached the first round of the Class 5A playoffs.
Jacob Bryant and Elmore County’s Ryals McNeely all graduated this past spring.
FILE TPI Wetumpka’s football team celebrates winning the first Battle for the County 7-on-7 Tournament last summer.The 2nd annual tournament is at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 28.
Alabama Expos win Global World Series
By HENRY ZIMMER Sports Reporter
A youth baseball team from Tallapoosa and Elmore Counties competed and won at the highest stage of USSSA ball.
The Alabama Expos competing in 13U traveled to Panama City Beach for the weeklong USSSA Global World Series tournament June 11-16. The boys won the world series in a rematch game over a squad from Franklin, Tennessee completing their season.
The team consists of Brancen Arant, Drew Burks, Sebastian Cordova, Ayden Easterling,
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Tysen Franks, Crimson Hill, Jose Moreno, Jay Oliver, Mason Reay, Crawford Vest and Thomas Xiengsen. The team is coached by Chet Sanford,
Elliot Reay and Jose Moreno Sr.
In the 28-team tournament, teams are split into three levels of competition based on points accumu-
The staff of the
directions.
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and History
Learning directions at the library
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Learning the cha-cha quickly turned into learning the cardinal directions of north, south, east and west at the Wetumpka Public Library summer reading program.
The Alabama Department of Archives and History presented a program on maps to the children and quickly a slide to the right turned into a slide to the east.
“They always do such
a great job with the programs,” children’s librarian Cathy Saylor said.
“They come out every year.”
Saylor said the staff at state archives take an early note of the theme for the upcoming reading program every year and use multiple staff members to pull together an interactive lesson and presentation. This year students were locating Elmore and Montgomery counties on a map, learning cardinal directions,
measurements using scale and maps.
The students quickly learned various tools were necessary depending on the size of the measurement. In some cases, a ruler worked but in others a longer measuring tape was necessary.
The summer reading program has several more weeks left with Wildly Blessed, a magician and more coming to visit the children.
“It will all be fun,” Saylor said.
Dash of Fashion relocates to Wetumpka from Tallassee
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Dash of Fashion is now open in Wetumpka.
Owner Jenna Wright has brought her upscale consignment selection of clothing to Company Street and it was well received on opening day last Wednesday.
“Everyone has been very supportive,” Wright said. “Several business owners have introduced themselves to me and talked. Some have even shopped.” Wright wasn’t sure what to expect on the first day.
“I thought we would be busier with consignment than shoppers, but it has been very steady,” Wright said. “We have been very busy. There hasn’t been five minutes that I haven’t had somebody to help.”
All of the clothing in Dash of Fashion is consignment and very little of it is new. There are options for women, men and children. The clothing is gently used in most cases.
“On the men’s side we have more name brands like Polo, Nike, Under Armour and Adidas,” Wright said. “On the women's side we take a lot of brands but are
very picky. We have to look at it and see if it is something we take. We don’t take as many dress clothes as we do cute tops, cute pants. Most everything is casual.”
Wright opened Dash of Fashion in Tallassee when she purchased the business in 2013. Three years ago an Eclectic location was opened.
“We had an abundance of consignment and nowhere to put it so we opened in Eclectic to split it up,” Wright said. “Eclectic has been really good. The people have been really supportive. The businesses are supportive. Overall it has been good.”
Customers had been
lated through the year. The splits are for major, AAA and AA and every team had to play a mixed pool play against teams from all three divisions. After pool play, teams are split into two groups, Red and Blue, based on performance. The Alabama Expos placed in the top half, placing them in the Red division of AA. The Expos’ first game was against a major team from Gulf Breeze, which resulted in an 8-0 loss. The next game was a rebound 4-2 win over a AAA team from Parker, Colorado. That win was followed by a 12-4 victory over a team from Arkan-
sas. The Expos drew the No. 2 overall seed after their pool play performance and parlayed that into a 6-3 win over a squad from outside Dallas.
In the semifinals, the Expos fell to top-seeded Franklin, Tennessee. 6-3 placing the boys in the loser’s bracket. In the first game of the loser’s bracket, the Expos pulled out a gritty 3-1 win over a unit from Cincinnati.
Based on scheduling, the Expos played their first game at 10 a.m. but didn’t start their game against Cincinnati until four in the afternoon.
