OPINION: FIGHT AFTER MEETING GIVES CITY BLACK EYE. PAGE 4. DOTTED LINE THURSDAY THE Stacy signs with Oregan State.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 April 28, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 85
Sports, page 8.
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Drug take back event set for Saturday By MITCH SNEED Editor
The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership is once again teaming up with area law enforcement to offer a safe way to dispose of old, unwanted medication. The fifth annual Drug Take Back Event is set for Saturday, April 30 at Walgreens Pharmacy located in Alex City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sabrina Wood, coordinator of the Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership, said the event will offer a free, safe and environ-
mentally-friendly way to dispose of old or unwanted medication. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are eligible for drop off – no liquids or needles will be accepted. “We partner with law enforcement as a part of this national event, and we’re excited once again to offer this locally,” Wood said. “A lot of times, people do not have access to safe and environmentally friendly ways to dispose of old medicine. This partnership offers that opportunity to them.” Wood said participating agencies include the Tallapoosa County
Sheriff’s Department, Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, Drug Enforcement Agency, Alexander City Police Department and Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership. Items can be dropped off to these agencies in the Walgreens parking lot the day of the event. The free, anonymous, no-questions-asked initiative prevents pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted drugs. It also addresses a vital public health See DRUG • Page 3
Area showed resilience in 2011
Students get hands wet at Water Festival By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Sheriff Abbett recalls the tragedy that moved the community to action
The poster that volunteer Vicki Campbell was using to illustrate the water cycle at the 2016 Tallapoosa County Water Festival didn’t show anything like the water that Dadeville Elementary School fourth-grader Cortlin Morgan was looking out upon as Campbell talked. So Morgan asked where the water in Lake Martin came from. Told the lake was manmade, Morgan was even more puzzled. “How could one man do this?” Morgan inquired, motioning at the broad expanse of water off the point at Wind Creek State Park where he and his classmates sat. Campbell and others explained building Lake Martin took hundreds of men who built a dam to block the Tallapoosa River and form See WATER • Page 3
Cliff WIlilams / The Outlook
Area fourth graders take a look at a carp at Wednesday’s Water Festival at Wind Creek State Park. Left, Horseshoe Bend School fourth grader Caleb Montgomery kisses a carp at Wednesday’s Water Festival at Wind Creek State Park. Students couldn’t believe they were able to see another fish inside the mouth of a bass.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Five years ago, the Lake Martin Community was waking up to incredible devastation caused by a tornado that ripped through a path from just north of Wetumpka, through the heart of Elmore and Tallapoosa counties. Dadeville experienced tremendous loss of property and loss of life. As the anniversary of that day was commemorated in various ways, Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett was hit on two fronts. His department received 839 calls for help in a four-hour period, while his own Dadeville neighborhood took on extensive damage as a result of the EF 4 twister. “When you are actually hit in two ways like that, it extends the things you are dealing with,” Abbett said. “Just the amount of damage that resulted meant that there was no way that it could be handled quickly. “So we were looking at an extended amount of time. But over those three weeks we had 30 See TORNADO • Page 3
Lake Martin
Relay set to ‘Paint the Town Purple’ By MITCH SNEED Editor
Relay for Life, a community benefit for the American Cancer Society, may be on the calendar for May 6 at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex, but the town is already taking on a familiar hue in honor of the cancer fundraising event. Relay for Life is again “Painting the Town Purple.” Bows will be going up this week and hang through the end of Relay. Purple is the color chosen to represent all
cancers, and beautiful bows will begin appearing on the ornamental lamp posts in downtown Alexander City in the coming days. “We are trying to bring awareness of the mission of Relay for Life, which is ultimately to find a cure for cancer,” said Mandy Gilbert with Relay for Life. “The community can help by donating $25 to Relay for Life of Tallapoosa County. In return, we will hang a bow in memory of, or See RELAY • Page 3
1720 Dadeville Road • Alexander City, AL
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Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Students at Stephens Elementary School recently took part in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart event. The students raised over $6,100 to help the American Heart Association fight heart disease. Stephens student Hailey Horsley raised $258, more than any other student at the school. Students raising $100 or more were: Grace Galvan, Austin Holley, Vince Grier, Kailee McCrary, Sergio Alex, Cayden LeWallen, Tripp Gletcher, Mark Butcher, Mara Flournoy, Ana Corley, Hailey Horsley, Makayla Wingard, Zoey Fielas, Katie Bai, Ceclia Radney, Jason Chance, JaMichael Richardson, Katie Waldrop, Cholrie Morgan, Baylee Allen, Madison Shumway, Cortlynn Fisher, Keairra Morgan and Olivia Booker.
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256-329-1313 Free Consultations 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
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Sister struggles to reconcile love for brother and her faith
Friday
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@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 Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
Thursday, April 28, 2016
The Outlook
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Lake Martin Living, The Outlook is published five times Kenneth Boone a week, Tuesday through Saturday Photography and mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, a commercial web printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ReproPOSTMASTER: Send address duction of any part of any issue requires changes to Post Office Box 999, written publisher permission. Alexander City, AL 35011.
