INSIDE: Millbrook remembers those
Reeves tabbed to be next Wetumpka police chief
Holtville High School basketball coach arrested
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
Six years after coming home to Wetumpka to serve as assistant police chief, Ed Reeves was appointed police chief.
A virtual teacher at Elmore County School’s Edge program has been arrested and charged with school employee distributing obscene material to a student.
Reeves is a Wetumpka native and had worked for the Montgomery Police Department for 17 years before tak -
Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin said Emmanuel Andre Wilson II, 32, of Montgomery turned himself into authorities Tuesday afternoon.
ing the assistant chief job in Wetumpka. Reeves’ appointment was made at Monday’s Wetumpka City Council meeting.
Reeves worked with the Wetumpka Fire Department.
investigation and handed it off to the appropriate authorities. He was also placed on administrative leave at that time.”
Reeves will be sworn in at a later date. He replaces chief Greg Benton, who is resigning effective June 1.
Franklin said investigators with the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office have the alleged vic
“You have been a great assistant chief,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “You have brought a lot of knowledge here to Wetumpka.”
Prior to going to the Montgomery Police Department,
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
Dennis said school officials follow the same procedure when administrators receive a report of allegations against school staff and employees.
Auditors presented councilmembers with a standing of the city’s financial statements at the council meeting. They noted the city’s conservative budgeting worked well. For
“Once we hand it over, we know very little about what is going on,” Dennis said. “We cooperate with authorities if necessary.”
fiscal year 2023, the City of Wetumpka had $20 million in actual revenue compared to a budgeted $17 million. It had $15 million in actual expenses and had budgeted for $15.5 million.
tim’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.”
Wilson was released on a $6,000 bond 90 minutes after turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website.
“We like where we are financially, especially with new businesses coming online,” Willis said. “We expect good gains in the next
Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.
paying down debt leaving it with $10.48 million. The council passed a few expenditures that will show up in the fiscal year 2024 financial statements including fire alarm monitoring for the new fire station on Holtville Road.
Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.
Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
WETUMPKA CELEBRATES GRADUATION
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each See CHAMBER, Page A3
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Interests are wide for Ashley Dee Fulmer. Fulmer just graduated with 270 of her classmates at Wetumpka
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Su perintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
“Kyle Futral is an exception al principal and is very proac tive and innovative in his think ing and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the school culture from that of a
And she was also
Fulmer encourages being open minded and taking advan-
Police
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Eleven
in the city took place in 2018.
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the See SHOOTING, Page A3
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
rale, achievement and attendancelence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’scouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 per cent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
WILSON
CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI Wetumpka valedictorian Ashley Dee Fulmer, right, marches onto the football field at the Wetumpka Sports Complex Tuesday night. Fulmer is headed to Auburn University.
Obituaries
WILLIAM BERRIDGE DUNN
William Berridge Dunn died Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at his home. He was born to Margaret Berridge Dunn and Dr. Julius Ethelbert Dunn on February 2, 1934, in Covington, KY. He was 90 years old.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church with The Rev. Ally Perry officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery with Gassett Funeral Home of Wetumpka directing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his two younger brothers Dr. Julius Ethelbert (Beau) Dunn, Jr. and The Rev. Patrick Hall (Pat) Dunn, and his sister-in-law Mary Elizabeth (Ebba) Kendall Dunn. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sarah Louise Kendall Dunn of Eutaw, AL; and their three children: Dr. S. Kendall Dunn (Dr. John A. Buettner) of Pike Road, AL; Wil -
liam Berridge Dunn Jr. (Dr. Cheri Colagross Dunn) of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; and Dr. Walter Moreland Dunn (Emily Williams Dunn) of Mountain Brook, AL; and 4 grandchildren: Dr. Dawson Kendall Buettner of New Orleans, LA; Laurel Dunn Buettner of Vestavia Hills, AL; William Stovall Dunn, and Carolyn Elizabeth Dunn, both of Mountain Brook, AL; his wonderful nieces who were always so sweet to him: Margaret Berridge Dunn Darnell (Michael), Katyleene Kendall Dunn McCall (Scott), Elizabeth Stovall Dunn Puckett (Jeffrey), Josephine Hogan Dunn Borer (Cory), Ashlee Warren Dunn Thull (Monty), and their children. His sister-in-law Phyllis Warren Dunn of Mobile and other relatives also survive him.
Bill attended Starke University School and graduated from Wetumpka High School in 1952. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the Uni -
versity of Alabama in 1956, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He was awarded his Juris Doctor Degree from the Alabama School of Law in 1961. He practiced law in Wetumpka with George Howard in Howard & Dunn and later with George’s two sons, Houston and Keith, in Howard Dunn Howard & Howard.
William Berridge Dunn had many friends of all ages who enjoyed his quick sense of humor and zest for life. Anyone who knew him will have a favorite story. Many will involve food, because he had a healthy appetite.
Bill liked to keep busy, especially physical work outdoors. He and Sarah Louise built four houses during 63 years in Wetumpka and developed the land around each. The two enjoyed working together. They picked up rocks and built various walls, particularly at their last home where they spent 29 years inside the Wetumpka
Crater. Everywhere they lived they planted trees, shrubs, azaleas, and daffodils. Bill was a beekeeper on two different occasions. His favorite hobby was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle with his friends. He belonged to Trinity Episcopal Church in Wetumpka and was the last remaining Charter Member. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Maintenance Reserve Fund or Elmore County Humane Shelter. Pallbearers will be Dr. Cory Borer, Jonathan McCall, Scott McCall, Turner McCall, Jeffrey Puckett, and Robert Roten. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Brown, Dr. Spencer Coleman, Michael Davis, Charles Edwards, Lewis Hickman, Judge Jimmy Stubbs, Col. Robert Sutton, and Mayor Jerry Willis. Many thanks to Addie Stubbs for playing for the service and Baptist Hospice and Theresa Gordon and her faithful sitters.
Wetumpka man arrested for sex abuse
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Wetumpka Police Department is investigating a sexual abuse case. Rickey Moore, 56, of Wetumpka was arrested Sunday and charged with second-degree sexual abuse.
Police Reports
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
MAY 21
• Forgery was reported on U.S. Highway 231. MAY 19
• Domestic violence was reported
“It stems from alleged sexual contact with a minor,” Wetumpka deputy police chief Ed Reeves said. Reeves said he couldn’t comment further at this time.
Moore was transported to the Elmore County Jail where he has a $15,000 bond available to him. He was still in jail
on U.S. Highway 231.
as of Thursday afternoon. According to court records, Moore was arrested in for first-degree sexual abuse in 2020 and pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct. In 2013 he pleaded guilty to harassment after being charged with first-degree sexual abuse. MOORE
• Harassment was reported on Chapel Road.
• Domestic violence and criminal trespass was reported on Shelby Street. MAY 17
• Domestic violence and criminal
Continued from A1
trespass was reported on North Shelby Street.
• Domestic violence was reported on Cherry Street. MAY 16
• Domestic violence was reported on North Broad Street.
Humane Society of Elmore County News
Even animals contributed in times of war
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
Memorial Day is a time to pause and reflect about all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live free. While many are focusing on time off and starting on summer fun please take a bit of time to give thanks for their lives given to us for eternity. While we can never fully honor the memories of so many thousands of men and women who gave their lives for our country, lest not forget that alongside them also died animals in huge numbers. Horses, donkeys, mules, dogs, cats, pigeons, elephants, camels, oxen, bullocks, bats, dolphins, whales, canaries, etc. — all contributed their unique talents and their lives in times of war and conflict, Our American Civil War took the lives of over one million horses and mules while the First World War resulted in the deaths of an estimated 8-10 million horses, mules and donkeys. During WWII the Soviets used three-million horses & mules, and the Germans 2 ½ million. More than 100,000 pigeons served Britain in the First World War and 200,000 in World War II.
During the Korean War, one mule, deserted by
Communists and picked up by the Americans was found to be a US Army Mule (due to its brand) that started its service in WWII in the China-Burma-India Theater in 1944. It was apparently taken by Red Chinese Army at the end of the War and then brought to Korea during the Korean War. Mules were quite valuable as pack animals in the Korean Theater, though the US Army never formally recognized their use sadly.
Of course, dogs have figured in warfare alongside humans back to ancient times as the Greeks, Persians, Britons, Egyptians & Romans used dogs as sentries and then in battle. Dogs have helped humans in war in roles such as guarding, as sentries, casualty/rescue, communication messengers, transport & haulage, in medical research, as ‘weapons,’ tracking and detection, scouting, and as companions and mascots.
Over 20,000 dogs served in WWII, about 5000 dogs served in the Vietnam War, and 2500 in the Afghanistan War. And yes, cats, have also contributed in warfare on land and on the sea as vermin control. Sailors often saw cats as good luck as the worked to keep vermin from running food stores while also being a com-
panion to the crew. It was estimated that over half-amillion cats were brought to the European trenches of WWI as vermin-hunters but also beloved pets. So while we all should certainly stop to give our thanks to all of the brave men and women who have died in service to our country, perhaps also pay a bit of respect to the millions of animals who gave their lives in that same service, as willing, or unwilling participants.
To help us continue to care for those dogs and cats that come into our care, our volunteers will be at the Wetumpka Walmart from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to gather donated food and supplies. They will have paper wish lists to hand out but suffice to say dog and cat food, cat litter, bleach, Fabuloso, liquid dishwashing detergent, ammonia, large trash bags, dog and cat toys are all most welcome. Your donations of these goods help us use financial donations to help injured or ill pets who need ‘more’ than just basic care. Thank you to our volunteer crew who will be receiving items and all who do some shopping and donate to help our animals.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Pet of the Week — Sydney
Sydney is 9-year-old, male Terrier mix who weighs only 18 pounds. He was found as a stray and the owner never responded. He may be housetrained and is good with children and dogs. Sadly he was also heartworm positive when he came to us but completed his treatment in April so all ready to find a family with a spot on the couch to call his own.
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 immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be
contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
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 immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Cola or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
Reading scores improve in Elmore County
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Educators have been a lit -
tle uneasy since the passage of the Alabama Literacy Act in 2019.
It is now in full effect and requires students promoted to the fourth grade to be reading at or above a third grade level. Educators have been tracking reading scores with the ACAP testing to see where students fall. If students fail to make the score, school administrators are required to hold them back — not allowing passage of third graders to the fourth grade.
Elmore County educators have already seen the reading scores from the most recent ACAP testing are happy with the results. The
scores for third grade reading are 6% better this year than last.
“This data is a celebration of teachers,” Elmore County director of elementary schools Amy Harrison said.
“It is not just third grade teachers, but kindergarten, first grade and second grade teachers. It also includes interventionists, special ed and leaders too.”
This spring 95% of Elmore County third graders made the 435 reading cut score. It also meant 42 didn’t pass. The literacy act gave “Good Cause Exemptions” meaning students who had completed programs could still pass.
