Wetumpka Herald Jan. 29 2025

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

Agency release, Dawnielle A. Rhodes, 24, was fatally injured when the 2010 Nissan Altima she was driving was struck by the 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup driven by Elijah B. Arant, 20, of Wetumpka. “Rhodes was not using a

seat belt at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the release stated. “Arant was also injured and transported to Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery for treatment.”

Skyila P. Bearden, 24, of

alleged victim’s phone. Authorities collected Wilson’s phone as well. “You could see a conversation between the two,” Franklin said. “Mr. Wilson is going to contend someone had the security code to his phone and he was not responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr. Wilson.”

Wetumpka, who was a passenger in the Nissan Altima, was injured and transported to Baptist Medical Center South for treatment. A 17-year-old juvenile, who was a passenger in the Dodge Ram, was injured and transported to a local area

Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members

Members of the Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce attend the chamber’s “A Taste of Our Home Town” luncheon. CLIFF

VEX ROBOTICS

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Dennis said Wilson also coached other sports at Holtville schools including being the head track coach and assistant football coach. Dennis said other staff would fill in for the duties of Wilson at Holtville while he is on administrative leave.

Holtville crash leaves 1 dead

hospital. The crash occurred at the intersection of Fern Road and Ceasarville Road. Nothing further is available as Troopers with the ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division continue to investigate.

Police continue investigation, man no

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Enhance Elmore proposes improvements and extra funding for the Elmore County Jail, courts, infrastructure, workforce development, economic development and first responders. The plan is a response to unprecedented growth in Elmore County over the last two decades.

By Jake Arthur Chief Videographer

“The last time funds were sought for a new county jail, no one saw

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

Holtville’s Futral Alabama principal of the year

Staff Report

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals

(AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year.

The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Su perintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.

“Kyle Futral is an exception al principal and is very proac tive and innovative in his think ing and approaches to managing his school,” Dennis said, As principal of Holtville High School, Futral has transformed the 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

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

shift in a positive direction. The school experienced a 62 percent decrease in discipline referrals, 50 percent decrease in chronic absenteeism, 7 percent increase in the graduation rate, 33 percent increase in CCR rate and a 20 percent increase in ACT proficiency in the last five years.

Judge Patrick Pinkston has seen every courtroom in Elmore County as an attorney and judge. He also sees the need to add courtrooms and administrative space in Elmore County.

See PRINCIPAL, Page A3

Pinkston is now the presiding circuit court judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit that includes Elmore, Autauga and Chilton counties. He was on the bench for more than a decade as an Elmore County district judge. He got his start as an attorney in 1989 in the courtroom of the Elmore County Historic Courthouse.

“I tried my first jury trial in this courtroom,”

Police Reports

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

JAN. 22

• Vanessa Frederick, 51, of Montgomery, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

JAN. 21

• Theft was reported on Shokula Lane.

JAN. 20

• Khristian Wooten, 30, of Wetumpka, was arrested for driving under the influence.

JAN. 19

JAN. 18

• Harassing communications was reported on Barnes Court.

• Michael Russell Jr., 25, of Montgomery, was arrested for failure to appear.

• Keyshawn Floyd, 26, of Eclectic, was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.

JAN. 17

• Michael Harris, 34, of Montgomery, was arrested for four counts of failure to appear.

• Theft was reported on Brookside Drive.

JAN. 16

• Theft was reported on Austin Street.

Jiffy Lube opens in Millbrook

TPI STAFF Staff Report

Jiffy Lube opened a new location Tuesday in Millbrook.

The new location is owned and operated by Jiffy Lube franchisee Stonebriar Auto Services, LLC, and features a state-of-the-art facility to meet the needs of modern drivers.

“We are excited about the opening of a new Jiffy Lube in this area with the addition of our Millbrook location,” Stonebriar executive vice president Steve Isom said. “Our goal is to build a trusting relationship with all of our guests, deliver outstanding customer service and create a positive impact on the community.”

The Millbrook location will offer a wide range of automotive maintenance services, including the following:

• Jiffy Lube Signature Service®

Oil Change

• Tire rotation, repair and replacement

• Brake inspection and replacement

• Battery testing and replacement

• Alignment services

• Fluid checks and top offs.

County school board hears from FFA

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It’s that time of year again. National FFA week is coming up, and local FFA members are in preparation mode.

To get ready, some Wetumpka High School FFA members spoke at the Elmore County Board of Education meeting.

“(FFA) has helped me so much,” vice president Grace Hines said.

Isabella Hurley is in her third year in the program and is on the livestock judging team. She han-

dles marketing for the organization and created a flyer inviting the board to a breakfast next month to celebrate National FFA week.

Advisor Clay Mims said there is a widespread interest in the organization as the students at the meeting were just a small portion of the group.

Mims told the board the group has also been involved in the memorial garden at Wetumpka Middle School and said he wants FFA to be more involved in the middle

Congress passes Laken Riley Act

By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter

The Laken Riley Act was passed by Congress following the election of U.S. President Donald Trump. According to the Associated Press, it would be the first bill signed into law by Trump.

In the months after University of Georgia student Laken Riley was murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan man, Jose Ibarra, senators from all over the country pushed for legislation requiring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny or shoplifting offenses and mandating them to be detained until they are removed from the United States to prevent aliens from committing further crimes or reoffending.

On Jan. 7, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the Laken Riley Act as her first piece in the 119th Congress. On Jan. 22, the House gave final approval to the bill after a vote of 263-156, according to an article by Stephen Groves of Associated Press. Riley was last seen on camera footage when going on a run on the UGA campus in Athens, Georgia. She was found dead in a wooded area on UGA’s campus. Before Riley went for a run, a man was captured on the same trail camera shortly before 8 a.m. The man was dressed similarly to Ibarra in a post he made on Snapchat earlier that morning.

Ibarra was identified as the suspect after his DNA was found under Riley’s fingernails. He was also seen on camera footage on the same trail

Riley was running on. He was also seen discarding a bloodied jacket and disposable gloves near his apartment shortly after Riley was last seen.

According to an article by Danielle Silva of NBC News, prosecutors argued during the trial Ibarra killed Riley after she fought off his attempt to rape her, referring to DNA and other evidence that linked Ibarra to Riley on the day she was murdered. In May 2024, Ibarra pleaded not guilty to charges of malice murder and felony murder in connection with Riley’s death, and waived his right to a jury trial. In November 2024, he was convicted on three counts of felony murder and counts of malice murder, kidnapping with bodily injury, aggravated assault with intent to rape and “peeping tom,” according to Silva’s article.

Limited damage in school data breach

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

An action done in November 2024 by Elmore County Schools employees greatly lowered the risks surrounding a school data breach earlier this month.

PowerSchool provides data services to local schools, Alabama schools and schools across the U.S.

“This was an international incident where Pow-

erSchool was hit off-site, and so there’s nothing that our districts or the State Department could have done differently,” Alabama state superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said in a release.

Mackey and others said hackers accessed directory data that is typically less sensitive but contains information such as students and educators names, addresses and phone numbers.

In Elmore County steps were taken in November before any breach occurred to prevent a larger data.

“We scrubbed all the Social Security information,” Elmore County Schools IT director Barbara Burchard said. Even with the scrub, Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said the system was a victim in the Jan. 7 breach.

“PowerSchool said

some of the information hacked was from some Elmore County employees and families,” Dennis said.

Burchard said PowerSchool had recovered data that was thought to be possibly lost and is still investigating what happened and if there are any other causes for concern.

Earlier this month, Dennis reported to employees and families of students there was a potential data breach.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

New year resolutions for pet owners

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

Since we are not yet at the end of January, we want to wrap up the first month of the year with these new year resolutions for pet owners and ask that you share these with those who might need a reminder of what we owe to our pets.

1. Keep identification on your pet! A collar, current rabies tag and a personalized identification with a good phone number will get your lost pet back to you. Get your pet microchipped by your veterinarian as it is

the perfect back-up to tags. Have photos of your pet just in case.

2. Keep your pet safely contained at home. Fences not only make ‘good neighbors’ but keep your pets safe from cars, guns, getting lost and so much more. Keep cats indoors if at all possible.

3. Take your pet to the vet at least once per year to keep vaccinations current, get your heartworm prevention renewed and have your pet get a general check-up.

4. Spay and neuter your pet. There are just so many health and behavior benefits

for both female and male pets besides how much this will help reduce the overpopulation that results in far too many homeless pets.

5. Feed your dog the best quality food you can and don’t overdo the treats. Tubby pets can develop many health problems and shorten their lives. Treats do not equal love.