The win over Cincy
placed the Expos in the World Series, rematching with Franklin. In the final game of the tournament, the Expos pulled out a 13-6 win to be crowned champions.
Before tournament play started, Brancen from Wetumpka Middle School was crowned a finalist in the Golden Arm skills competition. Brancen, along with Jose and Crawford last year won a World Series through Future Pro Baseball Players of America. Jay Oliver and Brancen are also rostered to compete in this year’s Perfect Game All-Star tournament.
Elmore County well on way to 2025 budget
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Elmore County most likely will have its fiscal year 2025 budget approved before the year starts Oct. 1. For the last few months county employees have been working with department heads to pull together the necessary information for commissioners to make a decision about how money will be spent in the next fiscal year.
“The first draft of the budget is nearly finished,” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer told the commission at its Monday meeting. All the document lacks is some information from the Alabama Department of Revenue for Elmore County Revenue Commis -
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sioner's Office. It is funding that should be plugged in already, but officials are awaiting confirmation.
The budget is far enough along to most likely allow a few weeks of review by the commission before a vote in August. While the approval is more than a month before the start of the fiscal year, the early budget approval allows county staff to more effectively close the books on 2024 and be ready for 2025.
At Monday’s meeting the commission also recognized recent Wetumpka High School graduate Julius Williams for being awarded the Class 6A Bryant-Jordan Student Achievement Award.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
down in his chambers to review it before Monday’s hearing. He said he saw an officer trying to possibly avoid the wires of a Taser deployed to stop Quinn. The judge also noted he saw Hicks kneel down in what appears to be a strike to Quinn’s face and then kick him again.
Hicks’ attorney Richard Keith said the strikes were brachial punches meant to subdue Quinn, but difficult to locate because of the length of Quinn’s hair.
approaching Wright about coming to Wetumpka for almost two years. Wright saw declining foot traffic in downtown Tallassee and when the truck wrecked on the front door, the decision to move to Wetumpka was sped up. In six weeks Wright and family moved the store. Hours are still being determined as Wright looks at the shopping patterns of customers.
“We are trying to figure out what works best with this location and with the Eclectic location staying open,” Wright said. We are hoping to eventually be Tuesday through Saturday or Monday through Saturday like Eclectic.”
Hicks admitted to his part in the matter in March. He recounted portions of the March 2022 evening where he came to the aid of an officer with the Wetumpka Police Department who wasn’t responding to dispatch during a traffic stop. Hicks said by the time he arrived on the scene he saw another officer bloodied and bruised. Hicks told Coogler his reaction stemmed from PTSD from his Marine Corps service. Hicks saw his best friend killed by sniper fire and he also sustained a traumatic brain injury. Since the brain injury was in a combat zone, his medical treatment was delayed. He returned from the Marines to the ECSO. He pulled victims from a burning vehicle and in February 2022 was shot between his chest and shoulder during a call near Eclectic. When he responded to the traffic stop, the bullet was still near his shoulder. Franklin said Hicks was on the county’s SWAT team and agreed that he likely let him come back too quickly. Just 25 days after the shooting, Hicks returned to patrol. Nine days later Hicks encountered the Quinn traffic stop.
“I was unaware at the time [Quinn] was handcuffed,” Hicks told Coogler. “I saw the subject as a threat and subdued him. I regret my actions that day.”
Hicks was taken off patrol after
• Approved minutes of the June 10 meeting.
• Approved a memorandum of warrants in the amount of $9,194,327.16 for June 1 to 14.
• Set a notice of a public hearing for 5 p.m. July 22 for the proposed vacation of Brantley Road off of Rigsby Road and an unnamed road off of Brantley Road to an adjoining property owner.
• Approved dates for fiscal year 2025 Elmore County Commission meetings. Most are the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 5 p.m.
• Approved the fiscal year 2025 holiday schedule. The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, July 8.
the incident and was soon placed on a one-year unpaid leave as it was investigated. Hicks later left law enforcement and started to work in the private sector.
Hicks said he would apologize for his part in the events of the day to Quinn if he were present. Counts said victim services had attempted to contact Quinn to let him know he could be at sentencing.