As of Tuesday, only eight Elmore County third graders were not promoted to the fourth grade. Of those eight
third graders, four transferred into the system from out of state or from outside of Elmore County Schools.
Harrison said all school systems in the state were aided this year when the state lowered the cut score. It was 452 and if it were still the requirement, 90% of third graders would have been promoted without looking at “Good Cause Exemptions.”
“That is up from last year at 84%,” Harrison said.
Improving reading scores among textbook changes created challenges. Superintendent Richard Dennis said Elmore County teachers have met the challenges with success.
“There is a lot of stress in elementary schools because of the literacy act,” Dennis
said. “They have been working hard to get everything mapped out. It has been overwhelming.”
Elmore County officials are not resting on the laurels of recent testing. The goal is get all students to a 496 cut score. The score means that a student has a 90% chance of reading at a third grade level or higher. To get there, families of students at the 40th percentile and lower have been invited to special summer camps to improve reading proficiency. Staff have been preparing for the students to return to the classroom for intense studies.
“They are keeping reading intervention plans on all the children who didn’t make the cut score,” Harrison said. “There are many collabora -
tive meetings with teachers, administrators and interventionists trying to meet the needs of each individual student.”
The special summer school is Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Transportation, breakfast and lunch are provided.
“We want all parents who received an invitation to please accept,” Harrison said. At the end of June, third graders who did not make the ACAP cut score will be allowed to retest. Dennis warned retesting alone is the best scenario for the affected students.
“Most will not come in to take the test and pass it,” Dennis said. “They are going to have to get extra help.”
County schools to get aid with special ed paperwork
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Elmore County special education teachers will get help developing and following individualized education plans for students in the classes.
The Elmore County Board of Education approved the webbased subscription to Goalbook at its Tuesday meeting. Special education director Temeyra McElrath said the software was needed to help staff keep up with the complexities of the plans needed for special education students.
“There are so many parts to them,” McEl -
rath said. In addition, the board approved pay for staff helping with summer school. Teachers aiding in software-based teaching for English Language Arts, math, science, social studies, English, algebra, geometry, physical science, biology, environmental science, chemistry, human anatomy, physics, world history, U.S. history and government will be paid $35 per hour. Students in grades five through 12 in the courses will pay the system $225 per course.
Breakfast and lunch will be offered, but not transportation. Teachers in the Lit -
eracy and Numeracy camps will earn $55 per hour as the instruction is more intense and not software based. Breakfast, lunch and transportation will be offered.
IN OTHER ACTION, THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION:
• Heard from two former Child Nutrition Program employees about their treatment while working in the cafeterias at Elmore County Schools.
• Recognized Airport Road Intermediate School fourth grade teacher and Alabama Teacher of the Year Debroah Stringfellow.
• Approved financial
statements for April.
• Approved minutes of the April 16 and May 7 meetings.
• Approved facility use agreements at Stanhope Elmore, Holtville Elementary School and
ECAP West.
• Accepted a $284,353.76 bid for school supply kits for grades kindergarten through eighth.
• Approved a 1-year lease for a warehouse and offices for use by the CNP program.
• Accepted a $110,593 bid to construct an outdoor storage shed at the central office complex.
A snub of all snubs
I’ve been in the sports writing business long enough to know you can’t make everyone happy. Every time a media outlet or athletic organization puts out an All-Star team, someone deserving of a spot isn’t going to make it.
It’s unfortunately part of the gig. Sometimes there are tough choices made and kids get cut from the list.
I’ve cut my fair share of kids off my teams and upset my fair share of players and parents. Heck, I’m sure there will be someone upset with me in the next few weeks as my baseball, softball and soccer All-County teams come out.
But this column isn’t about my lists. This is about the AHSAA’s list.
The AHSAA recently put out its North/South All-Star Softball Game roster, which features 36 of the best rising seniors in the state of Alabama. Congratulations to the 36 players who made it. But there’s one player in Elmore County who definitely should have been on that list.
I’d go as far as to say it’s probably the biggest snub I’ve seen in my tenure of being the sports editor here. Holtville’s Bailea Boone was not selected to the team. What an absolute joke that is.
Boone is a First Team All-County and First Team All-State slap-hitter who has been committed to play at the college level since 2023.
Argue with me all you’d like, but there’s not a person in Alabama who can convince me that there are 36 juniors in the state better at softball than her, much less 18 juniors in the south.
Maybe it was an honest mistake. She may
We’d
Obituaries: 35 cents per
with
paper (Herald, Observer, Tribune). Obituaries are only accepted via the funeral home in charge of arrangements. We do not accept obituaries from individuals. Weddings, Engagements, Anniversaries, or Birth Announcements: These significant family events or milestones are 25 cents per word and $15 for a photo and must be emailed to us at announcements@thewetumpkaherald.com. Include name and telephone number. The
or
We
The
The Wetumpka Word
Malcolm Simmons is the epitome of a freak of nature when it comes to athletics.
The Benjamin Russell graduate is a Division I bound football player, a state-record holding track and field athlete and a 1,000-point scorer on the basketball court. He’s cleared 7 feet on the high jump and he’s as much of a coach as any player could be.
He absolutely crushed our sports editor Henry Zimmer in a mano e mano race, to be sure. But none of that is what’s most impressive to me about Malcolm. What impressed me most about Malcolm was a small moment that happened on the practice field while Malcolm and Henry were filming their video. We were gathered near the 40-yard line setting up for the next race when Malcolm realized he needed his cleats, which were across the field back in the other end zone. It was hot, and poor Henry was giving it all he could. We were all pouring sweat.
Malcolm sauntered across the field to grab his cleats while Henry, Abigail and I chatted about our next shots. Suddenly I looked up and across the field at Malcolm, and he
didn’t just have his cleats in his hand. He had also grabbed my purse and our tripod from across the field, so we didn’t have to walk.
It was the smallest of gestures, but it was one that really stood out. You know that phrase, “Do your best when no one is looking.”
Malcolm embodies that, and that’s what impresses me beyond the stats and the freak of nature abilities. He didn’t have to grab my purse, certainly. He’s a 17-, 18-year-old kid walking across the field with a lady’s purse. I just can’t express how much that small gesture meant to me. I would nominate him for our Small Deeds in a Small Town series if I could.
See not every nice gesture or good deed has to be something extravagant. Our pages are often filled with people who are doing above and beyond. Look at the Alpha Group, which started for no reason other than
to help those in need. The Lake Mar tin Civitan Club is one in the same, and the recently formed Lake Martin Animal Advocacy is focused on help ing pets in need.
communities who are going above and beyond the call of duty. We have people who are truly called to help. And it starts with our youngsters. Someone like Malcolm is a true role model, and he’s
Then and now
My teaching partner Mrs. Kelley Hill noted recently that we have been caught in the middle of a generational shift, it seems. The golden age of America during the decade or two following World War II was a time of peace and prosperity for the most part. While the seeds of discord were being planted in a thousand different places, most folks in the Baby Boom generation only knew that their lives were going to be better than their parents’ lives: the Greatest Generation had made it so.
The Baby Boom generation gave way to Generation X – my generation. Now we are at retirement age and reflecting upon our particular years of influence.
As my public school teaching career has been concluding, I have been looking back at some of the many changes that have occurred over the past 28 years.
When I came into the profession and listened to the oldsters who had been around 30 or 40 years at that time, they had seen huge changes like integration – which even though it was peaceful for the most part, a lot of schools changed names during that period. They would also tell stories about legends of the school, like coaches whose names were now on the stadium.
The teachers’ lounge was the smoking section. When I first started teaching, I smoked cigarettes, so I got to know the other smokers on campus. A lot of times, it was the older teachers, so I’d listen to their tales of school days past.
“Uncle Bob” Okin was still taking the school pictures. He’d been a photographer since my parents were in
elementary school!
We had a school newspaper as well as a yearbook. The school newspaper was the source of information for all of the students and came out on Fridays, usually. We didn’t have internet yet – well, it was dial-up, and the only computer was in the library. We turned in our grades on handwritten grade sheets, and the office would make the report cards. Teachers also sent attendance cards to the office. We went from that to STI, then I-Now, then PowerSchool. Teachers are now responsible for putting in their own attendance and grades.
Every room had a chalkboard. Later, we had marker boards. Finally, we got smart TVs.
On the morning announcements, along with the Pledge of Allegiance, someone would pray. We didn’t have email when I started teaching. Even when I came to Tallassee, there was a single page, static website for Tallassee City Schools, but the name of the town as well as the word city were both misspelled and nobody here knew how to fix it.
We received paper checks at the end of the month. “Direct deposit” was walking over to the Bank of Tallassee (later Peoples Bank, then BankTrust, now Trustmark) and depositing your check.
There was no in-school suspension (ISS). When I began my career, every teacher had a paddle and that was how just about all disciplinary infractions were handled.
So, 28 years in, are we better or worse?
I keep thinking of what my band director Dr. Johnny Long would
say. He started teaching in 1949 and didn’t really retire until 2011. He said students haven’t changed since the beginning of time; it’s the adults who changed. And I have found that to be true. Children want expectations and structure. They rebel against it and push back every which way they can, but that’s their nature I suppose. What I have found to be true, however, is how we grownups have behaved in the post-Covid era. In these past four years, we have allowed things we never would have stood for in the past because – well, Covid. So all of these things have popped up, like students cheating using A.I. or writing papers with ChatGPT; using Google for the answers to literally everything; and allowing TikTok or Snapchat to become as reliable a source as a Funk & Wagnalls encyclopedia in the past.
And who is monitoring this?
That’s right – my generation. We’ve dropped the ball on a lot of these things and I am seeing that the next generation, Gen Z and the Millennials, seem to have a better grasp on a lot of this than my people have.
So as I wrap up this part of my life’s work, my reflection would be that the students are just as great as they have ever been. They will rise to whatever challenge they are given. It is shameful for we adults to blame them or say they aren’t as good as they used to be. They are only as good as we’ve allowed them to be.
Michael Bird is a retired music educator in Tallassee.
MICHAEL BIRD Columnist
MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Jones Auto and Wrecker Service celebrates 50 years
By CARMEN RODGERS For TPI
It was 1974 when Roger Jones opened his business in downtown Wetumpka on Main Street. Jones started out with a full-service gas station and the very next year he purchased his first wrecker. That's how Jones Auto and Wrecker Service came to be, and as they say, the rest is history.
Jones has been serving Wetumpka and surrounding areas for the last 50 years. A lot has changed since opening the business in 1974.
"I used to pump gas in ‘74 and ‘75 for 28 cents per gallon, the premium was 39 cents, and an oil change was $9.95,” Jones said. “It was a Shell Station and we sold an oil called Fire and Ice."
Since that time not only has the price of gas increased, but the cost of doing business has increased too.
"The price of insurance is a lot higher now," Jones said.