6. Take care of your pet’s coat, teeth and nails. Dirty or matted coats cannot effectively protect your pet from the elements, may hide health problems and are uncomfortable for your pet. Long nails can be painful

and can eventually cripple your pet. Bad breath may be because of tooth decay or gum disease and should be checked out by your veterinarian.

7. Keep your yard and litter box clean. Cats have less litter box problems when the box is cleaned regularly to remove waste and picking up feces in the yard frequently can help reduce smell, flies and parasites.

8. Pet proof your home and property. Keep poisons of all kinds out of pet reach, watch out for poisonous plants indoors and outside,

Pet of the Week - Bentley

Bentley is a 3-year-old male possibly retriever type mix who weighs about 70 pounds. He is a handsome fella who is nice as can be, a big goofball and can be a lot of dog at first but does settle down with exercise. He is good with female dogs but we have not yet checked him with male dogs. He was found as a stray and never reclaimed.

The Humane Society of El-

SCHOOLS

Continued from A2

schools as it increases membership in high school.

Also discussed at the BOE meeting was a potential change in service providers for the Employee Assistance Services program. Elmore County Schools human resources director Susan Goodin said she had issues getting the previous provider at the school. The new provider, Uprise Health, is located in Birmingham and provides mental health counseling for employees. Through the EAS program, employees get three free calls for themselves and beneficiaries.

The board also appropriated $284,000 to purchase lockers at 17 Spring for multiple sports at the new fieldhouse and stadium. It is part of the board’s commitment to the project and its part -

more 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 par-

ticipating veterinarian.

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.

ners. The board also approved $1,000 in supplements for assistant soccer and softball coaches at Redland Middle School. The funds will come from the respective programs raised by boosters.

In other action the Elmore County Board of Education:

• Approved minutes of the Dec. 16 meeting.

• Approved the monthly financial reports for December 2024.

• Approved personnel actions.

• Approve a facility use agreement for Wetumpka High School.

• Approved a revision to the student handbook, most notably setting the employee price for breakfast in school cafeterias at $3.15. The next meeting of the Elmore County Board of Education is scheduled for Feb. 18.

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keep electrical cords out of reach, don’t leave out strings or ribbons for a cat to swallow and make sure there is no antifreeze leaking from older vehicles.

9. Learn about your pet and its breed traits so you can better understand what motivates your pet. Do homework on a breed or pet before bringing a new one home.

10. Spend time inter-

acting with your pet. Our pets are social animals that thrive on human attention. Teach your pet manners so it is pleasant for others to be around. Our pets love us unconditionally; love them back with all your heart and take care of them the best you can.

Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.

R.I.P Winter Storm, for now

The winter storm is now gone and it feels like I’m attending a funeral of sorts.

It appears some are in mourning.

Gone are the around-the-clock updates of temperatures and precipitation. Gone are the images of reporters playing in the falling snow. Gone are the images of empty shelves where bread and milk once were.

As a kid I lived for days like we recently experienced. With even the slightest bit of snow, school was out for most of the week. In the winter storm of 1983, there was snow to be played in. The ice was pretty — until it pulled down the power lines. I remember helping my dad fix the busted pipes.

Then there was the Blizzard of ’93; there may have even been two that year. I played in the snow in one, but in the other, I froze on the sidelines of an Auburn football game in Arkansas.

Then I got into my reporting days; the last decade or so has seen several stranded on the roads of north Alabama and Georgia. I was a reporter and photographer documenting the scenes for all to see — possibly adding to the rush at area stores around the bread and milk.

This time around, I definitely contributed to the madness, purchasing an extra loaf or two — and an extra gallon too.

But now, as the storm has passed, I can hear birds chirping outside my window as if they are providing the prelude for a funeral. Maybe like a preacher, they are speaking good words about the winter storm.

Left behind are countless cardboard boxes, many of which never saw a snow slope.

Left behind is sand on many of the bridges and some salt residue on my car.

Left behind are meteorologists, reporters and photographers like me remembering our friend the winter storm of 2025.

Like pallbearers, we are carrying it out the door one last time.

See WINTER, Page B3

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the community for free. You may submit one letter to the editor per month (300 words or less) and/or a guest column (500 words or less). Include name, address and phone number. We reserve the right to refuse any submissions. Mail: Your View, The Wetumpka Herald 127 Company Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092 E-mail: editorelmore@thewetumpkaherald.com

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When I was growing up, we didn’t have a lot of affection.

We weren’t big on saying “I love you,” and hugs were few and far between.

That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with the way I grew up; it’s just to say we weren’t big on the touchy, feely stuff.

But living in the South, all that has changed.

Now, it’s normal to hug everyone in sight — and more importantly, to say “I love you.”

That’s what this column is all about: Quite simply put, let’s normalize saying I love you more often.

There’s people you just don’t say I love you to, even when you do.

Coworkers are one example. I certainly love my boss, Tippy Hunter, but do I tell her I love her? No, because that would be weird.

I love my staff; that’s for certain. But is it crossing a line to say that? I only told former sports editor Henry Zimmer I loved him on the day he left TPI. It’s also weird to say I love you

In this family, we say ‘Bye, I love you’

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

to people while they’re working. For instance, it would be odd to say, “I love you!” as you walked out the door of your hair salon — but that’s certainly someone you might feel a connection to. I recently had a source who is also a friend say, “Love you Liz,” at the end of a conversation and of course I said it back. It was a little weird but only because it’s not the normal. I do love him, and why should it be weird to say that? It doesn’t change how I wrote the story, that’s for sure. And it wouldn’t change how someone did your hair, so why not say it if you feel it? There are all types of love, to be sure. Of course the love you feel for your spouse is not the same love

you feel for your parents, but it’s still love. And that’s why the connection you feel with coworkers or even everyday acquaintances is a form of love too. It should be expressed. My family-in-law is much different than the one I experienced growing up. We are full of affection and really enjoy spending time together. And we always end the conversation one way: “Bye, I love you.” Ever since my brother Dylan died, that saying became even more important. See, we say it in that order for a reason: Just in case anything ever happens to one of us, “I love you” will always be the last words we said to each other. It can’t be, “Love you, bye.” That’s unacceptable. Instead it’s “Bye, I love you.” Always. Let’s normalize saying, “I love you,” even if it’s a little weird at first.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.

“Live from New York,” the excellent book by television critic Tom Shales, details the history of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, in the midst of its 50th anniversary celebration.

The book is filled with first-person accounts of what happened and to whom. Although the juicy backstage happenings are interesting, the really fascinating part is the opening chapter, which describes the year prior to the program’s launch.

From the perspective of today’s crowded television dial – make that your TV’s overstuffed Netflix, Prime, Hulu or Peacock queue – it’s hard to imagine the three-network universe into which SNL was born 50 years ago.

Late night was the province of one giant entertainer: Johnny Carson. Carson was so popular, NBC scheduled repeats and best-of-TONIGHT SHOW compilations on Saturdays after the late news.

Lorne Michaels, the Canadian comedy writer who cut his satiric teeth as a staff member on ROWAN & MARTIN’S LAUGH-IN, was in the mood to create something new: a program that spoke to the current generation weaned on rock ‘n’ roll and television, using the language in vogue on college campuses and among young adults.

Michaels fought hard with the network, as they did not wish to sacrifice a night of Carson for anyone – certainly not a cocky, profane crew of misfit comics. Carson himself was skeptical. But Michaels persevered, and through his friend network of entertainment legends, Michaels convinced the NBC brass to give his newfangled variety show a chance.

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE premiered on October 11, 1975, with guest host George Carlin and musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian. The first episode contained sketches, short films, the Muppets, and standup comedy. While that first show bears little resemblance to what is seen today, it laid the foundation and instantly made stars out of the Not

Ready for Prime Time Players. That first golden era, featuring John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase (later Bill Murray) set the template for what was to come. The writers and producers had the long view in mind from the beginning, with a plan to change the comedy world.

The performers who have come and gone since then read like a Who’s Who in comedy. Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, Maya Rudolph, Tracy Morgan, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Kristen Wiig, Phil Hartman, Molly Shannon, Jason Sudeikis, Adam Sandler, Kate McKinnon, Chris Rock, Amy Poehler, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Bill Hader, Billy Crystal, Al Franken, Martin Short, Dennis Miller, and about 150 others invented a whole hipster scene built around comedians – a scene once reserved for the rock and rollers these same people idolized.

