Wetumpka Herald March 12 2025

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

Arrest made in June 2024 DUI death

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A Montgomery man is now facing trial for the June 2024 death of an Eclectic woman.

Sean Macon, 55, was arrested March 4 and charged with manslaughter and first-degree assault DUI of Angel Ward, 22, following an Elmore County Grand Jury indictment signed by a foreperson on Jan. 17. Macon posted a $75,000

bond March 5 and was released pending trial.

Jennie Zinn and her husband had custody of Ward as a teenager and considered her a daughter.

Zinn said Ward was a passenger in a vehicle headed to Montgomery on U.S. Highway 231 around Heady’s Scoops about 2 a.m. June 1, 2024.

ECTC selected as CLAS School of Distinction

Macon was driving the wrong way.

“He hit them head on,” Zinn said.

Ward survived the initial impact of the crash but was critically injured.

responsible. There is other information we can’t disclose now but I don’t think it’s beneficial to Mr.

“She was in the hospital for eight days,” Zinn said.

Ward’s brother was in the Marine Corps and was brought back from deployment on emergency leave.

“He didn’t make it in time,” Zinn

Chamber holds luncheon welcoming members

ARREST, Page A6

By Cliff Williams Staff Writer

The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.

Career technical education is getting recognition in Elmore County.

Center as a District 3 School of Distinction for its annual CTE awards banquet.

The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools recently selected Elmore County Career Technical

“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each

“The banquet highlights the accomplishments of our CTE programs, students and

See CHAMBER, Page A3

Holtville’s

Staff Report

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

No one has to say where Central Park is located.

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

Far fewer people know the New York City park was originally designed by

RAISING FUNDS, AWARENESS FOR ANIMAL SHELTERS

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

From Titus to Strawberry Fields forever Elmore County native crucial to Central Park preservation

Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the 1850s to provide a rural escape from city life.

Even fewer know Titus native Bruce Kelly was the

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

See SELECTED, Page A6 See FOREVER, Page A6

CLIFF WILLIAMS TPI

See PRINCIPAL, Page A3

“Kyle Futral is an exceptional principal and is very proactive and innovative in his thinking 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 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.

In 2018 Jordan died of cancer. The friendship set into motion what is now Jordan’s Way. “I made a promise to honor her life by helping as many shelters in need as possible,” Rotonda said.

A volunteer gets slimed during the Jordan’s Way fundraiser on Saturday.

Police Reports

WETUMPKA POLICE DEPARTMENT

MARCH 5

• Zernard Keith, 27, of Montgomery, was arrested for possession of marijuana.

• Melissa Duncan, 42, of Millbrook, was arrested for 14 counts of failure to appear.

MARCH 4

• David Puig, 46, of Deatsville, was arrested for three counts of failure to appear.

• Floyd Blair, 43, of Montgomery, was arrested for theft and three counts of failure to appear.

• Domestic violence was reported in Autumnwood Village.

• Identity theft was reported at Wetumpka Gardens.

• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

March 3

• Terrell Dudley, 39, of Hayneville, was arrested for two counts of failure to

appear.

MARCH 2

• Randie Darter, 22, of Wetumpka, was arrested for failure to appear.

• Domestic violence was reported on U.S. Highway 231.

MARCH 1

• Wendi Mohr, 51, of Wetumpka, was arrested for three counts of failure to appear.

FEB. 28

• Kevin Hyde, 56, of Tallassee, was arrested for eight counts of failure to

appear.

• Michelle Griffith, 54, of Dadeville, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

• Theft was reported on U.S. HIghway 231. FEB. 27

• Darrell Gilder, 40, of Coosada, was arrested for failure to appear.

• Margaret Jennigs, 38, of Millbrook was arrested for public intoxication and resisting arrest.

Wetumpka robbery suspect pleads guilty

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

A suspect in a Wetumpka robbery case was handed a federal prison sentence last year.

Roddrecius Lavelle Goldsmith, 34, of Montgomery, will spend 13 years in federal prison plus another five years on supervised release.

pect left with $79 following an assault and robbery.

out of the store.”

The victim then locked the doors, hit the panic alarm and called 911.

“(She) locked herself in the bathroom,” the documents state.

The encounter started as many do between the clerk and customer. But state court documents stated Goldsmith asked the clerk to go to the restroom with him.

“Moments later (Goldsmith) returned and fired one round from his pistol into the front door in order to retrieve his vehicle’s keys that he had left inside during the robbery and assault.”

Last Monday, Goldsmith pled guilty to attempted sodomy in state circuit court to clear up the charges not taken by federal prosecutors.

Chief assistant district attorney Many Johnson told Judge Joy Booth that Goldsmith attempted to extort oral sex from the victim during the robbery.

Booth sentenced Goldsmith to nine and half years in state prison for the attempted sodomy charge.

The Wetumpka Police Department originally investigated the case after a clerk at a convenience store on U.S. Highway 231 pushed a panic button on Jan. 20, 2023, after a sus-

“(The victim) said she doesn’t think her husband would like that,” state court documents said. “(Goldsmith) pulled out a handgun and pulled her into the bathroom, pushed her down to her knees and hit her multiple times around the head.”

The documents said Goldsmith demanded sexual acts from the victim.

“(The victim) pushed back (Goldsmith) and he dragged her to the cash register and made her open it,” the documents state. “(Goldsmith) took the money and went

The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries, court records state.

The clerk identified Goldsmith from a photo lineup.

Investigators found a spent .380 shell casing at the store after the robbery. During Goldsmith’s arrest, officers also recovered a Taurus 380 pistol with a magazine, 27 rounds of ammunition and two cell phones.

There is no parole in the federal prison system. Goldsmith will serve all 13 years in prison before his five years of supervised release.

Smuggling suspect enters blind plea

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

It hasn’t been a year since Hannah Crowder, 31, of Birmingham, was arrested for attempting to introduce contraband to Staton Correctional Facility. But Monday, she entered a guilty plea to trafficking LSD, trafficking a synthetic controlled substance, first-degree promoting prison contraband, obstructing justice using a false identity and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. It follows recent indictments from an Elmore County

grand jury on the charges.

Crowder’s obstructing justice charge was because she gave a false name and social security number to law enforcement. She will be sentenced next month by Judge Joy Booth. Crowder’s plea agreement does not contain sentencing suggestions. The trafficking charges are Class A felonies punishable by 10 years to life in prison.

Crowder was one of

three arrested while found trespassing on prison grounds. The others were Carrie Drake, 43, of Irondale, and a juvenile. As they were being detained by the Alabama Department of Corrections Law Enforcement Services Division a bookbag was confiscated. The bag contained charging blocks, charging wires, earbuds, knives, cell phones and a bag of assorted drugs.

Drake remains in the Elmore County Jail with a bond of $3,015,500 available to

her. According to court records, an Elmore County grand jury has not been presented the case.

Crowder doesn’t have any felony convictions on her record but she was arrested in 2017 in Etowah County on similar charges. Prosecutors there chose to nolle prosse indicted charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. She also has numerous other charges from Etowah County that were not billed by the grand jury.

Teenager charged with child sex abuse

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Millbrook Police Department has arrested an 18-year-old following a Thursday complaint of a sexual assault of a minor child.

Dokata Hollinger, 18, of Millbrook, was detained at the scene as law enforcement began its investigation. He was charged with three counts of first-degree rape and first

degree sodomy and is being held in the Elmore County Jail without bond pending an Aniah’s Law hearing Tuesday.

Millbrook police chief P.K. Johnson said due to the victim’s age, he is limited in what details he can release.

“I am extremely limited with

regard to specific information that I can disseminate regarding this case due to the age of the alleged victim,” Johnson said. “Any time our department investigates a sexual assault complaint, our primary concern is for the victim’s well-being and their rights, particularly when that victim is a minor child.”

A judge will determine if Hollinger gets a bond at an Aniah’s Law hearing.

Humane Society of Elmore County News

Jordan’s Way raises more than $20K

By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director

This past Saturday was a first for us and simply amazing.

Kris and Mary Lynne of Jordan’s Way arrived about 8:30 and our Live Facebook fun started around 10:30. With the help of our intrepid staff & volunteers and all who so generously donated, this event has brought in more than $20,000 for our shelter.

Special thanks to Tricia and to Tiers of Sweetness, LLC for

providing food and luscious sweets for our participants. Another shoutout to Manera at Best Pawn for getting us going with a Business Match donation to raise even more money. All of this was simply awesome and amazing to us, and we are humbled by the support and generosity of the almost 200 donors who helped make this such a success.

If you were not able to watch, you can see the entire event on Facebook. This is three hours of fun and

hijinks. Watching the challenges our teams worked so hard at to raise the bulk of the money was just tons of fun. Want to see our Director get ‘pied’ by both teams or hosed down after? Take a watch. Want to see some of our staff get ‘slimed’ or our volunteers do all they can to NOT have to eat a bug or spider or hot tamale jellybean or get their head shaved? All that fun is now captured forever and it was well worth it. For all who donated

please know that every donation — small and large — got us to that amazing total and we appreciate each and every single donation. Thank you as well to all who shared the event and donation link which got us such huge participation. For those who may have been busy, or couldn’t donate today, the link is still alive for another week on Facebook. If you don’t want to donate at this link, we can also receive donations via our shelter website, https:// www.elmorehumane.

