April 28 2017 Alex City Outlook

SPORTS, PAGE 9:

OPINION: TRUMP‘S TAX SYSTEM OVERHAUL HAS FLAWS, PAGE 4.

FRIDAY

THE

Reeltown, BRHS ready for round two

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

April 28, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 84 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Preliminary hearing set in Hart case for their alleged involvement in they were in the course of committing a home Ponds, Thomas due in court murder and theft of two Emerson televisions, and a the shooting death of 27-year-old Hart found 2010 Dodge Charger blue in color.” in his Third Street home. May 9 with Judge Taylor The complaint also indicates that Hart Hart Typically, a preliminary hearing is By MITCH SNEED Editor

The two men facing capital murder charges in connection with the Jan. 18 death of an Alexander City man will be in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing. Edward Rashun Thomas, 20, and 20-year-old Bobby Lee Ponds Jr., were arrested Jan. 20 and charged with capital

where the prosecution presents evidence to the judge to determine if the case should proceed to a grand jury for a possible indictment. The criminal complaint for each of the men contains similar wording that includes that the suspects “did intentionally cause the death of LaDarrell Lamar Hart, by shooting him with a firearm, and caused said death during the time

may have attempted to fight off the men who were armed with handguns as they attempted to rob him. In the end the complaint says the men shot and killed Hart. Hart, a well-known resident who served as a co-manager at Wal-mart, was found shot to death when his roommate came home from work at about 5 a.m. Investigators responded to Hart’s

dead, having suffered what Thomas police Ponds called “two apparent gunshot wounds.” It was found that Hart had invited See HEARING • Page 3

Fundraiser 5k for CACC Ambassadors set Saturday

BRHS chorus to perform spring concert May 4 By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will play host to a 5K race this Saturday to raise funds for the Ambassador program at Central Alabama Community College. Heather Johnson, an English instructor at CACC who helped to organize the event, described the race as having several differentsized inclines and declines, along with beautiful views of both the battlefield and the Tallapoosa River as the course utilizes both roads and trails. Johnson described the CACC Ambassador program and their service projects as being beneficial not only to Alexander City, but surrounding areas as well, ll, with projects ranging from m providing meals at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham to tutor-ing at the Spring See 5K • Page 3

BEE CAREFUL

Kevin Vines / Special to The Outlook

A swarm of bees gathered on a shopping cart outside Walmart last week. Officials say call the county extension office to report a swarm if formed in an undesirable area.

Springtime means bee-time By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Out of all the members of the insect family, few are aas valuable to humans as bees. bees These winged creatures help to take pollen from plant to plant pla while also assisting in spreading seeds from fruitspr bearing plants, allowing for be new plants to grow. When in the hive, bees produce honey, h

which of course provides us with a natu- ral sweetener that tastes great. With spring turning ning to summer here in Alabama, abama, bee activity is definitely ly picking up around us. However, what happens when they are out of the he hive and form a swarm in relatively unexpected nexpected places? “Don’t be scared of the swarm,” Tallapoosa County Extension Coordinator See BEES • Page 3

Dadeville Kiwanis welcomes county EMA director to meeting

Today’ss

Weather

84 67 High

residents should

Low

nado and thunderstorm warnings. However, for county residents who wanted to be reached in other ways, such as through e-mail and text The Dadeville Kiwanis Club welcomed Tallapoosa County EMA messages, or wanted to customize which emergency alerts they Director Jason Moran as a special wished to receive could sign up guest during their weekly meeting through the county EMA website. on Thursday. Approximately 20 “When you get to Tallaco.com, Kiwanis and Key Club members select Departments and then click were present to listen to his preon EMA. From the EMA page, sentation regarding the Tallapoosa you’ll be able to sign up with Alert system. Tallapoosa Alerts. It’s really easy to “It went into effect in late sign up for,” Moran said. March, and April 5 was the first When signing up, individuals can day it was used,” Moran said. “I’m select if they want only one or two really excited about us having it. It of the possible alert situations or all saves lives.” 12 of them. They can also choose He explained that phone numbers listed in the Tallapoosa County how they want to be contacted: e-mail, text message or phone calls White and Yellow Pages were to cell and home phones. If they entered into the system during its See KIWANIS • Page 3 setup and would be alerted for torBy DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

6

54708 90050

The Benjamin Russell High School Chorus will be performing its spring concert Thursday, May 4 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. t“Around 70 students from grades 8-12 will be part of the concert,” Molly Cross, the choral director at Benjamin Russell said. sa During the concert, there will be b a wide range of musical types performed, from traditional choral music all trad the way up to modern pop, Cross said. While this concert will be the Whi biggest bigges event of the chorus’s spring schedule, it does not mark end. its en “Their final performance “ will be at Bill Nichols Veterans Home where they Vete will sing for Spirit Week,” Cross said. Cro In addition to these two performances, the 2016-2017 perfor school year has been marked by tremendous growth in the trem choral department. According to Cross, the chorus went from being “two, small show choirs to See CHORUS • Page 3

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Teen struggles after heroin addiction claims dad’s life

Saturday

87 67 Low

High Mostly sunny

Sunday

85 60 Low

High

Partly sunny, 20 percent chance of showers

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com

Alethia Russell Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Advertising Sales, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

Postal

Information

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

Friday, April 28, 2017

The Outlook

© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

How to Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by Submit e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more Obituaries or information, call (256) 234-4281. CHURCH OF THE LIVING WATERS Guest Preacher Listing - 2017 Season All Services: Sunday 9 - 10 a.m. May 28 Rev. Carmen Falcione - Montgomery Memorial Day Opening 9:00 a.m. Jun 04 Rev. Jim Pate - Dadeville Jun 11 Rev. James Cullens - Alexander City Jun 18 Rev. Faron Golden - Dadeville Jun 25 Rev. Al Perkins - Montgomery Jul 02 Jamie Langley - Birmingham Message in Music & Song Jul 09 Rev. Paul Messer - Dadeville Jul 16 Rev. Sam Henderson - Gainesville, GA Jul 23 Rev. K.G. Jones - Tuskegee Jul 30 Rev. David Carboni – Birmingham Aug 06 Rev. Rusty Hutson - Auburn Aug 13 Dean Collins - Lanett Aug 20 Rev. Tommy Greer - Carrollton, GA Aug 27 Billy Coleman – Vinemont Sep 03 Dr. Joel Richardson - Newnan, GA Labor Day Closing *** Communion is served on May 28, July 16, and Sept. 3 *** Please join us! Dress is casual. Actual address is 782 Lakeview Ridge across from the Golf Colony Villas - a short distance from the Harbor Pointe Marina in StillWaters. You can come by car, bike, golf cart, or boat - GPS Coordinates N 32º 44.554’ W 085º 48.867’. You are cordially invited to examine our website at www. colw-sw.com

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DEAR ABBY: I’m 15. I lost my dad two months ago. I found him when I got out of the shower. He had overdosed on heroin. Heroin controlled Dad’s life ever since I was little, but that never stopped me from being me. My family has had it pretty rough, but that never stopped me from being me, either. I can’t process the thought of losing my dad completely. I’m scared without him. The mental picture comes back to me randomly throughout the day. I can’t take it anymore. I know he’s at peace now, but I still feel like it’s my fault that he’s dead because I took a shower and wasn’t with him. I feel like it should have been me, not him. He had just gotten out of jail a month before he died. I can’t keep crying myself to sleep. I need a way to cope and right now I feel

one else that night (doesn’t happen often), but I say if the food is on the table, it’s fair game. If you don’t want people to eat it, don’t serve it. I’m asking for an official ruling, please. -- OVERATE IN BUFFALO DEAR OVERATE: A gracious host or hostess should not become upset if a guest eats the food that’s presented. If the host or hostess doesn’t want guests to polish off everything that has been prepared, the food should be plated in advance.

addiction he couldn’t conquer. It is very important that you talk with a grief counselor and possibly join a grief support group. If your family can’t arrange counseling for you, please talk with a school counselor or your clergyperson. There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel, and you’ll start seeing it once you get some professional help.

