By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
SUBMITTED TPI
Stanhope Elmore High School junior Maria Escobar has been selected as the vice president of the Army for the State of Alabama JROTC student cadets. She is the first student from Stanhope Elmore to be selected for a statewide JROTC office.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By Cliff Williams Staff Writer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
victim’s mother walked in to find her daughter on a bed with underwear down and (Hollinger) on top of her with underwear
The Wetumpka Chamber of Commerce held its annual luncheon to install new officers and board members for the first time in a while Thursday.
The COVID-19 pandemic put a hamper on gatherings but the chamber celebrated the successes of business in Wetumpka.
Stanhope Elmore High School junior Maria Escobar is used to being in charge. As the executive officer and cadet major of the school’s JROTC program, she is second in command of the student ranks with about 158 student cadets under her. Now Escobar is also a state vice president, the third person in state student command of an organization with nearly 16,000 student cadets. She is the first from Stanhope
See CADET, Page A6
“We haven’t been able to do this for the last couple years,” chairperson Clay McConnell said. “Your attendance is an indication people want to get back together and have these opportunities to see each See CHAMBER, Page A3
By MELODY RATHEL Multimedia Reporter
“Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes.”
This quote from Eleanor Roosevelt is one Tammy Milner-Briggs has lived by — and it has led her to her newest position as Army major.
Currently, Milner-Briggs is an Army captain, but she will soon be promoted to major after serving in the Army for 30 years. She serves as a chaplain, helping others overcome hardships and other issues they face in the military. Currently stationed in Hawaii, Milner-Briggs has chosen to celebrate this promotion surrounded by her family and loved ones in her hometown, Wetumpka.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Staff Report
rank to make as a chaplain,” Milner-Briggs said. “I’m a captain now being promoted to major. It’s a long-awaited rank, because you have to remain a captain for almost 10 years to become a major. Plus, my family has never seen a military promotion, so we’re doing all of the pageantry — we’re doing the national anthem; we’re doing the full-scale military ceremony because they’ve never seen it done in person.”
Milner-Briggs followed in her father’s footsteps in joining the military; however, she has surpassed her father’s ranking making
The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) named Holtville High School principal Kyle Futral the 2022 Alabama High School Principal of the Year. The High School Principal of the Year award was presented to Futral on Friday, Jan. 28 during a schoolwide assembly at Holtville High School. Elmore County Superintendent Richard Dennis was in attendance for the presentation.
“This is a significant
See NATIVE, Page A6
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.
about. I mean, we just came from a sleepy, feeble and confused Joe
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MR. THOMAS HERBERT TRAYLOR
1934 - 2025
Thomas Herbert Traylor, 90, of Equality, AL, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025. His funeral service will be held at Equality Methodist Church on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 12:00 pm. Dr. John Brannon and Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Graveside service and burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at Equality Methodist Church.
Herbert Traylor was born on July 15, 1934, in Weoka, AL, to Gentry E. Traylor and Mary Lou Boddie Traylor. After graduating from Elmore County High School (1953), he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics (1957) and a master’s degree in business administration from Auburn University.
For over 30 years, Herbert was a dedicated public educator, serving as a teacher at Elmore County High School, vice principal at Benjamin Russell High
TALLASSEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
MARCH 12
• Stanley Hood Jr., 41, of Prattville, was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.
School, and Dean of Business Affairs at Alexander City Junior College (now Central Alabama Community College). After retirement, he volunteered his educational knowledge and leadership experience as a state board member and president of the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA), earning induction into the AISA Hall of Fame in 2003.
Herbert served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve and the Alabama National Guard. He was a committed member of his community and helped establish the Equality Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as chief for several years. As a faithful member of Equality Methodist Church, Herbert held multiple leadership positions in the congregation, including choir director. His lifelong love of music was shared with his wife, Irma, and they sang together in several
MARCH 10
• Clarence Manus, 42, of Wetumpka, was arrested for driving under the influence.
MARCH 8
• Theft was reported on Gossom Switch Road.
gospel choirs.
Herbert is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Irma Virginia McKissick Traylor of Equality, AL; daughter, Beth (Mike) McQuitty of Pike Road, AL; son, David (Jane) Traylor of Peachtree City, GA; grandchildren, Amelia Traylor and Claire Traylor; and brother, Henderson (Marta) Traylor. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Jay McCollum.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Equality Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 13, Equality, AL 36026, or to a charity of one's choosing.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Crossings at Eastchase Memory Care and Enhabit Hospice for their wonderful, loving care of Herbert. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Thomas Herbert Traylor.
• Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 231.
MARCH 7
• Javarious Jackson, 18, of Montgomery, was arrested for domestic violence.
• Mark Tate, 52, of
Montgomery, was arrested for two counts of failure to appear.
MARCH 6
• Printess Smith, 40, of Montgomery, was arrested for failure to appear.
By TYLER RALEY Shelby County Reporter
Standing in front of a local high school marketing and media class, grabbing the attention of students prove to be a challenge for the special speaker.
“Hmm hmm,” chimes in the teacher, clearing her throat to get the attention of the students.
“Chromebooks down, phones down. You shouldn’t have either out.”
As the speaker continues for the majority of the class period, oddly talking about the importance of phones in media and marketing, that same interruption happens at least three more times, which still doesn’t account for the amount of time the students spent looking down at their devices during the presentation.
While this was one example at one local high school, it’s a common trend across schools right now, and the question becomes, is it a problem?
About a year after that example, standing on a stage in front of a crowd of onlookers on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at the Shelby County Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Preview Luncheon, Rep. Leigh Hulsey spoke her mind on the issue, previewing legislation that could help.
Just a short few weeks ago on Feb. 4, the 2025 Alabama State Legislative Session began meeting in Montgomery, discussing a number of potential bills that could change many aspects of life in the state should they get passed. Among those was a pre-filed bill that will effectively ban the use of cell phones in schools, which Hulsey brought to the floor.
Cell phones have become a staple in schools since they became popular, but they have been a very dividing subject among students, parents and teachers. Hulsey, who represents
House District 15 and was formerly a member on the Helena City Council, now looks to take charge in this debate and make a difference in the landscape of the up and coming generations.
The Freeing Our Class-
rooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety Act looks to eliminate almost all use of cellular devices in schools with the hopes of creating better academic results, a decreasing number of mental health issues and better social interactions for students overall.
WHAT THE F.O.C.U.S. ACT IS
The F.O.C.U.S. Act was originally brought to the floor during the 2024 session by Hulsey, with the same goals in mind as she has now, hoping to improve productivity and self-esteem for students in schools.
Hulsey attended an education policy conference prior to that time, where she took part in listening to discussions on how phones have negatively impacted the lives of kids from both a mental health perspective and an educational perspective.
“The data that was presented was just alarming,” Hulsey said. “I felt like once I had been presented with that information, that the responsible thing to do was to try and tackle the problem and hopefully give these kiddos a better chance for success in life.”
As Hulsey discussed in the Legislative Preview Luncheon, she crafted the bill, but it was ultimately killed last year due to the fact she did not have enough time to see it through.
Existing law states boards of education can allow students to carry devices while on school property. Should it be passed, this act would repeal that law. The act’s synopsis states beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, students would not be allowed to use or operate a cellular device on campus during the entirety of the instructional day unless certain exceptions say otherwise, but goes on to say students may possess one on campus as long as it is turned off and stowed away safely. Every school system has its own cell phone policy. However, as of now, most school systems, even in Shelby County, continue allowing students to possess personal devices on school grounds.
Pelham City Schools currently allows its students to carry their personal devices at school, but states they must be
stored properly during learning hours. To guard against usage, the student code of conduct goes on to state, “When a student is found to be using his/ her cell phone and/or other personal digital device during the school day, the phone and/ or other personal digital device will be taken from the student and given to a school administrator.”
The act also specifies students will receive instruction on the impacts of social media and training on its usage prior to the eighth grade. There are a few exceptions to the appropriate usage of cellular devices. A primary reason for using a cellular device is if it is necessary according to a student’s accommodation plan or Individualized Education Program.
The bill also addresses questions on if cell phones can be used in dire situations. The act contains wording that when an emergency regarding health and safety occurs, phone usage is allowed. It also states they can be used for purposes as authorized in a wireless device policy.
According to Hulsey, while concerns have been raised from parents and others over the issue, she has voiced her assurance the bill covers what questions they may have, trying to cover all bases of the matter.
Outside of those guidelines, the act requires each local board of education in the state of Alabama create a policy addressing a student’s ability to access the internet on devices that are owned by the board.
THE IMPACTS After Hulsey took in the information she was given at the education policy conference she attended, she began to research statistics on what cellular devices have done to students both mentally and physically.
Much of her data she found was linked to a study that looked at student adverse effects data changes since 2010, largely as a result of social
See BAN, Page A3
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
This is National Poison Prevention Week and just like us humans, our pets also need protection from accidental poisoning. The Pet Poison Helpline is a valuable resource and below are the most common poison risks to our pets (and also to children):
1. Over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, cold medications and herbal supplements. Make sure to keep all medications out of paws’ reach and check with a veterinarian before
giving any new medication (prescription or not) to your pet.
2. Human prescription medications such as ADHD medications, antidepressants and heart medications are in many homes and need to be kept out of reach of pets.
3. Food items and ingredients such as xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.
4. Chocolate! Keep candy and baked goods away from your pets.
5. Veterinary products mostly due to accidental or unintentional exposures. Many pet medications are flavored so pets may mistake
these for treats. Giving medicine meant for one pet accidentally to another happens, so make sure to KNOW what you are giving your pet. And remember that a “childproof container” does not mean it is petproof!
6. Household items including paint, glue and cleaning products are often too easily accessible.
7. Rodenticides & Insecticides. Remember that pets, along with rodents, find baits very tasty. Rat or mouse bait ingestion can be deadly for our pets and today’s products are even
media.
In regards to mental effects, it was found depression has increased 145% for girls and 161%, a very high rate in a 15-year period. Studies also found specifically in students who are in college, anxiety has increased 134% while ADHD has increased 72%.