Pet of the Week - Zayda

Zayda is a 3-month-old female Aussie/Rottie/maybe Heeler mix who was surrendered to us when their other dog did not like her. She has that herding/nipping instinct like Heelers so perhaps she’s best with children 10 years or older as toddlers and their parents may not understand her nipping at their heels to herd them.

Zayda should be in the 60- to 70-pound range when fully grown and her foster mom reports that “Zayda is very smart

happy playful puppy.. absolutely loves the water! And quite the cuddle bug! Knows the doggy door!” The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, ra -

bies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Zayda 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.

Elmore County to celebrate Constitution's semiquincentennial

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

The Elmore County Historical Society and the Elmore County History Museum are organizing programs for the U.S. Constitution’s 250th anniversary.

Museum curator Sharon Fox said organizers are seeking volunteers to help pull off a year long slate of events across the county.

“We are finalizing the organization of each of the events,” Fox said. “We will need help for each of the monthly programs. There is sure to be a lot of interest in them.”

There is a meeting for volunteering later this month to enlist help for one or multiple events.

“I’m excited about each of the programs,” Fox said. “It’s to celebrate the Constitution but every program has a connection to Elmore County.”

The year-long series of events and programs kicks off with an introduction to the series at the City of Wetumpka’s Fourth of July fireworks on Friday, July 4. That Sunday historian Allen Herrod will present the life of Revolutionary War soldier Obediah

Moore. On Sunday, Aug. 10, Amy Milligan will present a program on Revolutionary War soldier Abraham Mordecai.

Artist Philip Juras will have a presentation about William Bartram at 6 p.m. Sept. 25. It will accompany a month-long exhibit complementing the event at the Elmore County Museum.

Famed female Revolutionary War soldier Deborah Sampson will come to life through Susan Tomlinson of the Daughters of the American Revolution on Oct. 18.

The annual Alabama Frontier Days held at Fort Toulouse — Fort Jackson Park will be part of the program in November.

An 18th century Christmas comes to life at the museum Dec. 14.

Art of the 18th century will be celebrated in January 2026.

Family historian, U.S. Army Veteran and DAR member True Lewis will present “My True Roots to the American Revolution” on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Elmore County Black History Museum.

“She has a very interesting story about the Revolutionary War,” Fox

org/monetary-donations. html via our PayPal or Zeffy. And, of course checks and cash are good too or you could call us at 334-567-3377 to give a donation over the phone. Please just let us know to add any of these donations to the Jordan’s Way event. Will we do this again? Heck yes, and we resoundingly accept -

ed their invitation to be on the tour again next year where we will make it even bigger and better for the sake of our animals!

From the bottom of our hearts — thank you, thank you, thank you!

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

said.

Historian Alex Colvin will present Desirous of Establishing Permanent Peace: Alexander McGillivray, George Washington, and the Treaty of New York in March.

On April 12, 2026, Revolutionary War Rarities podcast co-host Jim Griffith of the Alabama Society’s Sons of the American Revolution will discuss “Revolution Rarities.”

The local committee is currently working with America’s 250 Alabama committee on a program involving the Charters of Freedom, as the only life-size replicas in Alabama are located in Elmore County.

The series finishes up at the Wetumpka Civic Center as Alabama native musician and producer Bobby Horton performs in concert on June 27, 2026. Horton has worked extensively with Ken Burns and PBS.

Many of the programs will be at the Elmore County History Museum on South Main Street in Wetumpka. But Fox said some of the programs will be held at other locations. Those details are still being worked out.

Publishers, Inc.

40 days of Lent

This past Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent, the roughly 40 days before Easter when some Christian denominations devote time to reflect and fast.

Lent, of course, can have many meanings. In Scriptures, it’s generally meant to model Jesus’ 40 days in the desert also called the 40 days of temptation. Traditionally Lent is focused on fasting for that reason. In Catholicism, parishioners fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday allowing for two snacks during the day that together may equal a full meal.

There also is abstinence practices. Generally, practicing Christians will abstain from meat, aside from fish, on Fridays, Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Along with these practices, there’s also an individual devotion with setting a personal fasting practice.

This can look like giving up something or adding something. Some of the common examples are fasting from caffeine, giving up chocolate, journaling daily, reading scripture daily or fasting from social media. When it comes to adding something, it is generally still an act of fasting because you are giving up your time and devoting to something else that will enrich your faith.

However, Lent isn’t just about fasting. There’s two other core practices that can often be forgotten — prayer and almsgiving. It can be beneficial to incorporate these practices as well to facilitate a deeper connection with the Lenten season.

If you don’t generally practice Lent, it could be fun to integrate some of these practices during this period before Easter. Of course, it’s not required. Everyone’s faith journey is different. But at the end of the day, Lent is a great time to reflect on your faith and your relationship with Jesus before the Easter season.

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The Wetumpka Herald is contract printed each Tuesday evening in Alexander City by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 256-234-4281

Many young people have no idea what they want to be when they grow up. When you go to a pre-K graduation, you might hear ideas like a firefighter, police officer or teacher. Sometimes one youngster might even talk about how he wants to be a Power Ranger when he grows up.

But it’s not often you find people who are very young that actually become what they say they want to be. As they grow older, their interests change and they are introduced to new career paths. For me, though, I always wanted to be a writer. I wanted to investigate things and ask questions. I was always a curious cat. It wasn’t until I was about 12 that I knew I wanted to be a journalist — before that, I wanted to be a spy.

And that’s all thanks to Harriet the Spy. It was a book that was read to me when I was really little, then the movie came out in 1996 and changed my life. I wanted to be Harriet so bad. I used to carry a little notebook around the neighborhood and see what clues I could find. I don’t remember what I was actually investigating, but I have core memories of that little

LIZI GWIN Managing Editor

black notebook. So when I learned about the death of Michelle Trachtenberg a few weeks ago, my heart broke a little inside. She was everything I wanted to be when I was a little girl.

Most people know Trachtenberg for her work on Gossip Girl, and don’t get me wrong — I was a big Georgina fan too. For all her faults, Georgina was a mainstay on the show and made things interesting whenever they were getting a little boring.

has been ruled as “undeter mined,” according to USA Today, it does not seem suspi cious activity was involved at all.

have talked about Trachten berg’s huge personality follow ing her death.

“She was electricity,” Blake Lively said in an instagram post. “You know when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be some times, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”

March 15. Does it really mean anything extraordinary?

The soothsayer gives a foreboding warning the soon-to-be-ex-Roman emperor Julius Caesar on this day back in 44 B.C.: “beware the ides of March.”

Of course, by the time Julius Caesar made it to the Capitol, he was stabbed 23 times. His final words were, “et tu, Brute?”

Full moons, black cats and broken mirrors aside, there’s something ominous about the William Shakespeare play JULIUS CAESAR, and it may be this famous line that has made us feel so uncomfortable all these years.

According to Roman history, their calendar was based around lunar phases. There were other names, such as Kalends and Nones. Ides, however, referred to the first full moon of a given month. Like this week, these usually fell somewhere during the week that includes the 13th, 14th, and 15th. Prior to the connotation discussed in this article, the Ides of March was actually a time of rejoicing. Since the time of Shakespeare 500 years ago, however, the phrase has become more and more sinister. If a television series has an episode with these words in the title, look out.

Bad things didn’t happen for a Chicago-area rock group that took the name The Ides of March back in the early 1970s. Led by guitarslinger and songwriter Jim Peterik, the Ides of March created one of the most memorable brassrock songs of that, or any, era: “Vehicle.” In fact, to this day, many marching bands across the country perform this song. An interesting side note – Peterik went on to form another band, Survivor, in the 1980s. They had a #1 hit we still hear all the time: “Eye of the Tiger.” Peterik’s name may be unknown to the average music fan, but his musical compositions are heard constantly all over the world. In the case of “Eye of

Trachtenberg was only 39 when she died, just four years older than myself. It was almost like one of my childhood friends had passed. I grew up right alongside her on Nickelodeon. But what I’ve learned about Trachtenberg since her death was just how pure she was a human being. Unlike many celebrity deaths, there were no drugs involved, no criminal activity. She reportedly had a liver transplant, and although her cause and manner of death

thing from Trachtenberg and her life. Her X bio states she is a “believer in Unicorns.” Person ally, I think she was a unicorn herself.

the Tiger,” we hear it much more often in Tallassee and Auburn than in most places.

The Smithsonian Institution has listed the top ten reasons why we should beware the Ides of March. In conclusion, I submit these 10 memorable events from the Smithsonian, with their comments included.

1. ASSASSINATION OF JULIUS CAESAR, 44 B.C. Conspirators led by Marcus Junius Brutus stab dictator-for-life Julius Caesar to death before the Roman senate. Caesar was 55.

2. A RAID ON SOUTHERN ENGLAND, 1360

A French raiding party begins a 48-hour spree of rape, pillage and murder in southern England. King Edward III interrupts his own pillaging spree in France to launch reprisals.

3. SAMOAN CYCLONE, 1889

A cyclone wrecks six warships—three U.S., three German— in the harbor at Apia, Samoa, leaving more than 200 sailors dead.

4. CZAR NICHOLAS II ABDICATES HIS THRONE, 1917

Czar Nicholas II of Russia signs his abdication papers, ending a 304-year-old royal dynasty and ushering in Bolshevik rule. He and his family are taken captive and, in July 1918, executed before a firing squad.

5. GERMANY OCCUPIES CZECHOSLOVAKIA, 1939

Just six months after Czechoslovak leaders ceded the Sudetenland, Nazi troops seize the provinces of Bohemia and Moravia, effectively wiping Czechoslovakia off the map.

Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor for Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-962-9420 or via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityout look.com.

Beware the Ides of March

6. A DEADLY BLIZZARD ON THE GREAT PLAINS, 1941

A Saturday-night blizzard strikes the northern Great Plains, leaving at least 60 people dead in North Dakota and Minnesota and six more in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

7. WORLD RECORD RAINFALL, 1952 Rain falls on the Indian Ocean island of La Réunion—and keeps falling, hard enough to register the world’s most voluminous 24-hour rainfall: 73.62 inches.

8. CBS BEGINS THE RURAL PURGE, 1971 Word leaks that CBS-TV is canceling “The Ed Sullivan Show” after 23 years on the network, which also dumped Red Skelton and Jackie Gleason in the preceding month. Within a few weeks of that announcement, the Rural Purge would happen that ended the runs of “Green Acres,” “The Beverly Hillbillies,” “Hee-Haw” and “Lawrence Welk” (both of which would return in syndication), and “Mayberry, R.F.D.” As Pat Buttram, known as Hooterville’s Mr. Haney commented, they “cancelled everything with a tree in it – including ‘Lassie’.”

9. DISAPPEARING OZONE LAYER, 1988 NASA reports that the ozone layer over the Northern Hemisphere has been depleted three times faster than predicted.

10. A NEW GLOBAL HEALTH SCARE, 2003 After accumulating reports of a mysterious respiratory disease afflicting patients and healthcare workers in China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore and Canada, the World Health Organization issues a heightened global health alert. The disease will soon become famous under the acronym SARS (for Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

Michael Bird is a music professor for Faulkner University.

Shark helps celebrate reading in Holtville

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Aliens, unicorns and a baby shark invaded Holtville Elementary School on Friday. It was a celebration to finish up Read Across America Week and reveal mystery readers.

Throughout the week students heard mystery readers read children’s stories. Friday, they got to see who was behind the inflated costumes.

“We tried to make reading fun for the students,” librarian Natalie McLemore said. “We posted videos of the mystery readers throughout the week for the students.”

Friday’s program was a pep rally. Students stomped on the bleachers as their favorite characters marched in. McLemore asked students who

they thought were behind the suits. Some were easy and others a little more difficult.

One by one, teachers and staff revealed themselves to students. Finally Baby Shark came up. It came in chomping up students, careful not to leave behind any teeth.

The students had no problem naming principal Tanya Boone as the voice behind the Baby Shark mystery reader.

“This has been so much fun,” Boone said before the pep rally.

“I’ve had fun and the students have had fun. I hope it encourages them to read.”

Before Boone could step out of her costume, she quickly got the students singing.

“Baby shark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo.”

And they finished with “Safe at last.”

ry School.

17 Springs agreements formalized

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

For eight years the five partners in 17 Springs have been operating under memorandums of understanding. Those agreements are further set in stone since Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the project is complete through two cooperative districts.

“We need to more formalize the agreements for the five partners,” Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer said. “This has been the plan for a number of years.” The commission voted to establish two cooperative districts — one for the sports complexes and one for the commercial district. Mercer said all but two lots of the commercial district are spoken for and agreements were being finalized.

The five partners are the Elmore County Commission, the Elmore County Economic Development Authority, the City of Millbrook, the Elmore County Board of Education and the Grandview YMCA.

At Monday’s meeting, the commission also recognized eight different high school wrestlers and two teams for winning state championships at the meeting. Those honored were Wetumpka sophomore Juliana Eldridge, Stanhope Elmore sophomore Dominic Sager, Elmore County sophomore Tyler Payton, and Tallassee’s Land Bell, Mason Nelson, Tra’mel McCoy, Nolan Addeo and Thomas Patterson. As a team, Tallassee was recognized for winning the

CommunityCalendar

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

duals state title and the traditional state title. “All 12 that wrestled scored points,” coach John Mask said. “We’ve been blessed.”

The team went 43-0 and defeated teams from six states over the course of the season.

The commission also recognized the nine most recent graduates of the county’s CERT program, which equips volunteers with training and basic tools to respond in the case of an emergency. The first class of the year had

eight females and one male. They join the more than 300 graduates of the program from Elmore County and the more than 600,000 that have been trained across the country since the 1980s.

IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:

• Approved minutes of the Feb, 24 meeting.

• Approved the memorandum of warrants in the amount of $2,310,089.53.

• Approved the vacation of the remaining portion of Maverick Circle.

each month. For more information, visit www.thekelly.org.

LADIES ONLY BINGO: Paintball on 111 will be hosting a ladies only bingo night with a St. Patrick’s Day theme. Doors open at 6 p.m. and bingo begins at 7 p.m. Wear green for extra chances at prizes. The cost is $20, and bingo cards for $1 each will be available. Wine is complimentary for women ages 21 and older.

SATURDAY, APRIL 12

ECLECTIC TOWN COUNCIL

SPRING MARKET: The City of Wetumpka will host its annual Earth Day Celebration and Spring Market. This is a rain or shine event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 12. Featured will be a plant swap from the Master Gardeners as well as arts & crafts vendors, farmers with produce and a place to drop off recyclables.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

CELEBRATE RECOVERY GRACE POINT: Celebrate Recovery meets at Grace Point Community Church at 78223 Tallassee Highway in Wetumpka each Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. All are welcome to the meetings which provide a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hangups. For more information, visit www.Gracepoint.info or contact Gwin Greathouse at gwingreathouse@gmail.com.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

SANTUCK: Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday at 6:15 p.m. at Santuck Baptist Church at 7250 Central Plank Rd. This is a Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hangups. Call 334567-2364 for more information or contact jyates@santuckbaptist.org.

FIREARMS CLASS: Wetumpka Police Department will be hosting a Citizen’s Firearm Class beginning at 7 a.m. April 19. The cost is $25 per person and citizens will be trained on firearms safety, fundamentals of shooting and firearms maintenance. All registered participants must bring one unloaded firearm (pistol or revolvers only), approximately 50 to 100 rounds of ammo, eye and hearing protection and a concealed carry permit if needed.

SATURDAY, MAY 10

MAY MARKET: Eclectic the Beautiful will host its fourth annual May Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10. It is a fundraiser for the organization and will feature more than 75 vendors ranging from food, crafts, artwork, jewelry, paintings, wreaths, bows and more. There will also be food vendors.

ONGOING SUPPORT GROUP: The last Thursday of every month, Restoration 49 Coffee Shop plays host to a support group for parents who have lost a child. The meetings begin at 6 p.m. each month. For more information, please contact Heather Baker at hbakerjj@ aol.com.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime takes place at 10 a.m. every Friday at Wetumpka Public Library.

MEETINGS: Eclectic Town Council meetings are held on the third Monday of each month at Town Hall. Council meetings begin at 7 p.m. with work sessions taking place prior to the meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held in the Dr. M. L. Fielder Municipal Building, 145 Main Street. NAACP MEETINGS: The Elmore County Branch No. 5026 of the NAACP meets at 6:30 p.m. every third Tuesday (executive committee) and every fourth Tuesday (full membership) at the Martin Luther King Center at 200 North Lancaster St. in Wetumpka.

OPEN MIC: The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts an open mic jam session from 7 to 9 p.m. every second Friday of the month at 560 Highway 9 in Equality. There is no charge but donations are welcome as they keep the center running. Bring a snack or finger food to share during the intermission.

RED HILL COMMUNITY CLUB

MEETINGS: Red Hill Community

Club Meetings are held every second Monday of the month. Join the Red Hill Historical Preservation Association in the auditorium of the Old Red Hill School, located off state Route 229 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss upcoming events.

MOUNT HEBRON CHURCH

OF CHRIST: Come join us at 4530 Mt. Hebron Road in Eclectic. Our Sunday school begins at 9 a.m. followed by worship service at 10:30. There is also a Wednesday night Bible study at 7 p.m. For more information call Pastor Edwin Walker at 334-541-2025

LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and learn Tuesdays with Kelly are scheduled at the Kelly Fitzpatrick Memorial Gallery at 124 Company Street in Wetumpka from noon to 1 p.m. on the third Tuesday of

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS: Gamblers Anonymous meets Saturdays at 6 p.m. at Cedarwood Community Church at 10286 U.S. Highway 231 in Wallsboro/ Wetumpka. Call 334-567-0476 for more information.

AA MEETING: Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are held Mondays at 7 p.m. located at 105 Tuskeena St. in Wetumpka.

RED HILL SCHOOL: The Red Hill School on Highway 229 in the Red Hill Community in Tallassee is open Fridays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for local live music performances. No admission is charged but donations are welcomed to maintain the building and pay for refreshments.

MASTER GARDENER

HELPLINE: If you have gardening questions you can call the Master Gardener Helpline at 1-877-2524769. The helpline starts March 1 and ends in August.

CHILDREN’S HARBOR: Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store Located on state route 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of children’s harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Wetumpka Chamber invades Italy

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staff,” ECTC director Emilie Johnson said. “For decades the focus has been on preparing students for college and there is nothing wrong with that. This banquet helps shine the spotlight on the positive outcomes because of CTE.”

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Rotonda was a realtor and bodybuilder and shifted gears to help animals. He started with physical challenges such as flipping a large tractor trailer tire for 13 miles to raise money for local shelters. He then spent three days in a dog cage, living like a

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The annual banquet recognizes the top student in every CTE program from each of the county’s four high schools.

