By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
See MIRACLE, Page A6
af
ter turning himself in according to the Elmore County Jail website. Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach.
Details of how the operation was conducted were revealed in Elmore County District Court Judge Glen Goggans’ courtroom last week as several of the defendants, including some from Elmore County, were in court.
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each
See CHAMBER, Page A3
County leaders present plan to share increasing infrastructure cost, growth
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
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
Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF WILLIAMS/ THE HERALD
It’s no secret Elmore County is growing. Since 1995 the population has almost doubled, growing from 55,000 to more than 90,000. And it continues to grow.
Staff Report
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals
Rooftops are going in all over as more than 700 are planned in the Redland community in the next few years. More than 300 are planned in Wetumpka. Eclectic has new neighborhoods going in as well. The growth will likely bring more retail businesses and restaurants. They all need police and fire protection. In the last year the Alabama legislature approved two new circuit court judges to help accommodate the growing number of court cases in Elmore County. Other districts across the state saw zero or one new
judge. The current Elmore County Jail was built in the 1990s to house 242 inmates. Currently the population is routinely more than 300. The current jail offers no way to renovate the current facility in an affordable manner.
trafficking operation in Autauga County in November. Details of how the operation was conducted were revealed in Elmore County District Court Judge Glen Goggans’ courtroom last week as several of the defendants, including some from Elmore County, were in court. Most of the defendants were charged with first-degree human
By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting in the Wetumpka Walmart parking lot on Jan. 20.
Police were dispatched to the parking lot around 10:45 p.m. for a “shots fired” call. Once there, they found Centell Winston, 42 of Tallassee, dead of a gunshot wound in the driver seat of his vehicle.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
According to Wetumpka police chief Greg Benton, this was not a random shooting.
“This was not random, not a random act,” said Benton. “We believe the victim and the perpetrator knew each other.”
Valentine’s Day is coming up and students at Holtville Elementary School are hoping for cards from across the United States. It’s a project to not see who the suitors are but an educational one.
This is the first homicide in Wetumpka in over three years. The last homicide in the city took place in 2018.
“It’s not a good way to start out the new year,” said Benton.
Benton didn’t want to speculate on the
“It’s a lesson in geography, writing and art,” first grade teacher Kate Boyer said. “For each card we get, we are placing a pin on a map. We are going to connect where each card came from.” And the cards are coming from more places than
See SHOOTING, Page A3
HOLTVILLE, Page A6
(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.
CLIFF WILLIAMS | TPI
“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said,
Elmore County leaders also want to expand broad band access in Elmore County as well as
The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
A new Elmore County Jail is in the planning stages. The current jail was completed in 1995 and designed to house 242 prisoners. It frequently has more than 300. Enhance Elmore would provide funding through increased booking fees and court fees. The extra fees would also fund renovating the judicial complex to accommodate more judges and courtrooms.
As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed
See ENHANCE, Page A6
the school culture from that of a school struggling with low morale, achievement and attendance to a school that strives for excellence. By collaborating with staff, many of the school’s issues were identified and addressed. Futral’s leadership style of listening, encouraging, supporting, organizing and challenging the staff and students, caused the school culture to
shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 per cent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.
See PRINCIPAL, Page A3
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Millbrook Police Department
arrested an Alabama Department of Corrections employee Friday afternoon following a brief pursuit.
Police chief P.K. Johnson said an officer observed a small car traveling at a high rate of speed.
“The radar indicated the vehicle was traveling 83 mph in a 45 mph during inclement weather on Main Street,” Johnson said. “The officer turned on his emergency equipment and attempted to stop the vehicle.”
Johnson said the 2009 Chevrolet
Aveo sped up and passed other vehicles while continuing northbound on Main Street. The driver came to an abrupt stop when he encountered slower traffic.
Nehemiah J. Newsome, 21, of Montgomery, was arrested and charged with felony attempting to elude. Johnson said Newsome is employed by ADOC.
“He advised our officers after being stopped that he was merely trying to make it to work at the time of
the traffic stop,” Johnson said. The police chief said ADOC was notified of Newsome’s arrest and responded with its own investigators. Johnson said being employed to work in state prisons is no reason to speed especially given the conditions at the time.
“(Friday) was most definitely a foul weather day, with lots of rain and near freezing temperatures,” Johnson said. “There is never a valid reason to travel in excess of 35 MPH over the posted speed limit, particularly with the weather we had and the traffic volume that we generally experience at that time of day.”
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A former Wetumpka police officer remains in the Elmore County Jail following a November arrest.
Sean Blackburn, 36, of Wetumpka, was before Elmore County District Court Judge Glenn Goggans for a preliminary hearing and bond reduction hearing. Blackburn waived his preliminary hearing in hopes of getting his $1,510,000 bond reduced.
“He can’t make bond,” Blackburn’s attorney said. “He is asking for a drastic reduction.”
The attorney said Blackburn had adderall on him when he crashed his
STING
Continued from A1
vehicle on the Coosa River Parkway near Holtville Road.
“He had more than 100 pills,” Goggans said.
Blackburn was charged with driving under the influence, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and drug trafficking.
Goggans lowered Blackburn’s bond to $750,000.
“If he can’t make it, come back in a few
trafficking, traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act and electronic solicitation of a child.
Jeffery Bozeman, 42, of Wetumpka, was in court for an Aniah’s Law hearing as authorities charged him with a second count of each charge as there was evidence Bozeman was negotiating a meeting with two 15-year-olds.
Autauga County deputy sheriff Amanda Porath testified authorities posted an ad on a website known for connecting individuals wanting various sex acts. Porath said the ad had photos of females over the age of 18 stating they were in Prattville seeking fun. The ad contained a phone number to contact the girls.
Porath said Bozeman sent a text to the number and officers responded. Eventually the officers posing as females said they were 15 years old, but Bozeman continued the conversation.
“He said he didn’t believe the age because of the photos,” Porath testified. “He asked for more photos with less clothing.”
According to Porath, Bozeman also asked about the girls
WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT
JAN. 8
• Lady Berry, 46, of Montgomery, was arrested for four counts of failure to appear.
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231. JAN. 7
• Raul Calderon, 63, of Wetumpka, was ordered to serve 14 days in jail per municipal court.
• Jeffery Taylor, 42, of Montgomery, was arrested for failure to appear.
• Anthony Williams, 31, of Montgomery,
months and we will see about maybe reducing some more,” Goggans said.
Goggans also sat on the bench for a preliminary hearing for Michael Hood, 19, of Montgomery. He was also asking for a bond reduction. Hood is charged with organized retail theft and is currently in the Elmore County Jail with a $10,000 bond available to him.
Hood was arrested on Dec. 2, 2024, by the Tallassee Police Department following a call about shoplifting at the Walmart in Tallassee.
“About seven to eight individuals entered the store at the same time,” Tallassee police Lt. Jon Rawls testified. “They got
being over 18 to get a hotel room. Porath said the girls were insistent on being 15 and a friend of age got the room for them.
Bozeman agreed to paying $100 for sex acts. When Bozeman arrived at the hotel, he was arrested and had $80 cash on him.
Other defendants argued they were entrapped by law enforcement. Attorneys said their clients asked about age. Some said they didn’t want to go to jail. Others inquired about a juvenile’s ability to get a hotel room. Some attorneys said law enforcement kept the conversation going.
Porath said in all cases the age of the victims was stated as 15 in the text and the defendants continually responded.
The sting operation was conducted over two days.
“More than 100 contacted the number in the ad,” Porath said.
“The 15 continued to message after it was revealed the girls were 15.”
Goggans granted prosecutors motion of no bond under Aniah’s Law for Bozeman’s second round of charges. It was the same outcome of the first hearing on the first set of charges in November.
The operation was carried out
was ordered to serve 21 days in jail per municipal court.
• Rodney Thornton, 70, of Tuskegee, was arrested on seven counts of failure to appear.
• Fraudulent use of a credit or debit card was reported on Jackson Trace Road.
• Interference with a public safety communication was reported on Margate Loop.
• Harassment was reported on Margate Loop.
JAN. 6
• Shelia Adair, 56, of Wetumpka, was arrested for third-degree domestic violence.
separate carts and went different directions.”
Rawls said the store’s loss prevention employees watched on video the individuals go to a fire exit in the back of the store. Unpaid merchandise was placed in a vehicle. Hood was then observed exiting the front of the store and getting into the passenger side of a vehicle with his girlfriend driving. Tallassee police officers stopped the vehicle where more than $500 in merchandise was found.
“He said his girlfriend had nothing to do with it,” Rawls said.
Goggans left the bond set at $10,000 and bound the case over to a grand jury.
by the Autauga County Sheriff’s Office with help from the Prattville Police Department, 19th Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Montgomery Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service and Covenant Rescue Group.
Christopher Cheatham, 34, of Montgomery, and Eric Levail Billups, 40, of Montgomery, were also in front of Goggans on preliminary hearings for their charges related to the operation. Their cases were bound over to a grand jury for possible indictment.