The data was recorded by asking people about these conditions. Due to this method, the data has been challenged. As a result, the researchers took numbers for emergency room visits for self-harm and found visits for girls were up 188% and 48% for boys.
While it is a big difference, these statistics, when associated with anxiety and depression, line up with the psychiatric categories of internalizing and externalizing disorders—internalizing being taking those emotions and withdrawing from social engagement, while externalizing is projecting them outwards.
“Males more inherently are going to be externalizers and females are going to be internalizing,” Hulsey said. “Knowing that, it makes a little bit more sense when you’re looking at that particular piece of data when you look at self-harm.”
Hulsey also finds it alarming when looking at suicide rates for younger adolescents, ages 10-14, numbers were up 167% for girls and 97% for boys, knowing it is a huge concern for what is happening in today’s world.
With this bill, Hulsey desires to get students back on an upward trend from a mental and physical standpoint as a whole, discussing how cell phones are causing the future of the up and coming generations to be in danger.
“What I’m really wanting to do is minimize distractions because they definitely hinder academic success, but also, this is impeding students’
ability to develop critical faceto-face communication skills,” Hulsey said. “These phones are not keeping them safe, they’re just not. That’s the truth — it’s a hard truth, but it is the truth. The other part is the distraction. It’s affecting how they are learning.”
According to statistical research, more than 50% of students receive more than 237 notifications per day.
Hulsey has said as a result, 83% of teachers support an all-day phone-free policy.
In relation to that, the University of California conducted a study that saw when a student is focused and proceeds to get distracted, it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to regain focus, which generally equates to about half of a class period.
“If you’ve got kids that are getting distracted multiple times in a single class, there’s no way they’re capable of maintaining a level of focus needed to retain the information that is being presented to them,” Hulsey said.
Hulsey took all of this information and more and ultimately formatted a solution to the issues in the form of the bill that is currently on the floor in Montgomery.
Should it pass, Hulsey believes citizens, especially those involved in education, will see a massive positive change in students’ behavior, emotions, academic performance and more. She especially expects kids to become less anxious and stressed, as it would take away from the stress of focusing on social media.
The bill would also cause schools in Shelby County to revamp their current phone policies to conform with the standards the bill sets, and ultimately, highly limit what students have access to should they gain access to any device during the instructional day.
THE PUSHBACK
With every matter that comes to the floor comes conflicting interests and pushback, and
deadlier than those of years ago.
8. Insecticides include items such as ant baits, bug sprays and yard products. Make sure to read all labels and keep your pets out of the affected area when using any of these products.
9. Indoor and outdoor plants, as well as bouquets, can all be sources of potential problems for pets and many beautiful plants and flowers are deadly for our pets if ingested.
10. Garden products like fertilizers, herbicides and soil enhancements can prove irresistible to a playful pet
Reese is a 1-year-old female Pit/Lab mix who weighs about 50 pounds. This incredibly sweet girl is housetrained and good with children, dogs and cats. She is a big lap dog who loves to cuddle, give kisses and get tummy rubs. She wants nothing more than to be with people and if left alone in a yard, she will escape to go find her people. So Reese just needs to be in the house with her people and no issues. 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 choos-
Hulsey has had plenty of it arise since the idea for this bill came about.
“People are definitely concerned about safety,” Hulsey said. “If there is an emergency that is a dangerous emergency situation that is going on in school, parents want to be able to get in touch with their children.”
It is a matter that has become prevalent in Shelby County within the last decade, with separate instances of school threats for multiple local schools.
Hulsey has expressed to many she sympathizes with parents because she is one, and also understands if an emergency were to happen with her child’s school, she would be prone to wanting to check on them as well.
She wants parents to know this bill addresses that possibility, which finds in the case of an emergency of a serious nature, students can use their phones.
Hulsey has also addressed the fact those with medical needs such as diabetes will be allowed to use their devices for monitoring as long as it is filed within their plans as a medical issue.
There has also been a major concern from parents they will not be able to address scheduling changes with their children while in school, an issue that already has an alternative in most schools even before this proposed bill.
“It’s the little one-off conversations that parents are used to having with their kids now while they’re at school, that they wouldn’t be able to have those anymore,” Hulsey said.
“Kids are just always worried they’re missing something nonstop. The only way to get rid of that anxiousness is to just get it away from them, which means that we’re going to have to go back to what we did in the past in some regards on that, and that is just calling the school.”
Hulsey said in her experience, though, she has not had
so watch your pets when you are out working on the lawn or garden.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG OR CAT IS POISONED?
1. Remove your pet from the area.
2. Check to make sure your pet is safe: breathing and acting normally.
3. Collect a sample of the ingested item if possible.
4. Do NOT give any home antidotes.
5. Do NOT induce vomiting without consulting a vet or Pet Poison Helpline.
6. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
If veterinary attention is necessary, contact &/or take your pet to your veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic immediately.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
ing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian.
If you are interested in meeting Reese 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.
a single teacher or board member go against the idea of having phones in schools, and educators are in full support of what this bill would do.
LETTING THE PEOPLE KNOW
Should the F.O.C.U.S. Act completely pass, it will bring major change to the educational landscape around the state of Alabama, especially in Shelby County, where it will address many of the issues that some schools might have faced in recent memory.
The desire to take away phones in schools has varying opinions.
In polls conducted by the Shelby County Reporter on Facebook and Instagram, 63% were for phones being banned from the classroom on Facebook — an older demographic — and 89% were for phones being allowed in the classroom on Instagram — a younger demographic.
Hulsey made sure to emphasize if it does pass, there will be an adjustment process, but it will get easier and yield good results.
“When school systems implement this, it usually takes everyone about six weeks to get used to the changes,” Hulsey said. “Eventually, we’re going to get used to this and it will be a new norm and a healthy environment for our kids to be in.”
Hulsey also made it clear no matter what is going on at this current time, the floor is still listening to what people have to say, and she encourages people to voice their opinion on this massive piece of legislation.
“We are still listening,” Hulsey said. “The bill itself is a living, breathing document that will probably continue to change as we dialogue through it. We’re not rushing this piece through. We are trying to make sure that we are listening, but also using the information to ensure that it is the best possible piece that we can put together.”
There is nothing grumpy about Grumpy Dog. The lunch spot has been a staple of downtown Wetumpka since 2014 and is a favorite of many including me.
While the food is good, the company of fellow diners is awesome and you might even get a history lesson or two.
My standard order is the special of two Grumpy Dogs with Zapp’s Voodoo chips and a Dr. Pepper. I normally don’t have to say much. Staff will almost always look at me and ask, “Two Grumpys?”
I acknowledge them and they quickly assemble my order with a good hotdog and bun with a slathering of yellow mustard, onions and homemade chili piled on top.
Most often I take a seat in the dining room or under the canopy. Doing so can take you back down memory lane.
I was reminded of that recently as I got in line behind Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis. We sat in the dining room and rather than get caught up on city business, I got a history lesson.
I knew Grumpy Dog was originally a service station. The canopy would have covered gas pumps at one point in time. The dining room was a little different.
“Your’re sitting where the grease rack was,” Willis told me.
But there was no more automobile grease, just the right amount to make a really good hotdog with chili. The menu is filled with an extensive variety of hotdogs topped almost anyway one can imagine.
The mayor and I talked for a while. He was sitting where the parts rack once was.
What I didn’t know was that the building has been a few different things over the years.
It’s been a garden center and sandwich shop as
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Local government needs transparency. Period.
While it’s important to have transparency in big government, there are a lot more checks and balances on a federal level than there are at the local level. That’s where a local newspaper comes in.
Right now, we are celebrating Sunshine Week, which is meant to shine a light on the importance of public records and government transparency. Without local newspapers trying to get to the bottom of certain issues, there aren’t a lot of “watchdogs,” so to speak. Throughout our three-county coverage area at Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., we cover a wide variety of local governments. From the bigger cities like Wetumpka, Tallassee and Alexander City to the smaller towns like Jackson’s Gap, Camp Hill and Coosada, there are tons of different governments we work with. We cover county commissions as well as town and city councils. Some are much more easily accessible than others.
We give props to those who post their agendas online prior to the meetings — these are typically signs of a more transparent gov-
These days, nothing grabs attention faster than a rumor of government conspiracy. Two new documentaries attempt to shed light on events of 1969 and 1970 that are still mysterious all these years later.
CHAOS: THE MANSON MURDERS (NETFLIX)
The gruesome Tate-LaBianca “Helter Skelter” murders of August 1969 have been well-documented. Charles Manson’s ‘family’ cult killed at least nine people.
The fact that they occurred the same week as Woodstock, the ultimate peace and love festival, made them all the more shocking.
Filmmaker Errol Morris has chased unanswerable questions in the past with films such as “The Thin Blue Line,” which helped get an innocent man off death row.
“Chaos” uses author Tom O’Neill’s book as its foundation and ends up taking the viewer down even more rabbit holes as it investigates the mysterious life and influence of Charles Manson.
O’Neill challenges the official account of the Helter Skelter killings and opines that Manson was part of a top secret CIA mind-control experiment. Morris takes these theories and weaves a story that involves the CIA, LSD, Jack Ruby, and Vincent Bugliosi – the prosecutor whose bestselling book was for many years the official chronicle of the murder trials.
Music plays an important role in this retelling of the Charles Manson story. Manson had been a failed musician but had caught record producer Terry Melcher (son of Doris Day) and Beach Boy Dennis Wilson in his web of mystery. Manson was a charismatic leader and, after a stint in prison, became a part of the hippie movement in California and set about gathering like-minded followers. They created a commune at the Spahn dude ranch, completely isolated from the world, where they dropped acid and stared at campfires – all the while, their leader preparing them for the most evil acts anyone could have imagined. Nobody knew how to even process such evil. Manson’s followers didn’t just murder people, they brutally tortured them in unimag-
ernment. We also give props to those who are regularly in touch with our reporters and editors, showing they are willing to work with the public.