NBC is celebrating the golden anniversary of this landmark variety show in several ways. On social media, one sketch from every season is being posted each day: “50 Seasons in 50 Days.” On Peacock, a four-part behind-the-scenes documentary series called “Beyond Saturday Night” is currently streaming. On January 27, a film directed by TONIGHT SHOW bandleader Questlove, “Ladies and Gentlemen . . . 50 Years of SNL Music,” will celebrate the untold stories behind the culture-defining, groundbreaking, and news-making musical performances on the show over the last 50 years. The big one is coming up on February 16. NBC’s entire prime time

that night is dedicated to a celebration of all things SNL. It is not yet known if the program will be hosted by a member of the frequent host “Five-Timers Club” like Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Paul Rudd, John Mulaney, or others – or, not hosted at all. One thing is guaranteed, however: the program will be the talk of the entertainment world the next day, just as SNL has been for almost 50 years. For a show set on being anti-establishment, they quickly became part of it after their successful launch. NBC eventually grew to support its show. And now, the network is so obviously dependent on this weekend cash cow and its creator, it’s as if SNL has become its own untouchable Johnny Carson. Every generation gets to have its own version of SNL. There are people who say the show was its best in the first five years; others point to the second golden era of the late 1980s/ early 1990s; still others contend that today’s version is the best variation thus far. It would seem that there has been something to love (or something to hate) with each cast, each season, each episode. The fact that a movie was made this year about the founding of the program should signal just how important and impactful SNL is to the comedy world.

Lorne Michaels has been behind the scenes of so many NBC successes: 30 ROCK, LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS, and of course the most successful show on NBC today, THE TONIGHT SHOW STARRING JIMMY FALLON. All of these programs are broadcast from New York City; Michaels has almost singlehandedly revitalized the NBC headquarters through the triumph of his little Saturday night variety show. Here’s to 50 more years.

Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University, and has seen nearly every episode of “Saturday Night Live.” If you would like to watch them all, every episode is streaming on Peacock.

under the plan. The first such increase since 2005.

Enhance Elmore proposed fees to aid fire departments

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Fighting fires costs

a lot of money — and those costs just keep increasing. From equipment to transportation, necessary fees for fire departments have steadily increased over the last couple of decades.

The protective turnout gear for firefighters cost $2,500 in 2005; today, it costs $4,500. The breathing backpacks went from $5,000 to $9,000.

Fire trucks have also gotten more expensive.

According to Elmore County Firefighter’s Association president and Millbrook fire chief Larry Cooper, the vehicles were $230,000 in 2005. The most recent truck purchased was just under triple that amount.

“The last we bought in 2021 was $650,000,” Cooper said. “They are more expensive now and the wait time is about two years.”

Calls have increased as well. In 2005, the department received about 1,500 calls. Last year, that number doubled to more than 3,000 calls.

Since 2005 the fees

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collected for fire protection in Elmore County have remained the same — $50 per property parcel with a home or business.

“But each year your insurance rates have gone down since the implementation of this,” Brown said. “Every department has worked hard to lower the (Insurance Services Office) rating. With that, insurance rates go down.”

Under the proposed Enhance Elmore plan, part of the increased fees and assessments would go to fire departments.

According to Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer, the increase would be about double and would also help with EMS response. Since 2009 requests for EMS have doubled as well.

Property owners would pay $25 per land only parcel, $150 per residential parcel and $300 per commercial parcel.

“We have never collected on land only,” Mercer said. “Yet we have an increase in calls for grass and wildfires on those types of properties.”

said.

this kind of growth,” Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer said. Since 1995, Elmore County’s population has grown from 55,000 to more than 90,000. The growth has caused issues with road maintenance, jail space and court rooms.

“We have people living in new homes where we didn’t think anybody would live,” Mercer said.

The Elmore County Commission and county leaders have introduced Enhance Elmore to address many of the issues related to growth.

Funding is needed for Enhance Elmore and the plan is for everyone in Elmore County to share in its costs.

“It would cost the average home owner with two vehicles about $200 per year,” Mercer

Second annual art summit a success

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Crowds filled the Kelly Fitzpatrick Center for the Arts Saturday for the River Region Arts Summit.

It’s the second year The Kelly has brought together area art organizations, businesses and artists to share information and to network.

“We had a good crowd last year,” The Kelly executive director Jennifer Eifert said. “This year we have more participants, more vendors and more organizations represented. We have the Elmore County Art Guild this year and that was one of the organizations we didn’t have last year. It’s great to see them here.”

The Alabama State Council on the Arts was in attendance to speak with artists about grant opportunities. Local guilds also spoke about the opportunities they have for artists.

“The idea is to connect artists and the various organizations,” Eifert said. “We’ve got the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts. We’ve got the armory. We’ve got all the art guilds. We’ve got the art mill, and then we’ve got some individuals like art teachers.”

The Kelly’s big announcement related to its biggest annual fundraiser, the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival and the Alabama Wildlife Fine Arts Competition. The art competition is in cooperation with the Alabama Wildlife Federation and LIV Development to encourage artists to create. It always centers around select wildlife species. This year’s species are the green-winged teal, American Widgeon, American woodcock, blue-winged, teal, eastern wild turkey, easter whippoor-will, mallard and the northern bobwhite.

“The first place prize has also been increased to $12,000,” Eifert said. “We used the art summit to help kick off the wildlife arts festival and the art contest.”

County to get property from ADOC

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A parcel of property near Tutwiler Prison and the Elmore County Humane Society will soon belong to Elmore County and the City of Wetumpka The Elmore County Commission authorized the transfer of the property from the Alabama Department of Corrections to the county at its Monday meeting.

“It adjoins the current humane society property,” Elmore County chief engineer Luke McGinty said. “It will allow some things there in the future. It will also allow the possibility of a solid waste transfer station at some point.”

McGinty said the property also adjoins the city’s old land fill and could be used for temporary disposal of debris in future storms. There are no current plans for how to use the property going forward. In other business, the commission honored David Brunson who is retiring from the county after 17 years in the Elmore County EMA office.

EMA director Keith Barnett said Brunson started working for the county when EMA was located in the historic courthouse. In Brunson’s time, he started the CERT program and facilitated HAM radio operations during storm events. He

also saw the construction of a new EMA office in a building with E911 administrative offices and E911 dispatch. In addition to his role with EMA, Brunson serves as a volunteer firefighter in Santuck. Following his retirement, Brunson plans to move to Mobile to be closer to family. Stanhope Elmore High School FBLA students attended the meeting as well. The students presented information to the commission about the different aspects of the career tech student organization. The students told the commission Feb. 9 to 12 is national FBLA week.

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:

• Approved minutes of the Jan. 13 meeting.

• Approved a resolution declaring January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.

• Approved the memorandum of warrants for Jan. 4 to Jan. 17 in the amount of $5,377,505.03,

• Authorized a threeyear lease for copiers for the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office from state contract.

• Set a public hearing for 5 p.m. March 10 for the vacation of a portion of Maverick Circle. The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10.

Lighting approved for fire department vehicles

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Wetumpka City Council held a quick meeting last Tuesday. Between the winter weather and a short agenda, just a couple of action items were handled.

Some say the county has misspent funds on quality of life projects across the county. But those plans were well in play almost eight years before new courtrooms were needed because of new judges allotted by the Alabama legislature.

“Elmore County families and children have historically not had adequate recreational and sports facilities and the increase in population dictated a need to provide for the needed facilities,” Mercer said.

“Investing in our families and children is the best way to ensure a long term stable economy and community.”

The leveled lodging tax in Elmore County provides about $1.6 million annually. It is far short of the $6.5 million needed to service a proposed $100 million debt service to fund a new Elmore County Jail. Rather than seek an ad valorem increase, Enhance Elmore has the county com-

mission requesting the Alabama legislature to grant it the authority to levy five measures through local legislation and requesting two measures be considered as local constitutional amendments by the voters of Elmore County.

The county commission is currently advertising local legislation to get the local bills in this year’s legislative session.

The five local legislation measures being proposed are a levelized countywide sales tax of 9.5%. Mercer the total tax collected would not exceed 9.5% unless municipalities wanted to collect more. If the combined sales tax was less than that, 9.5% would be collected with the lion’s share going to the county. It is a similar process as the county’s current levelized lodging tax that funds quality of life projects.

The county is also seeking a $25 assessment on vehicle

The Wetumpka Fire Department has three trucks it uses to respond to emergency calls that need emergency lights. The council approved spending a total of $17,373.50 to purchase and install the lights. Local vendor DCCI got the bid. Nell Head was reappoint -

and boat tags with a $1 per year increase. Assessed court fees and booking fees for the Elmore County Jail would be $100 with a $5 per year increase. There would also be a levelized 9.5% rental tax.