REEVES
Jones has brought his lunch to work every day for the last 50 years and over that time, he has saved roughly $128,000 by not eating out.
Jones has also seen the landscape and streetscape change in Wetumpka over the years.
"I remember when they built the highway (231)," he said. "Before that, everyone had to come through town."
One staple of the shop is Jimmy Lazenby, who has worked for Jones for 14 years.
"It's always changing," he said. "You never go to the same call. I might be here today and on my way to Florida tomorrow."
Operating a wrecker can be a very dangerous occupation. Wrecker drivers are often some of the first to respond to accidents and they must work very near the roadway.
"The closest call I've had is when a car came by and it was so close the side mirror caught my shirt," Lazenby said.
Jones Wrecker Service
CELEBRATES
Continued from A1
often responds to vehicle accidents and they work closely with area law enforcement.
"They have a good reputation with the police and fire department and the troopers,” said Rodney Williams, Jones’ friend. “That's important because if they don't like you, your job's going to be very difficult.”
Because of the nature of
Continued from A1 days shouldn’t be an anchor on their life.
“We don’t need our new fire station to burn down,” Willis said. “I don’t know that I have seen a fire station on fire.”
The council also approved asphalt repairs and striping of the parking lots at the Wetumpka Sports Complex and to surplus old lights from the softball fields at the complex.
The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 3.
“Graduation is the end of high school, but it is not the end of a life,” Thomas said.
“It starts here. Graduation is the beginning of something else. To go forward, sometimes you have to forget what is behind you.”
One graduate stood before the small crowd and looked at his mother as he spoke.
“I want to apologize to my momma,” he said. “I wish she could have seen me out on the field yesterday.”
the business, when it comes to the wrecker service's customers, they come in all kinds.
"You get some crazy folks," Williams said. "You just never know what you'll get. Some of these folks could be on Jerry Springer. It's a fascinating industry. I love it though."
Like many successful Alabama business owners
Another introduced themselves as the "Fab 11." It references the chat group the 11 students have formed recently. While not meant to be derogatory, it does speak to how the now graduates have bonded.
Stacey Lucas James helped organize the event at Gold Star Park after the 11 students were told they couldn’t participate in the graduation ceremony at the Wetumpka Sports Complex.
“They were sad about not being able to walk with their class and I said I would make something happen,” Jenkins said. “Everybody makes mistakes growing up.”
CommunityCalendar
THURSDAY, MAY 30
IVY’S GALA: Ivy’s Closet will be hosting a gala from 6 to 8 p.m. May 30 at the Wetumpka Civic Center. There will be live music and a silent auction.
MAY 30-JUNE 1
HONK JR.: The Penguins at the Wetumpka Depot are performing Honk Jr. May 30 to June 1 at the Depot. It is a heartwarming celebration of being different. Tickets are $18 and available at wetumpkadepot.com.
JUNE 1 - JUNE 28
NATIONAL EXHIBITION: The Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts in downtown Wetumpka is hosting the 83rd Annual Watercolor Society of Alabama national exhibition from June 1 to June 28. The juried watercolor competition will feature state and national artists.
each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@aol.com.
PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Friday at Wetumpka Public Library.
ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL
Jones believes that when a business gives to the community it serves, that community gives back.
"Rodgers supports all of our law enforcement," Lazenby said. "He gives back to the community. He supports the youth sports, the football, baseball, and softball teams, and food pantries."
The strategy seems to
James felt the students deserved a graduation ceremony before they go off to the military, to college or the workforce.
“Their class still showed up for them,” James said.
Wetumpka Class of 2024
Class Representative Lakyn Nobles didn’t go into the school as part of the “prank,” but she was there to help clean up the aftermath. Nobles handed graduates their diplomas and posed for pictures with them for family and friends during Wednesday’s ceremony.
“This is really nice,” Nobles said. “It is something they didn’t get to have and
work because the community has supported Jones Wrecker Service for half a century now and still going strong. That's an impressive track record.
"You don't see many businesses that have been in business for 50 years," Williams said.
Today, the wrecker service is located on Company Street in Wetumpka.
can’t get back. It is nice to be a part of something special for them and not just for me.”
Class president Nathan Jenkins also helped clean up the school even though, like Nobles, he didn’t take part in the prank. He delivered a speech similar to the one he gave at graduation Tuesday but with a special edit.
“Each memory we made, whether it was in the classroom, at a lunch table, Friday night football game or at the school at 1 a.m. school cleaning, we will carry these memories with us forever,” Jenkins said. “Graduation is not the end of a journey. This is the start of a beautiful one.”
or
Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, visit www.thekelly.org.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY GRACE
POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint. info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail.com.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
JUNE 13-14
PLAY: The Wetumpka Depot Encore Players are presenting Mother Goose State Your Case June 13 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and June 14 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5.
JUNE 17-21
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Grace Baptist Church on Old Montgomery Road in Wetumpka is holding Vacation Bible School 6 to 8 p.m. June 17 - 21. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. each night or by email at wetumpkagrace@gmail.com.
JUNE 23
CONCERT: First Methodist Church Wetumpka is hosting gospel singer Ivan Parker in concert at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 23.
JUNE 24-29
THEATRE CAMP: The Stanhope Elmore Mustang Players are hosting a theater camp for students in the Millbrook area from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 24-29 at Stanhope Elmore High School School and will close out with performances. The cost is $100.
SUNDAY, JULY 14
MEN’S CONFERENCE: Village Church of Wetumpka is hosting a men’s conference. The keynote speaker is Rick Burgess of Rick and Bubba.
ONGOING SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m.
MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street.
NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.
OPEN MIC: The Equality
Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.
RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB
MEETINGS: Red Hill Community Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.
MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH OF
CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025
LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in
SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christcentered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334-567-2364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist.org.
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/ Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information.
AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka. RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments.
MASTER GARDENER
HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-2524769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.
CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.
CARMEN RODGERS | TPI
From left, Jimmy Lazenby, Rogers Jones, and Josh Martin are staples of Jones Auto and Wrecker Service, which has been in business for 50 years in Wetumpka.
Millbrook remembers those who gave all
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A wreath, a prayer and poppies were used in Millbrook to honor soldiers who died protecting the rights of citizens. A short Memorial Day Observance service was hosted by the city at the Millbrook Memorial Center.
“This day is not just for the City of Millbrook,” Mayor Al Kelley said. “It is for all the men and women who have sacrificed their lives over the years. The day is for the people who have gone before us and sacrificed themselves so we can be here today.”
Several years ago, Millbrook moved its Memorial Day program from Monday to Friday.
“We tried it in the past on Memorial Day,” Kelley said. “It is a tough day to get a lot of folks out. We didn’t have the crowds. We started on a Friday and it's worked out better.”
Members of the American Legion and other veterans were on hand for Friday’s service. They were joined by friends and family of service members.
“It is great for the citizens to come out and recognize these people who have given their all so that we could be here today,” Kelley said.
The location also has special meaning to Kelley. Not only does it recognize veterans of the area who gave their lives serving the country, it was built by the volunteer group Millbrook Men’s Club along with one the city’s first buildings.
“The family who donated the land wanted it known as Millbrook Memorial Center,” Kelley said. Since its construction, the center has served as a hub for public functions and remembrances.
Continued from A1
Fulmer said. “There might be things that you didn’t perceive as something you like. It could help you in your future.”
Fulmer has always been a part of the Wetumpka schools. She was exposed to choir and theater in middle school and was given a chance to be a part of the programs.
“At first I saw it and want-
have just been simply missed, but I don’t see how she could. Her name is all over the AHSAA record books. She’s built quite the resume at the plate. Let’s go over a few of them.
To start, Boone currently holds the AHSAA record for the most hits in a game.
She recorded six hits in a game earlier this season, which puts her in a tie for the most ever with four other players. She was the first player to reach
ed to do it, but I didn’t know what it would take, especially time wise,” Fulmer said. “It has become one of the biggest parts of my high school career.
I really enjoyed it.” Fulmer balanced singing and acting with the demands of robotics, electric power race cars and science fairs.
“I like being able to experiment and be able to prove if I was right or wrong,” Fulmer said. “Basically, I like to see how the world works.”
the milestone since the 2018 season. Her feat came in a win over Greenville, an area game. She had six singles in the matchup.
She’s also in the record book for the most hits in a single season. She had 84 after her sophomore season in 2023, which ranked her right around the Top 100 for most in a season. Her .560 batting average that season is also in the record books, ranking in the Top 100 as well.
She’s been hitting the ball all over the park her entire career. Boone had 38 combined hits as a seventh
Fulmer excelled at learning science in Dr. Virginia Vilardi’s classroom. The experience showed her science is more than just studying books.
“I loved having the experiences with science related projects,” Fulmer said. “In science you have to be able to work well with others. It is teamwork. Working with Dr. Vilardi and my classmates, I was able to get advice on how to go about my projects and experiments.”
and eighth grader, then recorded 66 in her first full season as a varsity starter in ninth grade. She upped that number with 84 hits as a sophomore and then had 74 this season.
She currently sits at 262 career hits, reaching the 200-hit milestone just a few games into this season. That career number currently ranks 51st All-Time in the AHSAA, and she still has one season left. Don’t disregard that number. Really think about how many players play in any given season. Just this year, there were 392 soft -
Fulmer enjoys science, but it’s not her only love in the classroom.
“I also loved English because of writing the essays,” Fulmer said. “It can be challenging at times. I like saying my opinion in essays.”
Outside of school, Fulmer’s family and church provided her with support through all of her endeavors.
“It has helped me with my academic career,” Fulmer said. “When I feel stressed or
ball teams listed in the AHSAA Softball Sports Book, ranging from Class 1A to 7A.
Let’s just go on the small end and say there’s 16 players on each team. Most, if not all, have more than that but we’ll go with that number for now. That means this season alone, there were 6,272 varsity players.
The first year the AHSAA has fast pitch softball listed with sanctioned state champions was 1995, with it really not growing until around 2000.
So we’ll go with the year 2000.
If you go with num -
overwhelmed, they help me feel not alone.”
Fulmer is headed to Auburn University to major in animal science/pre-veterinary medicine. She also will minor in theater, knowing how big of a commitment it is to continuing performing on stage. “I hope to continue performing with community theater,” Fulmer said. “I don’t want to get too bogged down.”
bers and say there’s been an average of 6,272 players playing since 2000, that means roughly 150,528 players have come through the varsity fastpitch softball level. And Boone currently ranks in the Top 51 for hits. The numbers don’t lie, and Boone is one of the best slap hitters in the state.
If she hits for her current varsity average (74 hits a season), she will finish her career ranked in the Top 23. If she hits for 84 like she did as sophomore, she will be in the Top 20.
When she gets on base, she’s a massive threat as well. She has 122 stolen bases in her last three seasons including 56 this year. She’s scored 168 runs, including 69 runs this season.
