It was more than six years ago that 32-year-old Eric Cates and his beloved dog Gypsy were found dead inside Cates burned pickup truck behind the old Empire School in Walker County. The Library of Congress > Chronicling America > The Alaska daily empire. Beyond the classroom, Walker County Schools provides a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to get involved in. Your support as a patron of Secrets True Crime Podcast helps us cover the expenses associated with producing a high quality podcast, traveling to conduct fieldwork and interviews, and obtaining the tools and equipment needed to conduct a thorough investigation. D [email protected]. See Empire photos and images from satellite below, explore the aerial photographs of Empire in United States. The school day typically begins around 8:00 am and ends around 3:00 pm. If you have any information that could help in solving the murders of Eric and Gypsy, please call the Walker County Sheriffs Office at 205-522-6112. The people who made those statements expressed how they were in fear for their lives after speaking with law enforcement. Saturday night after we had found the truck with Eric and Gypsy in it at the empire school. Gypsys remains were sent to Auburn University for a necropsy, but veterinarians told Stover there wasnt enough left of the bulldog-mix to examine. Weve been told countless times that murderers including those responsible for Erics death, are still walking free because they are long time police informants and are being protected by law enforcement or others in positions of power. Username Password. As weve talked to dozens of people over the last couple months, I was struck by an unusual paradox. Its northern border is shared with Tennessee. FAFSA Code: // Main Campus , , // CY16 Default Rate: %. Tonya Mauldin and a couple other family members had been asked by Tobbie to take photos that day. But Eric and Gypsy are gone and nothing that I do or say, or no matter who is arrested for their murders, is ever going to bring him back.. "It's horrendous," said Stover. He left the Walker County Sheriffs Office earlier this year. Empire Beauty Schools are accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) which holds its members to a higher standard of quality than non-accredited schools. We will refer to them as BB and LB. var zoneid = '30'; Are you wondering why Randy Hicks is one of the few names Ive revealed? During the school year, students attend classes from Monday to Friday, and have a full day off on weekends. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is now involved because of the presence of the weapons. All rights reserved. Michael pointed out a white styrofoam cooler with writing on it. It has an annual revenue of $106,641,000. In Michigan, Walker is ranked 612nd of 1091 cities in Public Schools per capita, and 594th of 1091 cities in Public Schools per square mile. If after the last episode, anyone has been wondering how a county gets to the point of only have a 12% clearance rate on homicides, heres your roadmap. Cherokee Ridge Elementary School Unclaimed. The district offers a variety of classes, including traditional subjects such as math, science, and English, as well as specialized classes such as STEM, special education, and English as a second language. If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe in your podcast player of choice and by giving us a 5-star rating and review in Apple Podcasts. Everything, I mean, I dont know. Williamson County Schools Calendar. We thought we'd get someone else to, process of the scene. I asked him was there anything to the rumors that it was due to the guy that had been arrested on 78 highway by the US Marshals for the guns. or call our confidential tip line at 205-282-0740. Hotels Near Empire Junior High School (historical), Get Current Demographic Data for Cities, Towns, and ZIP Codes, View Boundary Maps, for Cities, Towns, and ZIP Codes, Locate Physical, Cultural, and Historical Features, Alabama physical, cultural and historic features, School attendance zone maps (school boundary maps), Number of students, teachers, lowest and highest grades taught, Links to school & enrollment characteristics, test scores, & parent reviews. The mirror was still there. Oh yea just like I know Erics truck. You know what's left are the remnants of the school. Youll hear more about Selman Rd in future episodes as it has been heavily rumored to be a pertinent location in Eric & Gypsys murders. I thought I caught a glimpse of it in the picture that yall had posted. Um, but, uh, we walked over and Kinda, I knowed what them piles was. From Business: Business Interiors, Inc. is a specialized contract furnishings firm representing the finest manufacturers in the contract furnishings industry. The Blue Store is a small convenience store with a couple gas pumps and a kitchen that cooks up breakfast daily and serves tasty made to order burgers and sandwiches for lunch. . Land area: 36.9 square miles. For Mac OS users, there is a system setting that may not allow you to tab onto several types of elements in a web page. Then, in 1956, Ramona High opened on Magnolia Avenue, and Rubidoux High School in "West Riverside" opened in 1959. ins.style.width = '100%'; Walker County Schools Our District Services For Students For Parents For Staff Employment Technology Translate to: Espaol More PowerSchool Enrollment Enrollment and Updates Home For Parents PowerSchool Enrollment Enrollment and Updates Click on the link below for school enrollment. ins.style.minWidth = container.attributes.ezaw.value + 'px'; container.appendChild(ins); This isnt aimed at the many honest and hardworking men and women who serve and protect their communities everyday. 1501 Viking Drive. Simple Add/Edit Procedure . Tonya told me that they received tips of various weapons being used in Erics death. Ive spent a good bit of time pondering this. Jasper, AL 35501. And he said, no, we have enough evidence. That all students have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential. HOME Genealogy Trails 2023 2023 Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. She hasn't heard from him since last Friday, March 20. 