Others arrested in the operation were William Gary Denton, 41, of Millbrook; Aaron Blake Schofield, 30, of Lapine; Parrish Patton, 30, of Deatsville; Jefferson Andrews, 51, of Greenville; Horace O’Neal Cooper, 63, of Prattville; Michael Edward Martin, 55, of Autaugaville; Richard Terrones, 20, of Wetumpka; Joshua Guy Harp, 26, of Columbus, Georgia; Jaylen Ahjier Kennedy, 21, of Prattville; Michael Len Wright, 26, of Montgomery; Ki-shawn Lasagius Quenzel Powell, 41, of Tuskegee and Austin Gill, 29, of Bainbridge, Georgia. Gill was only charged with traveling to meet a child for an unlawful sex act.
• Jaderian Thornton, 26, of Montgomery, was arrested for three counts of failure to appear.
• Bernon Doucet II, 60, of Wetumpka, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.
• Unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle was reported on North Opotheohola Street.
• Domestic violence was reported on Margate Loop.
JAN. 4
• Shekinah Rumph, 21, of Montgomery, was arrested for third-degree domestic violence.
• Joshua Patman, 20, of Wetumpka, was arrested for three counts of failure to appear.
• Domestic violence was reported on North Street.
• A domestic dispute was reported on McDonald Drive.
JAN. 3
• Brandon Horton, 30, of Deatsville, was arrested for four counts of failure to appear.
• Forgery was reported on Coventry Trace. JAN. 2
• Timothy Smith, 46, of Coosada, was arrested for driving under the influence.
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
January is One Health Awareness Month as well as National Train Your Dog & Walk Your Pet Month. Since us humans tend to focus on health and fitness in January, then no better time to do the same for our pets. An inordinate number of dogs are surrendered to our Shelters because they are “too active.” In most cases their breed types ARE active breeds who simply need more exercise than they are getting. Probably 75% of these dogs have also never been taught to walk decently on a leash, so any walk is simply no fun for either their human or the dog. This then results in no walks and an increasingly frustrated dog and exasperated owner. So starting off this New Year by doing some simple leash training and adding your dog into your new exercise program will be good for you and good for
your dog. With just a little work your dog can happily be your walking/hiking/jogging partner so you can both get in shape together. Bottom line - a tired dog is a more well-mannered dog, so it is a win-win for both of you. Teaching your dog to walk or run with you on a leash, to not jump and just to have basic nice manners is not rocket science but it does take a commitment to training and consistency. Local trainers can help with the basics of leash training and general manners if you find you need help. Our dogs love making us happy so think ‘reward’ for when they do what you want as they will quickly figure out what makes you happy. Some dogs are motivated by treats (use a treat they do not get at any other time and small so they don’t stop to chew), others are motivated by toys, and others just by your praise. Dogs understand clear, concise commands and
most owners simply talk too much so the dog is confused and has no idea what is being asked of it. This is why a professional trainer can take your dog from you and in five minutes likely have it responding to commands. A good trainer knows how to clearly communicate with your dog. For your dog it is an “Oh, that is what you want me to do” moment. In reality –training a dog is about 75% training the owner in how to effectively communicate with their own pet.
Of course, our dogs are as different as we are so some pick up on lessons quickly while others take a bit longer. Knowing your dog’s attention span is very important as one dog may work great for 15 minutes before losing interest and for another five minutes is all they can give you before they simply tune out. Some are quicker on the uptake than others and knowing what
really makes your dog tick also makes a big difference. Does your dog respond to treats? Or toys? Or clicks or whistles? Every dog is different so finding what gets their undivided attention can greatly improve the chance of training success. One caution – some folks think they can send their dog ‘off’ to a trainer and they will come back and be the perfect dog –not. Remember – you, the owner, are a huge part of the training process and you have to also learn how to communicate what you want so your dog will understand. You can send a dog to a trainer but part of that will also be you spending time with your dog and the trainer so the dog trainer can train you, the owner. Training of any kind takes patience and perseverance on everyone’s part, and it never really ends. Refresher training should take place throughout your dog’s
Pet of the Week - Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a 10-month old female Pit looking mix who weighs about 40 pounds. She was found with another dog dumped out on a county road and brought to us. She is a very happy and smiley girl; she is cuddly, loving and sweet. Cinnamon is great with other dogs and loves going for walks.
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.
Why is subscribing important?
If you are interested in meeting Cinnamon 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.
Local media provides accountability with governments, organizations and individuals. Knowledge is power. If the public doesn’t know what’s going on, how can they have a voice?
life – for both of you.
A professional tennis player isn’t successful only playing tennis during tournaments –they practice, and get coaches, and research and practice more –true success entails dedication.
So get out those comfy walking or running shoes, teach your dog first how to
walk nicely on a leash, and start out 2025 with daily nice long walks/runs with your dog – the reward will be a tired and better behaved dog, and perhaps a more fit & more relaxed you as well.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
It’s the start of a new era in Washington. 77 million Americans sent a clear message on November 5th—they want President Trump back in the White House, and they want his America First agenda implemented.
This agenda includes a secure border, booming economy, strong military, parent-centered education, veteran-focused care, domestic energy production, and a holistic approach to health and wellness. To accomplish these goals, it is imperative that President Trump gets to pick the team around him.
As United States Senators, it is our Constitutional responsibility to vet President Trump’s nominees. My colleagues and I have been working diligently to review and meet with each nominee President Trump has put forward. During these meetings, we have the opportunity to learn more about their backgrounds and visions for the roles they are nominated for. We also have the chance to raise questions or concerns.
I’m not a politician, I’m a football coach—so it should come as no surprise to you that my approach to vetting President Trump’s nominees is not traditional. While I believe the Senate’s role in vetting Presidential nominees is certainly important, I think we should largely defer to President Trump’s judgement on who he wants around him. After all, Democrats gave President Biden this same courtesy when zero Democrat Senators voted against his nominees in 2021.
After meeting with many of President Trump’s nominees, I can tell you that President Trump has masterfully chosen his team. I spent 40 years organizing winning teams—tirelessly working to ensure we had the right staff in place to achieve our goals. President Trump has assembled a team of all-star coaches who will help deliver wins for Americans.
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I am particularly focused on getting the right leadership in place at the Pentagon. I couldn’t be more
See CONFIRMING, Page A5
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The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281
Don’t breathe — it’s cold, flu and virus season
It’s that time of year. You know the one that can ruin your holiday festivities in the blink of a fever. The one that will shut down a gathering faster than you can say stomach virus. The one that beckons people to leave supplies on the front steps. Before I go further, I preface this by saying I clearly don’t have all the answers (or even half), I will probably get sick just from writing this, and I firmly believe that you should head straight to your doctor for an official diagnosis and proper care when you aren’t well. What I want to plead with folks about are more precautionary and preventative measures for the dreaded cold, flu & virus season.
When my children were very young, I realized how torturous cold and flu season can be. You knew when that little hand came out of nowhere in the middle of the night that what followed would be a little voice whispering ‘I don’t feel good’. And usually within days a second child reenacted the same tap on my shoulder. Then it hits my husband, and without fail, I’d go down last. One holiday we were within a week of leaving for a Disney cruise and there it was…..the most horrendous stomach virus my family has ever had. We were better by the time we headed to Port Canaveral, but we were so weak and tired we could barely pack and spent the first day on the boat in our room sleeping. During one especially memorable Christmas break, our family had 13 go down with the flu — one a day for two
TIPPY HUNTER General Manager
weeks. Our festivities that year got pushed all the way to the first week of January. Talk about bah humbug!
As I said, I’ll probably get sick just from writing this so I’ll stress again, what little I do know is not foolproof, and locking yourself away and missing out on all the fun is not an option. What I have found, however, after learning the hard way for many years, is there is a way to attempt to beat the wintertime germ-fest that hits around this time every year, and that’s a good old-fashioned daily dose of fruits and vegetables. Sounds easy, right? In our constant hustle, we found that was probably never going to happen so I dove in and did a bit of research on vitamins to supplement what we’re not getting each day, and it’s been a game changer. So far our combination of vitamins has cut our sickness down by about 70%, short of a few allergies here and there. We take a variety and I only buy certified organic, because there’s no point in taking anything that’s full of dyes and other artificial ingredients.That’s trading one problem for another. The few times we’ve gotten really sick we realized we had been skipping days, and even then, it was mild. It’s taken years
but my children are finally to the point of not complaining each day and are no longer making fun of my vitamin box on the bar. Everyone is different so if you’re taking this to heart, you must do your own research and speak to your doctor before taking anything new. For us, we started with Vitamin A, C, D, zinc and elderberry. I’ve added in chlorella, quercetin, collagen, fish oil and a few others, although I’m usually the only one to take the extras. The key is persistence. Don’t skip days. Make it a habit. There’s an expense to supplements, but it’s cheaper than copays.