DEAR ABBY Advice

like I’m at rock bottom and can’t return. I just want to be normal like the kids I go to school with. Why can’t I be a normal teen? -- ROCK BOTTOM TEEN DEAR ROCK BOTTOM: I am so sorry for what you have been going through. You ARE a normal teen, and in my opinion, you are much more resilient than you think you are. You have had a terrible shock, and in addition to the normal grieving process, you may be suffering from survivor guilt. Your father did NOT die because you took a shower. He died because he had a heroin

DEAR ABBY: I’ve been reading your column for years, but never thought I’d have to write to you. This year my aunt hosted a family dinner and did a wonderful job -- everything was delicious. There was only one problem. She was upset (everyone at the table could see it and feel the tension) because I ate “too much” meat and she didn’t have enough for leftovers. I did eat more than every-

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www. DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Obituaries Ms. Annie S. Whitehead 1931 - 2017

Ms. Virginia Parsons Peppers 1948 - 2017

Funeral Service for Ms. Annie S. Whitehead, of Kellyton, Alabama, will be Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Clyde Coker will officiate. Burial will follow in the Kellyton Memory Garden. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Ms. Whitehead passed away on Monday, April 24, 2017 in Vilonia, Arkansas. She was born on April 2, 1931 in Chambers County, Alabama to Otis D. Shivers and Eva Shivers. She was a member of Kellyton Baptist Church. Ms. Whitehead worked at Russell Corporation and Carlisle Drugs. She loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren. Ms. Whitehead loved canning, gardening, hand quilting, and feeding her hummingbirds on her front porch. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Nalley (Robert) of Vilonia, AR; grandchildren, Stormie LeMaster, Misty Childers (Art), and Rob Nalley, III (Rachel); great-grandchildren, Jordan Gallaway, Brady Gallaway, Chase and Grayson Nalley, Jessica, A.J., and Lauren Childers, Kristin Walters; great-great grandchildren, Alessa and Heyllie Gallaway and Rylie Walters; sisters, Jean Hayes (Clifford), Shirley Haynes (John), and Faye Funderburk (Wayne); and brother-n-law, Ray Whitehead (Peggy). She was preceded in death by her husband, William Clyde Whitehead; parents; son, Sonny LeMaster; daughter, Judy LeMaster; and brothers, Clyde Shivers, Dige Shivers, Gladston Shivers, and Otis Junior Shivers. The family has requested in lieu of food, that contributions be made in Ms. Annie S. Whitehead’s name to the Cancer Center at Russell Medical for the Oncology Department. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Ms. Parsons passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Russell Medical. She was born on December 19, 1948 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to John Lumus Peppers and Sue Frances Peppers. Ms. Parsons enjoyed playing the piano and singing in church. When she was younger, she and her mother played on a softball team together. Virginia served as short-stop and her mother was the catcher. She is survived by her brother, Jimmy Peppers (Charlotte Bucham) of Yankeetown, FL; nephews, Jimmy Peppers Jr., Jeffery Peppers, and Jimmy Alfred Peppers; and niece, Angela Peppers (Neal), She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Othene Stone

Ms. Carrie Pearson

Funeral Service for Mrs. Othene Stone will be Saturday, April 29, at 11:00 a.m. Seleeta Baptist Church with burial following Alexander City Cemetery. Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home Staff.

Ms. Carrie Pearson passed away Thursday, April 27, at Shelby Baptist Hospital in Alabaster, AL. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Mrs. Essie Irvin Jackson 1919 - 2017

Ms. Janice P. Rhodes 1947-2017

Funeral Service for Mrs. Essie Irvin Jackson, 98, of Alexander City, will be Friday, April 28, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Tim Harris will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends onFriday, April 28, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Jackson passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Chapman Healthcare Center. She was born on March 5, 1919 in Alexander City, Alabama to Carlton Irvin and Vida Irvin. She was a faithful member of Comer Memorial Baptist Church. She retired from Avondale Mills after 43 years of service. She is survived by her son, Ralph H. Jackson (Clarene) of Sylacauga; grandchildren, Crystal Jackson Walker (Brian) of Sylacauga and Russell Jackson (Brooke) of Birmingham; great-grandchildren, Jackson Walker, Bentley Walker, Bevin Walker and Anne Clare Jackson; and sister-in-law, Christine Irvin of Alexander City.ࠉ She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Howell Jackson; sister, Evelyn Carr; and brothers, Aaron Irvin, Bill Irvin, Hubert Irvin and Herbert Irvin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Comer Memorial Baptist Church, 341 E. Church St., Alexander City, AL 35010. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.

Janice was an amazing woman who sacrificed 30 years of her life caring for her quadriplegic son, Billy. Caring for Billy became her number one priority after having his accident in March of 1986. He was 18 years old at the time of the accident and lived another 30 years due to the wonderful care he received by our mother. Janice was preceded in death by her son William “Billy” Bradford, her mother Merlene McGill Jones, her father James Sanford Jones. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia Pinson (Craig) of Prattville; two grandchildren Aubrey Shaw (Kayla) of Rockford and Nikki Whiteard of Alexander City; two great grandchildren, Cale and Emily Grace, and another great grandchild on the way who she has already dubbed as “little bit”; and five sisters, Brenda Kay Perry of

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the

Daviston, Phyllis Roncadori (Frank) of Pelham, Sandra Jones of Seale, Teressa Ashby of Clinton, SC and Mary Beth Reyes of Auburn. Janice loved talking about her grandchildren and great grandchildren as they were the highlight of her day. She loved watching westerns, especially John Wayne. She was also an avid fan of Alabama football and the Kentucky Derby. A visitation for Ms. Rhodes will be held on Friday, April 28, 2017 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Public Meetings n Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m. n Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m. n Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third

Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m. n Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. n Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday. n Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public. n Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month

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at 6 p.m. with a pre-meeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall. n Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. n Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall. n Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Caldwell Center at 6:30 p.m. n Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m. n Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton. n New Site City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall. n Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the

Ray Water Authority Office. n Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m. n Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853. n Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session. n Tallapoosa County 911 Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. in the 911 Administrative office at 240 West Columbus Street, Dadeville. Call 825-8490 for more information. n Walnut Hill Water Authority meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. Call 825-9841 to inquire about the agenda.