Legislation also seeks two local constitutional amendments to be considered by the voters of Elmore County.

The first is property assessment with $25 per year for land only parcels, $150 per year on residential parcels and $300 per year on commercial parcels. The fees would increase by $1 per year.

The second is a tobacco and vape tax of 4.5% across the county.

The collected funds would then be split amongst several projects. The levelized sales tax and rental tax would both be split with 90% going to infrastructure and 10% to economic development. The

ed to the Wetumpka Public Library Board and Susie Anderson was appointed to the board by the council. The council also approved minutes of the Jan. 6 meeting. The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3.

tag fees would be split 95-5. Court costs would solely fund public safety improvements, while fees on tobacco and vape would be split with 70% to public safety and health and 30% to fire services.

All of the fees for property assessment on land only would be utilized for fire services, while 85% of residential and commercial fees will go toward public safety and health.

“We feel like this is equitable with everyone paying their share,” Mercer said. “These would all be reported yearly through an accountability report.”

If the Alabama legislature approves the local bills, the commission could act on many of the assessments before fall. The two measures for tobacco and vape require a public referendum and would be dependent upon setting a special election.

ROBOTICS

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along with math and science,” Airport Road Elementary School teacher Sarah Lamar said. “It allows them to learn and take STEM further than just seeing it, but applying it.”

During the competition, students assembled robots from motors and parts to capture balls and toss them into targets for points. The robots are driven remotely There

was also a portion of the competition where students had to code the robots to operate autonomously.

“They have to figure out how to work as a team,” Lamar said. “It’s the first time many of the elementary students do that and it’s thanks to this.”

Elmore County Schools STEM director Tracy Wright said the students are learning life skills as well. The competition has an element where teams from different schools

are paired together to accomplish a task on short notice.

“They learn conflict resolution,” Wright said. “They figure out how to compromise on different ideas and come to a solution. We have kids who don’t understand how to resolve conflict in conversations. They are starting to learn this working in teams and again in the competition.”

The competition gives the teams about five minutes to work through a solution.

“They discuss a strategy,

FUNDING

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same. Overall, revenue has seen some gains in local funding. But due to cost increases and lower federal funding due to an improving poverty rate means there still isn’t enough money to do everything that is needed such as hiring more teachers or constructing new schools.

Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis and other central office administrators have visited the schools and will soon go to the communities with information about how the system receives and spends funds.

“We are calling it our roadshow,” Dennis said.

“This answered a lot of questions that employees had about the school system.” Dennis said on a per pupil basis Elmore County Schools spend less than most school systems in the state.

“We’re 136 out of 142 systems,” Dennis said. “That includes charter systems.”

Elmore County has voted in 9 mils of property tax for education but 10 mils is collected because of a law passed by the Alabama Legislature to receive funding from the Educa-

We Touch the Lives of the People

develop a strategy, and then apply it onto the field when they work together as a team,” Wright said.

The students also learn how to communicate their thoughts and ideas with others.

“These kids don’t know each other until the moment they sit down with each other,” Lamar said. “It is a great way to develop skills of talking to people you don’t know.”

The competition highlights

tion Trust Fund. For fiscal year 2024, Elmore County was allocated $80,260,844 from the trust fund. But to receive it, the system had to put up the 10 mils of property tax totaling $11,266,860. The state forwarded nearly $69 million to the system.

For fiscal year 2025, Elmore County was allocated $83,524,101. County property taxes of $12,292,900 meant the state sent Elmore County $71.2 million, not even a 3% increase. From that came a 2% pay raise for all staff enacted by the legislature.

Dennis and Elmore County human resources director Suzanne Goodin said part of the problem in state funding lies in the multiplier used by the state to fund teaching units.

Currently in grades K-3, a teacher is funded by the state for every 14.25 students. In grades 4-6 a teacher is funded for every 20.43 students. In grades 7 and 8, a teacher is funded for every 19.7 students. In high school a teacher is funded for every 17.95 students.

Dennis contends the divisor used in middle school needs to be lowered to allow for smaller class sizes.

“All I can imagine is the people making these decisions have not taught these children,” Dennis said. “That is your most vola-

OFFICERS

Continued from A1

the younger students from EYE as they are front and center. The Wetumpka High School NERDS advisor Dr. Virginia Vilardi said it’s great to see the younger students involved in STEM activities. It gives the students an opportunity to do things beyond the classroom that will aid them the rest of their school career.

“It just starts those higher learning skills and methods that kids need,” Vilardi said. “It just gets them to be creative in a different way and

tile group of students that you’re contending with in schools and you’re going to put them in the biggest groups.”

Goodin is a former school principal and said the middle grades are the hardest to teach.

“(The state) gives us the least amount of teacher units to cover those teachers,” Goodin said.

Elmore County Schools do get Title I federal funding for all of the elementary and middle schools except for those in Redland. Those funds are distributed based on poverty rates determined by the federal government.

“Those funds are declining,” Dennis said. “It is because Elmore County is in the top three or four counties in the state with the lowest poverty rate.”

The state currently funds 653.67 teachers. Title I funds 11 teachers in the county.

Currently each school gets all the teacher units it is allocated by the state. The Title I teachers must be placed at the school it is allocated to.

The creation of Edge, Elmore County Schools online institute, has allowed teacher units earned there to be used elsewhere in the county.

This year, there are an additional 13 teachers in Elmore County because of it.

Dennis said this is how

judicial complex. I am keenly familiar with the dynamics of our circuit consisting of those three counties.”

Like others at the time, no one predicted the exponential growth Elmore County has experienced since 1995 to now, during which time the population has almost doubled.

“We just didn’t see it coming so fast,” Pinkston said.

Pinkston is the seventh generation of his family to live in Elmore County, and he too would pay any new fees or assessments to create a new jail and renovate the judicial complex.

“We aren’t going anywhere,” Pinkston said. “This is our home. This is where we plan to be.”

Just like the population, the case load of the various courts has grown dramatically. The Alabama legislature has approved two new circuit court judges for the 19th Judicial Circuit and space is needed not only for two new judges but for the current cases.

“Calendaring in order to accommodate the judges who simply must have courtroom space is currently beyond challenging,” Pinkston said. “That challenge is only going to become further complicated when Judge Dee Dee Calhoun takes office next week. Courtroom availability will be almost chaotic when the fifth full-time circuit judge takes place in January 2027.”

Although the vast majority of cases in the three-county circuit are tried in Elmore County, it was Chilton County that recently broke ground on a new judicial complex to accommodate its growing court system.

“Elmore County bar none is the busiest circuit court in the circuit,” Pinkston said. “It’s the busiest courthouse. It has more judges. It has more cases, more traffic, more is going on here.”

In fact, the circuit is one of the top three busiest in the state.

To aid in the backlog of cases, it is not uncommon currently for the judicial center’s law library and the grand jury room in the district attorney’s office to be used.

New Elmore County District Court

teaches them how to problem solve.” Vilardi was supervising the NERDS Saturday. It is a chance for the high school students to give back as others have given their time to them, and it puts the NERDS in the judge’s seats.

“They are doing the interviews and scoring them,” Vilardi said. “They are helping manage the competition. They are helping judge. It is teaching them how to be better people and adults.”

music and theater teachers at middle schools are funded.

Like so many others, Goodin would like to see more classroom teachers. But even the state funding doesn’t cover everything for the allocated units.

“It is based on average salaries,” Goodin said. “We have some teachers who are well over the average.”

Dennis said he and others in the central office are looking at ways to expand The Edge to be able to squeak out a few more teachers.

The state does provide funding called Other Current Expenses. School systems utilize OCE to take care of issues such as dealing with the average cost of a teacher. At The Edge, OCE provides enough money to cover for six of the 13 teacher units used elsewhere in the county.

“It is still not enough,” Goodin said. “We can never get enough teacher units.”

Dennis said he and other central office staff will be organizing community meetings in the various communities across Elmore County to present the same basic information to the public.

“We are working on the schedule now,” Dennis said. “I’m sure there will be questions and we will try to answer them as best we can.”

Judge Ben Baxley even scheduled the courtroom in the historic courthouse because space was needed due to the number of parties involved in a child custody case.

“It poses a lot of logistical problems because we have to have the sheriff’s office who provides security,” Baxley said. “My staff has to come over and set up court here. The parties have to come here as well.”

Baxley deals primarily in juvenile cases where it is not uncommon to have both parents, grandparents and even other family joining prosecutors and the Alabama Department of Human Resources as parties.

“Five or six parties cannot fit well in a law library or conference room unless we forget court proceedings,” Baxley said.

“By their very nature they are adversarial. You don’t want to have folks in that close of a proximity.”