See, journalists are truly just a service to the public. We work for the readers — the taxpayers. Although we are not elected, it is our job to cover and write about the important issues affecting our towns and communities. Without the elected officials’ cooperation though, it becomes very difficult — if not impossible. We are often given story tips that prove extremely difficult to investigate due to public officials being close-lipped. As journalists, we are simply messengers and without a message to deliver, it’s extremely hard to do our jobs.
for being cut from newspapers. Currently, certain items, such as public hearings on rezoning and annexations, must be published by local governments in the county newspaper of record. But those are threatened to be moved to an online-only platform, making them even more difficult for citi zens to access. Ultimately, a newspaper is here to serve those citizens and without public records and transparency, we can only serve our readers but so much. It comes down to: If there’s nothing to hide, then why not be open about what’s going on in local government?
officials to work with local jour nalists, even on a small scale. Community journalism is, at its finest, the most important type of public service, and we need local officials to understand the media is not “out to get anyone.” We are simply here to serve the
That’s where Sunshine Week comes in. It’s key to reiterate the importance of local government transparency, especially when public notices are on the table
inable ways and used Beatles song lyrics as their reasoning. The documentary does not shy away from showing the murder scenes and real-time testimony of the perpetrators. It is truly terrifying.
For fans of true crime documentaries, this is a must-watch, but it won’t provide any answers; in fact, the government conspiracy angle was more intriguing before I watched the movie.
WHAT HAPPENED TO BLOOD, SWEAT, & TEARS? (AMAZON PRIME)
Flash forward a few months to the spring of 1970. One of the top recording acts of the day was the brass-rock hybrid Blood, Sweat, & Tears. Originally a project led by Al Kooper on its first album, the band on its eponymous second album morphed into a tougher yet more radio-friendly version. BS&T were at the vanguard of the whole horn band movement that also included Chicago and the Ides of March.
This film by John Scheinfeld features footage from a never-seen documentary. Eleven performances were filmed in 26 days, all behind the Iron Curtain. BS&T were one of the most popular rock bands in the world in 1970. They won the Grammy for Best Album. That second album is a virtual greatest hits: “And When I Die,” “You’ve Made Me So Very Happy,” “More and More,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Spinning Wheel” are all iconic recordings that have stood the test of time. These songs are powered by front man and vocalist David Clayton-Thomas, who added incredible energy to the brass-rock stylings of the band.
Yet, the story of what happened to Blood, Sweat & Tears is, in a way, a rock and roll tragedy. David Clayton-Thomas was from Canada, where he had been a troublemaker for years. Even in BS&T, he could still be wayward – such as when he threatened his girlfriend with a gun. U.S. officials denied him a
New documentaries examine government’s
green card and were ready to kick him out of the country, unless the band accepted a deal.
President Richard Nixon, interested in building credibility with the counterculture, had signed off on a cultural-exchange tour sponsored by the State Department. In an arrangement that saved Clayton-Thomas from being deported, Blood, Sweat, & Tears agreed to become the first rock band to play in eastern bloc countries behind the Iron Curtain and have the performances recorded.
To the fans of the band, making a deal with the Secretary of State, William P. Rogers, was like making a deal with the devil. This was at the height of the anti-Vietnam War protests, civil unrest in cities, and the generation gap. BS&T had notably been apolitical and had not made any real statements for or against the war, like many of their contemporaries. This made them a safe choice to send to Yugoslavia, Romania, and Poland.
There was indeed a powerful reason behind the tour. The United States wanted to open up détente with eastern Europe, seeing this as a moral obligation. BS&T were both cool as well as conservative, and the band members were too interested in being musicians than being household names or making political statements. The concert footage in dour governmental stone buildings is truly mesmerizing as the crowds get whipped into a frenzy, then have dogs unleashed on them to calm the audience back down.
Instead of being celebrated back home, the band returns to find a media that is downright hostile, from a combative press conference to having bags of horse manure thrown at them on stage during a performance. Rolling Stone magazine decries their partnership with The Man. The hits stopped coming. So, to answer the question in the title: what happened to Blood, Sweat, & Tears is that they cared so much about the music, that trying to be friendly with the government got them cancelled by the very culture of which they had been a part.
Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The City of Millbrook is getting ready for a new business.
At the Tuesday meeting of the Millbrook City Council, it entered into a professional service contract with Retail Specialists LLC and to transfer property to the Millbrook Redevelopment Authority.
“They brought a business to us,” Mayor Al Kelley said. “The property has to go through the redevelopment authority to go to the business.” Kelley said he can’t release details about the new business but expects the company to release something in the coming days.
According to its website, Retail Specialists LLC represents retailers such as Dunkin’, Papa Johns, Popeyes, Duluth Trading, Dave & Busters, Jared, KFC, Zax -
bys, Zales and Target. The LLC has development retail centers across the Southeast.
The council also approved the purchase of a new sprayer and trailer for the parks and recreation department. Kelley said the equipment is needed in landscape maintenance at 17 Springs.
IN OTHER ACTION THE MILLBROOK CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the Feb. 25 meeting.
• Authorized the mayor to enter a contract with Anthony Bishop for professional services.
• Approved site development plans for the Merrit property and Just Blinds.
• Approved public assembly permits for Minnie Massey Park and Village Green.
The next meeting of the Millbrook City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 25.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
After eight years, a demolition grant first approved for the removal of 17 structures in 2017 has finally been approved.
A public hearing for an amendment and closing out the grant was held by the Wetumpka City Council at its Monday meeting.
“We’re finally able to close it out,” Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission’s (CARPDC) Leslie York said. “This means you can now apply for more community development block grants.”
The 2017 grant allowed for 17 dilapidated structures in Wetumpka to be removed.
City leaders approved 22 meaning the grant needed to be amended. It was done with $73,000 in matching funds from the city.
York said more grants of higher values are available compared to 2017. She encouraged residents to check with city officials or CARPDC about what’s available.
Mayor Jerry Willis noted
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down,” Millbrook investigator Beilstein said from the stand.
“The mother smacked him on the head to get him off.”
Hollinger was taken into custody when officers with the Millbrook Police Department arrived.
The victim was interviewed by counselors at Butterfly Bridge Child Advocacy Center and admitted to sexual contact.
“But she was shy to say what occurred,” Beilstein testified.
According to testimony, Hollinger spoke for 90 minutes with Beilstein and other investigators, during which time he admitted to sex and oral sex on multiple occasions since August 2024.
“There were apparently biweekly occurrences,” Beilstein said. “He admitted to (an
HISTORY Continued from A4
well.
the city can have only one community development block grant open at a time.
In other business, the council approved a job description for a part time airport manager to aid in operations at the Wetumpka Airport.
“This is exciting,” Willis said. “We will have someone who understands aviation and can manage the airport.”
The council also approved the advertising for rezoning of lots addressed 130-155 Company St. from business to residential. These lots are across the street from Our Place Cafe.
IN OTHER ACTION THE WETUMPKA CITY COUNCIL:
• Approved minutes of the March 3 meeting.
• Surplused an International 3800 school bus.
• Had a first read on a proposal to repair the pedestrian bridge on U.S. Highway 231 in front of Burger King. The next meeting of the Wetumpka City Council is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, April 7. Councilmember Kevin Robbins was absent from the meeting.
occurrence in) August, about three weeks ago and this occasion.”
Hollinger was charged with three counts of first-degree rape and one count of first-degree sodomy.
Beilstein testified that he had asked Hollinger why he did it.
“He said he was horny and desperate,” Beilstein said.
Hollinger’s mother April Moorer testified the family had moved around. They started in Elmore County, moved to Mobile County, then to Wilcox County and then to St. Louis. Moer said while in St. Louis, Hollinger, a juvenile at the time, exposed himself to his then 6- or 7-year-old.
“There was no touching involved,” Moorer said.
Four years ago Moorer testified she and Hollinger returned to Elmore County. Hollinger was enrolled at Stanhope Elmore High School. He is currently a student of Elmore
Willis recounted getting ferns, flowers and ham sandwich or two from the place. He should know as he operated a barbershop in downtown for years.
I have sat there in and out of Grumpy Dog countless times. I look out over the Hill, Bridge and Compa-
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
For the second time in three months, downtown Wetumpka businesses have been the recipient of grants from Main Street Wetumpka and Main Street Alabama. This round of grants saw $10,000 go to three businesses bringing the grand total to $16,000 in the two rounds.
“It really makes an impact on the downtown community in general and to be able to support existing businesses and help them expand,” Main Street Wetumpka executive director Hayley Greene said. “This is huge, especially in the economy the way it is now. Anything Main Street Alabama and Main Street Wetumpka can do to support our businesses downtown is very beneficial to help them expand, grow and be more
County Schools alternative school ICARE, but testimony at the hearing said he could no longer attend until this case was adjudicated.
The district attorney’s office presented Hollinger’s school records in Elmore County including an individual education plan (IEP). It noted Hollinger had been diagnosed with ADHD and autism. The plan stated Hollinger could function socially and understood right from wrong.
The records noted multiple messages between Hollinger and another SEHS student using Microsoft Teams and the school’s Chromebook. Beilstein said the records showed there was messaging back and forth.
Beilstein read one of the messages where Hollinger was seeking inappropriate images and videos.
“I still watch these videos you sent me last year,” Beil-
ny Streets. I think back to when U.S. Highway 231 passed through town.
I ask myself how many travelers got their cars repaired here or got gas to go on to the mountains in the north or to the beach in the south.
It’s a path my father, grandfather and grandmother took many a time going to the family farm.
My dad’s family hails from Jacksonville. My grandfather settled in south Alabama to teach after finishing Ala-
secure.”
The Bright Ideas grants are part of a Street Alabama initiative supporting emerging and growing businesses in designated districts. They were funded through ALSPARK and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The Shoppes Downtown was awarded a $5,000 grant as it is expanding with a brand new section just for men and the women who shop for them.
“It’ll be men’s clothing and men’s accessories,” Greene said. “So hats and belts and that type of thing.”
The Shoppes Downtown plans to have the men’s options starting this spring.