Friday, April 28, 2017

Price named Bees University of Alabama Outstanding Senior STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Alexander City’s own Anna Lee Price has been honored with the University of Alabama National Alumni Outstanding Senior Award. The award goes annually to the UA senior who best displays outstanding character, achievement and leadership at The University of Alabama. Price is a member of Mortar Board, ODK, Order of Omega, and Blue Key Honor Societies where she also serves as Vice-President of Blue Key. She was President of Kappa Delta sorority and a member of the Capstone Men and Women - the official ambassadors Price for the University, a member of Bama CRU – a non denominational campus religious organization. Price is also a Greek Ambassador, and a member of the Capstone Leadership Academy. During her tenure at The Capstone, Anna Lee studied abroad in Cape Town, South Africa and participated in mission work in Nicaragua and medical mission work in Ecuador. Anna Lee is a member of The Honors College and will graduate summa cum laude in May with majors in Psychology and Biology.

Tuck named Outstanding Political Science Student at Troy Kourtney Tuck of Alexander City, Alabama, was among the students recognized for outstanding achievements in academics, leadership and service during Troy University’s annual Honors Convocation. Tuck received the Outstanding Political Science Student of the Year MPA. Tuck is a Graduate Public Administration major. The Honors Convocation was held on Monday, April 17, at the Troy Campus with Dr. John W. Schmidt, a former Troy University senior administrator, serving as keynote speaker.

Wilder named to Troy Provost’s List Gregory Wilder of Alexander City has been named to the Provost’s List at Troy University for Term 3 of the 2016/2017 academic year. The Provost’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of at least 3.65.

Waldrop named to the Troy Chancellor’s List Caleb Waldrop of Alexander City has been named to the Chancellor’s List at Troy University for Term 3 of the 2016/2017 academic year. The Chancellor’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0.

Jones Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi honor society Caitlyn Jones of Alexander City was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Jones is pursuing a degree in Nursing at University of Alabama at Birmingham. Jones is among approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. Phi Kappa Phi was founded in 1897 under the leadership of Marcus L. Urann who had a desire to create a different kind of honor society: one that recognized excellence in all academic disciplines.

continued from page 1

Shane Harris said. “Don’t panic when you see them.” A bee swarm can occur when the queen decides to leave the hive. When she does so, the rest of the hive will follow her in order to protect her, according to Harris. In most cases, they will land on a tree branch or other similar place. Some times, they land and swarm because the queen has stopped to rest, but in other cases, it may become the site of a new hive. Though bees usually form their swarms on natural vegetation, this will not always be the case. Last week, a swarm startled shoppers at the Alexander City Walmart when the bees landed on a shopping cart. “Whether this was just the place the queen wanted to rest or whether she wanted to go to Walmart and do some shopping, we don’t know,” Harris joked. Based on information Harris received from a local beekeeper, the average swarm can range in size from 10,000 to 20,000 bees,

Chorus

which is roughly the size of three footballs put together. One thing Harris stressed was that spraying and killing swarming bees was a last resort. “Honeybees are on the decline all over the country. We want to preserve as many of them as possible,” he said. Instead of calling an exterminator to kill the swarm, he suggested calling the Tallapoosa County Extension Office and reporting it. In turn, they will get in touch with local beekeepers who are willing to come out and remove the swarm, keeping the bees alive yet removing them from a place their presence may not be desired. To help educate and raise awareness about the importance bees play in our world, Harris stated that he would be at Jim Pearson Elementary School speaking to the second-graders there. “They [the bee population] are important, and we don’t want to hurt them,” he said.

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a 36-voice Treble Chorus, a 24-voice Mixed Show Choir, and a 10-voice A Cappella Ensemble. In the fall, we also introduced a Gospel Choir.” The voice ranges depend on the particular group, Cross explained. For example, the treble chorus, being an all-female ensemble, is all alto and soprano singers, while other choirs in the department may also include tenor and bass voices to provide a four-part harmony. In addition, “Because of the generosity of our community, the Choral Department is excited to have recently purchased choral risers. The risers will greatly enhance our performances and will be used by choirs at BRHS as well as ACMS,” Cross proudly stated. The auditorium doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 7. The concert is open to the public and admission is free.

Kiwanis

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www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

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wish not to be contacted during certain times of the day, there is an option for that as well. The best part is that there is no cost for signing up to get Tallapoosa Alerts. Moran also detailed how the process works: when an alert is issued, an automated system will begin calling or texting the numbers on the list. Following the announcement, the customer will be asked to acknowledge they received the alert. This benefits first responders, as areas where the message was not acknowledged could be among the hardest hit and most in need of emergency services following the event. Having to do so might seem annoying, but it does help send emergency teams to the proper locations in the aftermath. While one of the main purposes of this system is to warn residents of Tallapoosa County when severe weather strikes, Tallapoosa Alerts can give them alerts about other serious issues that might arise. “If there’s a wreck on 280 and we need to evacuate everyone within a mile radius of the site, depending on what the truck might be carrying, we can do that,” Moran said. “If we need to let people know to boil water for 24 hours because of a break in the line, we can do that.” Even though receiving notifications from Tallapoosa Alerts can be highly beneficial, Moran stressed that people still need more than one method of getting alerts, like having a NOAA weather radio. As Benjamin Franklin once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Resources like Tallapoosa Alerts are the ounces of prevention to help residents be prepared in case of emergencies. Being able to customize it to fit one’s own personal preferences means it is not only a useful resource to have, but was designed with the public in mind.

Hearing

5k

continued from page 1

Hill Youth and Adult Services Center. They may be most well known for their time spent recruiting high school students to attend CACC, but clearly they are far more than just that. Everyone wanting to participate in the race must pre-register by Thursday, April 27. The registration cost is $25, which includes a shirt. The race is scheduled to begin at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, with check-in registration starting at 7:15 a.m. Prizes for the top two male and female runners in four separate age categories will be awarded. For more information about the event, contact either Hester Hamby at hhamby@cacc.edu or Heather Johnson at hjohnson10@cacc.edu.

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people to his home to play cards and that another message on social media showed that as of 3 a.m. he was still alive. Ponds and Thomas were believed to be among the group at Hart’s home the night he was killed. Court records offer no other motive for the murder other than robbery. There were a number of items taken from Hart’s home, including a television and Hart’s car. The Outlook reported shortly after the arrest of Ponds and Thomas that the two men were seen featured in a rap video entitled “Pistol In My Lap” that had been posted on YouTube. The video was shot two days before the killing and posted the day before Hart was murdered. But after the story circulated, the video was removed from the site and is no longer available. Few other details have been made available in the case, but more are expected to be presented at the May 9 hearing. Court records indicate that Ponds is represented by Alexander City attorney Mitch Gavin and Thomas is now represented by James Bailey and Charles Hall. District Attorney Jeremy Duerr is listed as the prosecutor in the case, which lists Judge Kim Taylor as the presiding judge.

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W

Know Your

Officials Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following.

Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn in to office on April 10, 2017 and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Kay Ivey

Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.