She’s helped lead Holtville to back-toback Class 5A Regional Tournaments, nearly reaching the State Tournament this year. But she’s not an AHSAA All-Star? It’s just ridiculous.
Dalton Middleton is the sports editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
ABOVE: Millbrook economic developer Ann Harper, left, and special events coordinator Danae Morgan, right, pin red poppies on guests of the Millbrook Memorial Day ceremony. BELOW: Millbrook Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Tyler Cox delivers the invocation at the Millbrook Memorial Day Observance.
The lesser of two evils?
Greetings from the corner of Bridge and Bridge. I pray the blessings of the Memorial Day holiday are lingering for everyone reading this week’s column. The holiday certainly provides a significant reminder of all we have to be thankful for.
It is hard to think of lives lost in active military service as something to be thankful for. Most often, conflicts that cost human lives could have been avoided. This applies to conflict at every level. No one ever actually needs to die in order for conflict to be resolved.
Memorial Day is the national holiday for remembering those who lost their lives in active military service. Each
of those lives was lost because of conflict resolution failure. Regardless of who started it, wars exist because conflicts persist. The holiday does not celebrate conflict, nor does it celebrate whatever resolution occurred. It celebrates the lives of all who sacrificed self in the name of a perceived greater good. That sacrifice might have been a choice, a consequence, or simply the spoils of war. The circumstance is secondary to the sacrifice itself.
Our nation is careening towards a crash of epic proportion. There is conflict in our midst. Registered voters in these great United States are about to be forced to make a choice, and the choice is being
Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting.
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.
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-
presented by many as choosing “the lesser of two evils”. Simply put, progressives are preaching that Biden is a lesser evil than Trump. Likewise, conservatives preach that Trump is a lesser evil than Biden. The good news, or the bad news depending on your perspective, is that both are wrong. Typically, whenever we find ourselves in the position of choosing between the lesser of two evils, it means we are in a lose / lose proposition. Lesser of two evils thinking manifest itself as the possibility of utilization of nuclear weapons arose during the second world war. The catastrophic damage and loss of life from a nuclear bomb detonation was lifted up as the lesser of two evils.
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
REV.
JONATHAN YARBORO Columnist
It was speculated that fewer lives would be lost if nuclear weapons were deployed in the name of ending the war. What would the people we celebrated on Memorial Day think about the upcoming presidential election? I don’t know about you, but I believe most of them would be utterly disgusted. I do not think many of them would be disgusted with one candidate or party or the other necessarily. I think they would be disgusted with the whole mess. If the general public allows the talking heads of our two-party system to continue to lead us down the path of choosing the lesser of two evils at election time, we all lose. Adopting an “It is what it is” approach to our current political reality is what has allowed dysfunction to spread and prosper. Fortunately, there is something we can all do to remedy the situation. We can pray. No, I am not talking about the garden variety “Out thoughts and prayers are with you” kind of prayer. I am talking about prayer asking God to open the hearts of those willing to serve others and not serve self. We know how to come together as a nation in the name of pursuing a greater good. We just have to do it.
church website at http:// epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in
Worship With Us
Rev. Jonathan Yarboro is the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Wetumpka.
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@thewteumpkaheralde.com
Holtville’s Barrett shines all over the field
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Drey Barrett has been producing for the Holtville baseball team for years. Barrett has been named to numerous All-County teams as well as named First Team AllState and an AHSAA North/ South All-Star following his junior season. He also helped lead Holtville to its first state championship in 40 years when the Bulldogs won it in 2023, but he saved his best season for his last.
The Southern Miss signee turned in a monstrous 2024 campaign. Barrett finished the year with a .398 batting average with 43 hits, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 33 runs scored, 36 RBIs and 12 stolen bases. On the mound, he had a 5-3 record with a 1.83 earned run average and 81 strikeouts in 49 ⅔ innings. When he wasn’t on the mound, he was at shortstop and put together a
Dismukes helps Wetumpka break
32-year drought
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The 2024 Wetumpka baseball team will be remembered for a long time.
After losing four college-bound seniors to graduation a year ago, Wetumpka looked to take the field in a rebuilding year with a handful of underclassmen starting for the Indians.
Somebody forgot to tell Wetumpka that.
The Indians turned a mid-season hot streak into an undefeated Class 6A, Area 3 championship for the first time since 2022.
After hosting a first round playoff game, Wetumpka’s team put itself in rare company.
The Indians reached the third round of the Class 6A playoffs, the Elite Eight, for the first time since 1992.
For his team’s success and breaking a 32-year drought, Michael Dismukes is the 2024 Elmore County Baseball Coach of the Year.
“This was such a great year,” Dismukes said. “We went through our ups and downs, but this group of guys consistently came in and did their work and never wavered, never lost confidence in what they could do. They believed in themselves and made a run that made everything special for us. It was an unbelievable season.”
Wetumpka wasn’t always winning this year.
The Indians started hot, winning five in a row against teams like Shades Valley, Pike Road and Andalusia.
But on February 23, the
season shifted the other way for Wetumpka.
The Indians dropped back-to-back games to Marbury and LAMP before beating Montgomery Catholic. That was Wetumpka’s last win for nearly three weeks.
Wetumpka lost seven in a row and nine of its next 10 games.
On March 18, the Indians had a 7-10 overall record and were about to start area play. Trying not to hit the panic button, Dismukes turned ownership over to the senior leaders and saw his team make a run for the ages.
“We turned to the experienced players, the guys who have been in the program and seen success at this level,” Dismukes said. “They took ownership over what had been going on.
So we continued to lean on those guys and they put the team on their backs and took it for a ride. They gained more confidence as they started winning and never quit.”
Wetumpka swept Carver by a combined score of 37-8 to open area play with a 2-0 record, then extended its win streak to five with wins over Pike Road, Benjamin Russell and Chilton County.
The Indians moved to 4-0 in area play with a sweep over Lanier, then entered their final area series, the championship against Stanhope Elmore, having won 11 of their last 13 games.
Wetumpka swept Stanhope Elmore, 5-3 and 6-4, and clinched the area championship with an undefeated
See BREAK, Page B2
2024 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY BASEBALL TEAM
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
The 2024 baseball season has come to an end in Elmore County, and this season proved to be one of the best in recent history.
While there were no championships to celebrate, there was plenty of postseason success. Four teams in Elmore County reached the third round of the playoffs.
Holtville, Tallassee and Wetumpka all reached the Elite Eight while Edgewood Academy reached the state championship series.
The 2024 All-Elmore County Baseball Team is headlined by Coach of the Year Michael Dismukes, who led the Indians to the third round for the first time in 32 years. The Player of the Year is Holtville senior Drey Barrett, who hit .398 with four home runs.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE REST OF THE TEAM HERE:
PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
DREY BARRETT, HOLTVILLE SENIOR Barrett, a Southern Miss signee, lived up to his Top 5 ranking in Alabama’s class of 2024. The Holtville shortstop and pitcher capped off a stellar preps career with a .398 batting average. Barrett had 43 hits, 11 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs, 30 walks and 33 RBIs. He was a threat on the basepaths with 12 stolen bases and 36 runs scored. On the mound, he finished the year with a 5-3 record with a 1.83 earned run average with 81 strikeouts in 49 ⅔ innings.
FIRST TEAM SHEA DARNELL, ELMORE COUNTY JUNIOR
Darnell was the top hitter in the county this season as he racked up a .522 batting average with 48 total hits and zero strikeouts. He showcased gap-to-gap power with 10 doubles and 4 triples. When he was on the bases, he stole 23 and scored 36 runs. He played both catcher and shortstop and made only six errors in 145 chances, good for a .959 fielding percentage. He was named an AHSAA North/ South All-Star.
JADEN EASON, ELMORE COUNTY JUNIOR Eason was dominant on both the mound and at the plate this season. The junior pitcher and first baseman hit .375 with 27 hits, 9 doubles, 1 home run and 27 RBIs, second best on the team. He was just as impressive on the mound as he recorded a 5-1 record with a 1.33 ERA. He struck out 57 batters in 42 innings of work and tossed four complete games.
ETHAN EVANS, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY JUNIOR Evans was one of the biggest keys to Edgewood Academy reaching the Class AA state championship series this season. The junior infielder and pitcher hit .387 with 41 hits, 8 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs and 30 RBIs. On the mound, he cemented himself as the team’s ace with a 2.05 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 54 ⅔ innings of work.
LOGAN FAWCETT, WETUMPKA SOPHOMORE Fawcett jumped onto the scene as a freshman in 2023, and he continued his offensive showing as a sophomore this season. The catcher hit a team-best .352 with 43 hits, 11 doubles, 2 home runs, 28 RBIs and 27 runs scored. Behind the plate, he made only 7 errors and had a .968 fielding percentage in 203 chances. He threw out 11 base runners attempting to steal.
NOAH GOLSON, WETUMPKA SENIOR Golson was thrown into the action this year as the Indians’ ace. He did exactly what he was asked of and more as he finished the year with a 5-3 record with a 2.93 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 57 ⅓ innings. At the plate, he led the team with 42 RBIs as he hit .347 with 5 doubles and 1 triple. He helped lead Wetumpka to the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 1992.
BRADY MASON, TALLASSEE SENIOR It will be hard to find someone who can do as much as Mason can on the baseball diamond. The Tigers’ lone senior played seemingly every position this year while also fighting injuries. He was the team’s ace on the mound and finished the year with a 5-2 record, a 2.73 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 56 innings. At the plate, he had three extra base hits in
See BASEBALL, Page B2
FILE TPI
Wetumpka coach Michael Dismukes led the Indians to the Class
6A Elite Eight with a 24-16 record this season. It was the first time Wetumpka has reached the third round since 1992.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
See BARRETT, Page B2
COACH OF THE YEAR
BARRETT Continued from B1
.983 fielding percentage.
Barrett has been named the 2024 Elmore County Player of the Year.
“It’s always a little different when it’s your senior year,” Barrett said. “You have to go out there and treat every day like it could be your last. I tried to bring a lot of energy and pump up my teammates. I wanted to have the best year I could have and wanted to have the best time I could have with my buddies.”
Barrett always found his name near the top of Holtville’s lineup card, but the lineup did some shuffling before he settled down in the leadoff spot. He hit in the three-hole for the first two games of the season, then shifted down to the two-hole for nine consecutive games. He then flipped back and forth between the two for 10 games and finally found his spot on March 30.
Facing Ariton, Barrett was put in the leadoff spot and the Bulldogs found a lineup that worked.
Barrett was the spark plug at the top of the order. Over the course of the last 15 games, Barrett finished 17-for-41 with eight extra base hits, 16 runs scored and even drove in 16 RBIs.
More importantly, Holtville went 10-5 in games Barrett led off, including a 4-1 area record and 4-3 playoff record.