A $3,000 grant was awarded to Nick of Thyme, Oil & Vinegar.
“Their Bright Ideas grant will be used to expand to
stein said the message read. “Could you send me more?
The other student tried to stop the sexting between the two.
According to testimony, Hollinger also got in trouble at SEHS for inappropriately touching a girl.
The records also contained a handwritten note from Hollinger to another student about touching in the hallway.
Hollinger was then sent to ICARE. While there, another student reported Hollinger got oral sex off campus from a student.
Assistant district attorney Ragan Youngblood said every incident involving Hollinger in school records had been with a minor.
The incidents were investigated by school personnel and by the Elmore County Department of Human Resources.
Moorer testified she hasn’t spoken to her son since his
bama Polytechnic Institute in Auburn, what is Auburn University today.
It’s a path less traveled now but thanks to the planning of many, downtown Wetumpka is alive again.
Willis told me there are still many great things in store for Wetumpka.
I hope I get to tell those stories.
Grumpy Dog also caters a lot of meals in the community. I love those events as I never go home hungry.
I also hope to get to eat my two
offer cooking demonstrations and special events related to the oils, vinegars and spices they offer,” Greene said.
A $2,000 grant was awarded to For Healthy Pets Wetumpka.
“A portion will be used to build a website to aid in online sales,” Greene said. “That is huge and will boost her business. They also want to expand one of their best selling lines, frozen pet food. This will allow more space for more products.”
The Bright Ideas grant comes on the heels of $6,000 awarded two months ago to six different Main Street Wetumpka businesses for marketing.
“This is all very exciting,” Greene said. “We’ve given out $16,000. It’s a pretty big impact for downtown.”
arrest but stated Hollinger could live with his grandfather and grandmother if granted bond.
“He’s a good kid,” Moorer said. “He’s an outgoing kid. He has mental issues.”
Moorer said Hollinger is taking medications for ADHD and autism.
Beilstein said Hollinger told investigators he wasn’t cut out for prison and wanted two years probation.
“He said he was a danger to society, especially around girls under 17,” Beilstein said.
“He said he was a high risk to reoffend.”
Elmore County District Court Judge Ben Baxley denied a bond for Hollinger.
“He was caught in the act,” Baxley said. “There are six potential victims — that qualifies as a sexual predator. This defendant has a propensity to prey on those that need protection — our children.”
Grumpys, but my waistline is telling me to swap to Grumpy Dogs famous salads.
There is always one on the menu to go along with a trip down memory lane.
Cliff Williams is the news editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc.’s Elmore County newspapers. He can be reached at cliff.williams@thewetumpkaherald. com.
Biden to an assertive, bold and decisive Donald Trump. I mean, it’s happening fast.”
Marshall said everyone shouldn’t be surprised as Trump and his team have had four years to prepare for the moment. He said the plan is remarkable and has been executed to perfection. While mostly anticipated, there is one notable thing Marshall didn’t foresee.
“The one thing that I would take that I had no idea about and maybe you could have predicted, and that
Elmore to ever be selected for a state JROTC office.
“She is a phenomenal student leader,” SEHS JROTC instructor Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel Bartee said. “I see a leader that she has the leadership skills to get things done,
is the coming together of Donald Trump and Elon Musk,” Marshall said. “Who would have ever predicted that? As a result of that combination, our nation already is and will continue to be better off as a result of what they’re doing.” Marshall said when he took office he knew nothing of CRT, DEI and had never been presented with alternative pronouns. He said the COVID-19 pandemic opened the door to education for conservatives as it brought education back home.
“If COVID had not happened, would we have understood the extensive indoctrination of our chil-
to influence others. She also has the compassion to lead the other kids to do what’s right.”
As a student leader in the SEHS JROTC program, Escobar is also on its academic, PT and cyber patriot teams. Moreover, she is secretary of Stanhope’s National Honor Society, vice president of the English Honor
dren around issues like gender and race?” Marshall asked. “Would we have appreciated the large-scale encroachment on personal liberty through government action? Would we have learned how far we’re left we go to push access to bathrooms and locker rooms and girls sports for transgender people? Something’s gone spiritually wrong in our nation. You don’t need faith to see that.”
Marshall said conservatives must take back the country and restore the fundamental institutions vital to a thriving America.
“I stand before you firmly believing that our best days are in
Society and is a member of the Beta Club and DECA.
The state JROTC position will require Escobar to travel around Alabama to observe and speak with other JROTC programs. She will also represent the students when meeting Alabama State Department of Education leaders.
“She’s the right person for this position to speak on behalf of the student body for all JROTC and (career tech student organization) positions,” Bartee said.
Escobar found out about the state organization and its leadership positions last summer. With the help of Bartee, she became one of 35
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her the first military officer in her family.
“My father was a sergeant, but we have no officers; I’m the first in the family,” Milner-Briggs said. “That’s why this is significant. I need my siblings, my nieces and nephews to see this in real
front of us, but I don’t necessarily think it’s going to be easy,” Marshall said. “There are no shortcuts and there are no silver bullets. American restoration is a task that will require generational sacrifice and toil.”
Marshall said conservatives must fight back similar to what Ronald Regan did in the 1980s after he ousted Jimmy Carter from the White House.
“Courage beats cowardice,” Marshall said. Justice beats false equality. Truth beats lies. Virtue beats life. Faith beats cynicism and hope beats despair. We’ll win because the last vision clashes with reality.” Marshall said the country needs to return to its roots again to return to greatness. Those roots start at the kitchen tables where conversations between family members and friends occur over dinner.
applicants and one of 15 interviewed for five vice presidents, one for each branch.
“I hadn’t even imagined being part of this association and being nominated, interviewed or even receiving vice president,” Escobar said.
There are only two students in Alabama above her in the organization.
Escobar is now well established in JROTC. But just a few years ago, she wasn’t too sure about it. As a freshman, she thought about leaving the program, but then Escobar became more active. She visited Millbrook Middle School and saw the influence JROTC cadets have on the youth. Escobar also saw how JROTC fit in
time so they can have that picture in their mind that nothing is impossible.”
Milner-Briggs’ journey with the U.S. military began when she was a senior at Wetumpka High School. She joined the Alabama Army National Guard in 1993.
“I started doing my monthly drills as a senior,” Milner-Briggs said. “I went to basic training that summer. In June 1994 I went to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. When I came home, I was still in the guard, but I felt the call to go active duty.”
She went active duty in 1995; however, she ended up coming home for about a year before she rejoined the Alabama National Guard in Oct. 1996 which she served for eight years before switching to the Army Reserve.
“I was assigned to a unit in Gunner Park in Montgomery,” Milner-Briggs said. “I stayed in the state in the reserves for 10 years, then I became an army officer.”
It wasn’t that simple, though.
While she was in the reserves, Milner-Briggs’s mother died in 1998 when Mliner-Briggs was just 22 years old. Experiencing a major loss at such a young age nearly put a dent in her career path.
“I had every reason to give up,” Milner-Briggs said, “but (my mother) instilled in me that I could be anything I wanted to be, and I wanted to make my mom proud.”
What really propelled Milner-Briggs forward was a conversation she
“America’s future won’t be decided in Washington, D.C.,” Marshall said. “It’s going to be decided in our homes, our churches, our communities and in our hearts. When history looks back at this moment, let it be said that we stood up, we fought back and we reclaimed the nation our forefathers built.”
with other career tech student organizations.
“I also liked how juniors and seniors in JROTC have such an influence on younger students,” Escobar said. “We get to encourage them and help them find their way.”
Escobar’s sophomore year in JROTC saw her taking on several leadership roles and understanding how junior officers and leaders report up the chain of command. Her growth in two years is one of the reasons Escobar has excelled. She has helped lead several of the teams within JROTC to success, something that extended into her time as executive officer (XO).
“When I was told that I was going to be battal-
had with former Alabama Gov. Donald Siegelman while grieving her mother’s death.
“(Siegelman) came to see us,” Milner-Briggs said. “That doesn’t happen to everybody. My mother worked for the state of Alabama, and when he heard about her death and heard about her service to the state, he set up a meeting at his secretary’s house. He said to me, ‘I know this is bad, but I need y’all to keep living.’ Man, that just sat with me.”
After hearing those words, Milner-Briggs decided to keep going. She knew she had to keep living in honor of her mother, and to share the legacy her mother left behind with her children.
Eight years later, Milner-Briggs was deployed to Kuwait. In 2006, she found her true calling in Kuwait after working alongside Army chaplains.
“When I was deployed in Kuwait, I got to see the day-to-day operations and how chaplains helped people get through the worst parts of their deployment,” Milner-Briggs said. “When I got home a year later in 2007, I heard the Lord tell me to go be a chaplain.”
At that point, Milner-Briggs was a sergeant; however, to become a chaplain, she had to enroll into seminary and begin the process of becoming a chaplain.
“It took me eight years to get through school to receive your Masters of Divinity,” Milner-Briggs said. “When I graduated seminary, I reapplied
ion XO, I knew that my expectations needed to rise to a completely different standard,” Escobar said. “I just needed to come to the occasion. I have such a passion for this program, just when it comes to teaching and being a leader, but still being able to follow and seeing other people progress, that’s just the thing that keeps me going.”
Escobar’s success at Stanhope Elmore and in JROTC has her aiming to join the Army National Guard and the Army ROTC program at UAB.
“I eventually want to become an officer and work on base as a psychiatrist to help our veterans with PTSD,” Escobar said.
to go active duty as a chaplain, because I really wanted to change lives the way I saw those chaplains change lives in Kuwait.”
And that’s what she did. Since 2016, she has served as an active duty chaplain in the Army. After becoming a chaplain, she was first stationed at Fort Riley in Kansas as a chaplain. She then moved to Dallas, Texas to serve as a chaplain recruiter, and then was stationed in Germany before she moved to her current location in Hawaii.
Later this month, however, Milner-Briggs will be coming right back home to Wetumpka to celebrate the biggest achievement of her career.