Steve Marshall

Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be Mark Tuggle reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected Tom Whatley to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

The

Friday, April 28, 2017

Spiritual, mental and physical health go together

Trump’s tax system T overhaul has flaws e are just a few weeks past Tax Day and the memory of our eyes glazing over as we tried to figure out the forms and lingo involved in preparing our return. Most people just throw up their hands and turn to a tax professional. During the campaign Donald Trump promised to introduce a plan that would simplify the system for household tax filings and grow the national economy. Who couldn’t get behind something like that? President Trump offered America a one-page summary of what he had promised. Trump’s proposed plan calls for the current seven-tier bracket system to be cut to just three brackets, with a decrease in the top tax rate from 39.6 percent to 35 percent. The plan calls for a massive increase to the standard deduction Americans can take when filing taxes, which is designed to allow taxpayers to keep more of their income – to the tune of a couple thousand dollars. Under the proposal, tax breaks for individuals and married couples filing separately will increase from $6,300 to $12,600. The standard deduction for a married couple filing jointly will jump from $12,700 to approximately $24,000. Trump wants to cut the corporate tax rate by twenty percentage points, from 35 percent to 15 percent and switching it from a worldwide taxation system to a territorial one. They say it will help corporations expand and create jobs. That all sounds great, doesn’t it? There is just one issue. All those cuts without similar cuts in governmental spending simply do not add up to a balanced budget. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget released figures that estimate that Trump’s plan would increase the deficit by an estimated $3 trillion to $7 trillion over the next decade. Unlike American citizens living in the real world who must figure out how to operate in the black from paycheck to paycheck, our government leaders including Trump apparently missed that day in consumer math class. Unless a list of big budget cuts is coming soon, we believe this dog of a tax overhaul simply won’t hunt.

Outlook

his past week was one of those weeks that all of us older folks dread. It was the week of my annual physical check-up. When I was younger I never worried about this sort of thing because it was just one of those little inconveniences in life a man puts up with. However, the older I’ve gotten the more frequent the check-ups, the more intense the doc checks the chart and the more uncertainty the whole thing has become. The first thing that throws me is the weigh-in process. I always feel like Belshazzar in the book of Daniel where it says, “you have been weighed and found wanting.” After stepping on the scales I also can see the handwriting on the wall because I know the doctor is going to think I’m just a tad too heavy. I’ve been going to that office for 25 years and they still haven’t gotten their scales fixed. Because I’m a good Christian and don’t want to hurt their feelings I let them write down the results, even though their scales weigh about 20 pounds too much. To tell you the truth, if the doctor could just “pinch an inch” instead of grab a slab when he pokes me in the tummy I would be more inclined to point out their wayward scales. The next big step is all

and belly button lint. Then when he gets through he hands me a prescription and tells me he will see me again next year, if I’m still here. DR. GERALD Do you think he believes I HALLMARK am going to move away, or Guest something? Columnist The Psalmist said that our that drawing of blood. I bodies are fearfully and wonknow that Count Dracula can derfully made by God. Our survive on less blood than physical wellbeing is a gift they take from me. The lab from God so that we might tech, that’s suppose to be a enjoy this life. However, friend, looks at me and then we are more than just the the blood, and says somenatural part of our existence. thing about it looks like I’ve We are a spiritual being as been in the do-nuts. How well and every Sunday we can she see that in my blood have a chance to be in God’s sample? She must have House and get our spiripeeked at the wrong weight tual health checked. Being written on my chart. Then spiritually healthy is vital again, it might have been all to having complete health. that sugar settling to the bot- Spiritual health increases tom of my blood vial. mental health, which allows There were several othus to cope with our physical ers tests that the Marquis health. Therefore, let’s start de Sade thought up that I having a well-rounded life was put through for good by being spiritually fit this measure. As an aging, over- Sunday in God’s House. weight preacher I don’t have Well, I have the results a lot of dignity to start with from my check-up. It boils and by the time I got through down to the fact that I’m with my physical there overweight and too lazy to wasn’t anything left. Man, do anything about it. Now I this health business is getting have to convince the doctor tougher every year. to give me a fancy medical I really like my physiterm so I can fool my wife cian because he is compethat I’m neither. tent, skilled and thorough. However, he gets over in Gerald Hallmark is a the corner and starts typing retired minister who lives in stuff in my records and I can Alexander City. His column hear him mumbling about appears in this space every obesity, high blood pressure Friday.

Today’s

Quote

“You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” – Jack London

Today’s

Scripture

“Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of Our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:11

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Letters to the Editor Trump’s threat to sanctuary cities was no threat at all Dear Editor, Over the past several months we have been inundated with chatter by Trump and the media that he can and will withhold federal funding to cities who refused to cooperate and support law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws-sanctuary cities. Then just this week a federal judge from San Francisco issued a ruling that is basically a political statement by an activist judge criticizing President Trump’s immigration plans. While the left wing media has gone wild reporting this judge’s ruling was a “defeat” for Trump, a close read reveals it was no such thing. Judge William Orrick, an Obama appointee and democratic fund raiser, even states that Trump has, in fact, not actually acted at all but simply stated during his

campaign and as president, that he would withhold funding for cities who refuse to comply with law to protect illegal immigrants. The thrust of the judge’s order was Trump was, creating stress and anxiety, which he labels, “Pre-enforcement Anxiety,” for cities by threatening to withhold funding. Since Trump had not acted and thus, had not violated ANY law, the judge had to create something of substance to cite Trump on. Orrick states that Trump Executive Order directs the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out his threat. Yet, that is simply not accurate! His Executive Order just simply states he, the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security will enforce U.S. law already in existence. In September, 1996, President Bill Clinton, a

Democrat, signed into law Title VIII, Code 1973, that emphatically states that to qualify and accept ANY federal funds, all cities, counties and states must certify that they have complied with ALL federal laws! Obviously, this includes immigration law as well! Judge William Orrick conveniently left out this important fact. It doesn’t take a learned jurist to conclude that Judge William Orrick’s order will be overturned at the appellate level or by the Supreme Court. After extensive research in law and even the dictionary, I cannot find the term, pre-enforcement anxiety” anywhere. If this is the situation then Judge William Orrick simply “invented” the violation and it is consequently unenforceable! James W. Anderson Talladega

Reader: Columnist wrong about conceal carry permits Dear Editor, Talmadge East recently wrote in support of a Senate bill to allow Alabama citizens to carry a concealed weapon without any type of permit or background check. (See Tuesday, 4/25/17 Outlook). What a folksy, good old boy, down home, fried chicken, apple pie and homemade ice cream type of person Mr. East must be. I forgot about his mama whipping him and his love of homemade biscuits. This sounds like he’s trying to sound educated and ignorant at the same time. He compares apples to oranges

and then quotes Sir Thomas Moore. What they have to do with CCW I have no idea. He does quote three professors of whom I have never heard but who support CCW. However, I bet I could find three people who would swear Hillary and “The Donald” never lied and have America’s best interests at heart. According to Mr. East’s logic, the American West after the Civil War must have been the most peaceful time in all of history. Everyone carried a gun — so logically according to Mr. East there were no killings, robberies, rapes, etc., etc.