“We’ll have an electrical student a year, a plumber, a welder, a medical services student and so on,” Johnson said.

shelter dog to raise awareness about shelters and their animals. From there Jordan’s Way took to the road for a 50-state tour to help shelters raise money and awareness. On Saturday, Rotonda brought his energy and enthusiasm to help raise nearly $20,000 for the Elmore County shelter in three hours. He encouraged Elmore County

landscape architect who, along with a small group of people, brought the park out of disrepair in the early 1980s.

Kelly’s sister Phyllis Kennedy told the story of the park’s history during a presentation at the Elmore County History Museum Sunday.

“By the mid-1800s people were really getting restless,” Kennedy said. “On Sundays, they were found in New York crowding into any open space that they could find, particularly cemeteries. Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn was covered up with people every Sunday and everything was absolutely trampled to the ground.”

Civic leaders found a way to purchase 700 acres of rock, swamp, small farms and settlements and portions of Kingsbridge Road that lies from 59th to 106th streets and between Fifth and Eight avenues. The idea was to create an urban park. It is now more than 800 acres.

Officials held a design com-

The students and their families are invited to the banquet where they are recognized for their success and hear from a guest speaker.

“We are trying to pull the curtain back on CTE,” Johnson said. “It really is for everyone including those wanting to go to a four year

volunteers to step out of their comfort zones.

All were pushed into kennels mainly used by dogs and challenged to use their phones to contact friends, family and contacts to donate to the shelter. There were games to go along with it.

A ghost pepper was used as inspiration to raise $1,000 in a short

petition and selected the plan of Olmsted and Vaux. Their plan was largely inspired by Birkenhead Park in England. They proposed large rural landscapes and wooded areas with roads hidden below.

“After the construction of the park, it literally became an oasis for New Yorkers,” Kennedy said. “It offered some respite from city living. It became the backyard for hundreds of thousands of people. But by the 1960s and 70s, it had fallen into terrible disrepair.”

Kelly was born in Montgomery and raised in Titus until he was 5 years old. The Kelly family was generations deep in the small community of northern Elmore County. Work took the family to Georgia, where Kelly received a landscape architect degree from the University of Georgia. He went to New York to get his master’s degree from Columbia University. But Elmore County was always there.

“We came back to Alabama for every vacation,” Kennedy said. “My parents retired and came back. I came back. Bruce came back.”

college after high school.”

The CLAS recognition is special for Johnson.

“It shows we are doing great things in CTE,” Johnson said. “We really are overcoming that stigma about CTE being just for those who are not going to college. There are great careers in the trades and many do not require a four year degree.”

period of time. If the volunteers didn’t raise the money, they would eat. Luckily they didn’t have to.

Teams were pitted against each other. The winner got to pie the loser. The real loser was Cord. She was pied and hosed down by the volunteers. But she didn’t mind.

“We’re looking at

Kelly eventually went to Columbia for its historic preservation program under Dr. James Morrison Fitch.

“Bruce developed an added interest in the work of Olmsted,” Kennedy said. “About that time, there was getting to be pretty widespread interest in trying to do something about Central Park.”

City leaders were wanting to restore the park. Fitch had already said the park should retain its Olmsted heritage.

Kelly curated an exhibit for the Metropolitan Museum of Art entitled The Art of the Land of Olmsted landscape.

“He wrote the title essay for the book produced for the exhibit,” Kennedy said. “That book, as much as anything else, established him as an Olmsted scholar, maybe the Olmsted scholar for people to look toward.”

Kelly identified 15 elements that are inherent in any Olmsted landscape.

“That was way more definition than anybody had ever given to that subject before,” Kennedy said. “Every vista had been conceived to have all the

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Up to four schools from each of eight state school districts were given the CLAS School of Distinction honor. They will gather for an awards ceremony in May to see who is selected as a Banner School.

some major kennel repairs and stuff,” Cord said. “This is also fun. We got great people that support us, that are here, helping us do this and they are having fun with it too.”

Saturday’s events were all streamed live.

Rotonda created a fun environment bringing the donors in the show.

“It’s all in good fun,”

elements of a beautiful picture.”

Kelly’s work was recognized by Landscape Architecture magazine.

As the park was falling into disrepair, funding came from an unlikely source.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono were well known for their walks through Central Park. After Lennon was shot in 1980, Ono announced she would fund $1 million for a part of the park to memorialize him. Trees, flowers, iron gates, totem poles and mosaic benches were sent from around the world to be part of the memorial.

Ono had a part in selecting the designer, and ultimately chose Kelly, who went to work to bring Strawberry Fields alive. It was 3 acres at one of the most used entrances to Central Park.

“It was previously one of the most dismal parts of the patches of the park,” Kennedy said. “The soil was eroded and compacted. Many trees were dead and the living trees were mainly trash trees with no redeeming attributes. A path of asphalt had been rolled out

said. “She died the day he came back. We did the funeral while he was here.”

Zinn said there was no arrest at the time of the crash.

The adoptive mother said Ward was making a better life for herself, not allowing the past to be an anchor.

“She had big plans for her future,” Zinn said.

Cord said. “It helps bring awareness to what we do.”

Rotonda did a similar fundraiser with Lake Martin Animal Rescue a few weeks ago. He came to Elmore County Saturday after doing fundraisers in Florida on Friday. He left Elmore County to go to Opelika on Saturday evening for another fundraiser.

across the meadow.” Kelly didn’t use all of the submissions from around the world for the park. Some of what he used had to be made smaller including the main mosaic. It came from a piece more than 40 feet in size.

Now, Strawberry Fields is a spot many New Yorkers and visitors see. It joins Bethesda Terrance and its carriage rides dating back to Central Park’s earliest days.

Strawberry Fields gives everyone a greenspace to use and also has a special bench dedicated to Kelly.

Strawberry Fields was among the first sections of the park to be restored and set the standard for the rest of the Central Park restoration.

“It sparked enthusiasm for the huge project of transforming the whole park,” Kennedy said. “Bruce was responsible for the success, for the successful restoration of Strawberry Fields, which was responsible for the restoration of Central Park.” Central Park will now have a connection to Titus and Strawberry Fields forever.

“Her goal was to be better than the generation before her was. She was doing really good with setting new standards. Her brother is carrying on the goal in the Marines.”

Ward was building a foundation in the community. She was living in her grandmother’s home with a lease.

“She was working on it because it was going to be hers eventually,” Zinn said. “She replaced the floors and painted. She

was spending her money on fixing the house up. She was doing really good.”

Zinn said Ward had a lot of friends in the community and worked at Cotton’s BBQ on Highway 65 just north of Eclectic.

“That is where she knew a lot of people from,” Zinn said. “Customers there loved her. She was well known because of her job and her hard work. She tried to help everybody.”

Avoiding danger ahead

What do you do when you see danger ahead? Do you keep going, or do you try to avoid it? Wisdom says that we should avoid the danger we see in front of us. Proverbs 27:12 says, “A sensible person sees danger and takes cover; the inexperienced keep going and are punished.” Here are some thoughts on how to see danger, how to take cover and how to stop and turn around when harm is imminent.

1. Keep looking ahead. If you don’t know what is in front of you, then you won’t see the danger in front of you. Being distracted and looking behind you or being too preoccupied with what is in your periphery could keep you from walking right into a dangerous trap. We must keep our heads up and keep looking forward, intently, otherwise, danger may befall us.

2. Look for danger by walking cautiously. We must grasp

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

the reality that not every path is a smooth path, and that it likely is the case that every path has rough spots on it. Most paths have some obstacles or some perils in their way. As a result of the reality of the myth of the “obstacle-less path,” we must stay alert. Be careful. Watch where your feet are stepping. Walk circumspectly as if your life depends on it, because it does!

3. Do not become too complacent on your current path if you have not seen any dangers in a while. A lack of seeing danger does not mean that danger is not there, and neither does it mean that danger is not right around the corner. Also, a smooth path for a while (hours,

days, or years!) does not guarantee perpetual safety. Believing that there “No Danger Here” is the first step towards the unseen ravine or trap. Traversing in an apathetic manner upon one’s path leads to certain ruin. Danger is waiting to ambush you at any moment. Again, stay alert; stay awake.

4. The moment you see or sense danger, hide immediately (Take Cover!). The worse thing to do once you see danger ahead is to keep walking. If you smell smoke, and if the smoke is getting thicker as you walk, then you could be walking into a forest fire. If you hear a roar or a low grumble from the woods, don’t pretend that “Everything Is OK!” Danger is imminent! In our everyday lives this could be in the form of temptation, or in the form of “red flags” in the context of relationships or a business venture or in any other number of contexts. If we see sin ahead, we must completely hide (“Flee,” says the Apostle

Paul per 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22), lest we become devoured! Also, if others see warning signs that we do not see, then we must beware lest we believe our blind spots over others who can see the path more clearly that we can.

5. Learn from others who have ignored the signs of danger. “…the inexperienced keep going and are punished” (Proverbs 27:12b). The trail of dead bodies in a certain direction should be a sign to us that danger is ahead. We should not be so proud and arrogant to think, “That won’t happen to me!” when there are dead bodies all around us (Proverbs 7:25-27). We must learn from the fall and from the follies of others. While we should not live in paralyzing fear, we should walk carefully, learning from the demise and pain of others who ignored the warning signs of danger. Wise is he who learns from his own mistakes, but even wiser is the

one who learns from the mistakes of others.