“It was definitely a change for me,” Barrett said. “I never really hit leadoff before but I felt like it was something I could adapt to. I really grew to it and loved leading off the games. Whether that was with a home run or a good at-bat, I was just trying to bring some energy to the game and set the tone for the rest of the lineup.”
Around the same time, Barrett started to find his power swing.
Through the first 23 games of the season, he was having success with extra base hits. He hit seven doubles and a triple during that span and drove in 20 runs.
But as soon as he stepped up to the plate in his first area game, something clicked and Barrett took the next step in his game.
Against Jemison, Barrett sent the second pitch he was thrown over the centerfield wall on a line drive. He went 3-for-3 that game with three RBIs. He added three more RBIs in the second game of the doubleheader.
In the area championship series against Marbury the following week, Barrett hit two more leadoff home runs in Game 1 and Game 3 as Holtville clinched another area title.
In the first round of the playoffs a week later, he hit a massive grand slam against Elmore County to put the Bulldogs up, 1-0, in the series.
All four of his home runs came against area, playoff or rivalry opponents.
During that span as well, Barrett was lights out on the mound. He went 3-0 against Jemison, Marbury and Elmore County while pitching a combined 17 ⅓ innings. He allowed just 12 hits and zero earned runs as he struck out 36 batters.
“I think it was probably something to do with the atmosphere the games were in,” Barrett said. “If you look at them all, they’re all big games and high intensity games. I think that’s just something that subconsciously clicks for me and gets me a little more amped up.”
Barrett and his Holtville team gave it all they could in the Class 5A playoffs. The defending state champions were able to make it to the third round of the playoffs where they were beaten by a combined three runs.
But much like they have during this multiyear run, Holtville beat rival Elmore County in the first round and then took down Headland for the fourth-consecutive year.
The Bulldogs may not have made it quite as far as they hoped, but the 2024 class wrapped up an impressive career that contained four Elite Eights, three Final Fours, two state championship appearances and one state championship.
“We didn’t make it as far as we wanted, but I think we just took every game like it could be our last,” Barrett said. “We played for each other and played as a team. I think we really liked being in that situation and playing in those big time games. We liked proving ourselves not only to us but everybody who had doubted us.”
Local 12U baseball team to play in Cooperstown
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
A 12U travel baseball team from Holtville will get a lifetime experience next week.
The TC Select team, based out of Holtville with members from Slapout, Wetumpka and Prattville, is headed to Cooperstown, New York.
The team will play in America’s Baseball Summer Camp, an 88-team tournament held at the Cooperstown Dream Park. Established in 1996, it is one of the best youth baseball tournaments in the country. Over 2,000 players, coaches and umpires from all over the country have participated in the tournament.
“The biggest thing is that many of these kids have never experienced anything outside of the tri-county area or the state of Alabama,” assistant coach Wade McDonald said. “This gives them an opportunity to go out and do something that’s very memorable and experience a week that they will probably never get to do again.”
The TC Select team consists of 12 players –Case Clay, Rawlins Tubbs, Brayden Wright, Chaise Crownover, Ty Paxton, Blake Duett, Bentley Lightsey, Easton Smith, Tallan Cramer, Jackson McDonald, Oliver Brown and Cooper Jackson.
The team has a record of 18-5 this spring and every member of the roster will be inducted into the American Youth Baseball
DALTON MIDDLETON TPI
The TC Select 12U travel baseball team is heading to New York to play in America’s Baseball Summer Camp, an 88-team tournament held at the Cooperstown Dream Park.
Hall of Fame. All players will also receive Cooperstown Dreams Park home and away jerseys, hats and warm-up sets (tournament shirt, long sleeve performance shirt and a batting jacket).
The players will stay in the Baseball Village for six nights and seven days, have a photo session with the CDP Photo Studio where they receive personalized baseball cards and play a minimum of six games.
“I think the coolest part is just the experience of going to Cooperstown and walking the Hall of Fame,” McDonald said. “Instead of just a family vacation, the kids are getting to play ball and do something they want to do away from home. They get to be in places where some of the greatest players have been.”
For many of the players, this will be the farthest away from home they’ve ever been.
Blake Duett, son of head coach Adam Duett, said
the farthest he’s ever been away from home is Kentucky.
Rawlins Tubbs has also been to Kentucky, but went a little further when he and his family went to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska a few seasons ago. Neither have been to New York.
“I think it’s going to be really fun for the experience and just playing ball in front of a big crowd and getting to be on television,” Tubbs said. “Visiting the Hall of Fame is going to be pretty cool.”
The players will also have a chance to make a name for themselves while up there. Some of the biggest athletes in the world have played in Cooperstown in this tournament.
Just in last year’s World Series, 14 members of the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks attended this tournament. That includes two-time World Series MVP Corey Seager and Jacob DeGrom.
Other MLB stars such as
Bryce Harper, Mike Trout and Kyle Schwarber have also played.
“If you go up there and do something great, then all of a sudden people remember your name,” McDonald said. “A couple of years ago, Sonny DiChiara went up there and hit like 22 home runs during the tournament. Nobody knew who he was when he got there, but they did when he left. Now he’s playing professional baseball for the Angels.”
The accolades and accomplishments are great, but McDonald and the rest of the TC Select coaching staff just want their team to have fun and enjoy a week of playing baseball in one of the best youth tournaments in the country.
Knowing their team, they have no doubts they’ll have fun.
“All of these kids have been friends for a long time and they enjoy playing with each other,” McDonald said. “They play well together. Nobody on this team is selfish and that makes it fun as coaches. You have a bunch of kids who just want to compete and play and get better. This may be the experience of a lifetime for them.”
Fans can follow the team on Facebook at TC Select Baseball and watch the boys live in action with a link on the page. The team also has an active TikTok page “@tc_selectbaseball”
If anyone would like to help sponsor the team’s experience, their team Cash App is @tcsbaseball.
AHSAA announces new spring sports realignments
By TPI STAFF Staff Report
There won’t be many changes to spring sports around Elmore County over the next two years.
The AHSAA released its 2024-2026 realignment for baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, golf and outdoor track and field.
The Elmore County teams will mostly stay in the areas they are currently in.
In Class 6A, Stanhope Elmore and
BREAK
Continued from B1
BASEBALL Continued from B1 record.
limited action.
CARSON MCCUTCHIN, HOLTVILLE JUNIOR McCutchin was one of the most consistent pitchers on any team in the county this season.
The Holtville southpaw went undefeated on the mound with a 6-0 record and a 3.10 ERA, including a 2-0 record in the postseason. He struck out 48 batters in 49 innings of work. At the plate, he hit .212 with 18 RBIs.
BRUE MILNER, TALLASSEE FRESHMAN
Milner may be just a freshman, but he certainly doesn’t
That gave Wetumpka a first round home playoff series where it hosted Brookwood. The Indians won in convincing fashion, 6-0 and 6-2, to set up a second round matchup with Ben Russell.
“They played every single game pitch-bypitch,” Dismukes said. “It’s hard to beat a team that never gives up. That’s a coaching cliche, but this bunch
hit like one. The second-year starter for Tallassee was the focal point for the Tigers’ offense. He finished his ninth grade season with a county-high 7 home runs, though he wasn’t just power. He hit a team-best .368 with 32 hits, 48 RBIs and 9 doubles. Behind the plate, he had a .960 fielding percentage with only seven errors.
ETHAN WALLS, STANHOPE ELMORE JUNIOR Walls ended his junior campaign as the Mustangs’ top hitter and top pitcher this spring. Throwing up to 90 MPH, Walls recorded just a 1-2 record but struck out a team-best 58 batters in 37 ⅓ innings. At the plate, he hit .372 with 42 hits, 5 doubles, 2 home runs and 31 RBIs. He
Wetumpka will remain in the same area in both softball, baseball and soccer. All three sports will feature a three-team area as Percy Julian, moving down from 7A, joins in place of Montgomery Carver and Sidney Lanier. In track and field and golf, both Stanhope and Wetumpka will remain in Section 1 while they move to Section 3 in tennis, joining Ben Russell, Chilton County, Helena and Pelham.
In Class 5A, Holtville baseball and softball will now be in an area with
really took it to heart. They found a way to win games, even when they weren’t playing their best.”
Wetumpka beat Ben Russell in the second round, 2-1, after winning Games 1 and 3. The Indians took down the Wildcats in Game 3, despite being outhit 13-2 in the matchup.
“They made every game count and used their competitiveness to their advantage,” Dismukes said. “They didn’t care how it happened, they just wanted to get dressed and go
had 16 more RBI than the next closest Mustang.
BRANDON WHITE, ELMORE COUNTY SENIOR
White put together one of the best overall seasons in the county. The Panthers’ ace went 6-2 on the mound with a 2.23 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 47 innings. At the plate, he hit .361 with 30 hits, 5 doubles, 3 triples and 23 RBIs. He struck out only 7 times the entire season and on the basepaths, he stole 15 bases.
BROCK WHITT, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY SOPHOMORE
Whitt turned in one of the most impressive hitting seasons in the county. The sophomore slugger showed off his gap-togap power as he hit .392 with
Marbury and Brewbaker Tech. The Bulldogs already played Marbury in area play each year. Elmore County now faces Beauregard and Valley in each sport.
The biggest change in Class 5A comes in soccer as Elmore County and Holtville are now in the same area. The two are in a three-team Area 6 with Brewbaker Tech. Only two teams will advance to the playoffs in each area. Both teams will remain in the same areas for golf, tennis and track and field.
win. It didn’t happen early, but they figured out how to get it done by the end of the year.”
Now in the third round of the playoffs for the first time since 1992, Wetumpka hit the road and faced Spanish Fort in the Elite Eight.
The Indians were swept, 10-3 and 8-5, but were close to advancing.
In Game 1, Wetumpka led 2-1 in the fifth inning before giving up nine runs in the final two innings. In Game 2, the teams were tied 5-5 in the seventh inning before Spanish Fort
40 hits, 15 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs and a team-best 36 RBIs. He stole 25 bases and excelled on the mound as well with a 1.09 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 19 innings.
SECOND TEAM Drew Allison, Edgewood Academy senior Hayden Anderson, Stanhope Elmore sophomore Chase Chumley, Tallassee junior Shelton Darnell, Elmore County sophomore Austin Davis, Elmore County junior Mason Fuller, Wetumpka junior Jackson Hudson, Edgewood Academy sophomore Jordan Jones, Stanhope
broke away with three runs in the final frame.
Despite the abrupt ending to the season, Wetumpka finished the year 24-16 and accomplished more than any Indians team had in over three decades.
“We didn’t get it done in those games (against Spanish Fort), but we had a chance to win both of them and keep playing,” Dismukes said. “It was wild and they did something nobody’s done in 32 years. This was a special group and they’ll always be dear to my heart.”