Marshal Dillon’s only problem in Dodge was getting sunburn. Maybe this is what Mr. East meant by his Sir Thomas Moore’s reference to Utopia. The readers who had the good sense to elect Sheriff Abbott and appoint Chief Turner should listen to them. Do not support this insane and ludicrous bill to allow anyone to carry a concealed weapon, which they can pull for any whim or imagined slight. Free speech does have limits and so does the right to bear arms. David French Alexander City

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

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We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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The Outlook

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Kiwanis Club Fair off to successful week in Alex City By CLIFF WILLIAMS and DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writers

The annual Alexander City Kiwanis Club Fair has been successful so far this week and will continue through the weekend. “The attendance has been excellent so far,” Chairman of the Fair Committee Cam Caldwell said. “Part of that is due to the weather but also people are looking for something to do with their families. It has been great so far and we are extremely pleased.” The Kiwanis Club has partnered with Primetime Amusements for the fair this year and organizers hope to continue next year. Caldwell said that this year’s fair would be like those held in previous years, with plenty of food vendors, chance games, and rides for all ages. Like the other fundraisers the Kiwanis Club holds throughout the year, including the pancake breakfast and the skeet shoot, the fair helps raise money for other organizations the Kiwanis gives to. “Every penny raised from the fair goes directly back to Alexander City. The money goes to things like Children’s Harbor, United Way and the local Builders Club, Key Club and Circle K. We sponsor Reading is Fundamental by purchasing books three times a year for local pre-Ks,” said Caldwell. The fair is a win-win for everyone, he explained. The Kiwanis gets a certain percentage of the gate receipts to help fund their charitable giving, while it gives the public something to do, a chance to get out and have fun. “I’d like to give a special thank you to the Parks and Rec Department for letting us use the stadium parking lot, the City Council for allowing the Kiwanis Club to have the fair and the police and fire departments for their cooperation,” Caldwell said. Running through Sunday at the Sportplex, the fair will be open from 5 p.m. until close Tuesday through Friday, 1 p.m. until close on Saturday and 3 p.m. to dark Sunday. “I want to encourage everyone to come out to the fair,” Caldwell said. “We are expecting the crowds to grow over the weekend.”

FUN FOR ALL AGES

Alexander City Kiwanis host fair at Sportplex for all of the community Shelby Ward and Sarah Baker, top take in the fair from the air Thursday evening. While Goodwater’s Jerry Seats tries his hand on the back of a mechanical bull. Some go to the fair for the rides, some for the games while others like food like the funnel cake below.

Page 8

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CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Today is

April 28, 2017

Friday, April 28, 2017

The Outlook

Submit calendar items:

Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.

Today’s Birthdays

Brian Peppers, Christopher Kelly, Paralee Walker, Cathy Whatley, Mary Jean Sherrer, Jonathon Durden, Dawn Culberson Durden and Madison Foster

Today’s Anniversaries

Bobby and Dot Vickers Gary and Brenda Claybrook are celebrating their anniversaries.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com

Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing

The FANS HEAR You!

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Is this your beach ball? This pretty pink ball spent a good chunk of Thursday afternoon being blown around the parking like here at Tallapoosa Publishers by the wind before one of our neighbors rescued it and brought it inside. So if it is yours, stop by the Outlook and enjoy a happy reunion.

Now - April 30

COMMUNITY THEATRE: The Sylacauga Community Playhouse will present “The Miracle Worker” April 21 at 6:30 p.m., April 22 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., April 23 at 2 p.m., April 28 at 6:30 p.m. April 29 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and April 30 at 2. p.m. at the B.B. Comer High School Auditorium. Cost is $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For more information call 256-369-3003.

Now-April 30

FAIR: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting a fair at the Sportplex April 26-30.

April 27-29, May 4-7, May 11-13

LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS: The Wetumpka Depot Players are presenting ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers” April 27-29,May 4-7 and May 11-13. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. The May 7 show will start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance at wetumpkadepot.com or email at kmeanor@wtumpkadepot.com and $15 at the door.

April 29

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5K RUN: The 5K Spring Sprint benefitting the Central Alabama Community College Ambassador Scholarship Program and Community Service activities will be April 29 at 7:45 a.m at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park with registration at 7:15 a.m. The registration deadline is April 14 and registration fee is $25. For more information contact CACC at 256-215-4415 or email hhamby@cacc.edu. PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: The 50th anniversary for Pastor Ida Ruth Meadows will be Saturday, April 29 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville Recreation Center. The speaker will be Apostle Alton Burris from Fitzgerald, Georgia. MULE DAY: The Weogufka Center is hosting its annual Mule Day Saturday, April 29 starting at 6:30 a.m. A sausage biscuit breakfast is available from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Events and activities include plowing demonstrations, buggy rides, trail rides, antique car and truck show, The Train Man Mr. Robert Pearson, vendors, the history room, concessions, camper sites, and more. Vendor booths are available for $20 each. For more information call Melvin Palmer at 256-249-8886 or Bobby Ezekiel at 256-626-2556 or visit www.weogufkacenter.org or the Facebook page Wegufka Center. DRUG TAKE BACK: There will be a drug take back event at Walgreens of Alexander City Saturday, April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prescription and over the counter drugs are eligible. Law enforcement officials will be on hand to accept medications. CHARITY WALK: The Central Alabama Club Sarcoidosis Foundation one mile walk will be Saturday, April 29 at 9 a.m. at the Cooper Community Center Park with games, music and food. Wear you church or favorite charity t-shirt. YARD SALE: The Radney Elementary School Drama Club is hosting a yard sale fundraiser Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Radney Cafeteria with proceeds going to the Radney Drama Club.

April 30

SINGSPIRATION: The

Pentecostals of Dadeville are hosting Singspiration Sunday, April 30 at 10 a.m. The church is located at 2392 Eagle Circle in Jacksons Gap. It is part of the church’s 5th Sunday Celebrations with gospel singing, teaching, preaching, fellowship and food. FAMILY FRIENDS AND SINNERS PROGRAM: Corinth Baptist Church in Kellyton is giving a family friends and sinners program Sunday, April 30 at 6 p.m. Guest minister will be Pastor Jesse Mayes of Marietta Baptist Church in Goodwater.

May 3

MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday May 3 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.

May 4

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: The Hackneyville Community will sponsor its Second Annual National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 4 at 10 a.m. at the Hackneyville Community Center on Highway 63 North. All are welcome. For more information contact Leslie Payne at 256-839-1235. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: The Alexander City Area Ministerial Association is sponsoring the National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 4 from noon to 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Sanctuary. SPRING CONCERT: The Benjamin Russell High School Choirs will present their spring concert Thursday, May 4. TRI-COUNTY CAC FUNDRAISER: Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center is sponsoring Paint the Positive, support the healing of abused and neglected children Thursday, May 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the E. Paul Jones Barn at 1273 Halliana Road in Alexander City. Wine and Hors D’oeuvres will be served and door prizes will be awards. Tickets are $40 and are available at the door or by call the center at 256-825-0094. All proceeds go to the Tri-County Child Advocacy Center. CHICK-FIL-A LUNCH: Meals on Wheels of Alexander City is having a Chick-fil-a lunch fundraiser May 4 that will be delivered to your business. Orders need to be placed by May 1 by calling Helen Brock at 256-750-0245.