I’ve talked to dozens of people who do this better than I do, but it’s a start, and for the last 13 years it has had a tremendous effect on my family. My main priority is health. No one has time to be sick and let’s be honest, who wants to be that person that catches something every time the wind blows? Who wants to miss Christmas? No one wants to feel bad, and no one wants to say ‘I can’t. I’m sick again.’ We all wish for the gardens our grandparents had us working in when we were younger, but considering those are hard to manage for most of us, vitamins are a decent option. And just imagine — if everyone built up their immune system through their daily diet or by taking vitamins, how many less germs would there be to spread?
Tippy Hunter is the general manager for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.
“All Creatures Great and Small” — just what we need, now
The PBS series “Masterpiece Theatre” is approaching 55 years on the air. In January 2021, the program began airing a British series that is well worth your time if you’ve yet to get into it. In fact, it just may be the salve we need in these troubled times. “All Creatures Great and Small” has been gaining momentum for four seasons, and Alabama Public Television is giving us a chance to catch up on those four seasons before beginning season five later this month. This gentle series can take something like a crippled horse or a sick sheep and create an hour of edge-of-yourseat drama out of it.
Dr. James Herriot (a pen name for Alf Wight) wrote his first memoir of adventures as a young veterinarian in his original book, “If Only They Could Talk,” in 1970. This series of books continued through the 1990s. Herriot began his career in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s. The dales are comprised of gently rolling hills and valleys, so picturesque that they are as identified with England as the more familiar scenes of London. The dales are generally an agricultural area.
Most of the people who live there are farmers. In the books and in the television series, Dr. Herriot leaves his home in Glasgow for the prospect of a job working under an eccentric veterinary surgeon named Dr. Siegfried Farnon, who is also the proprietor of Skeldale House. Farnon is one of those characters whose bark is worse than his bite, so to speak. Dr. Farnon is portrayed by Samuel West, an experienced character actor, while newcomer Nicholas Ralph plays Dr. Herriot.
Dr. Farnon has a live-in housekeeper in the series named Mrs. Hall, played by Anna Madeley. Callum Woodhouse plays Dr. Farnon’s younger brother Tristan, who has recently flunked out of veterinary school again and has come back home in an apprentice role, one he shares with Dr. Herriot. Other characters rounding out the cast include Rachel Shenton as farmer Helen Alderson, and Matthew Lewis (known to “Harry Potter” fans as Neville Longbottom) in the role of the wealthy Hugh Hulton.
The series is directed by Brian Percival, who also served in that
role on the successful TV program “Downton Abbey” several years ago. The good nature of the main characters is very refreshing. In the first episode, Herriot treats an abscess on a horse’s hoof and delivers a calf, but after a night of drunkenness mixes up cats on their way to being neutered – realizing his mistake just in time!
Later episodes have had Dr. Herriot misdiagnosing a cow with milk fever, and later getting into some trouble for euthanizing a racehorse with twisted bowels - which causes Dr. Farnon to have his application to become the official vet of the racecourse be declined. The plots are like the books – quiet. Yet there is something incredibly comforting about the adventures of a kind rural veterinarian in 1930s England that we need now more than ever.
“All Creatures Great and Small” airs Sunday evenings at 8:00 p.m. on Alabama Public Television.
Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Three Wetumpka police officers will have more responsibilities after recent promotions.
Current Wetumpka police chief Ed Reeves was on the force as assistant chief in May when Greg Benton retired. The promotion set into motion a series of open slots for officers to move up the ranks.
Nick Betts was promoted to assistant chief.
“We got putting things together and working it like we needed to,” Reeves said. “We saw real quick we needed help. So at that point, we decided we needed a major to be our right hand, more or less get a lot of the work done for us that we needed.”
Reeves announced Josh Barfoot as the new department’s new major. He got his start in law enforcement in Wetumpka almost 15 years ago.
“I worked patrol for several years, then general crimes, major crimes and back to patrol,” Barfoot said.
He brings years of experience to the table to aid Reeves and Betts on a day-to-day basis working in operations and personnel issues.
“I just want to make the place as good as it can be and take care of the next generation of law enforcement,” Barfoot said.
More slots became
available as officers were promoted or retired but the promotions didn’t come easy. Reeves announced two patrol officers, Cameron Ricks and Jacob Wood were promoted to corporal.
“It’s the most important promotion they will ever receive,” Reeves said. “It’s their first step into leadership. It’s a big step but I’m
confident they will get adjusted to the new role.”
Reeves said the officers under Ricks and Wood will be mentored and taught by the new corporals.
“They know the right way because they answered all the questions right on the test,” Reeves said. “We want them to lead and guide these officers. Teach
them to do right.”
Ricks went to Faulkner University before becoming a correctional officer in the Elmore County Jail. Wetumpka sent him to the police academy and he has been patrolling the streets of Wetumpka for the last two and half years.
“It feels good to take this next step,” Ricks said. “Hopefully I can
be a part of making sure officers that came in after me learn how to do things the right way.”
Ricks sees himself staying with WPD and hopefully moving up the ranks.
Wood got his start with WPD as well patrolling the streets of Wetumpka after the police academy about three years ago.
“I just want to do my job well,” Wood said. “I want to be able to help other officers where I can to make sure the community is safe for all.”
Families were on hand at a small promotion ceremony to pin new badges on the promoted officers.
“I hope they are as proud of them as I am,” Reeves said.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
For the first time in 15 years, Elmore County can detain more than three juveniles.
The Elmore County Commission approved using the Lee County Youth Detention Facility on an as-needed basis to house juveniles under the supervision of juvenile courts.
Commissioner Dennis Hill retired from law enforcement but saw the effect of juvenile detention on behavior.
“It changed their attitude quickly when they realized they could be locked up,” Hill said.
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just inside the school; the goal is to receive a card from every state.
Boyer said she saw the idea in a teacher group she is in on Facebook.
“I thought, ‘Well, that could be fun for my boys and girls,’” Boyer said.
“So I shared it on Face-
CONFIRMING
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Elmore County has had three beds at the Montgomery County Detention Facility for years. Before the commission’s action, Elmore County District Judge Ben Baxley told the commission the county should have seven beds when looking at comparisons to other counties. He said Autauga County had four beds with 15,000 less residents. “I think the beds should be a priority for juvenile court,” Baxley said. “They needed to be considering the growth in Elmore County.” To help with growing pains in infrastructure, public safety and fire services, the commission presented its Enhance
book. My family and friends and class parents shared it for me and it just spread.”
Boyer started the project coming back from Christmas break.
In just a short period of time, interest has grown. Boyer also took the idea to Holtville Elementary School principal Tanya Boone.
“I thought Ms. Boy-
thrilled about President Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. He has a clear vision of how to shake up the military industrial complex and get the military refocused on being a lethal killing machine. As Pete said, he stands for the warfighters, not the warmongers. I predict that recruiting numbers will skyrocket as a result. After meeting with Pete, I am 100% confident that he is the perfect person for the job.
I was also very encouraged by my meeting with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. For far too long, we have been lied to by the
Elmore plan, which lays out county needs and how to fund them. The projects would be paid for through fees and assessments, a levelized sales tax, increased court and jail booking costs and more taxes on tobacco and vapes.
The seven different funding measures must get approval from the Alabama legislature. The commission can then levy five of the measures. The taxes on tobacco and vape must be put to a public referendum.
The commission approved the required advertising to meet deadlines for the legislature to take in the session that starts next month.
er’s idea was great,” Boone said. “I shared it with other teachers who also want to take part in it.”
In just a week, Boyer has been getting messages on Facebook from strangers who have discovered Project Valentine at Holtville Elementary School.
“My own post on Facebook got a bunch
food and beverage industry. Without the public’s knowledge, harmful chemicals have been found in our food, drinks, cleaning products, cookware, clothing, self-care products, etc. That is the past; RFK Jr. is the future. No one has been a stronger advocate for the movement to Make America Healthy Again than RFK Jr. He will restore transparency in nutrition, healthcare, and vaccines and will put the health and wellness of We The People first. When I got to Washington four years ago, I quickly became wary of three-letter agencies. Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, many of these intelligence agencies have been weaponized against Republicans and President
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Recognized the Edgewood Academy varsity girls volleyball team for winning its sixth straight AISA AA state championship.
• Approved minutes of the Dec. 9 meeting.
• Approved the memorandum of warrants for Nov. 30, 2024 to Jan. 3, 2025 in the amount of $16,508,046.98.
• Approved a bid for storm debris removal monitoring services for the Alabama County Joint Bid Program to Tetra Tech Inc.
• Approved an agreement with the Alabama Secretary of State for National Voting Rights
of shares and with the other posts it has taken off,” Boyer said. “I have somebody from Wisconsin messaging said she was sending something for everybody in the class. So she wanted to know how many I had.”
Boyer said the Wisconsin resident saw the project on a post from a friend in California.
“There are people
Act voter notification postage.
• Authorized the chair to execute a 10-year lease agreement with First Choice Women’s Medical Center.