Space isn’t the only issue plaguing the judicial complex either.

“I’m hopeful that in whatever plan comes about and whatever construction comes about, that technology issues will be addressed as well,” Baxley said.

Enhance Elmore proposes increasing court costs by $100 and booking fees to $100 for those arrested with automatic increases. Much of those fees would go towards a new jail, sheriff’s office and circuit clerk office. The current judicial center would receive a $6.4 million renovation to make the space more usable for the current case load and to accommodate for growth. The Elmore County Circuit Clerk would join the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office in a new $14.2 million building next door. A new Elmore County Jail would be built in a current parking lot to accommodate 480 inmates plus have the ability to reach 600 inmates. The current jail was built for 242 inmates but regularly houses more than 300.

“After consultation with my fellow judges, the county’s plan appears to us to be both adequate and prudent,” Pinkston said. “If implemented, the expanded judicial complex should adequately accommodate the judiciary for the foreseeable future, perhaps an additional 30 years, if not more.”

We can always have hope

Isaac Watts penned the words to several popular hymns that are sung in our churches today including, “Joy to the World” and “We’re Marching to Zion.” One of his hymns was entitled “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”. Although never having heard it sung, the words tell of our hope in God. “O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home! O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, be Thou our guard while life shall last, and our eternal home”.

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

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God”, (Psalm 42:5). Hope is used in many ways. Some may say, “I hope it doesn’t rain” or “I hope they’ll

like me.” Psalm 42:5 is repeated identically in Psalm 42:11 and Psalm 43:5. Could it perhaps have been that God was trying to impress upon us that we can always depend upon Him when we put our trust in Him.

One-time years ago, someone gave me a card that read, “If you meet me and forget me, you have lost nothing. But it you meet me, and I tell you about my God and forget Him, you will lose everything.” As the years went by, that little card encouraged me to trust in God every day and also to tell

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

people about Him. As the years have passed by, that little card encouraged me to trust in God every day and also to tell people about Him. Another way of putting this; “if you believe in Jesus Christ, you will have eternal life but if you do not believe in Jesus Christ, you will have eternal damnation.” That choice should be easy! There are days when we don’t understand why things aren’t going better. Yet we are always reminded that God can guide us through the darkest hour. As long as we continue to put our

Church Briefs

a mask. The service will be live streamed on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/EpiphanyTallassee/ For more information, visit the church website at http://epiphanytallassee.org/

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

First Presbyterian Church, located at 514 Central Blvd. will host a Veteran’s Day Celebration on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for all veterans and first responders and their family members.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“We are OPEN and everyone is WELCOME! Come worship with us in person Sunday mornings at 8:50 a.m. (contemporary) or 11 a.m.

(traditional). Sunday School for all ages is offered Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., and a nursery is available for infants.

CHILDREN & YOUTH: meet Sunday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. and Wednesday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m.; supper is included both days! For more information about our church or the programs we offer, visit our website: fumctallassee. com or call us: 334-283-2195. FUMC Tallassee - 1 Jordan Avenue.”

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

hope in Him. He will not only take away many of our problems but also give us strength and courage to face those that remain.

There is no greater hope than knowing our Heavenly Father cares for us. Even when the things in life are happening around us or to us that we don’t understand, we know He is there to give us hope.

Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with Alabama Baptist Disaster Relief Team

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.

Wetumpka dance team headed to national competition

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

For the second consecutive year, Kaitlyn Sheffer is taking the Wetumpka dance team back to Orlando, Florida, to compete in the 42nd annual National Dance Team Competition. The Wetumpka dance consists

of 11 competitive dancers who will compete in two separate categories for routine – intermediate jazz and intermediate pom. Intermediate jazz is ultimately a routine prepared by each team with above average difficulty and intermediate pom is elevated game-like routine choreography. Both categories are evaluated by a panel of judges.

“Some of the girls that are competing this year have never competed before, so we stick to intermediate to just kind of help build their confidence,” Sheffer said. “The idea of the competition is to match teams with similar skill levels to compete, and every team is talented which is

Stanhope Elmore legend remembered fondly

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The “foundation” of Stanhope Elmore High School athletics, coach Jimmy Foshee, died Thursday night.

The hall of fame coach filled the sidelines in Millbrook as head coach of the Mustangs for 25 years.

SHORT AGAINST PERCY JULIAN

WETUMPKA’S COMEBACK FALLS

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

The Wetumpka boys basketball team found itself with its backs on the wall trying to claw its way back against Percy Julian on Monday night. Ultimately, the Indians were unable to mount a comeback against the Phoenix and fell 59-54. Percy Julian jumped out to

a quick lead over Wetumpka and went into halftime with a nine-point lead. However, the momentum flipped coming out of the break.

The Indians came out firing on the offensive side of the ball, kicking off the third quarter with a 3-pointer from Andrew Voyle to get things going. Nolan Fitch and Christopher Robinson joined him in the score department as well.

Wetumpka carried the momentum going into the fourth, slowly but surely chipping away at the lead. Fitch took matters into his own hands, scoring eight of his 18 points on the night in the final quarter. With about four minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Indians acquired their first lead of the night. However,

Indians sweep area foes to clinch top spot

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

Last year, the Wetumpka girls basketball team sat near the bottom of its area.

This year, it won the Class 6A Area 4 outright.

Wetumpka pulled a clean sweep over its area foes with a 47-22 victory over Percy Julian, bringing its area record to a perfect 4-0 on the season.

The Indians are young to say the least, only having three seniors on the roster. Despite the youth movement, the girls have flourished this year by quadrupling their win total from the season prior.

Head coach Harriett Winchester has seen her girls buy into what she and her assistant coaches have to offer.

“It means a lot,” Winchester said. “Because the girls trust me and my assistant coaches to buy into the program. They actually listened to us and they actually see the potential in themselves to get to this point. But like I always tell them, ‘Coaches, we can’t shoot, we can’t grab a rebound, any of that stuff.’ So it’s all on them. I’m so proud of them. ” Although she’s one of the few seniors, Zariah Clark put on a show in the rebounding department against Percy Julian. She

finished the night with a teamhigh 17 rebounds and added 10 points to the stat sheet, a role for Wetumpka that Winchester envisioned for her.

“We’ve been hounding on Zariah all season to know her role,” Winchester said. “Her role is to get as many rebounds, defensive, offensive, (she can) in every game. She wanted to continue playing past the area (tournament) so she understands that it’s necessary.”

Clark was not alone in filling up the stat sheet either, freshman Logan Banks had arguably one of the best outings in her high school career. She finished with a teamhigh 20 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks against Percy Julian.

Another player who is finally fulfilling the role Winchester had

for her.

“We’ve been begging and pleading, hoping that she’ll finally put it together, see her own potential,” Winchester said. “I think the last couple of games she’s been putting together, and (Monday), she definitely did it. So it’s perfect timing.”

Now it all comes down to consistently putting on that kind of performance as the Indians head into the area tournament. Winchester also has her eyes on making sure the team is a little more aggressive on the court.

“The thing that I do want to see an improvement on is aggression,” Winchester said. “ We are not as aggressive as I want them to be. So if we can do that going into the area (tournament). I think that’d be the icing on the cake.”

“He is irreplaceable,” current Stanhope Elmore coach Hunter Adams said. “He is the foundation of the program. He was a trend setter going back to his early tenure as being one of the first coaches that really emphasized the strength and conditioning aspect of football, especially in this area. It transformed the way people ran programs.”

Foshee was known for his off the field workouts in the weight room and conditioning.

“Other programs soon started to follow suit,” Adams said. “Everybody in the area fell in line with that. He deserves the credit for that.”

Foshee held an overall record of 212-81-1. His teams won 15 region titles and made the playoffs 20 times.

Adams played against Foshee as an athlete at Elmore County High School as did Stanhope principal Ewell Fuller during his playing time at Wetumpka. Both knew Foshee-coached teams put it all on the line on the field.

Adams got to personally know Foshee when Adams started coaching for Foshee’s son Jeff at Stanhope Elmore. But Adams’ history with Foshee goes even further back.

“He was somebody my father looked up to as a coach in the 1970s, 80s and 90s,” Adams said. “Coaching here, you understand that reverence and level of respect as you see how he operates the program and in the community. His name is synonymous with the program. His love and commitment for this place was always evident. His pride in this school and community was unwavering.”

As a player, Fuller knew he had to be prepared when he faceoffed against Foshee.

“He was very hardnosed, very thorough,” Fuller said. “The guys were always well coached. Discipline was obvious. Even though it was a rivalry, it was all about the business.”