“It feels surreal,” Milner-Briggs said. “When I got the notification that I was getting promoted, I just didn’t know how to feel. When I think back to the beginning of my career, never in a million years did I ever believe that I will be one, a major, and two, a chaplain.”
Throughout her service, she believed she would retire as a sergeant. However, Roosevelt’s quote has continued to keep her in motion throughout her career.
“Don’t stop the process until the person who can tell you no, tells you no,” Milner-Briggs said. “If they can’t give you a yes, then they are just in the way.”
Milner-Briggs will hold her ceremony at 6 p.m. March 29 at the Wetumpka Civic Center.
“The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” - 2 Samuel 8:6
We discover early in life that it’s more fun to win. A little experience helps us understand what the announcer meant when each Saturday on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, he spoke of “the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.”
Some little children get mad playing a game if they don’t win every time. The coaches and adults may say they don’t keep score when little kids are learning to play ball. But the competitive kids on the field or court do keep score; they know who won (or lost). It’s no compliment when others call you “Loser.” We want to be fans of the winning team and claim their victories as our own even if we never played the game.
The first ten chapters of 2 Samuel describe David’s success during the first years of his reign. The brave young giant-killer had
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
become a bold warrior and grown into a mighty king. The Scriptures say that his devotion to God was the key to his success. Twice in Chapter 8 the text says the Lord gave David victory wherever he went. Why was this the case with David, but not with his predecessor, Saul? Was God less powerful or less interested in Israel’s success while Saul was king? No, the difference was not in God, but in the two kings. Samuel told Saul, “But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command” (1 Samuel 13:14). Saul forfeited God’s help when he proudly rebelled against God’s will.
In Romans 8, Paul asked several questions to strengthen our confidence and clarify our security in Christ. In the face of trouble,
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
hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness or danger of the sword, he said, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
This text stresses that we can live like David, enjoying God’s help as we face life’s obstacles and battles. Just a few lines above, Paul posed this question: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). He phrased in another way in Philippians: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (4:13).
In light of these verses, why do some Christians live victoriously while others founder and fall prey to the devil and the lusts that war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11)?
Why do they lose time after time? The power to win is there. We must choose to appropriate that power by walking with God. When we refuse to follow God’s will, we forfeit the assurance of victory. Brothers and sisters in Christ can
encourage us. Preachers and teachers can exhort us to persist and be dedicated. But each individual must make the personal decision to deny self, take up the cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). Then we will be walking in the steps of the One who promises, “To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne” (Revelation 3:21).
Here is the real tragedy of being a slave of sin and a victim of the devil’s devices: No one has to lose! We can choose to be like dedicated David to whom God gave victory wherever he went, or like Saul— full of pride and self, alone and defeated by foes he could have overcome with God’s help. When we stop blaming God, others and circumstances, we are left with our own choice.
It is one thing to lose an
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
MIKE MCELROY Pastor
impossible struggle, but quite another to forfeit a sure victory. My friend, are you conquering? Are you winning daily victories over the tempter? Or are you a spiritual casualty or prisoner of war in the conflict between good and evil? I encourage you to honestly answer these questions. It is your choice. Do you want to win like David, or lose like Saul?
Mike McElroy recently retired after preaching almost 27 years at East Tallassee Church of Christ. He is the author of The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide to Your Journey Through the New Testament and Christmas Pilgrims: A Journey to See Jesus. In retirement, Mike plans to continue writing and publishing books in his Abiding Companion series of essays about each chapter of the Bible. He can be reached at mbmcelroy@gmail. com.
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.
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
If you did not know the name Terrance Collins heading into this basketball season, more than likely you do now. He had seen varsity minutes back in seventh grade, but now as a freshman, he is a full-fledged starter and he took no time waiting to show his impact. In the first game
of the season against Marbury, Collins debuted with a 19-point and 14-rebound night while also adding four steals in the process. From that point on he did not look back, earning the 2025 Elmore County Boys Basketball Player of the Year distinction.
On the year he averaged a double-double, which is difficult for any standout player to accomplish no less doing
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
The groundwork has been laid; all that’s left is to continue it.
Wins piled up all season long for the Wetumpka boys basketball team. At the helm of the operation was head coach Steven Thomas, who led the team to its first 20-win season since the 2013 season and a Sweet 16 appearance.
For his efforts, he is the 2025 Elmore County Boys Basketball Coach of the Year.
Like any team, the Indians had their fair share of highs and lows throughout the year but ultimately finished with more highs. The minute the season started, they got on a winning track, jumping out to a 3-2 start, but it all paled in comparison to the run made following the Thanksgiving break.
From December through January, Wetumpka went on a monstrous streak, winning 11 straight games.
Everything was clicking on all cylinders with the team embracing the “one game at a time” mindset Thomas had envisioned for them.
“We weren’t really worried about going on to the next game or looking ahead (to) whoever we had,” Thomas said. “We just took it one at a time. Our mantra is going in was anybody in front of us, we’ll just focus on beating who we play that day.”
Whatever was necessary, the Indians were going to find a way to win. Thomas keyed in on the plethora of victories they piled up coming off of someone’s hot hand or the team as a whole playing lockdown defense. It did not matter
how, all that mattered was coming away with a win.
“We started to, just from that point, figuring out we can find ways to win in different aspects of the game,” Thomas said. “Whether it be firing on all cylinders on offense, or being able to guard at a high level on defense, just different things like that. We found ways to win during that streak and throughout the season.”
There was one series in particular that Thomas pointed out that exemplified this team’s ability to win — the three games against Elmore County. Wetumpka took home a win in each of those games, but those wins all came from someone different each time.
Andrew Voyles had the hot hand in the first one with 35 points, then it was Nolan Fitch’s turn with a 23-point outing in the second, then the Indians capped it off with a combination of Fitch and Voyles in the finale as the two combined for 43 points.
“We had one game there that I remember specifically when we were over at Elmore County, and from the jump, you could tell it was going to be a hardfought game,” Thomas said. “Coach (Nathan) Taylor over there always has a great game plan. In the first game at our place, Andrew Voyles had a very good game. So (Taylor) game planned to take him away. I noticed that Nolan Fitch had a great game for us, especially in that second half where Andrew couldn’t get things going. And next thing you know, Nolan has a 23-point game
See THOMAS, Page B2
it as a freshman in Class 6A. Collin finished as a leader in points with 16.7 per game and rebounds with 10.2 per game while finishing in the top three of every other stat for Stanhope Elmore this year.
“Terrance, he really came in and played well,” Stanhope coach Austin Moncus said. “We really give him the freedom to
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: TERRANCE COLLINS, STANHOPE ELMORE FRESHMAN
A name to watch over the course of the next three years will be Terrance Collins for Stanhope Elmore. He just finished his freshman campaign with the Mustangs, leading them in almost every major statistical category. He finished first in points with 16.7 per game, first in rebounds with 10.6 per game and first in field goal percentage with 45% on the year. Collins also was second on the team in blocks and steals while being third in assists. Standing at 6-foot-1, he has a unique blend of size and speed which was showcased this past season as he helped improve the Mustangs record from nine wins to 14.
FIRST TEAM
ANDREW VOYLES, WETUMPKA JUNIOR
For as much success the Indians saw this year on the court, Andrew Voyles played a monster role in getting the team to the Sweet 16. He finished as the leading scorer with 17.6 points per game, but all-around helped the team succeed. Voyles added 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.8 steals per game. As the primary goal scorer for the squad, he shot the ball at an extremely high rate going 51% from the field and 38% from behind the arc. Still with one more year left before his high school career is over, his number could see an incline as a senior.
JADEN EASON, ELMORE COUNTY SENIOR
Jaden Eason was all-around the best scorer for the Panthers last season, but where he made teams pay most was behind the
arc. He averaged a team-high 18 points per game in his senior year, while shooting a monstrous 45% from the 3-point line and knocking down 92 3-pointers on the year. He was also a proficient shooter at the free-throw line, going 88% on the year. He along with the rest of the senior class for Elmore County helped turn around the basketball program from just three wins to 13, narrowly falling to Beauregard in the first round of the area tournament where their season ended.
BROCK WHITT, EDGEWOOD JUNIOR
To average a double-double is one thing, but to average 13.1 points per game to pair it with 12.4 rebounds is another. Junior Brock Whitt did that for the Wildcats this year en route to an Elite 8 appearance against Springwood this past season. Standing at 6-foot-4, Whitt used his size to truly set him apart with his presence in the paint on both sides of the ball. He still has one more year with Edgewood Academy and his production this past season will be key in the team’s performance the following season.
ROWEN THORNTON, TALLASSEE SENIOR
Talk about a walking bucket — that is exactly what Rowen Thornton was and has been for the Tallassee basketball team his entire career. Last year, Thornton was on the cusp of 20 points per game; this year he exceeded that number for his second consecutive appearance as a first-team nod. In his senior year, he led the Tigers with 21 points per game while also being a steady presence on the defensive side of the ball. Although the season did not go exactly how he might have liked, he will continue to
prove his scoring prowess at Chattahoochee Valley next year to reign in the start of his collegiate career.
ELIJAH HEADLEY, HOLTVILLE SENIOR The beginning of the season seemed a little grim for the Bulldogs, but after notable seniors like Elijah Headley found their stride it made for a fun end to the season. Headley was a mainstay on both sides of the ball for Holtville this past season thanks to his 6-foot-6 frame. He finished as the team’s leading scorer with 9.8 points per game, adding 6.4 rebounds and a teamhigh 1.2 blocks per game. You’d imagine more of his points came from inside the paint, but Headley was not shy to show his range from behind the arc for the Bulldogs.