• Approved the fiscal year 2024 Rebuild Alabama Annual report.
• Amending the fiscal year 2025 Rebuild Alabama County Transportation Plan to include guardrail repairs on Ceasarville Road and Cobbs Ford Road.
• Authorized an agreement with ALDOT for resurfacing portions of Lightwood Road.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27.
reaching out like class parents who know people in other states who said they would share it,” Boyer said.
The cards are being sent to Holtville Elementary School at 287 Whatley Road, Deatsville, AL 36022. School librarian Natalie McLemore will help divide the cards between the participating classes.
Trump. That’s why I was thrilled when I saw President Trump nominate my friend, Kash Patel, to lead the FBI. Kash has become a trusted advisor ever since I got to D.C. With experience working in the White House, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Justice, Kash is the perfect person for the job. Plus, the Washington elites are in a frenzy about his nomination, which is a seal of approval as far as I’m concerned. President Trump is assembling the dream team of modern American politics. They aren’t necessarily the typical swamp picks, but President Trump isn’t interested in the status quo. President Trump’s nominees all have one thing in common: they are all proven warriors
“We are also making some cards to send out,” Boyer said. “With all the interest this is generating, we won’t likely be able to send one to everyone who sends us a card, but the students are having fun with it anyways. It is also a great educational opportunity and chance to show a form of communication beyond electronics.”
for this country. I have been overwhelmingly impressed with each person I have met with. They are smart, talented, and service-oriented patriots who are willing to make sacrifices to serve our great country.
Alabama voted overwhelmingly for President Trump. When they voted on November 5th, they also voted for his team. As Alabama’s Senator, you have my word that I will do everything in my power to get every one of President Trump’s nominees confirmed so we can get to work.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville is a United States senator representing the state of Alabama.
that might make sewer an available utility in the future in parts of the Holtville community.
wanting us to cut those roads’ right of ways more often.”
The growth in the number of inmates has forced the county to have conversations with municipalities.
County leaders have introduced Enhance Elmore County as a way to increase services such as fire protection, build a new jail and provide for other services.
“A lot of things that we’ve done, probably in the last six years or so, have been a reaction to growth,” Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer said.
“We redirected a lot of money to different areas of the county where we feel like it needed to be spent to provide the best services to our citizens.”
Some of those funds came from Rebuild Alabama with strings attached to them. Other funds came from COVID-19 relief funding. It allowed the extension of water lines in areas of Elmore County, the refurbishment of the downtown Tallassee water tower and the extension of sewer lines from Elmore and Millbrook to take advantage of excess sewage treatment capacity at the Wetumpka Water Works. It is a project
MIRACLE Continued from A1 workforce
to keep him alive and a medical helicopter flew the seventh grader to Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.
“He is back to being himself now,” Colton’s father Wayne Cramer said Sunday. “We have been walking the hallways for about 45 minutes at a time. He is
“We actually had to be a part of phone calls to say, ‘Mayors, we need your help to clean some people out,’” Mercer said. “We can’t have this many people in our jails.”
County officials fear overpopulation in the county jail will bring the federal courts dictating the county on how to react, so officials are trying to be proactive. A new jail and renovations to the current judicial complex are estimated to cost $102.6 million. It would accommodate a growing inmate population allowing more than 400 inmates to be housed and the ability to grow to house 600. It provides new court rooms by building a new jail and circuit clerk’s office in the current parking areas of the complex. The current judicial building would be renovated as well. Parking would expand thanks to an adjacent 11-acre property purchase last year.
Growth also has presented other challenges.
“It has put stress on our public works department,” Mercer said. “We’ve got people living on roads now where they’ve never lived before. They’re
talking. He is back to correcting everybody about football and sports and everything else.”
Things didn’t look as great Tuesday afternoon. Colton, a seventh grader at Redland, had been playing basketball during PE class and sat down with three friends. He slumped over.
Wayne said several miraculous events occurred in the next few minutes that saved
The growth also means more needs for public safety with more law enforcement officers, more vehicles and better fire protection.
“If the current level of services is to be continued or improved upon, additional revenue will be needed,”
Mercer said.
Enhance Elmore contains two types of funding. One requires action of the state legislature and then the commission. The other is voted in a public referendum.
“The county commission will be requesting the state legislature to grant the commission authorization to levy five measures through local legislation,” Mercer said. “We are requesting two measures be considered as local constitutional amendments by the voters of Elmore County.”
Leaders are plowing ahead to get legislation on the floor in Montgomery in the upcoming session starting next month. The local bills require advertising and deadlines met before the end of the legislative session of May 14. Missing this session means another year before county leaders can move ahead with Enhance Elmore.
If the five measures are approved in local legislation, the commission is proposing a countywide levelized sales tax of 9.5% across the county. This would
Colton’s life. The friends realized the 13-year-old wasn’t pranking them and ran to get help. Colton was soon laid on the floor by the PE teacher who started CPR. After the school nurse brought in a defibrillator and school officials called 911, Colton’s brother Brodie called their father Wayne, who was working in Pelham.
“He called me and I
include all parts of the county. In the case where the combined sales tax in municipalities is already a combined 9.5% or higher, there would be no new tax. If a municipality saw its combined sales tax deep below 9.5%, the commission would collect the balance up to 9.5%. There would be a levelized rental tax of 9.5% across the county as well. It would be implemented like the sales tax.
There would be a $25 assessment per year per vehicle and boat tag.
There would be an additional $100 court fee assessed for each court case and a $100 booking fee for arrests.
The local referendum would see voters enacting an assessment on property — $25 per year for each parcel of land only, $150 per year on residential parcels and $300 per year on commercial parcels. Voters would also decide on a 4.5% tax on tobacco and vapes.
“It has been 20 years since the fire departments have seen an increase in revenue from assessments on structures,” Mercer said. “Historically no assessment has been collected from land only parcels while at the same time our fire departments respond to grass and wildland fires often.”
The extra fees will also allow the commission to work on ambulance availability
told him to hang up and call his mom,” Wayne said. “I needed to get out of work.”
Courtney works in downtown Wetumpka and arrived at the school Tuesday as first responders were arriving.
“He was breathing by the time she got there,” Wayne said. “He wasn’t conscious.”
The father received a call from the school not long after speaking with Brody.
“A few minutes later they called back saying they had him back breathing but he was not conscious,” Wayne said. “(Courtney) got there when he was still there with the school nurse and PE teacher helping him out.”
School staff performed several rounds of CPR and administered several rounds of AED shocks to get Colton breathing again before a medical helicopter transported him to Children’s Hospital.
“They are really the ones who stepped up, doing what they needed to do to give him a chance,” Wayne said. “Doctors here in Birmingham told us they are really, ultimately they are the reason he is still here because of what they did. If it weren’t for them, this would be a totally different conversation. I appreciate them so much.”
It left the staff in shock. They reacted appropriately but were shaken.
and response across the county for medical calls and for possible funding to grow other health services in the county.
The proposed fees also contain automatic growth. For instance, boat and vehicle tags would increase $1 each year.
It avoids a funding scenario the county finds itself in currently.
“When the current jail and judicial complex was built, it was done with a sales tax,” Elmore County chief operations officer Richie Beyer said. “That sales tax sunsetted when the bond for the complex was paid off.”
The funding mechanism left nothing for ongoing maintenance, HVAC replacement or a growing population.
Enhance Elmore doesn’t provide any additional funding for education. Any extra funding for education would come through appropriations in workforce development.
Mercer said new funding for new schools would have to come from the school systems first.
One-cent of sales tax is currently collected in Elmore County for education. Schools also receive a portion of the internet sales the county receives. Schools also collect 10-mils in property taxes as per state law with only 9-mils approved by Elmore County voters.
Mercer and Beyer
first step. The road would be long and the future was still uncertain Tuesday evening.
“They put him on a 96-hour ice cap to relax everything,” Wayne said. “They said it is the best thing they could do for someone like this who went through a cardiac arrest. It basically puts your body into a deep rest, kind like hibernation. They put him in a sedated, paralyzed state to keep him from moving, shaking.” Wednesday morning Colton was starting to cool down. The plan was to do imaging and tests on Saturday to figure out the best course of action.
But Colton was having no part of it. Just 24 hours after slumping over in Redland Middle School, Colton was changing the plans of doctors at Children’s Hospital.
“He was pretty much, ‘No I’m coming off this and started waking up,’” Wayne said. “He started responding to the doctors — squeezing hands, lifting a foot. They were amazed at it. He showed several doctors he could do it.” The ventilator was removed. By later in the week, some imaging was done and plans for a future surgery were laid.
“There is still some stuff we have to go through,” Wayne said. “As far as now, it is a complete 180 degree change from where we were when we got that phone call Tuesday.”
expect questions to arise as to why the county supported projects such as 17 Springs and the other quality of life projects currently under way.
“Those projects were well into the planning stages and construction when the legislature approved two new judges for the circuit,” Beyer said.