706-638-1240 / (fax) 706-638-7827 . Walker County Public Schools spends $12,271 per student each year. The county was created in 1833 from Murray County and named after Major Freeman Walker, an Augusta lawyer and U.S. senator. Read MoreIt is our pleasure to welcome you to Walker County Schools. It didn't look like the had anything in him, but as I, as we walked on around, we seen them two piles there. So I left and went back and checked the cameras and it was the long wheel base but he was still getting gas. Map . Maps, Driving Directions & Local Area Information Popular Local Resources Hotels Near Empire Junior High School (historical) Nearby Cities It is subject to change based on the decisions of the school board, Filed Under: 2023-2024 Tagged With: Walker County School Calendar, Walker County Schools Calendar, Walker Schools Calendar, WCS Calendar, Your email address will not be published. Join us next time as their story continues. In an attempt to acknowledge them all, . It was built in 1908 from salvaged lumber. ultimately the sheriffs office sent the Cates case to the State Bureau of Investigation. It was not #$%^&*s truck. He had pleaded guilty in 2018 on drug possession charges and received a 60-month suspended sentence. We have it filled with great information about Susan and Evan and will be regularly adding new content about Eric and Gypsy. YP - The Real Yellow PagesSM - helps you find the right local businesses to meet your specific needs. Chris: I don't know, but I know where he's going. I don't know if it was mama or somebody said don't touch it. Cameras on the side of the gas station showed Cates going down Coon Creek Road towards Hill Road, which leads into neighborhoods and eventually to the old Empire school building, where his body and truck were found the next day. The sheriffs office had to tow the truck out of the mudhole before they could remove Eric and Gypsys bodies. In short, your support as a patron allows us to do MORE for these families. It is a wonderful elementary school. Um, at that point, uh, I remember telling my cousin that was with me, I said, this ain't where this happened. I know Gypsy's paw bone was in there. }else{ "But I think you know, just a gut feeling.". And Mr. Bridges became very aggressive, jumped up, threatened to arrest us, told us he didn't have to answer our questions, that this was an ongoing investigation. Elevation: 505 feet. 7-8. Um, and after, well, Wednesday when we hadn't heard anything, um, I just called Wayne and told him I was going to see the sheriff's office and see who I could talk to. Still, Stover said, its welcomed progress. The school year typically begins in late August and ends in late May, with a winter break in December and a spring break in April. It was wide open. ft. condo located at 15 Central Park W Unit 24B, New York, NY 10023 sold for $8,830,000 on Jan 4, 2011. This trip to the school was one of our very first stops. All rights reserved (About Us). He immediately dialed 9-1-1 and they waited for law enforcement to arrive. It serves high school students in Walker, From Business: The Walker County Public School System governs various educational institutions. Others claimed Eric was murdered over various romantic interests. He was dressed to go somewhere, said family friend Crystal Corley who worked at the store. "You just pray that it's not," said Stover. I would be unloading it and he would jump up there, start throwing sacks down, helping, never asked for anything. It was formerly Empire Middle School but it had been closed a couple years before the school caught on fire in 2010. Our goal is to provide timely and necessary information allowing you to stay connected with your child in their educational journey. And, uh, it was obvious he didn't care. (205) 221-9277. Discover the beauty hidden in the maps. var m3_u = (location.protocol=='https:'? I think Wayne Wayne said something then about why won't you answer her questions? YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. A source with knowledge of the incident said a man called 911 for help with his mentally ill son. He wouldn't tell me. 15 minutes after the wrecker pulled Eric's truck out. Or do they just inform on minor crimes and offenses and wont get involved in cases such as murders? document.write ("?zoneid="+zoneid+"&block=1&blockcampaign=1"); The primary coordinates for Empire Junior High School (historical) places it within the AL 35063 ZIP Code delivery area. Teacher workdays are also scheduled throughout the year. About Search Results. Simmons Elementary School offers a variety of academic and learning programs. The story has always been told that turkey hunters found Eric & Gypsy in the burned truck that Saturday morning. Congratulations to Cristen Bridges on being chosen alternate. Empire Elementary School. That's going to look real good in the paper. The chief deputy and investigators chose not to rope off the crime scene. View Marion Walker's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. Some were cryptic. More information More like this Walker County Sweet Home Alabama Dixie Genealogy Homey Jasper Downtown Nostalgia The Past 19th Street East, Jasper, Alabama S Southern Scotsman Artesian Historical Photos Ancestry Vintage Images var width = $(window).width(); And as it went on, I, I believe it, that's not where my son was killed. lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId + '-asloaded'), { attributes: true }); if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'countyschoolcalendar_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_12',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countyschoolcalendar_com-medrectangle-4-0'); PDFif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'countyschoolcalendar_com-box-4','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countyschoolcalendar_com-box-4-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'countyschoolcalendar_com-banner-1','ezslot_6',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-countyschoolcalendar_com-banner-1-0'); Life