SECOND TEAM Nolan Fitch, Wetumpka senior Kaleb Sanders, Stanhope Elmore sophomore Sawyer Compton, Tallassee senior Drew Knighton, Elmore County senior Kelton Shuford, Holtville senior Thomas Justiss, Edgewood junior
HONORABLE MENTIONS
WETUMPKA: Chris Robinson, Tom Suddith and Justin Godwin
TALLASSEE: Jaiden Gordon and Simeon Parker
ELMORE COUNTY: Austin Davis and Seth McGhee
Stanhope Elmore: Judiah Gilbert and Kamran Anderson
HOLTVILLE: Arkevious Turner, Braxton Gaither and Ethan Pruitt
EDGEWOOD: Avery Haskew, Eric Sumrall and Ja’Qub Anthony
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
The Wetumpka softball team shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The Indians picked up a 24-5 win over Percy Julian, 7-3 win over Calera, 5-4 win over Woodland and a 15-0 win over Providence Christian last week.
Like it has been all season long, the play in the batter’s box was stellar to say the least. Through five games, Wetumpka compiled a ridiculous 56 hits with a game-high 17 hits against Percy Julian. Lily Davenport arguably swung the bat the best, accounting for seven hits of her own while scoring six runs through those five games. Ava Farmer, Alyssa Brown and Bailey Carlise also made use of their at-bats in the five-game stretch as well.
It has been a season full of winning streaks, after falling to Brookwood in the second game of the season Wetumpka responded with a 16-game win streak. Then following a loss to Springville won the next four straight.
Now following a 7-5 loss to Dothan, Wetumpka has already won the past two games with another winning streak seemingly looming in the distance.
STANHOPE ELMORE EXTENDS WIN STREAK TO FIVE STRAIGHT
The Stanhope softball team has found its stride and has not looked back.
After starting the season 0-12 — it has been all Mustangs since.
The week started with a 12-2 victory over Trinity Presbyterian where Stanhope Elmore was dominant in the batter’s box. After just two innings of play, Stanhope was already out to a 10-0 lead. By the end of the game, Stanhope racked up 17 hits with Savannah Wyatt, Hayden Bush, Anaijhai Russell, KK Lovejoy, Zoey Gibson and Kheyari Brown all accounting for two hits apiece.
Next up was an 8-5 win over Prattville, where yet against the Mustangs showed their prowess in the batter’s box. Bush, Russell and Alexis Kiddy each ended with two hits with Taylor Burkett, Lovejoy and Brown adding a hit of their own as well.
Although they snatched a victory it did not come until the sixth inning. Prattville held a 5-2 lead over Stanhope for the majority of the game, but in the bottom of the sixth Stanhope racked up six runs to cement its fifth straight victory.
HOLTVILLE SCORED 19 IN WIN OVER MAPLESVILLE
It was hit after hit in the Holtville softball team’s 19-10 win over Maplesville on Friday. Both teams ended 15 hits a piece, but it was the Bulldogs who escaped with more scoring opportunities.
In addition to notching her 300th career varsity hit, Bailea Boone was on a mission from start to finish. She went a perfect five-for-five in her at-bats while scoring five runs, stealing four bases and one RBI. She was not alone either, Kylie Snowden and Avery Goff each sent one over the fence — Snowden finished with six RBIs.
Although the Bulldogs had a lot of success in the batter’s box, the pitching circle was another situation. Megyn Burnett started off the first four innings, surrendering 11
hits, seven runs and picking up seven errors. Trinity Stroud came in for the last three where she surrendered four hits and three runs, but struck out five batters.
EDGEWOOD SPLITS WITH CHAMBERS, CLARKE PREP
It was a nail-biting affair between the Edgewood Academy softball team and Chambers in a Friday doubleheader. Things seemed bleak for
the Wildcats, who found themselves down 6-3 heading into the bottom of the fourth inning. However, it was the combination of Avey Rambo, Addie Stubbs, Willow Meadors, Lexie Smith and Avery White all logging a hit in the final inning to catapult into the lead.
Savannah Woods was in the circle, where she surrendered six runs, six hits and picked up six errors but struck out three batters and walked three. Yet again, against Clarke Prep it was another nail biter but this time it was Edgewood that fell 3-1. It was a close match throughout with both teams tied 1-1 heading into the sixth inning. However, Clarke Prep picked up some momentum and some runs to pull into the lead. Edgewood couldn’t replicate its late-game magic coming out of the final inning scoreless.
Wetumpka’s Asher Nobles allows just one hit against Reeltown
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
It was a tripleheader for the Wetumpka baseball team on Friday between Reeltown and Park Crossing with the Indians wreaking havoc in both.
The day started with an 18-0 beatdown against the Rebels. The Indians found themselves on the scoreboard early and often, scoring all 18 runs in just four innings of play. Logan Fawcett, Tyler Johnson and Asher Nobles finished the night with one hit apiece.
Mason Fuller and Kyle Richardson came away with two hits each. The best day came from Peyton Dickey who logged three hits in his four at-bats — adding one run and two RBIs. Nobles was also a monster on the mound for Wetumpka. Through five innings he allowed one hit while walking two batters and striking out three.
The Indians carried that momentum into a 16-6 win over Park Crossing. Yet again, the bats were flying for the team. Dickey and Johnson continued their
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because he stepped up when our offense wasn’t very good at that.”
FRESHMAN
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hitting streak with one apiece while James Browing, Cohen Bell, Sam Sharp, Aunre Hatcher and Lige Westbrook joined in on the fun.
Wetumpka looks to carry the momentum into games against Saint James and Benjamin Russell this week.
STANHOPE DROPS BACK-TO-BACK GAMES
After compiling a five-game win streak, the Stanhope Elmore
Even with notable contributions to be lost, Wetumpka now knows what it takes to perform at a high level. Now, the hurdle to overcome is to not be complacent. With success comes expec -
play. Not a lot of time you see a freshman average and a double-double at the 6A level I’ll tell you that.”
According to Collins, what played to his benefit was the teammates he had around him. The combination of Kaleb Sanders and Judah Gilbert provided him complimentary pieces to score while Collins mentioned Kam Anderson playing a major role as to why he accumulated so many rebounds.
“My teammates really helped me out the most,” Collins said. “Kam Anderson and Judah Gilbert, they helped me out a lot. The reason I had (so many)
baseball team fell against Prattville, 4-3, and Pelham, 5-2, to close out the week.
Through both games, the Mustangs mustered only five total hits. Two of them belonged to Tyler Woodham while the rest went to Jackson Stallworth, Jackson Hynes and Will Stephens.
The opposition combined for nine hits but found themselves on base and in scoring position due to a combination
tations, as teams across the area will be gunning to topple Wetumpka on the court. Thomas will use the offseason to make sure they are still improving on a day-today basis as Wetumpka
rebounds was because Kam boxed guys out for me. If I couldn’t guard a person, Judah would guard them for me; those two are great teammates. Then another one of my teammates Kaleb Sanders — when it was too much on me, Kaleb can help me out a lot.”
Another aspect of his game that proved crucial for the Mustangs this year was his selflessness. Regardless of what was asked of him, Collins was going to do it.
“Kids nowadays correlate scoring the basketball with playing well, and that’s not him,” Moncus said. “If he’s not scoring the ball well, there are a lot of things that he does well on the court. As a coach, it’s hard to take
of pitching errors and walks. In total, the pitching split amongst five different players accumulated 14 walks and seven errors.
In both games it was close to start out, but Pelham and Prattville each gained momentum later in the game where both were able to snatch the lead.
Stanhope looks to get back to its winning ways against Central and Opelika this week.
aims to be on top for another year.
“You can’t go into next season thinking, ‘Oh, we made it this far last year,’” Thomas said. “That it’s going to be an easy thing, or that’s
HOLTVILLE SPLITS AGAINST ELMORE COUNTY, GLENWOOD
The week started out well for the Holtville baseball team, picking up its second consecutive win over Elmore County with a score of 6-1. However, the week ended with Holtville taking an 8-0 loss to Glenwood last Thursday.
Against the Panthers, hitting was no issue for the Bulldogs. They accumulated eight hits split between Carson McCutchin, Madison Curry, Gage Nelson, Gage Russom, Davis Foshee and Jayse Price. Nelson carried that momentum on the mound with two strikeouts and four walks, surrendering three hits and one run in the process.
Against Glenwood, though, things did not seem to go in Holtville’s direction. It mustered up three hits compared to Glenwood’s 10 on the day. The Gators slowly but surely accrued runs while the Bulldogs struggled to get on base.
Now sitting at 7-8 on the year, Holtville will try to pick up some much-needed wins against Pike Liberal Arts and Sylacauga this week.
going to be something that’s going to be automatic. No, you still got teams around you that are going to work today. If you’re not showing up with the expectation that a team across the
him off the floor. He played the most minutes on our team; it was just hard as a coaching staff for us to take him off the floor, just because he does everything so well.”
Heading forward into the rest of his playing career, Moncus wants Collins to continue what he’s doing. The main priority right now is getting him in the weight room to fill out his 6-foot-1 frame while also tackling new responsibilities as a leader for the team. The offseason has already begun for Stanhope Elmore with weekend workouts and as no surprise Collins is there helping get his team better.
“(We want him to) figure out how to be a good teammate, how to be a good leader,” Moncus said. “When
EDGEWOOD PICKS UP WIN AGAINST FORT DALE, FALLS TO CHAMBERS Things just did not seem to go in favor of the Edgewood Academy baseball team against Chambers Academy, falling 10-5. Edgewood actually finished the day with more hits but was unable to score runs compared to Chambers.
It was the Wildcats who held onto the lead for the most part, but late-game heroics from the Rebels sealed the defeat. Despite the Wildcats holding a 5-4 lead, the Rebels scored six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning to cement the victory.
Edgewood redeemed itself with a 3-2 victory over Fort Dale the following day. Landon Smith, Parker Shaw, Cooper Freeman, Ethan Evans and Jackson Hudson all picked up a hit each. Brock Whitt, Shaw and Freeman accounted for the three runs scored. Garrett Myers, Whitt and Evans found themselves on the mound combining for seven strikeouts and four walks while allowing three hits and two runs on the day.
street or a team that you’re going to end up playing in any championship round, if you think they’re not trying to get better to beat you, then what are you here for?”
you work hard, bring people with you and make the program as a whole better. I think as a kid, his mindset is in the direction of getting our team better, which is a special man.”