“Those projects are being funded through a levelized lodging tax assessed on rooms and stays in the county. They are paid by visitors.”
Beyer said those projects were necessary to continue to provide recreational opportunities for Elmore County residents.
Enhance Elmore contains an annual reporting mechanism to show where the funds were allocated and spent.
County leaders held a listening session on the program prior to Monday’s Elmore County Commission in hopes of educating the public on needs in the county. Without Enhance Elmore, county leaders believe efforts to keep up with growth will fail because the current property tax collections are not keeping up with increased costs.
“Elmore County collects the lowest property tax in the state and one of the lowest in the nation,” Mercer said.
“Currently, general operating funds don’t have the capacity to fund large projects.”
there at the same time,” Wayne said. “This is a traumatic event for us but it is also a traumatic event for the other students who watched this transpire.”
The Cramers said the Redland community and Elmore County have reached out in support.
“We have had help from everybody, the school, the community,” Wayne said. “There have been prayers. Everyone was like what we could do at the time. The prayers are what did it. There are people in the community I have never met and they are messaging saying they are praying. Elmore County has a great community in making sure everyone is OK.”
The events surrounding Colton’s medical episode serve as a lesson that life is short.
Wayne said the family wants everyone to understand that. He has shared with those at Children’s Hospital the Cramers are a tight-knit family.
“We always have been,” Wayne said.
“We have always been the ones when we drop off the kids at a bus or school, we tell them we love them. We want everyone to do that. You don’t know what the day holds or what tomorrow will bring. I don’t care how old your kid is or if they think it’s not cool, you got to tell your kids you love them. You don’t know what might happen.”
“It scared us to death,” Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said. “It really shook up the staff there.”
Just getting to Birmingham for high level medical help was the
Colton’s family gives all the credit to school staff. They managed his situation and more.
“With a 1,000 things going on and everything happening so fast, they took care of my child and the other students
According to the Redland Middle School PTO Facebook page, a GoFundMe page has been started to help the family with medical expenses and allow parents to stay near the student in Birmingham while getting treatment.
This
I felt led to share how the Lord used butterflies to visually illustrate this much needed message. On that particular fall afternoon, as soon as I stepped onto the porch, I noticed two yellow butterflies dancing and twirling like a whirlwind around one another. When I got to the steps to go down, I stopped to watch them as they began spiraling higher and higher before making a direct path to the opposite side of the yard where another yellow butterfly was exploring an Azalea. As I got closer for some photos, I noticed a fourth yellow one joining in, but then a completely differ-
BETHLEHEM EAST
BAPTIST CHURCH
Bethlehem East Baptist Church will have all Sunday school classes beginning at 9:45 a.m. Sunday morning followed by regular service at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary. We will continue with Facebook Live Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Worship Service at 11 a.m.
CARRVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Regular hours of service are Sundays- 9 a.m. Sunday School and 10 a.m. Morning Worship. Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. the church offers Children’s Gospel Project, Youth Bible Study and Adult Prayer Meeting. Regular office hours
are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
EAST TALLASSEE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
ETUMC’s Rivers Edge Flea
Market is now closed. The church will start a new project called Rivers Edge Food Pantry. ETUMC will provide canned food, water, dry beans and rice, blankets, and jackets. If you want to donate or help with the cause, call Joan Wood at 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
ent one, a black and orange Monarch, joined them. They continued fluttering around the Azalea, and I also watched a honey bee buzzing around and digging inside some of the blooms. Because of all the tension and division in our country, it was refreshing for me to watch the butterflies and the honey bee flying peacefully together.
They weren’t fussing, fighting, name calling, acting racist, etc. Condoning and loving others are *not* the same thing.
Not everyone totally disagrees with me either, and
a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the church website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m.
that’s perfectly OK! We don’t have to condone everything to get along in this world, and we can simply love, love, love, even when we don’t agree with another’s choices or preferences. My eyes were drawn to the Monarch’s left wing, because there were several little chipped away places around the edge. Why do we sometimes cause injuries and harm by using hurtful words that chip away and bring damage to those that we don’t necessarily agree with?
Love always wins and let’s not dare chip away and cause
any more damage. Let’s share this life in ways that are pleasing and honorable to Jesus! There’s already enough hate and darkness without us adding more. Even though it was injured, the Monarch was still being what it was created to be and so can we, no matter what! Let’s all do better, even if ___! You fill in the blank, and ask Jesus to illuminate areas deep inside your spirit that are in desperate need of attention and change!
Romans 12:9-10
Melinda Blair is a religion columnist for The Outlook
(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.”
HILLSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH
Invites you to join us each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. for Sunday School, followed immediately by our Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. Bible Study is Wednesday at 6:00
p.m. We also offer a Sunday evening prayer gathering for those wishing to join together in prayer. If you need prayer or know someone who does, you may call 33-567-9695 and leave a voicemail prayer request or drop a prayer request by our prayer box located on our sanctuary porch. We will carry all requests to the Lord in our hour of prayer. Hillside is located at 405 Old Montgomery Highway in Wetumpka. If you have questions, please call us at 334567-9695.
HILLSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH Angel’s Attic ministry provides clothing for all members of the family. The Attic is located at 210 Old Montgom-
ery Highway and is open each Wednesday afternoon between the hours of 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. If you wish to donate clothing items, please do so during the Wednesday hours of operation. This is a free service to the community. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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.
Austin Elliott sports Editor austin.elliott@tallasseetribune.com
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Edgewood Academy is in pursuit of fulfilling the vacancies of athletic director and football coach after the departure of coach Chad Michael, who left to coach at Prattville Christian Academy.
Edgewood headmistress
Susan Barner has taken a very calculated approach to
the hiring process and knows the importance of the two positions she’s hiring.
“We’ve had a tremendous amount of applications submitted, truthfully, much more than I expected to have,”
Barner said. “We’ve had a tremendous bunch of applications with some very well qualified candidates, and we have conducted numerous interviews providing us with
several runners in the picture. The search is going to go very well.”
Barner has spent 36 years in the Edgewood Academy administration with the last two serving as the headmaster. She was also a member of the very first championship cheer team at Edgewood.
“Obviously, I want
FOOTBALL, Page B3
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Wetumpka’s Tom Suddith is having a breakout junior season.
The 6-foot-7 forward posted a double-double against area rival Stanhope Elmore last Thursday night in a gut wrenching 55-53 loss to the Mustangs. Suddith had 11 points and 13 rebounds in the game making it his sixth straight game with double-digit rebounds.
Suddith has been a large reason why the Indians are sitting at a 13-3 record. Only a sophomore, Suddith displays impressive strength and athleticism which allows him to be a contender to snag every
missed shot.
“Tom has played such a huge role for us in the rebound category this season, but also he is starting to figure out what it means to be able to be a primary scoring source as well,”
Wetumpka coach Steven Thomas said. “He has a presence in the paint being so strong, and you need that, or you have to have that really at this level to compete.”
Thomas has refined his team’s starting rotation throughout the year. Suddith is now playing close to 30 minutes a game along with Andrew Voyles and Nolan Finch. The Indians have all of their players in close to full health now after the break.
“This is where we want
to be right now at this point in the season with everybody getting back to full health and full availability,” Thomas said. “We are going to look to use the adjustments that we have made down the stretch of the season, and we are looking forward to the competition.”
Wetumpka’s six-game road win streak was snapped with the loss at Stanhope Elmore, but Thomas believes everything is in place for the Tribe to succeed in the near future.
“This part of the season is all about execution and I believe we will do what we have done all year, which is find ways to get the job done and make it happen,” Thomas said.
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
The Wetumpka girls basketball team is taking its full form thanks to leading scorer Logan Banks.
Banks’ performance was crucial for Wetumpka last Thursday against Stanhope Elmore in a 55-38 win, during which she finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds.
She is currently leading Class 6A in rebounds per game while also being third in the state in rebound average, despite being only a freshman,
“Logan has stepped up and shown her potential to complete the chain, so it’s just like a bike chain that you have to have all links working, and Logan has shown herself that she is great,” Wetumpka coach Harriet Winchester said. “She came out and played ball and she realized that she
is a good player, and because of that, we are complete as a team.”
Banks is the anchor in the paint for Wetumpka and plays well off of the talented guards such as Mya Richardson, Aaliyah Humphrey and Jordan Harris.
With Banks being one of the best players in the state and gaining full confidence in her skill set, Winchester believes the ceiling is very high for her team down the stretch.
“It makes me excited, knowing that we have finally put all the pieces together at the end of the season where it matters the most, you know, it’s area time, regional time,” Winchester said. “We are playing our best basketball now, because we have great chemistry and floor presence, so that is exciting for us heading into the crucial part of the season.”
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Terrance Collins is making his case as one of the best basketball players in Class 6A this season. The freshman superstar orchestrated another dominant scoring performance last Thursday night in an impressive 55-53 victory against Class 6A Area 4 opponent Wetumpka. Collins racked up 22 points to go with 12 boards on the night.