6. The greatest danger is believing that you can save yourself and be right with God on your own merit and good deeds. You will never be good enough to earn God’s favor. Salvation is given to you only by your conscious and intentional trust in what Jesus Christ has done on the cross. “What must I do to be saved?...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…” (Acts 16:30-31). Eternal danger is ahead if we do not trust in Christ. Flee to Christ, Cling to Christ, and be saved from your sin today.

Billy Reinhardt is the pastor of Riverside Heights Baptist church in Tallassee. He lives in Tallassee with his wife, Jessica, and their four children. He blogs at www.billyreinhardt. com where he writes articles on matters of faith, family, and culture.

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

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

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.

– Proverbs 10:12 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17

Edgewood’s Lexie Smith shines brightly as a sophomore

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

Safe to say it was a historic season for Edgewood Academy sophomore Lexie Smith this year on the basketball court.

With tough shoes to fill in the place of reigning Elmore County Player of the Year and former Wildcat teammate Lindsey Brown, Smith

flourished for her team. She helped lead the Wildcats to an Elite 8 appearance against Springwood and averaged 22.6 points along the way, earning the Elmore County Girls Basketball Player of the Year distinction.

Smith was dominant, to say the least. She scored at a high clip, crossing the 40-point threshold on

Harriet Winchester leads Wetumpka to new heights

By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

Following a 3-14 season in 2024, expectations for the Wetumpka girls’ basketball team were relatively low, to say the least. However, any doubters the team had were quickly silenced after the season Wetumpka had.

Head coach Harriet Winchester and the Indians quintupled their win total while also going from worst to first in the area, taking down cross-town rival Stanhope Elmore in the area championship to reach the playoffs. For her efforts this year, Winchester is the Elmore County Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.

She knew early on this team would be different as Wetumpka had a perfect blend of young and old talent. The senior and freshman class equaled itself with some contribution coming from the middle school level as well. But what set them apart heading into this year was the shift in the team’s mindset.

“Firstly, I noticed that our senior leadership made a drastic change,” Winchester said. “I think that they wanted to win as bad as the coaches wanted them to win as well. I felt like all of the players on the team bought into the program. They bought in discipline-wise, development-wise, and just team bonding-wise; they just bought in.”

Winchester knew there were still some hurdles to overcome, especially in the experience department.

Although she has three

seniors in Zariah Clark, Jordan Harris and Keeyana Rudolph the rest of the team was composed of underclassmen like freshmen Aaliyah Humphrey, Lillian Wellborn and Logann Banks. Despite the sprinkle of youth, Winchester stressed to her younger girls they have the ability to take on whoever is placed in front of them.

“Just making sure that they understood that the expectation of them playing well wasn’t about their age,” Winchester said. “It was just about knowing we see what y’all are capable of, and we know that you’re going to be going against kids that’s a little bit older, we can’t focus on age. At one point, we told them, what grade you’re in doesn’t really matter anymore. We just need you guys to know that y’all are on the team for a reason because we know y’all are capable of playing with them. Once we established that, and they actually saw it, that played a huge factor.”

All the hard work that had been put in heading into the season revealed itself once the girls got on the court. Once area play rolled around, Wetumpka was a hard team to stop, going a perfect 4-0, and it carried that momentum into the championship. Even though Wetumpka fell in the first round of the playoffs to Pike Road, Winchester knew the groundwork had been paved with the expectations of besting its win total in the following season.

three separate occasions and even averaging more than 30 points in one week this season. Only a sophomore, Smith further etched her name in the history books by achieving the 1,000-career point mark just midway through the year.

“She’s really good at pretty much everything

2025 ALL-ELMORE COUNTY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM

By SAMUEL HIGGS

Sports Reporter

PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

LEXIE SMITH, EDGEWOOD ACADEMY SOPHOMORE

Whenever the Wildcats needed a bucket, more than likely, it was Lexie Smith getting it for them. In only her sophomore year, she led the team with 22.6 points per game to pair with 2.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. She crossed the 40-point mark in three games this year while also crossing the 1,000 point mark during the season. Smith was also a menace on the defensive side of the ball racking up 135 steals which averages to five a game.

FIRST TEAM

AALIYAH HUMPHREY, WETUMPKA FRESHMAN

Wetumpka was a very young team this year and Aaliyah Humphrey was no exception to this. En route to consecutive years on the All-Elmore County first team, she averaged 16 points, nearly six rebounds, six assists and six steals a game — yet again proving all-around how dominant of a player she is for the Indians. The team as a whole quintupled its win total from her eighth-grade year while winning the area outright.

JHAKHIA ANDERSON, TALLASSEE SENIOR

It did not matter if it was on defense or on offense, Jhakhia Anderson was going to make an impact for the Tigers in her senior year. Not only leading the team with nearly 10 points per game, Anderson finished second on the team with 6.5 rebounds a game. She also racked up 45 steals on the season while adding two blocks to her resume. Anderson was not afraid to show her range as a scorer, not only being among the top scorers from inside the paint she also got things done behind the arc being third on the team in 3-point shooting percentage.

KURAJI CROSBY, STANHOPE ELMORE EIGHTH-GRADER

Talk about a burst onto the scene for the Mustangs eighth-grade phenom Kuraji Crosby. She was either first or second in almost every statistical category in this year of varsity action. Crosby was second on the team averaging 12 points per game, but her 6-foot-1 frame helped her finish first in rebounds with 14 per game and first in blocks with four per game. Despite not having started high school yet, Crosby will be a focal point for the Mustangs for years to come.

HAILEY PHELPS, HOLTVILLE FRESHMAN

Just another young player who made a huge impact for their team was the Bulldogs’ Hailey Phelps. Although not lighting up the offensive stat sheet like the other players with just 5.2 points per game, it was her facilitating and defensive role that shined brightly this year. Phelps was a leader in assists for the squad with 3.1 per game while leading the team with 8 rebounds a game and a resounding 5 steals a game. Not only picking up an All-Elmore County nod, Phelps added other accolades to her resume to round out her freshman year – making the Class 5A Area 6 Tournament team and All-Tournament during the Thanksgiving break.

LALAH CULPEPPER, ELMORE COUNTY SENIOR

All around Lalah Culpepper made an impact for the Panther this year en route to an area championship appearance and a trip to the playoffs. At the point guard position, it was her role to facilitate the offense’s production and it’s safe to say she achieved that goal. Whether it be through dishing passing or slashing into the paint, Culpepper helped make

See GIRLS, Page B2

Indians picks up back-to-back wins

STAFF REPORT

TPI STAFF

The Wetumpka softball team is on a roll, picking up a 15-5 win over Benjamin Russell and a 3-2 win over Elmore County to improve to 19-2 on the season.

Against the Wildcats, it was a dominant day on offense where the team picked up 12 hits through just five innings. Lily

Davenport, Alyssa Brown, Bailey Carlise and Taylor Carlise all racked up two hits a piece in the game. Then against the Panthers, it was the Ava Farmer show where she racked up three hits in her four at-bats, scoring a run in the process.

Abigail Adams and Sophie Arant held pitching duties where they struck out seven batters combined and walked five.

The two surrendered 13 hits and seven hits through both games.

STANHOPE ELMORE PICKS UP THREE STRAIGHT WINS

After starting the season 0-12, the Stanhope Elmore softball team responded

by winning the next three games against Trinity Presbyterian, Elmore County and Alabama Christian Academy.

For a majority of the season the Mustangs were in a bit of a scoring slump, but not last week. In all three games they exceeded 10 or more runs, outscoring their opponents 26-16. Savannah Wyatt, Taylor Burnett, Hayden Bush,

Anaijhai Russell, KK

Lovejoy and Taylor Jackson were some of the main benefactors to the success on the offensive side of the ball.

Stanhope Elmore looks to continue its winning way against Trinity Presbyterian on Tuesday.

HOLTVILLE FALLS TO CHILTON COUNTY The Holtville softball

team couldn’t come away with a win in its lone game of the week to Chilton County, falling 10-5. The Bulldogs saw minimal success in the hitting department six just six on the day split between Bailee Boone, Kylie Snowden, Avery Goff, Victoria Bullock and Maddie Oates.

Despite scoring in the first inning, the Bulldogs were held scoreless until the

sixth inning. Snowden and Megyn Burnett split pitching duties where the duo surrendered 17 hits and 10 runs while striking out only four batters.

ELMORE COUNTY FALLS IN BACK-TO-BACK GAMES

Despite opening the week with a win over Marbury, the Elmore County softball team fell to Stanhope Elmore and Wetumpka to close out the week.

Against the Bulldogs, the Panther racked up a resounding 18 hits which resulted in 17 runs scored for the group. Then against the Mustangs and Indians, combined for 20 hits through both games but were unable to bring runners in even with dominant hitting numbers.

Addison Hick dominated in her at-bats, logging 12 hits in her 14 at-bats, she also added four runs and three RBIs.

Defensively, the Panthers had their ups and downs, especially in the pitching department. Lalah Culpepper, Addi Stephenson, Bailey Kennedy and

Bailey Gardner where they surrendered 21 hits and 19 runs through three games.

Elmore County looks to get back in the win column against Marbury on Monday and Alabama Christian Academy on Tuesday.

EDGEWOOD PICKS UP WIN OVER ABBEVILLE

The Edgewood softball team adds another tick in the win column after toppling Abbeville Christian 10-2 to improve to 8-3 on the year.

In total, the Wildcats racked up 11 hits through six innings with Lexie Smith picking up three hits and two runs on the day. Emmah Clement and Channing McAllally finished the day with two hits apiece while each also added a run to their stat line.