Fuller said Foshee’s mark on Stanhope Elmore goes well beyond his name being a part of Foshee-Henderson Stadium.

“He impacted student-athletes for about 40 years,” Fuller said. “I have former athletes that are reaching out to me now about his impact. He coached several that

“Playing against his teams as a rival player, I know the reverence and respect that we had for his programs as opponents,” Adams said.

Turner’s elite performance lifts Holtville to area win

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

Arkevious Turner was on fire against Marbury last Thursday night as he propelled his Holtville squad to a 55-52 win in Class 5A Area 6 boys basketball action.

Turner was lights out from the field as he scored a team-high 18 points and also snagged 12 rebounds. A 6-foot-4 forward, Turner utilized his length and athleticism to penetrate the interior lanes leading to clutch baskets all while staying out of foul trouble.

“Ark is still at old school with his desired style of play, because he wants to bang down inside,” Holtville coach Greg Parker said. “I think he showed a lot of his grit and of course, he stayed out of foul trouble, which is always good, because we’re not really deep at that position. Just the way that he handles himself every day, the way that he comes to work makes games like that possible for him.”

Turner shot the ball at a high clip, going 56% from the field and 80% from the charity stripe. Marbury’s

defensive attack was primarily to try to speed up Holtville’s pace of play, but the two-man game between Turner and Elijah Headley managed to combat that. It is no coincidence Turner and Headley have such an ebb and flow style of floor chemistry as they have been playing basketball together their whole lives.

“Elijah and Ark have grown up playing the game together, so they just have such a unique feel for each other and they know how to get the other one the ball in scoring opportunities,” Parker said.

Turner has also provided more than just stellar performances on the floor. He has been a focal point for the growth and development of the Bulldogs’ program as well.

“He became a great leader in football, and I think it’s just transcended into basketball,” Parker said. “Everybody’s starting to kind of watch what he does, and it just has been good thing for our team, because our team knows if he plays well, we got a shot to win any game we play.”

Continued from A4

Based on Google analytics and social media, it seems the storm had some fair weather friends. They posted in the

DANCE

Higgins’ defense makes difference for Bulldogs

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

Kaila Higgins is just one reason Holtville has had such an illustrious season so far.

Her steady hand on defense has been on display all year, and although the Bulldogs suffered a 55-26 loss against Marbury last Thursday, that was still the case for Higgins.

“Her main specialty has always been defense,” Holtville coach Clint Pitchford said.

“We can go into a game and there’s a team that maybe has a dominant scorer or a dominant guard that’s going to get up and down the floor pretty quick and give us some problems. We’ll a

moment but now in fleeting moments, have left the storm lonely.

It seems as if everyone is looking forward.

I know I’m looking forward to the results of the lengthy cold weather. I’m hoping it will mean fewer bugs this

lot of times be able to kind of use her to play help and defend in that area.”

Higgins has anchored the Bulldog defense at a high level as she is amongst the team leaders with 40 steals and 40 pass deflections on the year.

With Higgins ability to anticipate her opponent’s game plan quickly, she becomes a problem for other offenses to execute any sort of scheme.

Along with being productive on the floor and the stat sheet, Higgins has also been a great senior leader for her team. Holtville boasts a dynamic array of guards with great scoring capabilities in Alexandra

spring and summer.

Vasile, Ana Brown, and Bella Brown; however Higgins has found ways to be an asset in any way she can for her team.

“She’s a great team player, and sometimes you may not want your best scorer trying to guard the other team’s best scorer, because they can just kind of wear you out just from the pace of play up and down the court,” Pitchford said. “Kaila does contribute from the scoring side as she’s a great 3-point shooter, but defensively, she takes a lot of pride in that,” Pitchford said.

Even in a loss, Pitchford is still aware how valuable Higgin’s performance on both ends of the floor can be in the

The cold, ice and snow will be missed, but I know it will return someday.

But as I now look at my kitchen counter and refrigerator I need help. What can I do with extra milk and

near future for Holtville with the postseason looming around the corner.

“Kaila was a sophomore starter for us, and then now she’s a senior starter, still again, providing the defensive presence for her is always going to be there,” Pitchford said. “But I think now more than anything, all of them sort of realized that as we get closer down the stretch, their vocal leadership is extremely important collectively.”

Higgins will continue to be a key factor for the Bulldogs as they prepare to make a run beyond the regular season for only the second time in program history.

two loaves of bread?

Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff.williams@thewetumpkaherald. com.

the cool part about the whole thing on top of the experience being unmatched for the girls.”

Having competed at nationals last year, Sheffer feels very optimistic about her team this year and her ability to have them prepared as a coach also.

“You look at your team as a whole, and you decide, these are pom dancers or these are hiphop dancers or jazz dancers — just just according to what your personnel executes at the highest level,” Sheffer said.

ELMORE

Continued from B1

played in the NFL and D1 football. He coached so many that went on to

Continued from B1 COMEBACK

Continued from B1

The Indians accepted the invite to this year’s national competition following their immaculate first-place finish in the Auburn UDA camp last summer. With the Indians dance roster consisting of several younger dancers, Sheffer is eager to watch them compete on the biggest stage for the first time.

“Obviously we are less than a week out at this point from leaving, so I’m very nervous for them,” Sheffer said. “But I know that they’ve put in the time and the effort. With my dance experience, I’ve coached

next level football. He definitely had a huge impact on Stanhope Elmore and Millbrook.”

Foshee’s legacy stretches to grandchildren who played sports and

the Phoenix hit back-to-back 3-pointers to keep the Indians from snatching the win from underneath them. Despite being unable to make a comeback, head coach Steven Thomas was proud of the night from his guys.

“I thought we battled

them to the best of their ability, and we’re still fixing tiny little things, but I guess nervous and excited is kind of where we’re at right now.”

Executing routines on the national stage creates an immense degree of difficulty, so Sheffer has prioritized synchronicity and togetherness just as much as performance.

“Seeing the sheer amount of teams that are there, it’s insane, because it feels like a sea of dancers and jazz,” Wetumpka dancer Brook Smith said. “We’ve worked so hard because it’s so hard to get everyone to dance the same so

others who graduated from Stanhope Elmore. Foshee’s legacy dates back to Dadeville High School. His childhood home was less than a mile from the school and

tonight,” Thomas said. “Some of the things didn’t go away in the first half, but in the second half, we responded. We started playing our brand of basketball. We trusted each other, moving the ball a little bit better. On the Defensive end locked down a little bit better, controlled a little bit better.

We dug ourselves a hole in the first half and came out a little bit. I just like the response.”

me and the two other returning girls have worked hard trying to get them prepared to go perform.”

Mary Ellis Baker and Carly Forbus will both be making their first appearances on the grand stage in Orlando but feel as if they are ready to capture the moment.

Tiger Stadium where Foshee played three sports graduating in 1962. He then went to Auburn University, and started at Stanhope Elmore as the school’s third head foot-

Coming out of the first half, Thomas knew the scoring responsibilities could not just fall onto one guy. He knows just as well as anybody that if Wetumpka wanted to come away with a win it was going to take everyone who touched the court.

“Not relying on just one guy, two guys, really making something happen,” Thomas said. “Really trying to get a

Forbus is the lone freshman making the trip.

“I’d say it means a lot to me to have been pulled up,” Forbus said. “It kind of makes me feel like I’m proud to be a part of the group of older girls, because it kind of gives me a glimpse into what it would look like to be on varsity, but it is a lot of pressure with definitely with trying to fulfill the standard and stuff to perform at nationals for Wetumpka High School.” Nationals begin Friday.

“We definitely put in a lot more work, I’d say more than people really think that we do, especially because we’re not considered a sport,” Baker said. “But we’ve been here on lots of nights working, and I think people don’t expect that, but I’m really excited about the team bonding. I’ve never been on a trip like this, so I’m really excited.”

ball coach in 1975. “Coach Foshee is a legend,” Fuller said. “Anytime I speak about Stanhope Elmore and the athletics part of it, his name always comes up. He is definitely a huge part of Stanhope Elmore.”

Fuller said Foshee’s funeral will be at the new gym at Stanhope Elmore High School.

little bit more ball movement, to make the defense work, to get us easier baskets. And we adjusted that a little bit, and it worked.”

In addition to Fitch’s performance, Voyle and Robinson each crossed the double-digit mark with 11 points each on the night. Heading into the area tournament, Thomas wants to make sure they keep that same mindset if they want to extend their season any further.

“At this point, we just got to have a team collective with all five guys on the court and what we’re trying to do on the offensive side, we’re just trying to find the rhythm,” Thomas said. “Either somebody cutting, but they don’t have the ball, somebody set the screen, whatever it is that gets juices flowing.”