Elmore sophomore Braxton Potts, Holtville senior Jacob Smith, Wetumpka senior Chase Webster, Tallassee junior
HONORABLE MENTION
Edgewood Academy: Parker Shaw, Jr., Hamp Woodruff, Sr. Elmore County: Gage Davis, So., Ryals McNeely, Sr. Holtville: Markus Broderick, Sr., Drew Connor, Sr., Gage Nelson, So., ; Stanhope Elmore: Cavarous Ellis, So., Dylan Dent, Sr. Tallassee: Bry Hathcock, Jr.; Brody Wisener, Jr. Wetumpka: Asher Nobles, So., Will Robertson, Sr., Caden Wooldridge, Sr.
The Alexander City Outlook The Dadeville Record
The Tallassee Tribune
Wetumpka Herald
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
INVITATION FOR BIDS FOR THE MINING OF SAND AND GRAVEL FROM STATE LANDS LOCATED IN ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Code of Alabama, 1975, Section 9-17-61, et seq., that sealed bids for an exclusive sand and gravel mining lease encompassing State property located in Elmore County, Alabama will be received by the State Lands Director until 4:00 PM August 19, 2024, as Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC), as well as members of their families, shall be excluded from bidding. PREMISES
The tracts of land (Premises) upon which mining will be permitted are more particularly described as follows: Parcel A - A tract of land depicted in EXHIBIT A and lying in the SW ½ of the SE ¼ of Section 33, Township 19 North, Range 17 East, the E ½ of the NE ¼ and the East ½ of the NE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 4, Township 18, North Range 17 East, the SW ½ of the NW ¼ and the N ½ of the SW ¼ and the SW ½ of the SE ¼ of Section 3, Township 18 North, Range 17 East. Excepting established and recognized rights-of-way, Parcel A consists of 364 acres more or less. Parcel B - All that unexcavated land lying between and due North of two points lying along a diagonal line running between the center of Section 33 Township 19 North, Range 17 East, and the SE corner
EXHIBIT A and consists of 39 acres, more or less.
responsibility to review. LEASE TERMS
Below represents a list of the basic terms to be included in the resulting agreement.
1) The term of this lease will be for four (4) years with an option to renew for three (3) additional two (2) year terms contingent on written approval of the Department of Corrections, to be granted in its sole discretion.
2) All properties mined will be done so in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations including, but not limited to, the Clean Water Act and all other governing regulations, both state and federal;
3) Production of materials must begin within six (6) months of contract date. A minimum monthly royalty payment of $3,000 will be due the month following the attainment of all permits required for mining operations to commence;
4) The royalty rate (see minimum requirements below) paid for material removed and sold from the Premises will increase each year the lease remains in effect by the following amounts:
a. Gravel - $0.010 per ton and
b. Sand - $0.005 per ton.
5) Reclamation, restorations and bonding must be performed and provided in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations in effect at the time of mining. The maximum amount of disturbed/non-reclaimed land at any time during the lease shall not exceed 60% of the total surface acreage.
6) In addition to the minimum state and/or federal requirements for bonding, as a condition of entering the Lease, Lessee shall be required to post a performance bond in the amount of One performance required by law, and/or required property reclamation and/or property restoration
7) Premises shall be used and occupied solely for sand and gravel mining and processing purposes.
8) Lessee shall be prohibited from assigning or transferring a lease.
DUE DILIGENCE
BIDDER
Interested bidders will have an eight-week period beginning 8:00 AM, June, 12, 2024 and ending
5:00 PM August, 7, 2024 to conduct sample borings for assessment of material volume and quality. Management. Agreements stipulating conditions for entry and indemnifying the Department against any damages or loss must be executed before any boring activities can commence. Interested 1400 Lloyd Street Montgomery, Alabama 36107-0084 or (334) 224-2186 to make application for boring expeditions.
MINIMUM BID REQUIREMENTS
Acceptable bid submittals shall be a production royalty offered as a dollar amount per ton of material mined by the Lessee and sold. The minimum bids shall be $0.520 per ton for gravel, and $0.250 per ton for sand. acceptance of any bid which may equal or exceed that amount. The State reserves the right to reject any or all bids and further reserves the right to negotiate a higher royalty with the highest bidder.
Each bid package submitted must also be accompanied by a or check in the amount of $3,000.00 as a bid deposit made payable to the Alabama Department of Corrections which will be forfeited if the bid is accepted and the Bidder does not complete the transaction.
payment due seven (7) months after contract award.
EACH bid must be submitted in a sealed envelope and the exterior of each envelope must be clearly marked on the outside “SEALED BID FOR SAND AND GRAVEL MINING RIGHTS - DRAPER CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, DO NOT OPEN.” and delivered to: State Lands Division, Room 464, Folsom Administrative Building, 64 North Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1901. (36104
IF DELIVERED BY PRIVATE COURIER).
NO BID SHALL BE RECEIVED FOR ANY REASON ANY TIME AFTER 4:00 P.M. August 19, 2024.
IT SHALL BE THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BIDDER TO ENSURE ACTUAL RECEIPT OF THE BID BY THE STATE LANDS DIVISION PRIOR TO THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE. All bids received by this deadline will be publicly opened and read the following day, August 20, at 2:00 Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1901. If ADA accommodations are needed as to the bid opening, please contact Delicia Baker at (334) 242-3484. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least seven days prior to the bid opening date.
The successful bidder shall reimburse the Alabama Department of Corrections for any advertisement fees and bid evaluation costs that might be incurred for this notice, which may be deducted from the bid deposit.
The successful bidder must complete the transaction within 30 days of award or forfeit the bid deposit.
LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
This lease is conducted pursuant to the provisions of Section 9-17-61 of the Code of Alabama 1975 and/or other laws of the State of Alabama governing this transaction whether or not included in this notice.
The State of Alabama, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the ADOC do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, pregnancy, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in its hiring or employment or leasing practices nor in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities.
The State does not warrant nor guarantee title to the lands herein advertised or otherwise warrant or guarantee the condition of the land or improvements related to the land herein advertised. Please be advised, adjacent to the property in the description, the ADOC operates a shooting range for the purposes of training its employees. By submitting a bid, the successful bidder hereby waives any conditions as stated in this notice shall be controlling over this transaction.
Christopher M. Blankenship CommissionerDepartment of Conservation & Natural Resources
State Classified
AlaScans
SERVICES
SELLING a RV, Tractor or Golf Cart? ADVERTISE
STATEWIDE or by region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participating Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call how easy it is to advertise statewide!
BATH & SHOWER
UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-855-405-8901
NEW AUTHORS
WANTED! Our publishing staff will help you self-publish your own book. FREE author submission kit! Limited offer! Why wait? Call now: 1-877-567-9754
LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America's Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION: A small amount of water can lead to Our trusted professionals dry out the wet area and do repairs to protect your family and your home's value! If you have water in your home that needs to be dried, Call 24/7: 1-877-727-2344 Have zip code of service location ready when you call!
EDUCATION ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am-6pm ET).
HEALTH/BEAUTY ATTENTION OXYGEN
THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-405-8647
Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-405-9791 FOR SALE
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-866-816-3535
DirecTV Satellite TV Service Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108
NEED NEW FLOORING? Call today schedule a FREE inhome estimate on Carpeting & Flooring. Call Today! 1-877-568-2248
UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Call for free consultation:
AlaScans
1-855-405-8839. Ask about our specials!
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-683-2005
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-877-323-5516 today to schedule a free quote. power move.
Safe Step. North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-871-6175 Wesley Financial Group, LLCTimeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 866-605-5915
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 866-816-1208
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 6/30/24. Call 1-877-205-0836
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material - steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-833-955-3163
RV SALE! Millican RV America Spring RV Super Sale: April 19th & 20th. 256-775-8030, I-65 Exit 299. Save thousands. on location. AUTOMOTIVE GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans business. Call 24/7: 1-855-405-8927
AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943
WANTED 10 HOMES in your county needing Metal Roofs, Siding or Windows. March ONLY METAL ROOF $4,395 COMPLETELY INSTALLED. Payments $89/mo* SAVE$$$ Call 800-664-4856 *for details
VEHICLE TITLE Problems? We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free telephone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Monica Gay Mann Rule 20(a), Pet. No. 2024-426 Closing Discipline Summary
Wetumpka attorney Monica Gay Mann, was interimly suspended pursuant to Rule 20(a), Alabama Rules of Disciplinary Procedure, from the practice of law in the State of Alabama by the Supreme Court of Alabama, effective April 1, 2024. The Supreme Court entered its order based upon the Disciplinary Commission’s causing, or is likely to cause, immediate and serious injury to the client or to the public.
SUDOKU ANSWERS
Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from 3 FIVES, LLC A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY to MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS MORTGAGEE, AS NOMINEE, FOR LIMA ONE CAPITAL, LLC, on the 17th day of May, 2021, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on May 21, 2021, in Deed/Mortgage Book 2021, Page 43985, Elmore County, Alabama Records, said Mortgage having subsequently been transferred and assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust, by instrument recorded notice is hereby given that the undersigned
the highest bidder for cash in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse in Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on June 12, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: COMMENCE AT AN IRON PIN (1” CRIMP-TOP PIPE) AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 1, BLOCK 1, OF THE RESUBDIVISION OF RIVERVIEW ESTATES, AS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK 7, AT PAGE 97, SAID POINT BEING ON THE SOUTH RIGHT OF WAY OF RIVER DRIVE (FORMERLY WATER WORKS ROAD): THENCE SOUTH 89 DEG. 53 MIN 36 SEC. EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, 136.52 FEET TO AN IRON PIN (1/2”” REBAR) ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY OF JACKSON TRACE ROAD (FORMERLY U.S. HIGHWAY 231), 60 FOOT RIGHT OFERLY, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, CHORD BEING NORTH 04 DEG. 58 MIN 00 SEC. WEST, 714.62 FEET, AT A CALCULATED POINT IN ELMER BRANCH, SAID POINT BEING THENCE NORTH 87 DEG. 48 MIN. 42 SEC. WEST, ALONG SAID BRANCH, 210.00 FEET THENCE LEAVING SAID BRANCH, NORTH 09 DEG. 02 MIN. 28 SEC. WEST, 210.00 FEET TO AN IRON PIN (2 INCH DEG. 49 MIN. 41 SEC. EAST, 210.30 FEET TO AN IRON PIN (1 INCH OPEN-TOP PIPE) ON THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY THENCE SOUTH 08 DEG. 57 MIN. 26 SEC. EAST, ALONG SAID RIGHT OF WAY, 210.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY LIES IN THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 8, T18N, R19E, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AND CONTAINS 0.99 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY OF RONALD BURKE, ALA. REG. #16670 DATED FEBRUARY 20, 2001. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 1003 JACKSON TRACE ROAD, WETUMPKA, AL 36092. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions those contained in the records Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto and subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable). This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, not in its individual capacity, but solely as Owner Trustee of MFA 2022-RTL1 Trust, Mortgagee/Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Rubin Lublin, LLC, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee
CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES
Public Notices
gg 3145 Avalon Ridge Place, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071
Telephone Number: (877) 8130992 Case No. LMA-23-048138 rlselaw.com/property-listing
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 230946
Do you have available jobs?