Stanhope coach Austin Moncus made adjustments to his playbook over the break to get the ball into the hands of his playmaking guard.
“We had real quality practice time over the break which allowed us to emphasize what works for us,” Moncus said. “We know that if Terrance is open at the 3-point line, Terrance is getting the basketball, and Terence knows he’s getting the basketball. I think, as a player, whenever you know that you’re going to get the basketball when you’re open, it definitely helps your confidence level.”
Despite being just a freshman, Collins has proven that he can make big time shots for his team. Against Wetumpka, he was 6-for10 from beyond the arc, shooting the ball at a high level. Collins is
averaging a double-double on the season, accumulating 18.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.
The Mustangs are rolling at the right time of the season and Moncus has noticed a tremendous improvement in the team’s attitude.
“They showed up and they got better,” Moncus said. “They took coaching, because we’ve had a roller coaster year, up and down. We knew that Wetumpka was 13-2 going into that game, so we knew they were good. We knew they were well coached, so just as a coaching staff, we tried to find a way to get them to believe that they can win the game.”
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Stanhope Elmore’s eighth-grade superstar Kuraji Crosby is on an absolute tear.
The Mustangs hosted Wetumpka last Thursday night but lost 55-38. Despite this, Crosby amassed a 10-point, 13-rebound performance.
On the year, she is averaging a double-double with 13.7 rebounds and 10.6 points per game.
“She has not reached her ceiling yet,” Stanhope Elmore coach Kelvin Stokes said.
“She’s one of the top players that I’ve coached over the last 23 years. She’s gotten more physical and stronger, and she’s gotten tougher, meaner, understanding the aspects of the game.”
Crosby has also developed an intensity down low as she is averaging five blocks per game.
With Stokes now electing to play a bigger lineup, Crosby has become a Swiss army knife in the Mustang’s playbook.
“She plays with the IQ, and now she plays from Nos. 1 to 5,” Stokes said. “Now, having her do multiple assignments, she can play the point guard spot behind her sister. I have a lineup now that I go with her as a point guard with a big lineup that she’s bringing the ball up the floor, so I’m excited to see her grow.” Crosby’s ability to do whatever it takes on the floor has made her a mismatch for any opponent she’s up against.
“This year with her size and her strength, she’s gotten better, and become a huge mis -
match for other teams, so I put her in the post so she could dominate more on the boards,”
Stokes said. “She’s really a big guard, so last year, she played the No. 3 more than
anything. Now you’re getting to see her handle the ball more and more.”
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Ragen Roberts has been the glue keeping the Holtville girls basketball team together all season long.
The Bulldogs are off to a 16-1 start and recently defeated the Elmore County Panthers on the road, 40-29. Roberts continued to be a crucial piece in the post by snagging five rebounds and collecting two steals, which allowed the dynamic backcourt of Ana Brown, Bella Brown and Alexandra Vasile to have open shots. Roberts has played a crucial role all season as the rim protector under the basket.
“Our game plan coming in was to have Ragen be big for us down on the post, and allow her to scoop up second chance opportunities,” Holtville coach Clint Pitchford said. “With her being so consistent down there, it really allows our shooters to have free reign from anywhere they want on the court.”
As one of the leading rebounders, Roberts has snagged almost 60 boards this season, exemplifying her ability to dominate the glass.
“We came out confident following a loss, because it was rough,” Roberts said. “We knew what was coming and we knew what to expect, and this was on me as a senior and the rest of the seniors.”
The five Bulldog seniors have led the way for their team this year.
“This was my last time facing Elmore County, so we knew what we wanted to come out here and do tonight,” Roberts said. “The team chemistry is very strong, and we have each other’s backs.”
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Elijah Headley has been a beacon of light for the Holtville boys basketball team.
On Tuesday, Holtville traveled to face Elmore County where the Panthers bested the Bulldogs, 59-38, but Headley was dynamite out of the gate, finishing with eight points and three steals.
Headley has helped his team find silver linings in a season of transition and growth.
Holtville coach Greg Parker understands how impactful his 6-foot-5 senior has been on and off the floor.
“I think his impact on the floor has been that he is a tough matchup for other teams with his length,” Parker said.
“This season is definitely not going the way we wanted, but we still have everything in front of us to play for, but I think leadership also grows as a season goes on. I think it has grown just about the way that he comes to practice and he puts forth the effort that he does but not just with him but with all of our players.”
Despite their 5-7 record, the Bulldogs have shown capabilities of being successful.
Headley is at the forefront of just about every single scheme Holtville utilizes.
“The most improvement has been in his post
play,” Parker said. “I think the way he plays with his back to the basket has gotten a lot better as well.”
Aside from being a force on the floor, Headley has aided his team
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
4 Wetumpka at McAdory, 5:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, JAN. 16
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
4 Holtville at Reeltown, 5 p.m.
4 Edgewood at Evangel Christian, 5 p.m.
Continued from B1
someone who is well qualified,” Barner said.
with his leadership this season.
“I do know that he doesn’t like to take all the credit,” Parker said. “He knows without the play of Braxton (Gaither), Ethan (Pruitt),
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
Kelton (Shuford), and Arkeviuos (Turner), he would not be where he is today. I know that he likes to support his teammates and knows it’s a team game and one of our mottos that we
SPORTS CALENDAR
4 Stanhope Elmore at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m.
4 Elmore County, Leeds at Shelby County, 5:30 p.m.
4 Holtville, Opelika at Prattville, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, JAN. 17
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
4 Trinity at Tallassee, 4:30 p.m.
“I want someone who is experienced but more importantly to me is I want a person who will be a leader of young men, not necessarily just in the winning column, but it is more important to me that I have someone in the job of great character who is going to be a role model for our students.” Character and class are highly regarded to Barner, so these are traits that are being sought after in all of the potential candidates for the respective positions.
“Winning is important.
talk about is ‘we over me’ and I think that just has to keep growing and growing as a season goes on.”
Headley will look to propel the Bulldogs to a strong showing in area
4 Holtville at BTW Magnet, 4:30 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING
4 Wetumpka, Stanhope Elmore, Elmore County,Tallassee, Holtville in Hornet Slam at Beauregard, 7 a.m.
MONDAY, JAN. 20
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
4 Wetumpka at Alabama Christian, 5:30 p.m.
More important is developing young men for today’s world,” Barner said.
There are currently four applicants who are in serious consideration. The new hire will fill both positions.
Edgewood is no stranger to success. It has won seven state championships, including six straight through 2010 and 2015. The school has also sent
play beginning soon.
“We have everything to play for this year with our area play starting, so our goal is to get into the playoffs and that is what we are looking forward to,” Parker said.
4 Booker T. Washington at Tallassee, 5:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, JAN. 21
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
4 Banks at Edgewood, 5 p.m.
4 Tallassee at Montgomery Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
4 Holtville at Billingsley, 5 p.m.
4 Elmore County at Beauregard, 5 p.m.
multiple athletes to compete beyond high school.
“To be a small private school, we have a tremendous percentage of students who play at the next level, which, there’s the false belief that if you are a student at a small private school, that you won’t get the exposure to play at the next level, which is completely false,” Barner said. “I believe our record stands for itself. We have students in the NFL and not many people can say that. So we have a tremendous number of people that do play at the next level. And not only do they get signed, but they continue throughout their college career.”
Barner plans on making an official decision by the end of this month.
not the problem. Tonight: Stay classy.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Arguments with partners and close friends are likely, especially because someone will say or do something unexpected. In addition, feelings of independence are strong! This could lead to power
for your pet. Meanwhile, romance and issues with your kids are loaded with probabilities for power struggles and nasty little arguments. Knowing this ahead of time, stay calm. Zip thy lip. Tonight: Be sympathetic.
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd and Weekend shifts for Direct Care Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Angela Waites (334)252-0025 Ext. 101 Email: angela.waites@ learning-tree.org\ DIGITAL AD SPECIALS!! CALL NOW! 256-414-4250 SJA, INC. NOW HIRING MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR & TEAM LEADER POSITION Mail Resume to 274 Thweatt Industrial Blvd, Dadeville, AL 36853 or email sjahr@sejinamerica.com SJA, INC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DEE ANN HINTON-CARTER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-074 NOTICE OF PETITION AND HEARING TO SELL REAL PROPERTY
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TO: NOTICE TO: CHAD KELLY, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN, A NEXT OF KIN OF DEE ANN HINTON-CARTER AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a PETITION FOR LEAVE TO SELL REAL PROPERTY along with a Supplement to suchministrator of the Estate of DEE ANN HINTON- CARTER. Such Petition has been set for hearing before this Court on the 30th a.m. property subject to such Petition
Elmore County, Alabama. You may appear at such hear-
ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA for Petitioner: ATTORNEY AT LAW WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093
2024-074
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES EDWARD BEARDEN, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-002 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JAMES EDWARD BEARDEN, deceased, having been granted to KATHY THOMAS on January 7, 2025 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.