Collin shared a similar sentiment of making the team around him better this offseason. However, the main goal for him is to make sure the Mustangs are in the playoff and competing for an area title.
“I just (want to ) get better with my team,” Collins said. “Making it far, getting in the playoffs and maybe the Sweet 16, getting farther than what we did this year. We’re just gonna get more discipline, more right when it comes to basketball. We’ll be good, and we’re gonna make it far.”
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PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE
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
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
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
gy gg Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for Quicken Loans, LLC, on January 14, 2021, said mortgage Judge of Probate of Autauga County, Alabama, in Real Property Book 2024 Page 3347; the undersigned Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC, as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mort-
gage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama, on April 10, 2025, during the legal hours of sale, all of its right, title, and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Autauga County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the Northeast corner of the Southwest 1/4 of
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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 the right for a distance of 365.64 feet to the point of beginning; thence continue along same line for a distance of 188.96 feet to a point on the Easterly margin of Goss Street; thence turn 63 degrees 06 minutes to the left and along said Street for a distance of 50.05 feet to the point of beginning of a curve to the right having a intersecting angle of 24 degrees 36 minutes 30 seconds, a radius at its right of way of 208.39 feet, run an arc distance of 31.50 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
Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated April 25, 2022 executed by Gregory Bailey, a single man, in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. solely as nominee for Caliber Home Loans, Inc., said Mortgage being recorded May 2, 2022, in RLPY Book 2022, the Judge of Probate of Elmore County, Alabama; having later been assigned to NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing by instrument recorded in RLPY Book 2024, Page 44263, Probate of Elmore County, Alabama. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, 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 05/22/2025, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at an iron pin at the Northeast corner of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 16, T 20 North, R 17 East, Elmore County, Alabama; Thence South 00 deg. 04 min. 23 sec. West, along Quarter Section line, 1328.42 feet to an iron pin; Thence North 89 deg. 01 min. 24 sec. East, 128.40 feet to an iron pin, said point being the Point of Beginning; Thence continue North 89 deg. 01 min. 24 sec. East, 330.44 feet to an iron pin; Thence South 00 deg. 11 min. 04 sec. West, 182.46 feet to an iron pin on the North Right of Way of Geddie Loop Road, 60 foot Right of Way; Thence South 67 deg. 08 min. 28 sec. West, along said Right of Way, 56.74 feet; Thence South 66 deg. 07 min. 31 sec. West, along said Right of Way, 239.80 feet to an iron pin; Thence leaving said Right of Way, North 23 deg. 52 min. 29 sec. West, 145.20 feet to an iron pin; Thence North 00 deg. 11 min. 03 sec. East, 163.15 feet to the Point of Beginning. The above described property lies in the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 16, T 20 North, R 17 East, Elmore County, Alabama, and contains 1.80 acres, more or less. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 1346 Geddie Loop Rd, Deatsville, AL 36022. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS, WHEREIS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage. NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2, 2025 30-FC-25-01101
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Chad D. McCaulley and Nicole M. McCaulley, husband and wife, originally in favor of Mortgage
tenant reexaminations
•Responsible for general knowledge of Housing Regulations and specific knowledge of Occupancy Rules and Regulations
•Maintain thorough knowledge of program requirements and update regulations as required.
•Perform other related assignments as required.
Skills
•Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel).
•Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
•Excellent time management abilities to prioritize tasks effectively.
•Experience in customer service or as a personal assistant is a plus.
•Computer literacy with the ability to adapt to new software quickly.
•Familiarity with clerical duties, use of copier and fax, and office procedures.
� The ability to work independently as well as perform in a demanding environment when necessary.
Work Schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday)
Pay: $35,600 – 41,600 yearly depending on education and experience
Benefits: Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, BCBS Insurance and Retirement (RSA)
If you are enthusiastic about providing exceptional administrative support in a dynamic work environment, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity, and submit an application and resume to: Dadeville Housing Authority 845 Freeman Drive
Dadeville, AL 36853 256-825-6004 Deadline for application: May 1, 2025
Dadeville Housing Authority 845 Freeman Drive, Dadeville, AL 36853
NOW HIRING: MAINTENANCE MECHANIC
Job Summary
This type of work involves the performance of semi-routine and diversified duties in connection with repairs to and maintenance of buildings and grounds requiring many skills found at the journeyman level such as carpentry for woodwork repairs, plumbing repairs, HVAC and electrical repairs, and painting work. An incumbent is expected to have knowledge of and manual skills in repairing such items as plumbing. valves and pipes, electrical outlets and switches, stoves and refrigerators, windows, doors, and
Responsibilities
• Independently performs a wide range of building and equipment repairs and maintenance functions.
• Repairs or replaces plumbing fixtures and pipes.
• Trouble shoots and repairs/replaces electrical systems and components.
• Trouble shoots and repairs HVAC systems and components.
• Trouble shoots and repairs/replaces refrigerators, windows, frames, doors, locks, flooring, ceilings, cabinets, roofs, fixtures, and other repairs as needed.
• Preform vacancy preparation work.
• Operate and maintain power equipment and tools.
• Maintain service vehicles, tools, and all other equipment.
• Complete work orders in a timely manner.
• Complete preventative maintenance checks.
• Groundskeeping task; trash removal, trimming, mowing, etc.
• Conducts UPCS and annual dwelling and system inspections and routine cleaning.
• Ensures all assigned subordinate personnel adhere to the Authority’s safety program and procedures.
• After hours/weekend emergency coverage and other duties as directed.
Skills/Knowledge
• Considerable knowledge of standard practices, methods, materials, tools, and equipment, used in building, grounds maintenance, plumbing, carpentry, and electrical trades.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Understand and work from sketches, blueprints, diagrams, etc.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with vendors, associates, residents, and contractors.
• Considerable knowledge of public housing inspection program, fauns, procedures, and requirements.
• High
• Ability to perform heavy lifting of objects, e.g., lift 75 lbs. from ground to waist level. Qualifications
the Southeast 1/4 of Section 15, Township 18 North, Range 16 East, Autauga County, Alabama: thence South 01 degrees 55 minutes 42 seconds East, 151.21 feet to the point of beginning; thence South 02 degrees 08 minutes 01 seconds East, 582.41 feet; thence South 87 degrees 56 minutes 52 seconds West, 320.0.feet; thence North 02 degrees 08 minutes 01 seconds West, 621.94 feet; thence South 85 degrees 00 minutes 43 seconds East, 322.49 feet to the point of beginning. The above described property lies in the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 15, Township 18 North, Range 16 East, Autauga County, Alabama Also granted with this conveyance South a 60 foot wide access and utility easement extending Southerly from county line road to this property, as recorded in RLPY Book 705 at Page 735. Also granted with this conveyance is a 20 foot wide access and utility easement extending Easterly from the above mentioned 60 feet wide easement to the West line of the above described property. Property street address for informational purposes: 409 Oak Valley Rd, Deatsville, AL 36022 the property address and the legal description, the legal description will control. 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 made payable 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 funds by noon the next busiTiffany & Bosco, P.A. 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 r serves 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. Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC, “Mortgagee/Transferee” Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. 2501 20th Place South Suite 300 Homewood, AL 35223 www.tblaw.com TB File Number: 24-03579-QQAL Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2, 2025 25-00465 PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF CHAMBERS COUNTY STATE OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN HARBOR RESORT & MARINA, PLAINTIFF, VS. JASON GOBER, DEFENDANT. CASE NUMBER: DV-2024-900085.00 NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION TO: JASON GOBER Take notice that a Complaint
sort & Marina vs. Jason
g of Elmore County, Alabama; having later been assigned to Trustmark National Bank by instrument recorded in Book 2024, Page 47780, in the OfElmore County, Alabama. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Trustmark National Bank, 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 04/23/2025, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Elmore County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot 2, Block A, according to the Plat of Westlawn Estates as the same appears of record in the of Elmore County, Alabama, in Plat Book 3 at Page 64. For informational purposes only, the property address is: 31 Forrest Ave., 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. Trustmark National Bank
Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park SouthSuite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 40-FC-25-01110
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2, 2025 40-FC-25-01110
y for Administrator: WILL O’REAR, JR. SASSER & O’REAR, LLC
7007 FULTON COURT MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA
36117
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2, 2025
EST/CARROLL, S.
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 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
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 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SEAN PATRICK CARROLL, DECEASED. CASE NO: 2025-035 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
DV-2024-900085.00 PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated August 11, 2020 executed by Kellye S. Dennis and Stephen Dennis
August 12, 2020, in
2020,
55523, in the
Letters of Administration over the Estate of SEAN PATRICK CARROLL, deceased, having been granted to TIFFANIE CARROLL on March 12, 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.
TIFFANIE CARROLL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF SEAN PATRICK CARROLL, DECEASED Name and Address of Attorney
TIVE 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 JESSIE L. MCINTYRE A/K/A JESSIE LEE FREE, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2025-065 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters Testamentary in the Estate of JESSIE L. MCINTYRE A/K/A JESSIE LEE FREE, deceased, having been granted to MURRAY FREE on March 14, 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.
MURRAY FREE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF JESSIE L. MCINTYRE A/K/A JESSIE LEE FREE, DECEASED. Attorney of Record for Personal Representative: G. Barton Crum Crum, Ellis & Associates, P.C. P.O. Box 1186 Montgomery, AL 36101 Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2, 2025
EST/MCINTYRE J. 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
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 5, 12 and 19, 2025 EST/DENNIS, K. PUBLIC NOTICE
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELA DARLENE DICKINSON, DECEASED. CASE NO: 2025-062 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE
Letters of Administration over the Estate of ANGELA DARLENE DICKINSON, deceased, having been granted to JAMES COREY DICKINSON on March 12, 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.
JAMES COREY DICKINSON ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF ANGELA DARLENE DICKINSON, DECEASED
Name and Address of Attorney for Administrator: JASON M. JACKSON RADNEY, RADNEY & JACKSON. LLC PO BOX 819 ALEXANDER CITY. ALABAMA 35011 256-234-2547
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2, 2025 EST/DICKINSON A. 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 present the same to the Court or the same will be barred.