Call 256.277.4219 to let others know about job opportunities at your business.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE ELMORE COUNTY
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Jennie Smith, unmarried, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for American Advisors Group, its successors and assigns on May 17, 2013, said mortgage recordProbate of Elmore County, Alabama, at RLPY Book 2013, Page 36660; the undersigned U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash the main entrance of the Courthouse at Elmore County, Alabama, on June 13, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE NE ¼ OF THE SW ¼ OF SEC. 8. T -17-N, R -17-E, CONTINUE THENCE S 89° 24’ 57” E, 815.82 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTINUE THENCE S 17° 26’ 59” E, 168.05 FEET; THENCE N 85° 48’ 04’ E, 195.03 FEET TO A FENCE. THENCE N 10° 05’ 15’ W, 146.72 FEET; THENCE N 89° 24’ 57’ W, 219.25 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SAID PARCEL OF LAND BEING NE ¼ OF THE SW ¼ OF SEC. 8, T -17-N, R -17-E AND CONTAINS 0.73 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. Subject to Ingress/Egress Easement at book 2000 page -
THIS CONVEYENCE IS MADE SUBJECT TO ALL RESTRICTIONS, RESERVATIONS, EASEMENTS, AND RIGHTS -OF -WAY OF RECORD AFFECTING THE TITLE TO THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROPERTY. Being the same property con-
Book 230, Page 1136.
36054
029.008 Property street address for informational purposes:THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tenpayable to Aldridge Pite, LLP at the time and place of the sale. Aldridge Pite, LLP reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust, Mortgagee/Transferee ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP Six Piedmont Center 3525 Piedmont Road, N.E., Suite 700 Atlanta, GA 30305. Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee. THIS OFFICE IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 231736
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Chase Anthony Pollard, an unmarried man, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, on April 26, 2019, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2019 Page 20135; the undersigned Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Althe legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot same appears of record in the of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 22 at Page 12.. Property street address for informational purposes: 120 Waterview Drive , Wetumpka, AL 36092. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TOMENT AND WILL BE SOLD REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File
Wetumpka Herald: 24-00948
PUBLIC NOTICE
BID 24-18 CITY OF ALEXANDER CITY, ALABAMA DEMOLITION OF CONDEMNED HOUSES
The City of Alexander City, Alabama, is requesting bids for the purpose of demolition of condemned houses within the city limits of Alexander City, per full copy of the bid and all addendums may be obtained at [ in writing to the Alexander City Include bid number and opening date on the outside of the envelope.posals must be mailed or hand No proposals will be allowed to
tors License (Specialty Trade Demo License or Building ConGenerals Contractors License number must be listed on the outside of the envelope
ADDRESS ALL RETURN ENVELOPES TO: CITY OF ALEXANDER CITY CITY CLERK’S OFFICE BID NO: 24-18
35010
BID SOLICITATION SCHEDULE 2024
2:00pm CST 10th, 2024 15th, 2024
Alex City Outlook: BID 24-18
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE STATE OF ALABAMA, COUNTY OF ELMORE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Charles E. Kelley, originally in favor of
Public Notices
ygy Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Hometown Lenders, LLC, on December 6, 2016, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Book 2016, Page 60650; the undersigned Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Elmore County, Alabama, on August 1, 2024, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 12 and a strip 20 feet wide of uniform width off the North side of Lot 11, all in Block 2 of the Meadowbrook Subdivision, the Judge of Probate, Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 3, Page 207. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as: 105 Lee Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Three Thousand Dollars made payable to Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be over-
Price & Gregg, LLC at 339 Hey-bia, SC 29201. Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due.
This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate.
This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. If the sale is set aside, the Purchaser may be entitled to only a return of any tendered purchase funds less any applicable fees and costs and shall have no other recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, LLC. 2100 Southbridge Pkwy, Suite 650, Homewood, AL, 35209. www.bellcarrington. com. File Number: 24-42483
Wetumpka Herald: May 29, June 5 and 15, 2024 24-42483
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
Notice is hereby given that J & P Construction Co., Inc., 2550 39th Street Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, has completed the work on the Sedimentation Basin Improvements for the Five Star Water Supply District. All claims held against same should be itemized, notarized and presented to Jasper N. Buckner
Supply District, 251 Lakeview Drive, Wetumpka, AL 36092, on or before Wednesday, June 12, 2024 or same will be barred.
J & P Construction Co., Inc. PO Drawer 3147 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29, June 5 and 12, 2024 COMPLETION
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Schmidt Environmental Construction, Inc. has completed the Contract No. 2 Lagoon Upgrades for the City of Tallassee, a municipal corporation,nal settlement of said contract. All persons having any claims for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify the City of Tallassee, 3 Freeman Ave, Tallassee, AL 36078 (334)283-6571.
Schmidt Environmental Construction, Inc. P.O. Box 369 Auburn, AL 36831-0369 (334) 887-0334
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 COMPLETION
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: DV-2023-900375.00
WILLIAM HUNT VS. MELISSA HARROD, DEFENDANT. NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: MELISSA HARROD, whose whereabouts are unknown; and, Take notice against you in the District Court of Elmore County, Alabama, in case styled, WILLIAM HUNT vs. MELISSA HARROD, Case No., DV-2023-900375.00. You mustplaint on or before thirty (30) days from the date of the last publication of this Notice or a default judgment will be taken against you. Your answer County Circuit Clerk, LaKeshia C. Parks, Esq., and Stewart E. Vance, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiffs, 7079 University Court, Montgomery, Alabama 36117. Dated this 1st day of May 2024. Michael Dozier, Circuit Court Clerk, Elmore County, AL The Wetumpka Herald: May 8, 15, 22 and 29,2024 DV-2023-900375.00
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELA C. BLALOCK, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-082 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of ANGELA C. BLALOCK, deceased, having been granted to LORRAINE TUCKER on May 7th, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
LORRAINE TUCKER ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELA C. BLALOCK, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: KYLE C. SHIRLEY MCDOWELL, FAULK & SHIRLEY, LLC 145 WEST MAIN STREET PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36067 334-365-5924
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/BLALOCK, A.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID BRUCE BROWN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-128 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DAVID BRUCE BROWN, deceased, having been granted to CAROLYN ANN WALKER BROWN on May 10, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
CAROLYN ANN WALKER BROWN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID BRUCE BROWN, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JOHN B. BRADLEY VOGEL LAW FIRM, LLC 41 CAMBRIDGE COURT WETUMPKA. ALABAMA 36093 334-409-0088
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22, and 29, 2024 EST/BROWN D.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT M. FUNDERBURK, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-130 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ROBERT M. FUNDERBURK, deceased, having been granted to JENNY LYNN FUNDERBURK GUY on May 17, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
JENNY LYNN FUNDERBURK GUY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT M. FUNDERBURK, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JOHN B. BRADLEY VOGEL LAW FIRM, LLC 41 CAMBRIDGE COURT WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-409-0088 Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/FUNDERBURK, R.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF ELMORE CASE NO: 2024-134 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TIMOTHY CARSON GOLDEN, DECEASED
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of TIMOTHY CARSON GOLDEN, deceased, having been granted to SUSAN GOLDEN VALLADARES on the 21st day of May 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
SUSAN GOLDEN VALLADARES PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF TIMOTHY CARSON GOLDEN, DECEASED Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JACK OWEN BALL, BALL, MATTHEWS & NOVAK, P.A. PO BOX 2148 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36102-2148 445 DEXTER AVENUE SUITE 9045 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-487-7680
Wetumpka Herald: May 29, June 5 and 12, 2024 EST/GOLDEN, T. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF VINCENT JOSEPH GYORKOS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-125 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of VINCENT JOSEPH GYORKOS, deceased, having been granted to ED PARISH, JR. on May 9th, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the court or the same will be barred.
ED PARISH, JR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF VINCENT JOSEPH GYORKOS, DECEASED
Name and Address of Administrator: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM P O BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/GYORKOS, V. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EMERY GENE HELTON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-114 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of EMERY GENE HELTON, deceased, having been granted to EFFIE LOUISE HELTON on May 8, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
EFFIE LOUISE HELTON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF EMERY GENE HELTON, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: RODERICK B. PERDUE ATTORNEY AT LAW 2033 HOLTVILLE ROAD WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-567-7373
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/HELTON, E. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NORMAN TRUETT HOLMAN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-124 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of NORMAN TRUETT HOLMAN, deceased, having been granted to ED PARISH, JR. on May 15, 2024, by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
ED PARISH, JR. AMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF NORMAN TRUETT HOLMAN, DECEASED Name and Address of Administrator: ED PARISH, JR.
Public Notices
THE PARISH LAW FIRM P O BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/Holman, N. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES MICHAEL KORNOSKY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-095 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of JAMES MICHAEL KORNOSKY, deceased, having been granted to BRANDON KORNOSKY on May 6, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
BRANDON KORNOSKY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES MICHAEL KORNOSKY, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JOSEPH K. BAMBURG ATTORNEY AT LAW 4031 US HWY 231 WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093 334-478-3196
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/KORNOSKY, J. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN EVANS LUSK, CASE NO: 2024-131 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CAROLYN EVANS LUSK, deceased, having been granted to STACI RENE LUSK WATSON on May 17, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
STACI RENE LUSK WATSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CAROLYN EVANS LUSK, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: GEORGE W. FENDLEY, III ATTORNEY AT LAW 108 BROAD STREET P O BOX 261 CAMDEN, ALABAMA 36726 334-682-5173
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/LUSK, C. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT ENTREKIN LUSK, SR., CASE NO: 2024-132 DECEASED NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ROBERT ENTREKIN LUSK, SR., deceased, having been granted to STACI RENE LUSK WATSON on May 17, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
STACI RENE LUSK WATSON PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT ENTREKIN LUSK, SR., DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: GEORGE W. FENDLEY, III ATTORNEY AT LAW 108 BROAD STREET PO BOX 261 CAMDEN, ALABAMA 36726 334-682-5173 Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/LUSK, R. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF STANLEY R. MERCHANT, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2024-101 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE
TO: BRANDON STANLEY JONES, A NON-RESIDENT OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND NEXT OF KIN OF STANLEY R. MERCHANT; AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF STANLEY R. MERCHANT, DECEASED YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on April 10, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of STANLEY R. MERCHANT, de-
deceased, having been granted to NANCY M. POWER on May 17, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
NANCY M. POWER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DANIEL N. POWER, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for such
Public Notices
y Personal Representative: WILL O’REAR, JR. SASSER & O’REAR, LLC 7007 FULTON COURT MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334356-2400
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/POWER, D. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR., DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-063 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR., deceased, having been granted to WILLIAM B. PRICE, JR. on May 15, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
WILLIAM B. PRICE, JR. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM B. PRICE, SR., DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024
EST/PRICE, W. SR. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WHEATTON K. PYNES, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-122 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Es-
tate of WHEATTON K. PYNES, deceased, having been granted to BEVERLY PYNES GRANT on May 16, 2024 by John Thornton, Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, no-
Public Notices
y tice is hereby given that all per-
sons and parties having claims against said estate are required, within the time allowed by law, to present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
BEVERLY PYNES GRANT
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF WHEATTON K. PYNES, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for
Personal Representative: CHIP CLEVELAND THE CLEVELAND FIRM, LLC 707 MCQUEEN SMITH ROAD SOUTH PRATTVILLE, ALABAMA 36066 334-365-6266
Wetumpka Herald: May 22, 29 and June 5, 2024 EST/PYNES, W. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024- 073 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to RUSSELL PARKER as Personal Representative on the 9th day of May, 2024, by the Honorable John Thornton, Judge of Probate of said County in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
RUSSELL PARKER PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT DALE VANDERBILT, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Regina B. Edwards, Esq.