Hicks asked for leniency. Coogler said he couldn’t take much into account since he pleaded guilty. The federal court guidelines recommended a prison sentence of 41 to 51 months since Coogler ruled the incident an assault. An aggravated assault ruling would have had a 97 to 121 month recommended prison sentence.
Hicks’ plea agreement had prosecutors recommending a sentence at the lower end of the recommendations. Coogler also gave Hicks 12 months off the sentence for his service in the Marines.
Hicks will not report to prison immediately. Coogler said first the Federal Bureau of Prisons must document him as being prior law enforcement to better protect him behind bars.
“You are not the first law enforcement officer to go to prison,” Coogler said.
If Hicks hasn’t heard from the bureau of prisons within 60 days, he is to check with his attorney, the court and the U.S. Marshalls Service to see what his next steps are.
Franklin said his department was looking for Quinn after a failure to appear in court on a resisting arrest case that was still ongoing in circuit court.
According to court records, Quinn wrote 19th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Joy Booth a letter apologizing for not being in court in March because he did not know about it because of having no attorney. He asked for a trial date to be set.
Booth set a court date for September in the matter.
The Alabama Expos won the USSSA Global World Series in Panama City Beach on June 16. The 13U team is composed of athletes from Tallapoosa and Elmore Counties.
Alabama Department of Archives
reworded a song to help teach
Two steps to the left became two steps to the east or west.
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Dash of Fashion has moved from downtown Tallassee to downtown Wetumpka. It offers consignment sales of causual clothing.
SUMMER READING FUN
WELL UNDER WAY IN ECLECTIC
Elmore County girls see growth in play dates
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Elmore County’s girls
basketball team has seen some growth this summer, but coach Kyle Caldwell is still looking for a consistent scorer.
Elmore County has played in two summer play dates the last two weeks. The Panthers made the trip two weeks ago to Wetumpka where they faced off with Tallassee and Benjamin Russell.
A week later, they played Dadeville and Beulah at Reeltown.
While the first play date didn’t go quite the way Caldwell and his team would have liked, it was a much better experience at Reeltown.
“From the first week, you could really tell we were much more prepared and played cleaner with more practice,” Caldwell said.
“We had less turnovers and we scored more points. Scoring is going to be the biggest thing for us this year. We need girls to step up and score every game if we are to sustain any success this year.”
Caldwell’s roster is full of guards, and he has plenty of depth just like he did last year.
The issue is with his two main scorers from a year ago, All-County stars Emily Mason and Kyasia Brown both graduated. Now, the scoring is being turned over to role players. In the last two weeks of
play dates, Caldwell has seen players such as Cherish Foye, Lalah Culpepper, Addison Hicks and Avery Hull step up and play those roles.
“Lalah and Cherish did a really good job of scoring the ball this summer,” Caldwell said. “Avery shot the ball well from outside in the Reeltown play date. Now we just need to keep that consistency going into the fall and the winter.”
While Caldwell looks for scorers, he also has to strategize the best way to use them and the rest of the team. He is trying to figure out whether it’s better to run more zone defense than man defense, that way his team doesn’t get as tired out chasing offensive players around on possessions.
Elmore County’s defense has been a staple of the team the last few years, and the team has pressed teams with much success. That is another question mark as Caldwell figures out what this team can do defensively.
“We have to figure out how to keep our main scorers energized enough to continue scoring,” Caldwell said. “I think the fun part of the summer is seeing what we can work on and figuring out what the girls pick up. And I think it’s fun for the girls too. They’re not wanting to sit there and do the same thing every day so finding new schemes and strategizing is the fun part of summer.”
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The Eclectic Public Library hosted a program on the outdoors last week as it celebrates children’s reading with “Let the Adventure Begin in Your Library.” The library recently hosted Jimmy Lanier and Bill Garnett at the Eclectic Warehouse for a program on trails, mountains and towers in Alabama. The library’s ukulele group, The String Alongs, entertained the children and parents. They all joined in a song written just up the road — Hank Williams’ Kowaliga. An Indian and Indian maiden also made an appearance in the program.
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ABOVE: Elmore County’s Cherish Foye, left, drives to the hoop against Tallassee in a summer play date last week.The Panthers have played in five games the last two weeks.
BELOW: Elmore County’s Addison Hicks looks to pass the ball against Tallassee in a summer play date.