Lilly Stubbs dominated, striking out seven batters and walking none. She surrendered five hits and two runs in the circle.

Next up for Edgewood is a Macon-East Tournament through Thursday and Friday.

Wetumpka lights up the scoreboard

STAFF REPORT

TPI STAFF

Talk about a successful week for the Wetumpka baseball team, which had its plate full last week with six games. The Indians came out on top in five of those games, improving their record to 12-4 on the season.

Offensively, Wetumpka crossed 14 or more runs in three consecutive games against Percy Julian and Elberta. Against Elberta, Wetumpka logged a monstrous 19 total hits and scored 18 runs in the contest.

The only loss of the week came at the hands of Opelika, against which Wetumpka fell, 6-3.

Next up for Wetumpka consists of Marbury on Tuesday and a doubleheader against Enterprise and Providence Christian on Saturday.

STANHOPE ELMORE CONTINUES WINNING WAYS

The Stanhope Elmore baseball went a perfect 3-0 on the week, taking down Chilton County, Auburn and St. James to improve to 12-3.

GIRLS

Continued from B1

Hayden Anderson made use of all his at-bats, picking up four hits on the week and scoring three runs in the process. Romney Henry also had solid outings, logging four hits on the week as well.

The pitching duties were split between Tyler Woodham, Jordan Jones, Luke Payne and Bryson Wright and Jackson Stallworth with all five of them racking up strikeouts.

The Mustangs look to continue their winning ways in a doubleheader against Greenville on Tuesday followed by Prattville on Thursday.

HOLTVILLE HAS WEEK OF MIXED RESULTS

It was a week full of ups and downs for the Holtville baseball team who went 2-2 on the week and improved its record to 6-7 on the year.

The Bulldogs picked up wins against Maplesville, 11-5, and St. Anne Pacelli, 3-2 while falling to Bethlehem Christian, 2-0, and Calvary Christian, 9-8. Carson McCutchin had one of the better weeks in the batter’s box, logging three hits and scoring

SECOND TEAM

the Panther offense tick. She also used her size to her advantage as she was among the top on the team in rebounds.

LEADS

Continued from B1

“My expectation for the girls is that we want to do

SMITH Continued from B1

FILE TPI

Stanhope Elmore’s Hayden Anderson picked up four hits and three runs last week.

four runs in the process.

Pitching for Holtville had varying amounts of success, but racked up plenty of strikes out when the unit needed to. Next up for the team is a game against Elmore County on Tuesday and Glenwood on Thursday.

ELMORE COUNTY PICKS UP PAIR OF WINS

The Elmore County baseball team found itself back in the win

Avery White, Edgewood Academy

London O’Neal, Tallassee Logann Banks, Wetumpka

Aniya Burton, Stanhope Elmore

Kaila Higgins, Holtville

more,” Winchester said. “We want to exceed what we did this past season, but we can’t do that unless we actually put the work in and we continue to buy into the program. I

that she does,” Edgewood coach Brad Starks said. “Just putting the ball in her hands, and us just being as young as we were, her ability to put the ball in the basket gave her more confidence. She was already confident, but it gave her more confidence, which kind of led to her ability to kind of take over. She’s very gifted on both sides of the court.”

Of course, her stats on the offensive side would earn her high marks, but

column with wins over Shelby County and St. Anne Pacelli to improve to 9-4 on the season. Through both wins, the Panther logged 13 hits with Gage Davis accounting for three. Jacob Eason also got involved with two hits while Hayden Jones came away with two of his own. Jones, Austin Davis and Evan Spence all saw time on the mound for Elmore County

Addison Hicks, Elmore County

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Wetumpka: Jordan Harris, Zariah Clark

Tallassee: Cheyann Esterling, Jaaliyah Williams

honestly think next season is going to be even better because we got a taste of how it feels, everything’s going to play out well.”

Winchester knows some -

she was just as dominant on the defensive side of the ball. Smith and teammate Avery White provided a unique combination which proved difficult for opposing teams to score. White was the presence in the paint, and while she was accumulating blocks, it was Smith coming away with steals. This year, Smith racked up a monstrous 135 steals on the year, or an average of five per game.

“Avery White was kind of in charge of the defense,” Starks said. “She would get most of our rebounds and that kind of stuff, phenomenal defender. But she would be the communicator

where they combined for 16 strikeouts — Jones accounted for eight himself. Through both games, the trio surrendered only six hits and six runs. Next up for Elmore County is three straight days of action with Holtville on Tuesday, Calera on Wednesday and Shelby County on Thursday.

EDGEWOOD ACADEMY DOMINATES IN BACK-TO-BACK WINS

The Edgewood Academy baseball team had a busy week, picking up two wins against Lowndes and Hooper Academy on Friday. The Wildcats outscored their opponents 26-0 in the two-game stretch, logging 18 hits through both games. Brock Whitt arguably had the best performance overall with four hits in four at-bats, scoring five runs in the process.

Pitching was another strong suit for Edgewood in those two games with duties split between Ethan Evans and Grayson Jones. In eight combined innings, the duo surrendered only two hits between the two and struck out 10 batters in the process.

Stanhope Elmore: Maliah Newton, Summiyah Gilmore

Holtville: Ragen Roberts, Kali Ingram Elmore County: Addie Stephens, RG Bolton, Cherish Foye

Edgewood: Aubrey Newton, Emerson Boddie

thing special is brewing in Wetumpka and with the Indians’ top three scorers returning for next season, all eyes will be on them.

“Make sure that we keep an

and there were times where Lexie’s job was to try to steal passes. She’s just so quick, she has such good anticipation skills. She’s small, so when that ball hits the ground, she can take it from you, and she’ll go in there. She’ll even try to go in there and rebound.”

What makes Smith’s trajectory to new heights on the court even greater is there is still so much room for her to improve, a sentiment both Starks and Smith echoed.

“My goals are to improve everything and just get better at everything that I do like there’s nothing that is perfect, and there’s always

eye on the kids from Wetumpka High School,” Winchester said. “Our program is going to grow, and it’s going to get better, and we’ll be a force to reckon with.”

room for me to get better,” Smith said. “I know that I just have to give all the glory to God, and I’m so thankful that he gave me the ability to play one of the sports that I love, and that I just need to work harder and know that next year I just need to be better than I was this year.”

Having gotten a taste of what it feels like to be a state champion with her time on the volleyball team as well as last year’s girls basketball team, the goal is to get back. As Smith continues to grow on the court with more experience under her belt, those aspirations seem very likely.

Lake River & Classi eds

SCORPIO

applies to sports as well. Tonight: Friendships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Family discussions are serious and practical today. A parent or someone older might ask you to pick up the slack and give things your best shot. Because it takes the

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PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE. Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Jimmy Harris and Jane Harris, husband and wife, originally in favor of Southern Atlantic Financial Services, Inc., on November 25, 1997, said mortthe Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama, in Instrument Number 9801/2039, corrected and re-recorded January 20, 1998 in Instrument Number 9801/5897; the undersigned The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. fka The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as Successor in Interest to JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA as successor by merger to Bank One NA as successor by merger to The First National Bank of Chicago as Trustee for GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc. Home Equity Loanries 1998-HE1, as Mortgagee/ Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, on April 9, 2025, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Jefferson County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the Northeast corner of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 32, Township 18 South, Range 3 West, thence run Southerly along the East line for a distance of 295.02 feet; thence turn 91 degrees 50 minutes to

feet; thence from chord to said curve turn 91 degrees 01 minutes 51 seconds to the left for a distance of 80.28 feet; thence turn 88 degrees 25 minutes to the left for a distance of 15.00 feet; thence turn 90 degrees 00 minute to the right for a distance of 80.00 feet; thence turn 91 degrees 28 minutes to the left for a distance of 163.70 feet to the point of beginning.. Property street address for informational purposes: 2690 Goss St , Birmingham, AL 35211. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. fka The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A. as Successor in Interest to JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA as successor by merger to Bank One NA as successor by merger to The First National Bank of Chicago as Trustee for GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc. Home Equity Loan Pass1998-HE1, (“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw. com TB File Number: 23-00986

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 5, 12 and 19, 2025 23-01828 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SELF STORAGE SALE

Please take notice Top Storage - Wetumpka located at 960 AL170, Wetumpka, AL, 36092 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions.com on 3/20/2025 at 10:00AM. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 12, 2025 56989

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF ACTION SEEKING MONETARY RELIEF

Willie Wright and Diane Bates, who are avoiding service of process, must answercomplaint by March 13, 2025, or within 30 days after the last publication hereof (whichever is longer) or, thereafter a judgment by default may be rendered against them in Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama. Done the 14th day of February, 2025. /s/ Clerk of the Circuit Court of Elmore County, Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama 36103

Tel: 334-300-8500

Email: HOA@argohughes.com

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

SALE. Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Ricky Wilkerson and Sheila Wilkerson, originally in favor of First Franklin A Division of Nat. City Bank of IN, on August 12, 2005, said mortgage recordof Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2005 Page 61772; the undersigned Deutsche Bank National Trust

Company, as Trustee, in trust for registered Holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-FFH3, Asset-Backed CerMortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Wetumpka, Elmore County, Alabama, on April 23, 2025, during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: A lot or parcel of land in triangular shape described as follows: Beginning at the Westernmost corner of Lot 1, of the Subdivision of the M.L. Hardin property as shown by Plat Book 3, at Page 164, Probate, Elmore County, Alabama, and run thence North 59 degrees 40 minutes East 350 feet along the Northwest border of said Lot 1; thence South 142 feet to a point 330 feet East of the Point of Beginning; thence 330 feet Westerly along the South border of said Lot 1 to the Point of Beginning; less and except any existing rights of way for public roads. The hereinabove description being one and the same as described in deed recorded in RLPY Book 2005 Page 61770 and in mortgage recorded in RLPY Book 2005 Page 61772.. Property street address for informational purposes: 52 Old Salem Road , Eclectic, AL 36024. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) to Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. at the time and place of the sale. The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid next business day at the Law at the address indicated below. Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee, in trust for registered Holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust

gg 2005-FFH3, Asset-Backed Cer(“Transferee”) Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300, Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-03770-SP-AL

Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 26, Mar. 5 and 12, 2025 24-01566

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LARRY WAYNE BRYSON, DECEASED. CASE NO: 2025-046 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of LARRY WAYNE BRYSON, deceased, having been granted to LARRY W. BRYSON, JR., on February 21, 2025 by D. JASON BRITT, 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.