Lake River & Classi eds

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

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Public Notices

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE ELMORE COUNTY

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Teimesha Mott, an unmarried woman, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Real Estate Funding Corporation, its successors and assigns, on August 9, 2019, said mortgage recorded in the of Elmore County, Alabama, at as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash the main entrance of the Courthouse at Elmore County, Aladuring the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: LOT 24, BLOCK H, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OF COTTON LAKES PLAT NO. 12, AS SAME IS RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, IN PLAT BOOK 25, AT PAGE 24.

Public Notices

,formational purposes: 60 High Cotton Court Wetumpka, AL 36092

TIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Public Notices

THERETO.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumexist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tenthe time and place of the sale. If sale is voided, Mortgagee/ Transferee shall return the bid amount to the successful purchaser. The Mortgagee/Transshall not be liable to the purchaser 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 bid amount. 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 Servicing, LLC, Mortgagee/

ney for Mortgagee/Transferee. THIS OFFICE IS ACTING AS

244967 PUBLIC NOTICE

The following vehicles will be auctioned off by J&J Towing 3345581595 on 03/05/25 @ 10:00 a.m.

2009 Toyota Venza4T3ZK11A99U005429 2017 Honda Accord1HGCR2F59HA159348

2018 Hyundai TucsonKM8J3CA44JU669134 2017 Chevy Cruze3G1BF6SM2HS590547

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 2025 AV/ 09 TOYOTA 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:

Pursuant to AL Self-Service Storage Facilities Act 2021 & to satisfy Owner’s lien Storage Sense Millbrook, will hold an online public auction of the personal property stored in units located at 4180 Al-14, Millbrook, Al 36054, 334-472-9650 to satisfy Operator’s lien. Everything sold is purchased AS-IS for CASH ONLY. See & bid on all units 24/7, sale ending on February 11th and February 18th 10:00 AM @ www.Storageauctions. com. Auctions subject to cancellation at any time for any reason until winning bidder takes possession of property. TERMS listed on auction website.

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 29, 2025 STORAGE AUCTION

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed on August 1, 2012 by Larry Wayne Ellis aka Larry W. Ellis and Lennie R. Ellis a/k/a Lennie Ellis, originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Branch Banking and Trust Company, and recorded in RLPY Book 2012 at Page 38815 on August 8, 2012, Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, and secured indebtedness having been transferred to Truist Bank. LOGS Legal Group LLP, as counsel for Mortgagee or Transferee and under and by virtue of power of sale contained in the said mortgage will, on March 20, 2025, sell at public outcry to the highest bidder at the main entrance of the Elmore County, Alabama, Courthouse in the City of Wetumpka, during the legal hours of sale, the following real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to wit: Lot 4, Sandy Pines Estates, as shown on plat recorded in the Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 13, Page 104 For informational purposes only, the property address is: 4271 AL 36093. 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 sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. Furthermore, the property to be offered pursuant to this notice of sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance AS IS, WHERE IS. Neither the mortgagee, nor the employees, agents or authorized representative of the mortgagee make any representation or warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at or relating to the property offered for sale. Any and all responsibilities or liabilities arising out of or in any way relating to any such condition, including those suggested by Code of Ala. (1975) § 35-4-271, expressly are disclaimed. This sale is subject to all prior liens and encumbrances and unpaid taxes and assessments including any transfer tax associated with the foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five

p Thousand Dollars and no/100 funds at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price must be paid inness on the next business day LOGS Legal Group LLP at the address indicated below. LOGS Legal Group LLP reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder, or to reschedule the sale, should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. 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

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices

p 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

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 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 ES-

TATE OF BRENDA ROBERTS, DECEASED

Name and Address of Administrator: 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. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SUSAN SMITH T. ROBERTS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-005 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of SUSAN SMITH T. ROBERTS, deceased, having been granted to JASPER BEROUJON ROBERTS, JUNIOR and FOSTER BRETT ROBERTS on the 14th day of January, 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.

JASPER BEROUJON ROBERTS, JUNIOR and FOSTER BRETT ROBERTS CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ESTATE OF SUSAN SMITH T. ROBERTS, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Co-Personal Representatives: 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. 22, 29 and Feb. 5, 2025 EST/ROBERTS S. 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 Mortgagee, dated the 28th day of April, 2016, and recorded in RLPY Book 2016, Page 19287, et seq. of the records inbate Court of Elmore County,

Public Notices y Alabama; said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the undersigned will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bidder during legal hours of sale, on the 12th day of February, 2025, in the city of Wetumpka, at the front door of the Court House of Elmore County, Alabama, the following described real property situated in the County of Elmore, State of Alabama, to-wit: Begin at the Northwest Corner of the Southwest Quarter of the North East Quarter of Section 9, T19N, R19E, then run East 470’ to the East R.O.W. of paved county road (Grier Road); then run South 20° 00’ west along East R.O.W. of said paved county road 435.45’ to point of beginning: Then run South 66° 13’ East 91.2’; then run South 22° 00’ West 104.6’; then run North 72° 30’ West 87.6’ to the East R.O.W. of said county paved road; thence run North 20° 00’ East along said county road R.O.W. 114.55’ to the point of beginning. This parcel of land containing 0.223 acres more or less and lying in Elmore County, Alabama.

This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, reservations and exceptions or those contained in the reof Probate of the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as 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. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying said indebtedness and the expenses incident to this sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, and the other purposes set out in said mortgage. The sale will betion that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcytion and audit of the status of the loan with the Mortgagee. REGIONS BANK d/b/a REGIONS MORTGAGE Holder of said Mortgage Goodman G. LedyardSTON, P.C. Attorneys for Mortgagee Mobile, Alabama 36616 (251) 338-1300 Wetumpka Herald: FC/BAKER PUBLIC NOTICE THE STATE OF ALABAMA ELMORE COUNTY NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

By virtue of Final Assessments entered by the Alabama Department of Revenue on or about May 6, 2024, for a total of $8,237.52 plus interest at the rate of $1.80 per day in which the Alabama Department of Revenue is the Plaintiff and Michael T. Roberts aka Mike Roberts and Tammy M. Roberts aka Tammy Roberts are the Defendants, 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 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

FORECLOSURE NOTICE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness described in and secured by that certain mortgage executed by JAN W. BROWNING, an unmarried woman, as Mortgagor(s) to Regions Bank d/b/a Regions Mortgage, as Mortgagee, dated the 6th day of June, 2016, and recorded in

Public Notices

RLPY Book 2016, Page 26257, et seq. of the records in the Court of Elmore County, Alabama; said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the undersigned will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage sell at public outcry for cash to the highest bidder during legal hours of sale, on the 27th day of February, 2025, in the city of Wetumpka, at the front door of the Court House of Elmore County, Alabama, the following described real property situated in the County of Elmore, State of Alabama, to-wit: Lot 22, Hidden Forest Subdivision Plat No. the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 8 at Page 7. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, reservations and exceptions or those contained in the reof Probate of the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as 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. Said sale will be made for the purpose of paying said indebtedness and the expenses incident to this sale, including a reasonable attorney’s fee, and the other purposes set out in said mortgage. The sale will betion that the sale is not prohibited under the U.S. Bankruptcytion and audit of the status of the loan with the Mortgagee. REGIONS BANK d/b/a REGIONS MORTGAGE Holder of said Mortgage Goodman G. Ledyard PIERCE LEDYARD JOHNSTON, P.C. Attorneys for Mortgagee

Wetumpka Herald: FC/BROWNING PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Thursday,February, the 13th 2025, at 9:00 am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM.

Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE.

Southeast Storage 8416 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36092

3036: Minica Henderson,195 Sandy Ct, Wetumpka, Al 36092

Contents: couch, tv stand, headboard, treadmill, bed frame, books

3125: Donna Waters: 8005 Holtville Rd, Wetumpka, Al 36092

Contents: mattress, 3 totes

2111: Kim Posey, 9175 Georgia Rd. Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: chairs, washer, dryer, mattress, tv, table, outdoor furniture

2109: Charles Taylor, 302 South Opothelehola St, Wetumpka, Al 36092 Contents: dresser, couch, boxes, bags, clothes, tool box, keyboard.