May 6

CAR WASH: The Pine Ridge Mission Team will have a car wash at Arby’s on Saturday, May 6 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The proceeds will help get our team to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and provide VBS and community outreach to the residents of Wounded Knee, South Dakota. BENEFIT: Mt. Lovely Baptist Church is hosting a benefit program for Edward Lee and Diane Carraker May 6 at 6 p.m. Rev. Bernard Harris is pastor.

May 7

USHER PROGRAM: The Early Rose District Usher’s Special Effort Program will be May 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center. Rev. Develkio A. Wilson is the guest speaker. All churches are invited. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: New Site Methodist Church is celebrating 161 years on ministry Sunday, May 7 beginning with worship and praise

service at 10:45 a.m. Fellowship meal to follow. Brother Doc Shell is the guest speaker. Pastor Mike Stonbraker invites friends and former members to attend. GOSPEL CONCERT: Harlan Burton will be in concert Sunday May 7 6 p.m. at Hillabee Baptist Church in Alexander City. Everyone is welcome. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Lovely Baptist Church in Camp Hill is observing the 23rd Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. and Sister Bernard Harris Sunday, May 7 at 2 p.m. Rev. Dr. George McCulloh and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Opelika will be the special guest.

May 13

BASS BASH: The Tallapoosa Bass Bash will be May 13 starting at 6 a.m. on the Tallapoosa River. to benefit the Opelika/Auburn chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. Prizes will be awarded for best three fish length in conventional and fly rod divisions. MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Ashland Fun Days Music Festival will be My 13 from noon to 8 p.m. The festival will feature local artists including Terry Robbins, Kevin Moon, Argie Darnell, Rocky the Sax Player with Barry Butler, Tony Jones, Big Sexy and the Twins, Bryan Carter and Friends, Tommy Sellers and more. Party with Rebel will be headlining the event. There will also be craft vendors and activities for all ages. FISH FRY: The annual Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual fish fry May 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plates are $10. This is the annual fund raiser to help the department.

May 14

SOLIDARITY DAY: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a solidarity day May 14 at 11 a.m. Edward Milner is pastor and all churches are invited.

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May 18

ARTS ASSOCIATION: The Artists Association of Central Alabama will travel to the Birmingham Museum May 18. There will be a car pool by meeting at the Sportplex Senior Center at 8 a.m.

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May 20

COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Darian Missionary Baptist Church family and prayer team are offering prayer to the community May 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Laurel and E streets across from Stephens School. SPRING FESTIVAL: Union Volunteer Fire and Rescue (UVF&R) will host its 35th Annual Spring Festival on May 20th 2017 at Fire Station #1, 5171 Hwy 50 near Dadeville at Lake Martin. The Festival is the department’s premiere fundraiser and will feature a wide variety of arts and craft booths and household items for sale. The Festival will also present live local musician, “River Dan”, a Military Working Dog Demonstration, BBQ plates for sale, children’s games and other activities designed for the entire family. The keynote event is a cash raffle that has awarded thousands in cash prizes. Tickets are available for a $20 donation. For individuals interested in renting a booth, cost is only $10 for a 10x10 space. If you have questions, would like to rent a booth or obtain raffle tickets, please contact Kurt Pfitzner, Director, Community Outreach, UVF&R, at 334-233-9852.

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Friday, April 28, 2017

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CHELSEA BOUND

DAVID RAINER Columnist

Fort Morgan Bird-Banding project revived Alabama’s coastal environment along the Fort Morgan peninsula and Dauphin Island provides critical habitat for a wide variety of birds en route to their summer breeding grounds. Some of the birds make journeys than 1,000 miles to reach their preferred nesting grounds, and the coastal areas untouched by development give the birds a place to rest and replenish their drained energy and fat reserves. To understand how important coastal Alabama is to the migrating species, the bird banding effort championed by the late Bob Sargent and his wife, Martha, has been reborn. Birmingham Audubon teamed with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), Mississippi State University, Alabama Gulf Coast Visitors Bureau, the Alabama Historical Commission and Mobile Bay Audubon Society to conduct a five-day banding program at historic Fort Morgan, which connects to one tract of the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge on the peninsula. The bird banding project has been dormant since Bob’s death in 2013, but Scott Rush of Mississippi State University examined Sargent’s historical data and determined it was too valuable to let the banding station remain dormant. Rush and Eric Soehren of the ADCNR’s State Lands Division led the data-gathering effort at the banding station and paid homage to the Sargents. Sargent was the founder of the Hummer/Bird Study Group. An electrician by trade, Sargent learned banding from renowned ornithologist Tom Imhof, who authored Alabama Birds in the ’60s and updated it in the ’70s. When he retired in the ’80s, Sargent started banding birds on Fort Morgan at the site where the 2017 effort was located. “Bob was a people person and could communicate effectively,” said Soehren, who manages the State Land Division’s Wehle Nature Center in Bullock County. “He had strong convictions toward bird conservation. He really got the Fort Morgan station going. He saw the value of education through science. He was banding until 2013, right up to his death.” After his death, there was some question as to what would happen to Sargent’s data. Rush requested the data, and after analyzing it, found some interesting trends. “What we found was that some of the birds are shifting the timing of their migration,” said Rush, an assistant professor in Wildlife Ecology and Management at MSU. “A lot of times in the spring, those long-distance migrants are arriving earlier. Depending on what’s going on in the Southern Hemisphere, where some of these birds are migrating from, that can influence when they are arriving. The concern is that if the birds arrive a few days or weeks early that there may be a mismatch of the resources they need, like the caterpillars or the fruits. “When they fly across the Gulf of Mexico and they’re having trouble on that last leg, if they’re out of resources when they get here and can’t get any here, then it’s not good. They could starve to death.” Soehren added, “When Dr. Rush started diving into the data, we saw some interesting trend changes and saw a need to get this station back up and add to the existing dataset.” The research team set fine mesh nets to catch the birds, which are carefully removed and handled. The team records species, sex and weight and then applies a band. Common species, like the gray catbird, are caught, as well as multiple species of warblers, a yellow-bellied sapsucker (not making that up), great crested flycatcher and a yellow-billed cuckoo. “Migrants are quite diverse,” See RAINER • Page 10

Page 9

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Brock Elliott lets fly with a pitch to the plate in an earlier game. Elliott is one of five pitchers who could see mound time today as the Wildcats head to Chelsea for a playoff doubleheader.

Benjamin Russell prepped for even matchup vs. Chelsea By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

During three regular season matchups with Chelsea, Benjamin Russell’s baseball team came out on the losing side. But don’t let those three scores fool you. “I’d say the same thing even if we won: Those games have nothing to do with now,” Wildcat coach Richy Brooks said. “Games in the regular season count on your record, but they don’t have anything to do with whether we win or lose these games (Friday).” BRHS has a second-round date with Chelsea in the second round of the AHSAA Class 6A playoffs on Friday starting at 5 p.m. An if-necessary game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday. In the first two regular season meetings, Chelsea captured 3-1 and 7-6 victories, and in the third contest, Benjamin Russell fell 10-5 but it played mostly freshmen in the nightcap of the doubleheader. “I feel like the pressure is on them because they beat us three times,” Wildcats’ Timmy Lawson said. “Now they have to beat us again when it really counts, and they’re going to have to be on top of their game. We’ve been practicing real hard, and I think we’re really, really prepared.”