KATHY THOMAS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES EDWARD BEARDEN, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for
Personal Representative: REID G. TOLAR
ATTORNEY AT LAW 250 WINTON M. BLOUNT LOOP MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-303-2258 reid@reidtolarlaw.com
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 15, 22 and 29, 2025 EST/BEARDEN J.
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE
SALE. Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Cedrick Oneal Long a single man, originally in favor of PNC Bank, N.A., on November 25, 2019, said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2019 Page 64043; the undersigned PNC Bank, National Association, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, ongal 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 28B, Block B,ing a replat of Lots 27 and 28corded in Plat Book 14, at Page of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. The herein above described property being one and the same property as described in mortgage recorded in RLPY Book 2019 Page 64043 and deed recorded in RLPY Book 2019 Page 64039.. Property street address for informational , Millbrook, AL 36054. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE,
TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law 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.
PNC Bank, National Association, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-01662-PN-AL
Wetumpka Herald:
24-01662-PN-AL
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES J. CUNNINGHAM, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-001 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CHARLES J.,CUNNINGHAM, deceased, having been granted to ROBYN BLESSING on January 3rd, 2025 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.
ROBYN BLESSING PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES J. CUNNINGHAM, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: CLAY PHILLIPS ATTORNEY AT LAW 341 MENDELL PARKWAY EAST MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-277-8753
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 15, 22 and 29, 2025 EST/CUNNINGHAM, C.
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Christopher M. Reiff and Lynda S. Reiff, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc., on February 25, 2011, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in the undersigned Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans Inc., as Mortgagee/Transferee, un-
gg der and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on Sep-gal 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: Commence at the SW Corner of the SW ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 26, Township continue thence N 00 degrees
p County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from October during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed from 2025, during the legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama. Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC f/k/a -
24-01367
to the point on the North side of
the North side of said Road,in the SW¼ of the NW ¼ of
SW corner of the SW ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 26, Township -
seconds West, along the West
PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LARRY CLIFTON DOOLEY, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-324 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of LARRY CLIFTON DOOLEY, deceased, having been granted to ED PARISH, JR. on December 26, 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 LARRY CLIFTON DOOLEY, DECEASED
Name and Address of Administrator: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003
to the point of beginning. The above-described property lies in the SW ¼ of the NW ¼ of
TION OF INGRESS/EGRESS EASEMENT FOR ACCESS
corner of the SW ¼ of the NW
onds West, along the west line of Section 26, 20.00 feet to an iron pin on the north right of way thence leaving said right of way, continue along said section line, North 00 degrees 21 minutes to a cross-tie, thence North 00
pin NW corner of the above-de-
onds West, along the west line feet to an iron pin at the SW corner of the above-describedon the north right of way of the
street address for informational -
law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances.
help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five
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. the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. The above mortgage foreclosure sale has been postponed
legal hours of sale in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore
PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Edward Robinson, Jr., a single man, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Southwest Funding, LP, on November 6, 2020, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2020 Page 83829; the undersigned PHH Mortgage Corporation, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on February 13, 2025, 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 17 of Gaddis Beach Plat Number 1 as the same appears of recordmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 4, at Page 26.. Property street address for informational
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 1, 8 and 15, 2025 EST/DOOLEY L. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RANDALL S. WALLACE, DECEASED CASE NO. 2024-326 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to SUSAN K. WALLACE as Executrix on the 31st day of December 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.
SUSAN K. WALLACE EXECUTRIX OF THE ESTATE OF RANDALL S. WALLACE, DECEASED.
Name and Address of Attorney: Justin D. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 8, 15 and 22, 2025 EST/WALLACE, R.
24-04656-PH-AL PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default
NOW HIRING: MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR & TEAM LEADER POSITION
SJA INC. Dadeville, AL is accepting applications for the Maintenance team with expertise in plastic injection molding, welding, maintaining equipment, implementing preventive maintenance programs, and leading a team of maintenance technicians.
[Maint. Supervisor]: $60,000 / year
Perf.: Min. of 5 yrs of maintenance exp. in the Automotive/ MFG industry, with at least 2 ys in a supervisory role. [Maint. Team Leader]: Starting at $19 / hr
Perf.: Min. of 3 yrs of maintenance exp. in the Automotive/ MFG industry Call (256) 825-2290 for more information. Resume will be received by mail to 274 Thweatt Industrial Blvd, Dadeville, AL 36853 or by email to sjahr@sejinamerica.com SJA, INC is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Lot 219-17, according to the Map of Grandview Pines Plat No. 6, as said Map appears of of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 7, at Page 143. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 12 Pine Court, Millbrook, AL 36054. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS, WHEREIS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage. Trustmark National Bank
Paul K. Lavelle, Esq.
Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 40-FC-24-01520
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 15, 22 and 29, 2025 40-FC-24-01520 PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLOTTE BEVERETT FULLER, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-309 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of CHARLOTTE BEVERETT FULLER, deceased, having been granted to JAMES HAROLD BEVERETT on January 7, 2025 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.
JAMES HAROLD BEVERETT PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLOTTE BEVERETT FULLER, DECEASED
Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: JAMES F. HAMPTON ATTORNEY AT LAW 4267 LOMAC STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36106 334-213-0213 jfh@jamesfhampton.com
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 15, 22 and 29, 2025 EST/FULLER C. PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Chad A. Vance and Heather W. Vance, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as Mortgagee, as nominee for Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., its successors and assigns, on July 15, 2005, said mortgage being Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, on July 29, 2005 at RLPY Book 2005, at Page 54405. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee for Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Mortgage Asset-Backed Pass-Through
the current holder, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the
bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Elmore County Courthouse, in Wetumpka, Alabama, on February 13, 2025, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the 2” iron pipe marking the NE corner of the NW 1/4 of Section 34, T18N, R21E; thence North 88 DEG 05 min 06 sec West a distance of 1754.42 feet to a 1/2” rebar capped S.D. Martin, 11726 at the intersection of the Southwest right of way of Elmore County Road 110 and the West
p successful bidder must tender
Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. form of a wire transfer, bank or credit union’s cashier’s check, Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. If sale is voided, Mortgagee/Transferee shall return the bid amount to the successful purchaser and the Mortgagee/ Transferee shall not be liable to the purchase for any damages. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the purchaser at the sale shall be only entitled to a return of the deposit and bid amount, if paid. 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 indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee for Residential Accredit Loans, Inc., Mortgage Asset-Backed Pass(“Transferee”)
Halliday, Watkins & Mann, P.C. 244 Inverness Center Drive Birmingham, AL 35242 Phone: (801) 355-2886
PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed proposals will be received by the Elmore County Commission at the Elmore County Courthouse (Conference Room) at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, AL until 2:00 PM CST on Thursday, January 30, 2025, for Improvements to Elmore County High School Athletic Plaza at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read.
INQUIRY 2025-PW9 IMPROVEMENTS TO ELMORE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PLAZA
will be sold on as “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 part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expense of foreclosure. The
NOTICE OF FILING OF PETITION FOR SUMMARY DISTRIBUTION OF ESTATE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES Petitioners, CHASE BLAIR SHAW and BENJA--
JOHN THORNTON
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 8, 15 and 22, 2025 AL21389 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANDREW J. MIZZELL, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2024-300 NOTICE OF FILING OF WILL FOR PROBATE TO: TIMOTHY MIZZELL and MICHAEL SHANE COMPTON NON-RESIDENTS OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA AND NEXT OF KIN OF ANDREW J. MIZZELL: AND TO: ANY OTHER UNKNOWN NEXT OF KIN OF ANDREW J. MIZZELL, DECEASED AND TO: ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTY YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that on November 8, 2024, a certain paper in writing purporting to be the Last Will and Testament of ANDREW J. MIZthe Probate Court of Elmore County, Alabama by SHARON MIZZELL BRUGH, Petitioner, requesting that such Last Will and Testament be admitted to Probate and Record and that the Petitioner be named as Personal Representative of such Estate. This notice of Filing of Will for Probate is given to you as a next-of-kin of ANDREW J. MIZZELL or as an interested party. Unless an objection to admission to Probate and Record of such Last Will and Testament is submitted by you in writing to this Court within ten (10) days oftice, the Court will proceed with considering such Petition without further notice to you.
JOHN THORNTON JUDGE OF PROBATE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Name and Address of Attorney for Petitioner: MATTHEW T. ELLIS CRUM, ELLIS & ASSOCIATES, PC PO BOX 1186 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-1186 641 SOUTH LAWRENCE STREET MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-581-6600 334-603-8524 mellis@crumellis.com
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 8, 15 and 22, 2025 EST/MIZZELL, A.
PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA ROBERTS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2024-330 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of BRENDA ROBERTS, deceased, having been granted to REID G. TOLAR on January 3, 2025 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.
REID G. TOLAR
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF BRENDA ROBERTS, DECEASED
Name and Address of Adminis-
trator: REID G. TOLAR
ATTORNEY AT LAW
250 WINTON M. BLOUNT LOOP MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36117 334-303-2258 reid@reidtolarlaw.com Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 15, 22 and 29, 2025 EST/ROBERTS B.