LARRY W. BRYSON, JR. ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LARRY WAYNE BRYSON, DECEASED

Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. Attorney for Administrator 109 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, Al 36092 (334)514-1011 Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 5, 12 and 19, 2025 EST/BRYSON L.

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE UNDER POWER FORECLOSURE NOTICE

WHEREAS, default has occurred in the performance of the covenants, terms and conditions of a mortgage from Lois Jean Lamberth, surviving joint tenant to FINANCIAL FREEDOM SENIOR FUNDING COR-

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PORATION, A SUBSIDIARY OF INDY MAC BANK, F.S.B., on the 10th day of

not in its individual capacity but solely as Administrator of the RMH 2023-4 Trust, by instrument recorded in the aforesaidby given that the undersigned Greenspring Capital Management, LLC, not in its individual capacity but solely as Administrator of the

County, Alabama, on March 26, 2025, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED

CLASSIFIEDS/PUBLIC NOTICES

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LYING IN THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 20 EAST, ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA, AND CONTAINING .5 ACRE, MORE OR LESS. PARCEL II COMMENCING AT THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF THE FLEAHOP-ECLECTIC ROAD WITH THE SOUTH BOUNDARY LINE OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 14, TOWNSHIP 19 NORTH, RANGE 20 EAST, THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID EAST RIGHT-OF-WAY OF SAID FLEAHOP-ECLECTIC ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE LOT HEREIN CONVEYED, FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTINUE THENCE NORTH ALONG THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF SAID ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 54.4 FEET, RUN THENCE EAST, A DISTANCE OF 211.3 FEET, RUN THENCE SOUTH 54.4 FEET, RUNT THENCE WEST 211.3 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. THE IMPROVEMENTS THEREON BEING COMMONLY KNOWN AS 465 FLEAHOP ROAD, ECLECTIC, ALABAMA 36024. BEING THE SAME LOT OR PARCEL OF GROUND WHICH BY DEED DATED NOVEMBER 13, 1997 AND RECORDED AMONG THE LAND RECORDS OF ELMORE COUNTY IN BOOK 191 PAGE 1561, WAS GRANTED AND CONVEYED BY JOHN J. KNIGHT AND NEEDA E. KNIGHT, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HUSBAND AND WIFE, UNTO CHARLES H. LAMBERTH AND LOIS JEAN LAMBERTH, FOR AND DURING THEIR JOINT LIVES AND UPON THE DEATH OF EITHER OF THEM, THEN TO THE SURVIVOR OF THEM. THE SAID CHARLES L. LAMBERTH HAVING DEPARTED THIS LIFE ON OCTOBER 28, 2005 IN THE CITY OF ELMORE, STATE OF ALABAMA. Said legal description being controlling, however the property is more commonly known as 465 FLEAHOP RD, ECLECTIC, AL 36024. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This property will be sold on an “as is, where is” basis, subject to any easements, encumbrances, and exceptions those contained in the records Probate in the county where the above-described property is situated. This property will be sold subject to the right of redemption of all parties entitled thereto and subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien, whether or not now due and payable). This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation. Greenspring Capital Management, LLC, not in its individual capacity but solely as Administrator of the RMH 2023-4 Trust, Mortgagee/Transferee THE BELOW LAW FIRM MAY BE HELD TO BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR, UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IF SO, ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Rubin Lublin, LLC, Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee 3145 Avalon Ridge Place, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, GA 30071 Telephone Number: (877) 813-0992 Case No. BCM24-05047-1 rlselaw.com/property-listing

Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 26, Mar. 5 and 12, 2025 247553 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JEFFREY LEW CHAPMAN, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2025-058 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JEFFREY LEW CHAPMAN, deceased, having been granted to GAIL GREEN CHAPMAN on March 3, 2025 by D. JASON BRITT, 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.

GAIL GREEN CHAPMAN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JEFFREY LEW CHAPMAN, DECEASED.

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: Ed Parish, Jr. The Parish Law Firm Montgomery, AL 36101-0052

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 12, 19 and 26, 2025 EST/CHAPMAN, J.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated August 9, 2007 executed by Tommy Garnett and Melissa Garnett, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., said Mortgage being recorded August 30, 2007, in RLPY Book 2007, Page of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama; having later been assigned to U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCF 2 Acquisition Trust by instrument recorded in RLPY Book 2024, County, Alabama. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCF 2 Acquisition Trust, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the main entrance to the County Courthouse, Elmore County, Alabama on 04/09/2025, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: The following described real estate, situate in the County of Elmore, and the State of Alabama, to wit: Lot No. 1, Block A of Huckleberry Hill Subdivision as recorded Probate of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 12, Page 11. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 70 Huckleberry Ln, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS, WHEREANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage. U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCF 2 Acquisition Trust Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 37-FC-25-01059

Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 26, Mar. 5 and 12, 2025 37-FC-25-01059

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KATHRYN DENNIS, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-045 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of KATHRYN DENNIS, deceased, having been granted to STEVEN R. DENNIS on February 24, 2025 by D. JASON BRITT, 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.

STEVEN R. DENNIS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF KATHRYN DENNIS, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 5, 12 and 19, 2025

EST/DENNIS, K.

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

Alabama Department of Environmental Management P.O. Box 301463 (Zip 36130-1463) 1400 Coliseum Boulevard (Zip 36110-2400) Montgomery, Alabama (334) 271-7700

CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION FROM ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW ADEM Fund Code 203

SRF Project No. CS010460-06

Elmore County The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has made $4,163,906nancial assistance available to the Wetumpka Water Works and Sewer Board using funds from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan program. In accordance with State and Federal regulations that govern the program, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management has conducted a review to assess the potential impacts upon the environment that may result from implementation of this project The Wetumpka Water Works and Sewer Board proposes a project that includes various improvements to its sewer system. These improvements involve upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, the replacement of a failing gravity main with a force main, and the construction of a lift station. Additionally, miscellaneous repairs and force main cleaning are proposed. With the construction of these improvements, the project will address various I/I issues and upgrade deteriorating infrastructure. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has determined that the projExclusion (CE) from further environmental study under State Environmental Reviewcally include actions which are solely directed toward minor rehabilitation of existing facilities, functional replacement of equipment, or towards the construction of new ancillary facilities adjacent or appurtenant to existing facilities. However, this decision may be reconsidered if concerning the potential environmental impacts of the project is discovered. Comments relative to this project should be submitted in writing to Mrs. Juliette Waid, SRF Section, Permits & Services Division, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, Alabama 36130, no later than 30 days after the date of this notice. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management will not take formal action to proceed with the project without carefully evaluating any public comments opposing the project. Notice is hereby given this 12th day of March, 2025, by authorization of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Lance R. LeFleur Director Nondiscrimination Statement: The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in the administration of its programs.

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 19, 2025 CS010460-06

PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KAREN FURLONG, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-050 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of KAREN FURLONG, deceased, having been granted to ASHLEY DAVIDSON on February 19, 2025 by D. JASON BRITT, 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.

ASHLEY DAVIDSON

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF KAREN FURLONG, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for

Personal Representative: ED PARISH, JR. THE PARISH LAW FIRM PO BOX 52

MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36101-0052 323 ADAMS AVE MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-263-0003

Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 26, Mar. 5 and 12, 2025 EST/FURLONG, K.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID GORDON GREER, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2025-061 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of DAVID GORDON GREER, deceased, having been granted to TINA ELLEN

LAKHOTIA on February 26, 2025 by D. JASON BRITT, 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 pres-

Public Notices yp ent the same to the Court or the same will be barred.

TINA ELLEN LAKHOTIA

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID GORDON GREER, DECEASED.

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: Regina B. Edwards, Esq. The Law Firm of Edwards & Edwards, P.C. 109 E. Bridge Street

Wetumpka, AL 36092

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 5, 12 and 19, 2025 EST/GREER, D.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALTON CARSON JOHNSON, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-008 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters Testamentary in the Estate of ALTON CARSON JOHNSON, deceased, having been granted to DANA JOHNSON ROTEN on February 19, 2025 by Justin Edwards, Special 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.