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 2025

STORAGE AUCTION

PUBLIC NOTICE

ADVERTISEMENT FOR PREQUALIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS AND FOR BIDS FROM BIDDERS THAT ARE PREQUALIFIED

from General Contractors shall be submitted via email and will be received on behalf of the Owner by Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC; VIA EMAIL to Kaylla.dixon@gmcnetwork. com; UNTIL 4:00 PM LOCAL TIME; ON FEBRUARY 7, 2025, for: A NEW CLASSROOM MODULAR UNIT AT TUTWILER PRISON ANNEX FOR THE ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS WETUMPKA, ALABAMA and thereafter delivered to the Owner for consideration of approval to bid this project. Those who DID NOT Prequalify will be MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2025, but no later than the Bid date.

quirements may be obtained from the Architect, by written request on the Contractor’s company letterhead. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive technical errors, and/or abandon this process if, in their judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted.

by the Alabama Department of Corrections c/o ADOC Engi-

Public Notices

es at 222 Tarwater Drive, Wetumpka, Alabama; AT 2:00 PM LOCAL TIME ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2025, at which time and place they will be publicly opened and read. The Work of the project includes, but is not limited to, sitework, demolition, sanitary sewer piping, concrete, metal ramp & stairs, modular classroom building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and all related work at Tutwiler Prison Annex; as the Drawings; coordination and supervision of the entire project; and all related work, as indicated in the Bid and Contract Documents.

A cashier’s check or bid bond payable to Alabama Department of Corrections in an percent of the amount of the bid, but in no event more than $10,000, must accompany the bidder’s proposal. Performance and statutory Labor and Material Payment Bonds, insurance in compliance with requirements,also with Proposals will be required at the signing of the Contract.

of the Architect; and digital Plan Rooms of: Dodge SCAN; Reed Construction Data; AGC Internet Plan Room in Birmingham, Alabama and Alabama Graphics Internet Plan Room in Montgomery, Alabama. Bid Documents may be obtained from the Architect by digital Partial sets will not be available.

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 Provision of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, and must show such evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by Architect or Owner; The bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying their current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope in which the proposal is delivered; Bidder must also include their current license number on the Proposal Form. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids A MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE is scheduled for all bidders will be held at the Tutwiler Prison Annex in the Administration Building on US 231 in Wetumpka, Alabama; at 10:00 AM LOCAL TIME, ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2025, for the purpose of reviewing the project and answering Bidder’s questions.

intending to submit a Proposal, and is highly recommended for all Subcontractors. Contractor Bidders who do not attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Conference will be rejected This project is being bid EXCLUDING TAXES, and requires the Contractor comply with the requirements of Act 2013-205, which was signed into law on May 9, 2013. The Contractor and the Owner will be requiredemption with the Alabama Department of Revenue which will handle administration of the shall account for the tax savings on the Proposal Form.

requirements for General Contractor Bidders and separate Subcontractors and Manufacturers are indicated in the Bid and Contract Documents. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive technical errors if, in their judgment, the best interests of the Owner will thereby be promoted. ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS ENGINEERING DIVISION Elmore, Alabama John Q. Hamm, Commissioner GOODWYN MILLS CAWOOD, LLC MEMBERS, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

200 Montgomery, Alabama

Wetumpka Herald: Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5, 2025 GMC _ AMGM230005-012 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

Public Notices

g, Judge of Probate of Elmore 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. 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

Public Notices

sponse to this invitation and will

consideration 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) ELMORE 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-

lations.

ny each bid as evidence of good faith. The bracket range is shown

the 17 Springs entrance in Mill-

this bracket have any bearing on the decision to award this contract.

The proposed work shall be

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

bids.

of Transportation.

bids.

of Transportation.

sponse to this invitation and will

consideration for an award. is reserved.

Transportation Director

STPMN-2625(250) Raise your hand if you want your business to make LESS money next year.

PANTHERS CELEBRATE SENIOR NIGHT WITH CONVINCING WIN

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

Three might seem like a small number.

But when it comes to Elmore County’s boys basketball team, it was exactly the right number for the senior crew. Jaden Eason, Austin Davis and Drew Knighton make up the senior class for the Panthers, and their talents were all on display Friday in a Senior Night victory over Gaylesville, 66-30.

“This senior group is special to us because we got to coach them since they were in seventh grade,” Elmore County coach Nathan Taylor said. “To see them grow up and not only become better basketball players and leaders for our team and our

program, but just seeing how they’ve grown as individuals is everything for us as coaches.”

Taylor and assistant coach

Will Venable have been with this group of seniors since they were in middle school. They’ve seen all the hard work their seniors have put in and look forward to that carrying into the next level.

“Two of these guys are going on to play college athletics, which is huge, and it’s great to have them as a part of our program,” Venable said. “It’s just been really fun to see them grow this year. Last year, we didn’t have a ton of success as a basketball program, and everybody kind of counted this group out, so we are in awe of their resilience and determination.”

On Senior Night, Eason led the scoring department with 14 points while Davis contributed 11 rebounds. Knighton displayed a physical performance, continuing to shoot the ball well and finishing with 10 points.

“We are blessed this year, because we have a great group of dudes and several that can shoot it from the outside, and so that is our strength,” Taylor said. “Our weakness this year has been finishing at the rim and turning the ball over. Going into the crunch time these last few games, those are our two main focuses, and we’re going to see a lot of zone over the next couple of weeks, which we haven’t gotten a lot of this year.”

Panthers respond with resilience, finish third at state

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

The road to victory is paved with a buzzsaw — at least that was the case for Elmore County’s wrestling team at the AHSAA Class 5A Duals Championships on Saturday in Birmingham.

The Panthers were dealt an extremely tough hand going into the semifinals as they had to take on reigning state champion Scottsboro and ultimately fell, 65-11.

“We had a pretty tough matchup against Scottsboro in the semifinals, so we definitely got punched in the mouth against Scottsboro and they had a couple big wins,” ECHS coach Mason Thornton said.

But the Panthers weren’t going down without a fight themselves.

They came right back in the consolation championship and put up a dominating win of their own, taking down Beauregard, 63-16.

“To come back from that kind of defeat and face a common opponent in Beauregard and score 63 against them was a huge moment of character for our team to respond in that fashion,” Thornton said. “I’m very proud of them in that regard.”

The Panthers finished the duals season with a 22-11 record, the best finish in program history.

The Panthers came out with a vengeance following the loss to Scottsboro as they accumulated seven pins against Beauregard. Caleb Bryant (122 pounds), Dylan Andres (128), Micah Myers (140), Grayson Meeks (146), Hayden Fochtmann (152), Gavin Eason (159), and Connor Pike (177) all flattened their opponents versus Beauregard.

Myers had the most impressive match of the day for the Panthers, defeating the No. 2 ranked Brody Edwards. Myers pinned Edwards at the 3:01 mark.

Connor Pike also had an incredibly impressive showing on the day, finishing with two pins. Pike pinned Scottboro’s Vinny Jaqubino at the 1:04 mark and followed it up with a pin on Beaurgard’s Brody Morand in the first period.

Caleb Bryant made quick work of his matchup between Beaurgard’s Brandon Harman, pinning him before one minute was off the clock.

Now, the Panthers will prepare for individual sectionals, which begin Feb. 6.

Elmore County seniors see dominant victory over Gaylesville

By AUSTIN ELLIOTT Sports Editor

The Elmore County Panthers girls basketball team celebrated its Senior Night with a huge victory over Gaylesville, 47-20.

The Panthers honored the seniors before tip-off last Friday night and coach Kyle Caldwell gave each of his 12th-graders valuable minutes in the game.

“I’m just super proud of our seniors and the leadership they’ve shown not just this year, but throughout their career,” Caldwell said. “Their growth and their progress, the way that they lead the young girls, and I hope my daughter would eventually be able to learn from some of the leadership skills that they possess.”

Despite not being the leading scorers for ECHS, seniors Robbie Grace Bolton and Kayden Edwards got involved on the offense, finishing with six points apiece. Avery Hull provided production at the rim with six rebounds.

Being on a long break due to the

inclement weather last week had both its advantages and disadvantages for the Panthers.

“It’s been almost a full week since we played a game, and so you can practice as much as you want to, but there’s nothing like those game reps,” Caldwell said.

However, the Panthers looked well-rested and motivated out of the gate, going on a 12-0 run before Gaylesville got its first basket. Addie Stephonson and Addison Hicks played big roles to get the momentum going. Stephenson shot the ball very well as she was 3-for-6 from behind the arc. Hicks finished with 12 points and two rebounds shy of a double-double.

“We’re proud of (our seniors) and excited for their futures,” Caldwell said. “They’re going to do great things and their life, and so celebrating them tonight, getting them lots of minutes, but some younger girls stepped up as well, and made a couple shots here and there, and got the bench fired up, so just celebrating each other is the main thing.”