The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092
Wetumpka Herald: May 15, 22 and 29, 2024 EST/VANDERBILT, R. PUBLIC NOTICE FORECLOSURE NOTICE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness described in and secured by that certain mortgage executed by JAMES F. MRACEK, II and ANN MARIE MRACEK,
Public Notices
Public Notices
Public Notices
husband and wife, as Mortgagor(s) to Regions Bank, as Mortgagee, dated the 19th day of March, 2008, and recorded in RLPY Book 2008, Page 19773, et seq. of the records inbate Court of Elmore County, Alabama; said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the undersigned will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bidder during legal hours of sale, on the 10th day of July, 2024, in the city of Wetumpka, at the front door of the Court House of Elmore County, Alabama, the following described real property situated in the County of Elmore, State of Alabama, to-wit: A parcel of land located in the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 19, Township 18 North, Range 19 East, Elmore County, Alabama, being more particularly described as follows: For the Point of Beginning commence at an iron pin marking the accepted northeast corner of the said Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter; thence South 86 degrees, 06 minutes, 07 seconds West and on the north boundary of the said Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, 705.09 feet to an iron pin; thence South 02 degrees, 32 minutes, 13 seconds East, 139.76 feet to an iron pin on the north right of way of Blueberry Lane; thence North 82 degrees, 36 minutes, 29 seconds East and on said north right of way, 38.93 feet to an iron pin at the end of said right of way; thence North 86 degrees, 10 minutes, 28 seconds East; 148.91 feet to an iron pin; thence South 03 degrees, 52 minutes, 04 seconds East, 269.99 feet to an iron pin; thence North 83 degrees, 01 minutes, 59 seconds West 257.05 feet to an iron pin; thence North 02 degrees, 35 minutes, 05 seconds West, 170.20 feet to an iron pin on the south right of way of said Blueberry Lane; thence South 85 degrees 00 minutes, 39 seconds West and on said south right of way, 49.53 feet to an iron pin at the northeast corner of Lot 9 of Indian Hills Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book the Judge of Probate of Elmore County,Alabama; thence South 02 degrees, 30 minutes, 00 seconds East and on the east boundary of said Indian Hill Subdivision, 468.27 feet to an iron pin at the southeast corner of Lot 7 of said Indian Hill Subdivision; thence North 86 degrees, 09 minutes, 29 seconds East and on the south boundary of the North Half of the said Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, 829.41 feet to an iron pin at the accepted southeast corner of the said North Half of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter; thence North 03 degrees, 49 minutes, 24 seconds West and on east boundary of the said Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter, 658.79 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. According to survey of Reg. Land Surveyor, Otis R. Allen, Ala. Reg. No. 12771 dated July 22, 1996 and revised on November 16, 1996. Property is subject to a 50 foot access easement as shown on attached survey prepared by Otis R. Allen , dated July 22, 1996 and revised November 16, 1996. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, reservations and exceptions or those contained in the reof Probate of the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as and will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying said indebtedness and the expenses incident to this sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, and the other purposes set out in said mortgage. The sale will betion that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcytion and audit of the status of the loan with the Mortgagee. REGIONS BANK Holder of said Mortgage Goodman G. Ledyard
PIERCE LEDYARD JOHNSTON, P.C.
Attorneys for Mortgagee Mobile, Alabama 36616 (251) 338-1300
Wetumpka Herald: May 29, June 5 and 12, 2024
FC/MRACEK PUBLIC NOTICE STATE OF ALABAMA NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE ELMORE COUNTY
Default having been made in the payment of indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Michael A. Rambo, a married man, the 30th day of November, 2018, to Compass Bank, now known as PNC Bank, N.A., which said mortgage is recorded in thety, Alabama, in Real Property Book 2018, at Page 57116 and by reason of such default, hav-
y ing declared all of the indebtedness secured by said mortgage due and payable, and such default continuing, notice is hereby given that, acting under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, PNC Bank, N. A. will sell at public outcry, for cash, to the highest bidder, in front of the County Courthouse door at 100 Alabama, at approximately 1:00 PM on June 20, 2024, the following described real estateabama, to-wit: Commence at a nail at the basemore County, Alabama; thence 165.37 feet to a 1” iron bolt being the Point of Beginning (P0B144.00 feet to a 1/2” rebar set; feet to a 1/2” rebar set; thence
Montgomery, Alabama 361029553 File No.: 3714.035
Wetumpka
Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year.
We didn’t think you would. Do you need to successfully market on a tight budget? Tallapoosa and Elmore County Classifieds has customizable programs available to fit any budget. DON’T WAIT! Call TODAY 256.277.4219
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice
feet back to the Point of Beginparcel of land lying and being
Name
easement described as follows: Commence a nail at the base
more County, Alabama; thence of Way of Lightwood Road and the Point of Beginning (POB-2); wide private access easement for ingress and egress the fol-
Persons
lying and being situated in thety, Alabama.ly known as: 6857 Lightwood Road, Deatsville Alabama 36022. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. and appurtenances thereunto attached to and used in connection with the premises herein described.
right of way easements and restrictions of record in the Proexisting special assessments and liens of record, if any, which might adversely affect the title to
“As Is, Where Is” basis without warranty or recourse, express or implied as to title, use and/ right(s) of redemption of all parties entitled thereto. Neither therectors, attorneys, employees, agents or authorized representative of the mortgagee make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition, including those suggested by Code of Alabama (1975) § 35-4-271, expressly are disclaimed. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.
purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by the above-described mortgage, and the proceeds thereof will be applied as provided by the terms ofreserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. to pay the purchase price and close this sale shall, at the option of the Mortgagee, be cause have the option of making the sale to the next highest bidder who is able, capable and willing to comply with the terms thereof. during lawful hours of sale between 11:00am to 4:00pm. A in the amount of $ 10,000.00 is required on auction day from the successful bidder and with the balance of funds within 24 hours both payable to Reynolds, Reynolds & Little, LLC. Balance payable funds may be wired. Wire instructions will be provided by the auctioneer to the successful bidder.ment or cancellation.
PNC BANK, N.A. Mortgagee c/o Robert D. Reynolds Mortgagee
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on the 13th of June 2024, at 9:00am AT STORAGETREASURES. COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE.
Southeast Storage 8416 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36092
2111:Kim Posey.9175 Georgia Rd,Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: washer/dryer, tv, mattress, outside couch,table 1407:Allison Brown.8436 Georgia Rd,Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents:boxes, bags of clothes,wooden shelves, table, rocking chairs
3119:Denise Hussey.106 W. Osceola St.,Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: desk, clothes, boxes, shelves, chairs, counter tops, trunk, table 3097:Tracey Hart.P.O. Box 151, Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: tv stand, weight set, dresser, basketball goal, pictures, 3026:Denise Hussey. 106 W. Osceola St, Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: Insulation, tool cart, sheet rock, tools, boxes, 3131:Tracey Hart.P.O. Box 151,Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: bags of clothes, electric scooter, night stand Wetumpka Herald: May 29 and June 5, 2024 STORAGE AUCTION PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that application has been made to the Council of the City of Wetumpka for approval of a 020-Restaurant Retail Liquor license.
Name of Applicant: Taste at the Fain, LLC Trade Name: Taste at the Fain Address: 101 E. Bridge St. Wetumpka, AL 36092
Public Hearing
Anyone desiring to be heard either for or against said application may appear at said time or may indicate their wishes in writing by communication addressed to the City Council, 408 South Main Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092.
Persons with disabilities who may need special assistance should contact the City Clerk’s call (334) 567-1306 at least two business days in advance of the meeting. The meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible. Tiffany Robinson, City Clerk Wetumpka Herald: May 22 and 29, 2024 TASTE AT THE FAIN
ELMORE COUNTY’S NEELEY COMMITS TO COASTAL CC GOLF
By DALTON MIDDLETON Sports Editor
Spence Neeley never thought golf would take him to college.
Neeley had never played golf until he was 16-years old. He picked up the sport a year after not playing any other sports. He had previously played baseball and basketball, but those weren’t the sports for him.
He sat out for a year before he decided to pick up a golf club, and then he quickly fell in love with the sport. And now Neeley is going to golf at the next level. He recently committed to golf at Coastal Alabama Community College North in Brewton.
He will sign with the program at 9 a.m. Thursday at Elmore County High School.
“It honestly caught me by surprise because I haven’t been playing golf for a long time,” Neeley said. “I never thought it would bring me this far. But I picked it up and fell in love with the sport. It means a lot to me. It was one of my major goals this year. Honestly, it was probably my biggest goal.”
Neeley’s recruiting process took a different path than most.
He and his family actually called the school to find out who the golf coach was and how to get in contact with the program.
After they reached the coach, a tryout was set up and Neeley stole the show.
“I competed with 20 other golfers for two scholarship openings and it just went my way that day,” Neeley said. “They have a solid golf program that is
a 73
going to give me a chance to play at the next level after two levels, and they have the degree (forestry) when I transfer to Auburn.” As Neeley grew in the game, he showcased it on the varsity level for Elmore County.
College North.
The Panthers made a run all the way to sub-state and actually finished in second place in the 5A, Section 1 tournament. During that tournament, Neeley was the team’s leading golfer with a 73 score. It was the second-lowest
score of the entire tournament behind only one Demopolis golfer playing at his home course. Neeley wrapped up his successful varsity career in sub-state, and now he will see his skills transfer to the college level.
SUBMITTED TPI
“Really, my short game is where I’ve practiced a whole lot and it’s helped me,” Neeley said. “Whenever I’m struggling on a round and my iron or driver isn’t working, I can always lean on my short game to still produce a decent round.”
Spence Neeley poses with his scorecard after shooting
in the sectional tournament. The Elmore County senior is going to play golf at Coastal Alabama Community