The scope of work required by the Bid Documents consists of, but is not limited to, the following: Building demolition, selective demolition of building elements and site elements, new concessions and restroom building, new grilling station canopy, visitors entry canopy, alterations and exterior painting of existingwork, hardscape, landscaping, site electrical, and installation of owner furnished contractor installed bleacher seating, seating. A non-mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be held at the Elmore County Courthouse (Conference Room) at 100 E Commerce Street, Wetumpka, AL on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST. An optional visit to the project site will be held after the Pre-Bid Conference concludes. A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to the Elmore County Commission in an amount of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and Payment Bonds, evidence of insurance, and DCM Permit Fee required in the bid documents will be required at the signing of the Contract. of the Architect; Dodge, Data & Analytics; and Construct Connect. Electronic Files of the bid documents may be viewed and downloaded online for a deposit of $0.00 through the Architect’s online planroom at www.sslarch.com by accessing the Info Exchange Login. Questions pertaining to accessing the website should be directed to Seay, Seay & These documents may be used only for the purposes of bidding and constructing this project. Anyone logging into the site through the website will be e-mail. The Architect retains all copyrights and ownership of the documents. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by the Architect or copies thereof. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the Architect; the bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying his or her current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in the Owner’s judgement, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. All bidders are advised to carefully read the instructions to Bidders and Additional Instructions to Bidders contained in the Bid Documents.
Owner: Elmore County Commission 100 E Commerce Steet
Architect:
Wetumpka Herald: BIDS PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, at 11:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE.
Flex Storage 749 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36093
642: Sharon Taylor. 411 1st Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078 Contents: mattress, boxes, totes,chairs, table, suitcases 126: Summer Worthington.194 Grove Park Loop, Wetumpka, AL 36093 Contents: boxes, clothes,totes,bags, mattress
Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 8 and 15, 2025 STORAGE AUCTION PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GARY GENE SHAW, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-007
EST/SHAW, G. PUBLIC NOTICE FORECLOSURE NOTICE
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness described in and secured by that certain mortgage executed by DANA MICHELLE BAKER, an unmarried woman, as Mortgagor(s) to Regions Bank d/b/a Regions Mortgage, as
County, Alabama in Plat Book 3, Page 124. Said property is located in the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 22, Township 20 North, Range 17 East, on the West side of the Coosa River. Subject to any and all restrictions, encumbrances, mortgages, reservations, rights of way, covenants, easements, setback lines, mineral and mining rights of record which affect the subject property. The Draftsman of this document acts as scrivener only. No title search has been made nor title opinion rendered, nor may such be expected or demanded. Said property will be sold “as is” and subject to all matters of record and all matters which would be revealed by a visible inspection of the premises. Tiof any kind, including legal descriptions, are at all times the sole and exclusive responsibility of the Purchaser. Bill Franklin, Sheriff Elmore County, Alabama Wetumpka Herald:
Jan. 15, 22 and 29, 2025
SHERIFF’S SALE 1 PUBLIC NOTICE
THE STATE OF ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE
By virtue of an execution on a judgment issued out of the Small Claims Court of Elmore County, Alabama in Case No. Case No.: SM-2020-900199.00 on or about July 8, 2010 (and subsequently revived per court order dated on or about August 20, 2020) for a total of $953.97 (including interest and costs as of the said date) in which Alabama State Employee’s Credit Union is the Plaintiff and Tammy Roberts is the Defendant, I, Bill Franklin as Sheriff of Elmore County, Alabama will sell at public auction for cash between the legal hours of sale, on Monday the 3rd day of February 2025, at approximately 1pm, in front of the Elmore County Judicial Complex located at 8935 U. S. Highway 231, North, whatever equity the Defendant(s) may possess in and to the following described realty, to wit: Lots 1 and 2 Lake Section, Coosa Ridge Subdivision, as Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama in Plat Book 3, Page 124. Said property
Public Notices
,g ppy is located in the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 22, Township 20 North, Range 17 East, on the West side of the Coosa River.
Subject to any and all restrictions, encumbrances, mortgages, reservations, rights of way, covenants, easements, setback lines, mineral and mining rights of record which affect the subject property. The Draftsman of this document acts as scrivener only. No title search has been made nor title opinion rendered, nor may such be expected or demanded. This conveyance is made subject to any and all encumbrances, covenants, restrictions, reservations, easements, mortgages, setback lines, mineral and mining rights of record, municipal zoning ordinances, rights of way and any and all other matters of record whatsoever affecting title to said property and/or affecting the subject property in any way whatsoever now or hereafter becoming applicable, as well as any and all taxes or assessments due against said property. The Draftsman of this document acts as scrivener only. No title search has been made nor title opinion rendered. Purchasers are solely and exclusively responsible for the same and solely and exclusively responsible for the affect of the absence of any such search and/or opinion. Said property will be sold “as is” and subject to all matters of record and all matters which would be revealed by a visible inspection of the premises, as well as applicable real estate records. Title searches and ver-er, including legal descriptions, are at all times the sole and exclusive responsibility of the Purchaser. There are no warranties as to the title of the subject property, express or implied, at any time pursuant to this sale.
Bill Franklin, Sheriff Elmore County, Alabama Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 15, 22 and 29, 2025
SHERIFF’S SALE 2
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO.
STPAA-0014(558) ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation
the 17 Springs entrance in Mill-
The Entire Project Shall Be Days.
Plans and Proposals are avail-
portation. Plans and Proposals
project have been pre-deterand are set forth in the adver-
lations. Cashier’s check or bid bond
ny each bid as evidence of good faith. The bracket range is shown
this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this contract.
The proposed work shall be
Public Notices
sponse to this invitation and willconsideration for an award. The right to reject any or all bids is reserved.
Transportation Director
STPMN-2625(250) PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS FEDERAL AID PROJECT NO.
STPMN-2625(250) E LMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Sealed bids will be received by the Director of Transportation
of Lake Haven Drive. Length
ing Days.
Plans and Proposals are avail-
portation. Plans and Proposals
and are set forth in the adver-
Public Notices
this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this contract.
The proposed work shall be-bids.of Transportation.
Public Notices
sponse to this invitation and willconsideration for an award. is reserved.
Transportation Director
STPMN-2625(250)
bids.
of Transportation.
lations.
ny each bid as evidence of good faith. The bracket range is shown
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Tony Taylor was Elmore County basketball.
For 13 years, Taylor spent his coaching career with ECHS’ boys basketball team, taking the Panthers to their only state tournament appearance in school history.
And now he’s back. Elmore County head coach Nathan Taylor, no relation, has enlisted the help of Tony as a volunteer assistant, and Nathan couldn’t be more thrilled to have the mentorship of Tony connected to the team.
“Tony’s presence brings a lot of comfort to me just knowing that he has seen a lot and not much will ever take him by surprise,” Nathan Taylor said. “I appreciate that he will question me and not just always be a yes man on the bench.”
The game has evolved much over the years, but Tony’s passion and enthusiasm for the sport have never wavered.
“He’s always energetic and entertaining,” Nathan said. “His quick wit and one liners are a favorite of mine and the players enjoy it.”
Tony, who has more than 40 years of coaching experience, has had an impact on everyone in ECHS’ basketball program.
“As a young coach, most of the time you just get thrown in the fire and are told to figure it out,” assistant coach Will Venable said. “Having coach Tony as a part of our staff is such a
coach Tony has had a great impact on our team,” Elmore County guard Seth
McGhee said. “He has a lot of knowledge and experience that he brings and I think that gives us an advantage to have someone like him.”
is the Panther’s calling card going into area play
By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor
Lalah Culpepper is a star for the Elmore County girls basketball team.
The Panthers looked hot early in their game against a talented Holtville team, which ultimately won 40-29, but Culpepper had her best shooting performance of the season. Culpepper finished with 12 points and connected on three 3-pointers during the contest.
“‘I’ve been more confident in dribbling in and getting fouled, and my free throws have improved a lot more, but my confidence in moving while shooting has gone up a lot,” Culpepper said. “Last year, if I wasn’t standing still, I wouldn’t shoot the ball and I’d just pass it back. But as a team, I feel like we moved the ball a lot better, and we communicated better, but that’s something we can improve on a lot more, and passing the ball in and letting them pass it back out to our shooters will help a lot.”
Culpepper is a multi-sport athlete at Elmore County, and she uses her athleticism to be a contributing factor on the hardwood. She is also a pitcher for the ECHS softball team, and she believes her ability to be a dynamic athlete contributes to her development in all sports.
“I love playing sports and always being in season, because I like to compete,” Culpepper said.
Playing the point guard position, Culpepper plays a ton of minutes and has gained great chemistry with the rest of her team.
“She’s always looking to make the right play, not being selfish,” ECHS coach Kyle Caldwell said.
Culpepper is currently averaging eight points and six assists per game this season.