DANA JOHNSON ROTEN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF ALTON CARSON JOHNSON, DECEASED

Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: BRANDON C. STONE STONE LAW GROUP, LLC 114 SOUTH MAIN STREET PO BOX 967

WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36092 334-517-6520

Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 26, Mar. 5 and 12, 2025 EST/JOHNSON, A. PUBLIC NOTICE

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA M. KNIGHT, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-051 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary in the Estate of BARBARA M. KNIGHT, deceased, having been granted to KENDRICK J. CURTIS on February 18, 2025 by D. JASON BRITT, 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.

KENDRICK J. CURTIS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA M. KNIGHT, DECEASED Attorneys of Record for Personal Representative: MEGAN MOORE KELLY, and BROOKE EVERLY NICHOLSON EVERLY LAW, LLC 300 OFFICE PARK DRIVE SUITE 175 BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35223 205-947-0146 205-623-1259 megan@everlylaw.com brooke@everlylaw.com

Wetumpka Herald: Feb. 26, Mar. 5 and 12, 2025 EST/KNIGHT, B. PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RODGER JUMAN PARRISH, DECEASED CASE NO: 2025-021 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE

Letters of Administration over the Estate of RODGER JUMAN PARRISH, deceased, having been granted to RHODESIA B. PARRISH on March 4, 2025 by D. JASON BRITT, 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.

RHODESIA B. PARRISH ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF RODGER JUMAN PARRISH, DECEASED

Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JOHN T. WINANS THE HARRIS LAW FIRM, LLC 60 COMMERCE STREET, STE 370 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36104 334-782-9938

Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 12, 19 and 26, 2025 EST/PARRISH, R. PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: THE ANY AND ALL HEIRS OR DEVISEES OF IDA MAE MCREE, DECEASED, WHOSE WHEREABOUTS ARE UNKNOWN AND WHICH CANNOT BE ASCERTAINED AFTER EXERCISE OF REASONABLE DILIGENCE.

Public Notices

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP NETWORK SWITCHES, ACCESS POINTS, NETWORK CABLING & INSTALLATION WITH SUPPORT SERVICES FOR OWNER: THE ELMORE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION WETUMPKA, AL BID NO: 25-001

Sealed proposals will be received by Elmore County Boardogy, 809 Micanopy Street, Wetumpka, AL 36092, until Friday, opened and reviewed.dor, acceptance, and award of Elmore County, Alabama, and constitute a binding, enforceable contract. Unless stipulated

021.000

NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE

Default having been made in the terms of that certain Mortgage, executed on May 26, 2020, by Jonathan Richardson, a married man joined by his spouse Toshika Freeman Richardson, as Mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, its successors and assigns as Mortgagee, which said Mortthe Judge of Probate, Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2020 at Page 34789 on June 1, 2020, and subsequently assigned to CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC, and recorded in the in Elmore County, Alabama, in RLPY Book 2025 at Page 4628 on January 29, 2025 and default having continued under the terms of said Mortgage, and by virtue of Alabama Code Section 35-10-3 and 35-10-2, the following described real property will be sold at public outcry, for cash, to the highest bidder, in front of the Courthouse door of said County, during the legal hours of sale, on April 10, 2025. Commence at an old concrete monument marking the Northwest corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 36, T18N, R19E, Elmore County, Alabama; Thence S03°35’22”W 314.96’ to an old #4 capped rebar; Thence N85°46’49”E 65.72’ to a #4 capped rebar & the P.O.B.; Thence N03° 31’55”E 108.54’ to an old #4 capped rebar; Thence N70°38’10”E 145.55’ to an old #4 capped rebar on the West R/W of Jackson Road; Thence along said West R/W & along a curve to the left having a radius of 9469.36’, S20°08’14”E 100.00’ (chord) to a #4 capped rebar; Thence leaving said R/W, S70°38’10”W 189.13’ to the P.O.B., all in the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 36, T18N, R19E, Elmore County, Alabama. Subject to all easements, restrictions and reservations appearing of record. Said sale will also be made subject to any Federal Tax Liens and/or Special Assessments of any nature, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the property. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. The property is being sold “as is, where is.” Said property is sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use or enjoyment. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

Kent D. McPhail McPhail Sanchez, LLC Counsel for Mortgagee/Transferee 126 Government Street Mobile, AL 36602 251-438-2333 Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 5, 12 and 19, 2025 RICHARDSON

-agreement or collusion among bidders, employees of Elmorespective bidders in restraint of freedom of competition. Furfraudulent and collusive bidding and prison sentences. email and directed to barbara. your proposal.

quest, and agrees to abide bysubmitted on company letterfor receipt of bids for a period or all proposals and to waivemoted. BID BOND AND PERFORMANCE SECURITY:

County Board of Education, in

Bonds must be in a format satand underwritten by a company licensed to issue bonds in bond will remain in effect until contract. are in Public Works Law-Sec-playing current license numbersdelivered. Any additional information elmoreco.com/RFP

PROPOSALS PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned will sell for cash, at an ONLINE public auction on Thursday, March 20th, 2025, at 11:00am AT STORAGETREASURES.COM. Please note: THIS AUCTION IS NOT IN PERSON. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP TO OUR PHYSICAL LOCATION. ALL AUCTION PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP AND BID ONLINE.

Flex Storage 749 US-231 Wetumpka, AL 36093 11: Josh Melvin. 2316 Antioch Road, Wetumpka, AL 36092

Stuffed, young patients ‘treated’ at ECHS

Kindergartners learn teddy bear healthcare at ECHS

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Mario, Aubie, Sonic, Bunny, Bear and children were “patients” at the second annual Elmore County High School Teddy Bear Clinic hosted by HOSA.

Eclectic Elementary School kindergartners lined up as parents of their favorite stuffed animals for the high school students to check out. The high schoolers took vitals and X-rays while asking the kindergarteners questions they might hear in a medical office.

“We want to help them feel more comfortable going to the doctor, dentist or hospital,” HOSA sponsor Wanda Baker said. “It helps my students who are thinking about going into a medical career. They get to

practice their skills, taking blood pressure and other vitals, talking to a patient through fun activities.”

The “patients” got ID armbands and were admitted to the ECHS emergency room. Symptoms were noted, vitals taken. Everyone got X-rayed.

Then it was to be in the waiting room before donning PPE for surgery, where the high schoolers assisted the kindergartners removing objects from boards and teddy bears.

Managing the mass of kindergarteners mimics the stress a medical professional might be under in a hospital or doctor’s office. The program also emphasized healthcare practices the youngest can do at home, such as brushing teeth.

Eclectic Elementary School celebrates Read Across America

By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor

Thing 1 and 2, Cindy Lou Who and The Cat and in the Hat came to life at Eclectic Elementary School last as the school celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America. Throughout the week, stu -

dents at the school dressed as their favorite book characters, had guest readers such as members of the ECHS football team and Future Teachers of Alabama and finished it with camp day.

“The students and teachers read as they rotated through several different teachers,” librarian Jessica Quinn said. “They also did activities with the teachers.” Almost all of the books were from Dr. Seuss. Activities ranged from hopscotch to dancing to a relay race to making a Thing 1 or 2 wig. Everyone also got in on decorating doors and halls for Read Across America.

“It’s been a very busy week,” Quinn said. “The teachers and kids have loved it.”

Elmore County hitting its stride at right time

SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter

Even being down some major contributors the Elmore County girls soccer team remains undefeated after taking down Tallasse, 4-0.

The Panthers were without leading scorer Cadie Crews heading into Friday’s clash with the Tigers. However, a pair of goals from Daniela Martin alongside goals from Emmalyn Morse and KeKe Walker you would not have noticed they were not at full strength.

“I’m extremely proud of all of my girls,” ECHS coach Leslie Hines said. “We’ve had injuries, several starters that are actually out of this game. Everyone stepped up and did their job. Everyone contributed to this win. I’m extremely proud of my starters, who stayed in the entire time and did a miraculous job of getting the points on the board and then keeping them to a shutout.”

Elmore County is used to shutouts at this point, in the last four games the Panthers have outscored their opponents, 18-0. Even with the

offense playing as well as it has, the back row has shined just as bright even with new girls filling in the holes left by prominent senior pieces from last year’s team.

“We were able to keep our defensive line behind them and in the right places,” Hines said. “We have several new girls on the defensive line. We’ve lost some amazing seniors from last year’s team,

so we’re still working out the logistics of who’s playing where, and that has been the goal going into area play.”

Heading into area play, Hines wants her team to continue to show improvements while also limiting their mistakes, but is still proud of what she’s seen from her team early on.

“I’m hoping to be at full capacity and full strength,”

Hines said. “Just to play our game and wanting to win as a part of that and then just keeping our skills in check and cutting down those mistakes I feel like we can take advantage of the other team’s mistakes.”

On the boys side, Elmore County was unable to take down the Tallassee and fell 4-3. Despite the loss, a lot of promise was shown through -

out the game.

One of the main being goalkeeper Preston Baker, who might have had the best game of his high school career. He filled up the state sheet with the sheer amount of saves he had on the day, limiting a dominating Tallassee team to minimal success.

“I feel like if (Preston) plays like that the rest of the season, we’re gonna have a good chance,” ECHS coach Jeff Bracknell said. “Tallassee is a good team, they’ve got a lot more experience than we’ve got, as far as games this year, and by far the best game he’s played all year.”

Heading into area play, Bracknell wants to make sure his team continues to play like they did against Tallassee. He was pleased with his team’s effort, but wants to make sure they take advantage of their shot selection.

“(I want) continuation of the effort they gave tonight, plus a little bit more ball movement, moving the ball a bit more,” Bracknell said. “Of course, maybe keeping possession a little bit more rather than wasting shots.”