TINA ELLEN LAKHOTIA PERSONAL REPRESENTA-
NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF RESOLUTION VACATING A PORTION OF MAVERICK CIRCLE IN ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Pursuant to a proposal by the Elmore County Commission, the said Commission conducted a public hearing on the 10 th day of March, 2025 regarding whether or not to vacate a portion of Maverick Circle, and is more particularly and accurately described as follows: ALL OF THAT PORTION OF MAVERICK CIRCLE THAT HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN VACATED BY THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION, COMMENCING AT THE BEGINNING OF THE NORTHERN MOST POINT OF MAVERICK CIRCLE THAT IS DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM THE NORTHERN MOST POINT OF PARCEL NUMBER 24 01 02 0 000 006.002 (120 MAVERICK CIRCLE, WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093) THEN CONTINUES AND CONCLUDES AT THE SOUTHERN MOST POINT OF MAVERICK CIRCLE THAT ABUTS DOZIER ROAD AND IS DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM PARCEL NUMBER 24 01 02 0 000 007.000 (2119 MAVERICK CIRCLE; WETUMPKA, ALABAMA 36093). In accordance with Alabama law, proponents and opponents to the proposed vacation were given the opportunity to speak on the issue. Following the public hearing, the Elmore County Commission found that no entity or person would be cut off from access by the vacation of the subject portion of Maverick Circle, but to the contrary, all other entities and persons already have reasonable and convenient access to their properties, and that it is in the best interest of the public that such portion of the subject real property be vacated. By unanimous consent of The Elmore County Commission on the 10 th day of March, 2025, a resolution was passed vacating the above-described portion of Maverick Circle located in Elmore County, Alabama.
Jeffrey J. Courtney Attorney for the Elmore County Commission Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 19, 2025 RESOLUTION
PUBLIC NOTICE
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE
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.
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
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS PROJECT NO. R023725001 CITY OF TALLASSEE ELMORE COUNTY, ALABAMA
SEALED BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF TALLASSEE at 3 Freeman Ave, Tallassee, AL, 36078 UNTIL 1:30 PM, Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, AND AT THAT TIME PUBLICLY OPENED FOR CONSTRUCTING THE FOLLOWING: ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS ALONG SOUTH ANN AVENUE, COMER LANE AND CLIFF STREET FOR THE CITY OF TALLASSEE, PROJECT NO. R023725001 THE BRACKET ESTIMATE ON THIS PROJECT IS FROM $230,000.00 TO $260,000.00. THIS BRACKET RANGE IS SHOWN ONLY TO PROVIDE GENERAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO CONTRACTORS AND BONDING COMPANIES CONCERNING THE PROJECT’S COMPLEXITY AND SIZE. THIS BRACKET SHOULD NOT BE USED IN PREPARING A BID, NOR WILL THIS BRACKET HAVE ANY BEARING ON THE DECISION TO AWARD THE CONTRACT. THE PRINCIPAL ITEMS OF WORK ARE APPROXIMATELY AS FOLLOWS: 22 MACHINE GRADING SHOULDERS, PER STATION 2533 MICRO MILLING EXISTING PAVEMENT (APP 1.10” THRU 2.00” THICK), PER SQUARE YARD 529 SUPERPAVE BITUMINOUS CONCRETE WEARING SURFACE LAYER, 1/2” MAX AGG ESAL A/B, PER TON 75 SUPERPAVE BITUMINOUS CONCRETE WEARING SURFACE LAYER, PATCHING 1” MAX AGG ESAL A/B, PER TON 25 SUPERPAVE BITUMINOUS CONCRETE WEARING SURFACE LAYER, LEVELING 1/2” ESAL A/B, PER TON THE ENTIRE PROJECT SHALL BE COMPLETED IN THIRTY (30) WORKING DAYS. TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION, BIDS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON COMPLETE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE OWNER. BID DOCUMENTS (INCLUDING PLANS AND PROPOSALS) ARE AVAILABLE AT CDG, INC., 224 BROAD STREET, SUITE 201, GADSDEN, AL, 35903 (256) 5439431. PAPER COPIES ARE AVAILABLE UPON RECEIPT OF A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $200 FOR ONE SET. PDF ELECTRONIC COPIES ARE AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL AT NO COST TO THE BIDDER. NO BID DOCUMENTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED LATER THAN 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED OPENING OF BIDS. A CASHIER’S CHECK (DRAWN ON AN ALABAMA BANK) OR BID BOND FOR 5% OF THE AMOUNT BID (MAXIMUM - $10,000.00) AND MADE PAYABLE TO THE CITY OF TALLASSEE MUST ACCOMPANY EACH BID AS EVIDENCE OF GOOD FAITH. IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 34-8-8, CODE OF ALABAMA, AS AMENDED, “ALL OWNERS, ARCHITECTS, AND ENGINEERS RECEIVING BIDS PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER SHALL REQUIRE THE PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION TO INCLUDE HIS OR HER CURRENT LICENSE NUMBER ON THE BID.” IT ALSO STATES THAT “...IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR HIM OR HER TO SHOW EVIDENCE OF LICENSE BEFORE HIS OR HER BID IS CONSIDERED.” PREQUALIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED ON THIS PROJECT. FURTHER DETAILS AND DEFINITIONS REGARDING THIS PROVISION ARE INCLUDED IN SECTION 102 OF SPECIAL PROVISION 22-LPA001 AND ALDOT’S 2022 STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS. PROOF OF INSURANCE COVERAGES OF THE TYPES AND AMOUNTS AS SET FORTH IN THE PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS WILL BE REQUIRED OF THE CONTRACTOR, AND ANY AND ALL SUBCONTRACTORS, PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK. THE CONTRACTOR WILL BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM WORK AMOUNTING TO AT LEAST 30% OF THE TOTAL CONTRACT COST WITH HIS OWN ORGANIZATION. THE PROPOSED WORK SHALL BE PERFORMED IN CONFORMITY WITH ALDOT STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS AND ALL APPLICABLE LAWS, RULES, AND REGULATIONS. THE RIGHT TO REJECT ANY OR ALL BIDS AND TO DISREGARD ANY MINOR IRREGULARITIES IS RESERVED BY THE OWNER. HONORABLE SARAH HILL, MAYOR
Wetumpka Herald: Mar. 19, 26 and Apr. 2, 2025 S. ANN AVE
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
A homeschooled stu -
dent was awarded the seventh annual Elmore County Republican Party Scholarship.
Sophie Creamer was one of three finalists invited to the party’s annual scholarship dinner and walked away with the top dollar.
“She is our first-ever homeschool applicant,” scholarship chairperson Karen Stewart said. “We also had a record number of applicants.”
Creamer started school in the Eclectic schools but she and her family chose to keep education in the home. But it didn’t stop her interaction with public school students. Creamer was more than a member of the Elmore County High School Maroon Machine Marching Band. She was also band president while playing the piccolo and oboe.
Practice and performances had her on the field and in the band room four to five days a week. There were also football games, competition days and concerts at which to perform.
“It takes a lot of time management skills, but I feel like homeschooling has taught me a lot about that,” Creamer said. “Band taught me a lot about leadership skills and helped me become the leader I am
today.” The scholarship requires an essay based in politics. This year’s prompt was to write something in the political realm that should have been handled differently.
“I chose federal spending, particularly pertaining to FEMA and the hurricanes and Ukraine,” Creamer said. “Then DOGE and all that stuff started coming out. It’s even revealed more that I could have used
in my essay that I didn’t know prior to submitting it. I may go back and rewrite portions of it.”
Creamer currently plans to attend Jacksonville State University and major in nursing.
“I have not yet tried
out for the scholarship portion of it,” Creamer said. She also wants to carry on her music that kept her on the band fields.
“I’ll try out for the marching band when that comes closer in time,” Creamer said. Creamer was joined as a finalist by Wetumpka High School seniors Gracie Arnold and Price Goggans. All three were awarded financial scholarships.
STAFF REPORT
TPI Staff
After falling in the past two games, the Elmore County softball team responded by winning the next two. First the Panthers turned in a 7-4 victory over Marbury then followed it up with a 14-6 win over Alabama Christian Academy.
Against the Bulldogs, their play in the batter’s box excelled with the Panthers racking up 10 hits on the day. Lalah Culpepper had one of the better days, logging three hits in her four at-bats along with two runs and one RBI. Addison Hicks was another who shared in the hitting success for the Panthers – picking up two hits and two runs. Kayden Edwards also finished the night with two hits to her name, picking up one run and one RBI as well. Raevyn Barris, Brooklyn Berry and Abigail Holt were the remaining players to each log a hit against the Bulldogs.
Culpepper took sole duties on the mound with varying levels of success. She surrendered eight hits and picked up three errors, but struck out five batters.
Then against Alabama Christian, the hitting success continued. Hicks, yet again racked up hits, in her five at-bats she picked up three hits, two runs and one RBI. Edwards picked up two
hits in her five at-bats. Barris, Culpepper, Addie Peadan, Addy Patterson and Berry rounded out the hitting affair for the group.
ELMORE COUNTY BASEBALL FALLS DESPITE EARLY LEAD AGAINST SHELBY COUNTY
Through the first three innings, it looked to be all Elmore County, but at the end of the final inning it was Shelby County who came out on top 9-8. The Panthers jumped out to an early being up 5-0 by the completion of the third inning. However, once the fifth came around it was the Wildcats who ultimately prevailed, scoring all nine of their runs through just three innings. Shelby County was atop of the hitting department with 11 hits while Elmore County finished the day with eight. Shae Darnell and Austin Davis each finished the day with two hits apiece — both combining for three runs. Gage Davis, Shelton Darnell, Dallin Simpson and Carson Saucier came away with a hit. Pitching duties were split between Gage Davis, Austin Davis and Jaden Eason who surrendered 11 hits, nine runs and combined for seven errors. However the pitching trio racked up 11 strikeouts with Gage Davis accounting for eight of them.