at Walker County Schools is focused on providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in both their academic and personal lives. For Sale - 565 Empire Dr, Ukiah, CA - $499,000. Stover said Cates, who lived in Cullman, was taking his dog for a ride on Friday, March 20 to Walker County to visit friends. We walked towards it but stopped at the entrance to the gymnasium. And Eric's faithful companion was Gypsy, an English bulldog.". var cid = '9927108942'; If you have any information that could help in solving the murders of Eric and Gypsy, please call the Walker County Sheriffs Office at 205-522-6112. [2] Notable people [ edit] Dan Bankhead, former Major League Baseball player. And so we started walking back. Empire is an unincorporated community in Walker County, Alabama, United States. This is the same area that Tobbie would later describe to us as where Erics family and friends gathered the day Eric and Gypsy were found. For many years it was the only public high school serving the local community, so students of all races attended there. Did it seem a vindictive thing because he was mad that you were asking questions? Download the Free Blackboard District App. If Cullman County had been allowed to come over there that Saturday. I mean it was, it was a circle drive around the back side of the school and you could tell that that truck had come in that way, you know, and, but there wasn't any footprints right there in that mud. These activities include sports teams, music and theater programs, clubs, and other organizations. WALKER COUNTY, AL (WBRC) - were found inside a truck found near the old, abandoned Empire School. This place is situated in Walker County, Alabama, United States, its geographical coordinates are 33 48' 30" North, 87 0' 38" West and its original name (with diacritics) is Empire. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Maggie L. Walker High School was a place to belong for Jafari, a 1972 graduate who was class president and played in the Armstrong-Walker Classic, a storied rivalry among Black high schools that . Old Schools Remembered. MLS# 323011218. Download this data as an Excel or CSV Spreadsheet. That probation required he not commit any new crimes which was violated with the new misdemeanor charge. Buy newspaper front pages, posters and more. var oCOMScript2753323=document.createElement('script');oCOMScript2753323.src="https://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/comslider/target/users/1662246013xa4e9de8606d4e0f99ffb42d1ec24a49d/comslider.js?timestamp=1662248136&ct="+Date.now();oCOMScript2753323.type='text/javascript';document.getElementsByTagName("head").item(0).appendChild(oCOMScript2753323); This is the approved calendar by the Walker County School Board for FY23, Click here for information regarding Student Enrollment, EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Non-Discrimination Notice. We also have our 1st zoom call for Patreon coming up in the next couple weeks where you get to ask us anything. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. There were several people that had come to the door at this time. There isnt much left of the remainder of the school. It has elementary, middle and high schools. If you want a career with unlimited potential for creativity, flexibility, and making others feel more beautiful the world of beauty is the perfect place for you. Ive met many law enforcement officers in Walker County that I believe love their communities and are dedicated to serving and protecting it but we cant ignore the elephant in the room. It read Cosby Juice. It looked like, it looked like they'd just took their It looked like they just took their hands and kind of raked, you know, just kind of raked the ashes out out of the floorboard of the truck and they were just piled up like a little ant bed. I never knew and my prayers go out to all the families that have lost a loved one in ways like this.". We have it filled with great information about Susan and Evan and will be regularly adding new content about Eric and Gypsy. Tobbie and Erics brother, Chris, described what they saw that afternoon as they walked behind the school. Jasper High School is my second family, and my home away from home. He called his brother, BB, to tell him hed killed a turkey that morning and he also mentioned the burned truck behind the school. Walker County Coroner Joey Vick tells ABC 33/40 a body was found in the Empire Community Saturday morning.Deputies discovered the body inside a burned vehicle behind the old Empire School. Overall, Walker County Schools is dedicated to ensuring. Horace was an outstanding Dora area citizen and a member of the Walker County Board of Education. The circle drive creates an island that looks like it was once nicely landscaped. The district operates 15 schools, serving students in grades K-12. Home Pistol Permit Meet the Sheriff Animal Cruelty Community Programs . Empire Junior High School (historical) is a cultural feature (school) in Walker County. Cates was last seen alive about 8 p.m. on March 20, 2015 at The Blue Store, where he filled up his truck with gas. 2.Exhibits A-II-I through A-II-VII Funding and Expenditure Report for Accountability by Cost Center. Chris took his dad and I asked Bridges what was going on and he told me that this case would never be solved. ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive = 'true'; They didnt bother to drain the mudhole to see what else it might contain below the surface of the water. At one point someone told them the weapon had been hidden in the rubble of the old Empire School where Eric and Gypsy were found. Im active on social media and often share photos of Eric and Gypsy. ins.dataset.adChannel = cid; North LaFayette Elementary. Alumni Network Combined with Beautycareer.com The district also provides an option for families to choose between traditional or year-round calendars. Our school has a student salon/clinic where you will work on real clients while you learn to build your own book of business. And, uh, me and my cousin dug that ditch to the drain drain that hole out and Cullman county, but they got five bags, five evidence bags, you know, the paper bags, they had five bags of remnants that come off of that truck. When questioned by the family, they said they had all the evidence they needed and had collected said evidence within a few hours of the 9-1-1 call. The remainder of the school consists of an old chimney stack that looks like it could fall at any moment and lots of concrete block rubble. Launched in October of 2016, this school-based health center is an innovative way to provide immediate access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in the place where students spend most of their day - in school. var ffid = 2; And with the number of comments and messages we are receiving on this topic, its obvious that the people of Walker County want this topic brought to light. Lieutenant Evans is responsive and understanding to their frustrations. It has a mayor/city council form of government. From Business: Sumiton Elementary/Jr. Administrative Assistant. They removed Eric and Gypsys bodies from the truck and raked out piles of ashes, bones and other evidence such as buttons off clothes and left them at the scene. Walker County Board of Education (Staff Listing) Walker County Department of Education. He estimated he was passing through this area between 4 and 4:30 am. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Graphic maps of the area around 34 0' 57" N, 86 37' 30" W. I find this to be very perplexing. Contact info. As the tips came in, Tobbie and the rest of Erics family sent them directly to the investigators with the Walker County Sheriffs Office. You know, cause was told we needed, there was a gun and he was shot. . He saw Erics burned truck but he didnt approach the truck at that point. Just the way we left them. Read More Published In Stover talks about her state of mind after learning a man's body was found in a burned truck in Walker County. Office of the Superintendent. So four days later he told you your son's case would never be solved. 1. As he drove through it, he smelled an odor he described as a chemical smell and realized something had been burning. I cant tell you the number of comments weve received with these sentiments. They either clam up and say they know absolutely nothing, point you in a direction that isnt feasible or just flat out provide bogus information in an attempt to run us in circles. For as little as $5 per month, you can receive exclusive access to members only photos, videos, early access to episodes and much, much more. CLOSED NOW. Nothing had prepared Tobbie for the secretive town of Empire where many of the residents have fine tuned their skills at misdirecting any investigation into what happens in that town. Tobbie Stover believes the body is that of her son, Eric Cates. History Eldridge Old School Building Eldridge was originally called Camp Springs because travelers in the area often stopped to replenish their water supplies from the natural springs in the area. Thats them coming out with Erics truck. It is the policy of the Walker County Board of Education to provide equal educational opportunities without regard to race, sex, age, religion, national origin, handicapping condition, or veteran status in its educational programs and activities. This is episode 2 of a serial podcast and they are designed to be listened to in order. We value your input and look forward to working together to assure the success of every student placed in our care. We hadnt even met with Tobbie and Erics brother, Chris, yet. Eric interceded and protected them from their abusive men. But this is where the truth ends with most of them. I've got the button at the house, put up. ins.dataset.adClient = pid; Alabama Walker County Walker County District Summary 1710 Alabama Av Jasper, AL 35501-4966 (205) 387-0555 SchoolDigger Rank: 76th of 132 Alabama districts See the 2022 Alabama District rankings! . But the mirror was in there and they, uh, they collected both of them, piles of ash that was there. If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe in your podcast player of choice and by giving us a 5-star rating and review in Apple Podcasts. var lo = new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent); 3.Exhibits A-III-I through Exhibits A-III-VIII Funding and Expenditure Report for Accountability by Program. Yeah. You can leave a tip anonymously. There is 1 Public School per 8,206 people, and 1 Public School per 8 square miles. NOTE: This map shows the HISTORICAL LOCATION of a feature that is no longer visible! We will be exploring these tips and more in an in depth manner in the coming episodes. '&charset='+document.characterSet : '')); And then I asked him had the dog been taken to Auburn? Become a patron of Secrets True Crime Podcast today and lets solve these cases TOGETHER. Distrust of law enforcement seems to be deeply ingrained in many in the area. Walker County Schools. if( width > 480 ){ I believe that he knew by not, I mean it's like I asked him about it. He wasnt in. In the coroners van. The saying Snitches Get Stitches is one that many here seem to live by. D [email protected]. This week's Head of the Class is Tyler Manasco of Lupton Jr High, Carbon Hill Jr High A+ College Ready School of Excellence, In accordance with the education accountability law, Code of Alabama, Section 16-6B-7, the Walker County Board of Education provides the following information via its website (. It was obvious what it was. Public. The Walker County School District high school list above should give you more information on how to choose the right school or contact any of the schools in the Walker County School District.