Things have also changed since the teams’ midseason meetings. Hornets ace Brendon Case earned a completegame victory against BRHS, but has since suffered a season-ending injury. Benjamin Russell, on the flipside, has returned some players since then, including one of its top hitters, Austin Elliott. On the mound, Brooks expects to see a combination of Connor Brooks, Brock Elliott and Darius Jackson, with Austin Elliott, Timmy Lawson and Nic McGhee entering in relief, if necessary. “I haven’t decided what direction we’re going in yet,” coach Brooks said. “It’s going to be a gut feeling how we’re going to do it, and it’ll be whatever we piece together with the pitchcount rule.” One person who’s looking to exact his revenge is Connor Brooks, who allowed seven hits in 3 2/3 innings of work in the second regular season matchup. “I didn’t think I had my best stuff at all that day, so it’ll be a challenge for me,” Connor Brooks said. “I really want to beat them because they hit me around pretty good. I’m looking to come back.” Another big difference working in the Wildcats’ favor is sheer practice time. Their doubleheader against Chelsea was during a stretch when

BRHS did not practice from March 17 to April 2 due to the number of games played. Benjamin Russell is coming off five straight days of practice and even had an intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, while Chelsea was battling out a nineinning, first-round game. “Going into the game, they’re going to be high on themselves, but we’ve experienced (a turnaround), too,” Connor Brooks said. “We beat Sylacauga, 17-0, then they beat us the next time, 3-2, so it’s really tough to come back after you beat someone a lot. We feel really good about this team and what we’re able to do.” One thing’s for sure, though. It’s not going to be a walk in the park for the Wildcats, like their first-round, 37-0 sweep of Samson was. “We’re capable of beating them, and they’re capable of beating us,” coach Brooks said. “At times, Chelsea has struggled hitting, too, but they’ve always pitched well and played good defense. At times, we’ve struggled hitting, but usually, we play good defense and pitched well. I think it’s two good teams, and the one that gets the breaks or makes their own breaks is the one that is going to win.” The winner will meet Spanish Fort (29-9) or Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (26-7) in the 6A semifinals.

Reeltown hits the road for Round 2 baseball playoff matchup By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

After claiming 7-2 and 11-1 victories over Samson in the opening round of the AHSAA Class 2A baseball playoffs, Reeltown will be in for a challenge in Round 2. On Friday, the Rebels (22-6) head to J.U. Blacksher for a doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. An ifnecessary game is scheduled for noon Saturday. “We haven’t played them in 10 or 12 years, but I know they have a real quality club,” Reeltown coach Mike Jones said. “They have a lot of speed and real good pitching. Apparently, the play pretty good defense, so it’s going to be a real good matchup between the two of us.” Jones said he hasn’t decided who will start on the mound Friday, but expects it to be some combination of Cade Giddens and Joby Newman, with work from Cole Flurry, Cal Burton, Dylan Mask and Trent Thrash. “All of them are good at

File / The Outlook

Reeltown’s Landon Hunt prepares to take a cut in a matchup with Dadeville earlier in the year. Hunt has been hitting well down the stretch for the Rebels.

what they do in a situation,” Jones said. “It depends on the team we play and the situation we’re in. We really got two or three guys that can be the No. 1, so it really depends on who shows up.” Through this week of practice, the Rebels haven’t

been changing much, per se, but they’ve been perfecting things like baserunning and being two-strike hitters. Hitting-wise, Reeltown should be feeling pretty good about itself after its first-round victory, during which every Rebel starter

had at least one hit. Jones said he’ll be relying on his seniors to get the job done at the plate. “Cal Burton, Joby Newman and Cade Giddens have been doing real well for us,” Jones said. “Hittingwise, Landon Hunt has been coming on, and Hayden Solomon too. We can really just go down the lineup, because all of them play a different role. All of them have done such a good job changing what they’ve done since the first of the year.” Blacksher (16-8) boasts a strong offensive team as well, with a team batting average of .341. The leaders of the pack are Landon Mura and Tanner Weaver, who have hit .419 and .416, respectively. Mura has driving in a team-leading 26 runs, while Weaver and Andrew Reddit each have 24 RBIs on the season. Another to look out for will be Dillan Baldwin, who has a .393 batting average with eight doubles and 22 RBIs. On the mound, Cooper Dean has gotten the most See REBELS • Page 10

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Friday, April 28, 2017

The Outlook

AHSAA Soccer Playoffs First-round schedule GIRLS Class 6A Thursday’s Games

Benjamin Russell at Northridge, 5 p.m. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa at Opelika, 5:30 p.m. McAdory at Shades Valley, 5 p.m. Friday’s Games Spanish Fort at Baldwin County, 5:30 p.m. Park Crossing at Northview, 5 p.m. Helena at John Carroll Catholic, 5:30 p.m. Homewood at Chelsea, 6:30 p.m. Cullman at Southside-Gadsden, 6 p.m. Saturday’s Games Russell County at Stanhope Elmore, 4 p.m. Saraland at Daphne, 4 p.m. Ramsay at Hueytown, 9 a.m. Carver at Pell City, 4:30 p.m. Clay-Chalkville at Gardendale, 11 a.m. Austin at Hazel Green, 10 a.m. Florence at Decatur, 10 a.m. Fort Payne at Albertville, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS Class 6A Thursday’s Games Benjamin Russell at Northridge, 7 p.m. Hillcrest-Tuscalooa at Opelika, 5:30 p.m. Friday’s Games Daphne at Baldwin County, 7:30 p.m. Park Crossing at Northview, 7 p.m. John Carroll Catholic at Pelham, 7 p.m. Austin at Florence, 6 p.m. Saturday’s Games Russell County at Stanhope Elmore, 6 p.m. Saraland at Spanish Fort, 6:30 p.m. Helena at Homewood, 1 p.m. Ramsay at McAdory, 1 p.m. Gardendale at Pell City, 2:30 p.m. Clay-Chalkville at Carver, 7 p.m. Bessemer City at Shades Valley, 7 p.m. Cullman at Fort Payne, 7 p.m. Athens at Decatur, noon Oxford at Albertville, 7 p.m.

Rebels

Submitted / The Outlook

Lady Generals celebrate Senior Night

The Horseshoe Bend Lady Generals softball team celebrated Senior Night earlier this week and their three seniors were honored before the game. Pictured are Brooke Robinson with mother Jessica Robinson and cousin Baxley Ayers, Taylor Walton with parents Bobby and Bree Walton and brother Crayton Walton and Kynsley Blasingame with parents Phil Blasingame and Sherri Hawkins.

Horseshoe Bend tops Elmore with late score By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

continued from page 9

work and boasts a 0.90 ERA through 39 innings pitched. He has allowed just 25 runs and only three earned run. Both he and Reddit (31 IP, 2.26 ERA) have struck out 42 apiece. Baldwin and Mura also have ERAs of under 1.00 and have both thrown more than 20 innings. “The only thing you can ask for is to play again next week,” Jones said. “You go out and practice hard, and you prepare for what’s going to happen to you. Are we confident? Well, they believe in themselves, but at same time, you gotta be fairly humble.” The winner of this week’s series will face either G.W. Long (29-6) or New Brockton (21-4) in the quarterfinals.

After four scoreless innings, Horseshoe Bend’s softball team pushed across three late runs to defeat Elmore County, 3-0, on Thursday afternoon. Sydnie Catrett drove in the go-ahead run for the Generals with a groundout in the bottom of the fifth inning. Leighann McWhorter was credited with the team’s other two RBIs. Both she and Ivy Vickers had two hits apiece. Kynsley Blasingame picked up the win with a two-hit shutout. She struck out a staggering 17 batters and didn’t walk any.

Fundraiser golf tournament to be held May 5

be hosting a golf tournament at 1 p.m. Friday, May 5 at the Lakewinds Golf Course. The tournament is sponsored by the Alexander City Police Department, and features four different levels of sponsorship. All of the proceeds will go to programs for the kids, including scholarships toward the Boys and Girls Club summer program. The D.A.R.E./S.A.F.E. program funds will be utilized in the promotion of the services they provide, including drug and safety programs in local schools. For more information, contact Shelby Boswell at Shelby_ boswell@yahoo.com or call 334-672 -1240. Look out for a full preview next week in The Outlook.

BRHS hosts annual basketball banquet

The Boys and Girls Club of the Last week, Benjamin Russell’s Lark Martin Area, the D.A.R.E. basketball teams hosted their and the S.A.F.E. programs will

annual banquet and announced several team award winners. The winners are as follows: JV girls leading scorer: Brooklyn Edwards; Wildcats award: Alexis Lamberth; Captain award: Jakorria Glenn JV boys Best effort award: DJ Hunter; Practice player award: Richard Heard; Best defensive player: Kobi Crabb; 6 th man award: Nic McGhee; Captains award: Percy Thompson, Davede Herron Varsity girls leading scorer: LaHope Westbrooks; Leading rebounder: JaTori Leonard; Wildcat award: Shay Johnson; Captain award: Darby Hines Varsity boys most improved player: Jakorian Johnson; Hustle award: William Grant; Captains award: Shannon Woody, Timmy Lawson; Highest scoring average: Woody; Highest rebounding average: Woody; Teammate of the Year: JaQuerrius Hunter; Coaches award: Latravious Gray

Rainer

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Soehren said. “All the species that are trans-Gulf migrants are expected to show up here. Those include the warblers, tanagers, buntings, cuckoos, thrushes, swallows and so forth. Because we’re collecting in a forested area, we’re getting more forest

species than grass species. They’re seeking cover. They’re seeking to rest and replenish fat reserves so they can continue their migration north.” Rush said it’s hard to know where the birds captured on Fort Morgan started their journey north.

“We have a general idea for each species,” Rush said. “Some species of birds may be leaving South America and coming all the way up into Canada. It’s not unheard of for a bird to leave South America and the first land it sees is the

Congratulate your GRAD! This month The Outlook will publish senior photos for the local graduating classes. We will include graduate photos and your special message on or near the graduation pages. Benjamin Russell - May 26th • Horseshoe Bend - May 24th Central High School Coosa County - May 30th

Congrats! We are so proud of you! Always believe in yourself and dream big. We Love You!! Mom, Dad & Sissy Crystal Williams

Benjamin Russell High School

2x2 Grad Tribute Ad:

$65

class of 2017

You Made It! 2x4 Grad Tribute Ad:

$95 *other ad sizes available upon request.

We love you so much and couldn’t be more proud of your achievements! Aim for the stars! Love, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Alex

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Email, call or come by Tallapoosa Publishers. Payment, photos and message must be turned in by Thursday, May 18th.

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Fort Morgan peninsula. That’s a significant distance.” Soehren added, “The key thing about this is places like the Fort Morgan peninsula, Dauphin Island and other coastal barrier islands are areas referred to as migrant traps. They consolidate birds. The birds see it as first land on their single flight from the Yucatan (Mexico), roughly 600 miles. These areas are just as important in the fall. It’s the last staging area before the flight back down to the tropics. “Some of these birds will pack on twice the amount of their normal body weight just so they can metabolize that fat to make that trip across. It’s a perilous journey, and condition is everything. That ties into the quality of habitat. If you have high-quality habitat with a good diversity of plants, a good diversity of bugs and berries, then they can condition themselves better for the migration.” One of the birds banded last week at Fort Morgan was a blackpoll warbler, which makes an epic migration, according to Rush. “In the fall, it’s not unheard for them to leave southern Ontario (Canada) or Maine or New Hampshire and fly out to sea before heading all the way to South America,” Rush said. “Imagine a bird that weighs about 12 grams making a flight like that. I forget the exact analogy, but it’s something like us getting 500,000 miles per gallon of fuel if you convert that into energy.” Soehren and Rush said banding is the most viable tool to track bird

migrations. Whether the bird is recaptured at another banding station somewhere else in the U.S. or flies into the net again on Fort Morgan, the researchers gather important data. “We’ve caught some birds that we banded earlier in the week, and we can look at how much their mass has changed between the time we first banded them and when they were recaptured,” Rush said. “We can see if they are building fat or whether they might be burning more energy while they’re here. Ultimately, if you collect enough of that information, you can look at differences between species and between sexes and ages.” Rush said through work at other banding stations, scientists can determine migration routes and marvel at how the birds travel with pinpoint accuracy. “We’ve got data on birds that travel thousands of miles and they come back to a location the size of a football field year after year after year,” he said. “Something that small flying up in the atmosphere can get buffeted by the winds. Somehow they’re correcting for that and they’re homing in on a particular location. We’re not sure how they do it. We think they are using redundant systems. They are probably navigating by the stars. When it’s cloudy, they’re using landmarks. It works a lot better than our GPS (Global Positioning System), so that’s pretty wild.” One interesting aspect of the Fort Morgan banding program is that it is open to the public, and

the interest in birding continues to thrive. “This is the only banding program open to the public, that we’re aware of, on the Gulf Coast,” said Chandra Wright, of Alabama Gulf Coast Tourism. “This is the only chance for people to see banding up close, so this is a great education event. “With the Sargents starting this back in 1989, 25 years of doing it in the spring and fall, this was something the public looked forward to. We have tons of visitors who visit the Gulf Coast between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so the interest in the bird banding program is great for us. People are coming and spending their lodging dollars and eating in our restaurants, shopping and buying gas. And it’s very important that we educate people about the value of this habitat so we don’t lose it.” Soehren hopes the revived Fort Morgan banding will attract other scientists and skilled birdbanders to the effort. “That way we can get it back to what the Sargents had,” Soehren said. “They did two weeks in the spring and two weeks in the fall right here on Fort Morgan.” Rush said the Sargents’ banding efforts have advanced the education of the public about migratory birds and inspired many to pursue the field. “So many careers have been launched here, and so much interest has been created here that it’s great to keep it going,” Rush said. David Rainer is a columnist with the Alabama Department of Natural Resources.