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DEAR ABBY: I am very excited to be proposing soon to the man I want to spend my life with. My family is excited for me -- with one exception. My younger sister, whom I want to be my best woman, says she doesn’t know if she will be able to participate in our wedding because she’s having trouble reconciling that her faith tells her same-sex marriage is a sin. I have explained that it will be a civil ceremony with a judge instead of a religious figure and she says that this “helps,” but she still doesn’t know if she can be part of it. I love my sister and I know that if she didn’t love me in return, she wouldn’t be struggling with this; she just wouldn’t participate. She’s racking her brain and her Bible trying to find a way to square her faith with her love
DEAR ABBY Advice
for me and my soon-to-be fiance. Despite this, I can’t help feeling hurt that she views my relationship as a sin she can’t be part of. If she decides she can’t stand with me in my wedding, I don’t know what to do. If she can’t support my marriage, should I ask her to not come to the ceremony? -- WEDDING WOES DEAR WEDDING WOES: I don’t think you should be retaliatory and tell your sister to stay away if she feels her faith doesn’t permit her to be
DEAR ABBY: I’ve been on and off again with this boy for about a year now, and he is socially awkward whereas I am not. He is extremely funny and loyal. I’m 13 and I think he wants to move to the next level of our relationship, and I’m not ready for that. He talks a lot of crap about my
friends, too. I feel like I need a break from him. How do I let him know how I feel without sounding rude? -- TEEN IN ALBERTA, CANADA DEAR TEEN: Be clear in your messages to him. Tell him you don’t like the way he talks about your friends, and you don’t want to hear him do it again. If he pushes you to do ANYthing that makes you uncomfortable, tell him NO and that he should stop immediately. It is not rude to create boundaries for yourself; in fact, it is healthy. It is more important to be forthright than to be polite. 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 Mr. Garrett Charles Williamson 1998 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mr. Garrett Charles Williamson, 17, of Kellyton, will be Friday, April 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Turk Holt will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 28, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Garrett passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016. He was born on October 30, 1998 in Alexander City, Alabama to Ronnie Charles Williamson and Rhonda Sue Williamson. Garrett loved his family, loved the Lord and was a Christian. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors, and shop was his favorite subject in school.
Mrs. Yvonne Gordon Culp 1933-2016 Funeral Service for Mrs. Yvonne Gordon Culp, 82, of Alexander City, will be Friday, April 29, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Mike Jones will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Culp passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016 at her residence. She was born on July 3, 1933 in Clay County, Alabama to William Arthur Gordon and Flora Bertie Gordon. She loved to sing gospel
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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.
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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.
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a member of your wedding party. If that’s the case, she may decide on her own not to attend. What you should do -right now -- is decide whom else you would like to stand up with you on this important occasion. Choose someone who has no question about whether you are doing the right thing. I hope your special day will be a happy one and that you will allow no one to blemish it.
Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third
He is survived by his parents; grandmother, Johnnie Lou Fuller; grandfather, William Foster Fuller, Jr.; aunt, Cindy Taunton; uncles, Damon Foster Fuller, Shelby Richardson, Mike Taunton, Tim Hudmon, and Tommy Goodwin; cousins, Galen Richardson, Brandon Taunton, Jamie Goodwin, and Jeremy Goodwin; special Friends, Tracy Kendrick and Alex Booker and the lives of his friends he touched. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Geneva Williamson; grandfather, Walter C. Williamson; and aunt, Donna Goodwin. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
music and to talk about God daily. Mrs. Culp was a wonderful cook and enjoyed canning food. She was a perfect mother and friend to all who knew her. Her wonderful caregivers were Jimmy and Nancy McGouyrk, who stayed by her side 24/7. Mrs. Culp always waited on her 6 year old grandson, William McGouyrk, to come in from school. He would run to her room and ask if she wanted a snack. She is survived by her sons, John (Judy) McGouyrk, Jim (Nancy) McGouyrk, Phillip (Sheila) McGouyrk, and Garvin Derrick (Christy) Culp; sixteen grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; brother, Rev. Earl Gordon, and sister, Gertie Lou Downing. She was preceded in death by her
Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m. Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville. Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. Coosa County Commission
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Base, Commission & Monthly Bonus + Excellent BeneÀts To Apply, Bring Resumé To: Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. 548 Cherokee Road Alexander City, AL or email: marketing@alexcityoutlook.com
Mr. Elbert Clyde Wilson Funeral arrangements for Mr. Elbert Clyde Wilson will be held Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Goodwater High School Gymnasium. Pastor Willie Dunn officiating. Public viewing will be held Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 12:00 noon at Goodwater High School Gymnasium. Zion Memorial Funeral Home of Sylacauga directing (256) 245-1454. Alabama’s Premiere Funeral Directors.
parents and her husbands, John Alan McGouyrk and Garvin Albert Culp. The family will accept flowers or donations may be given to Ray Baptist Church, 2519 Alabama Hwy 22, Alexander City, AL 35010. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Robert Walker Mr. Robert Walker of Nashville. TN formerly of Kellyton, Alabama died April 26, 2016 and arrangements will be announced later be Wrights Funeral Home.
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.
at 6:30 p.m.
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.
Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton.
Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in city hall. Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall. Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held upstairs in the courthouse
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Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m.
New Site City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall. Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office. Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m. 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. 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. Tallapoosa County 911 Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the 911 Administrative office at 240 West Columbus Street, Dadeville. Call 825-8490 for more information.
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Thursday, April 28, 2016
Tornado
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Above, Lake Martin Resource Association’s John Thompson helps give kayak lessons at Wednesday’s Water Festival at Wind Creek State Park. Below, Area fourth graders take a look at a Crappie at Wednesday’s Water Festival at Wind Creek State Park.
Water
continued from page 1
the lake. Finally, Morgan was satisfied. Morgan’s inquisitiveness was just one example of that shown Wednesday morning at the Water Festival as approximately 250 schoolchildren from Dadeville, Horseshoe Bend and Reeltown Schools gathered at Wind Creek to learn all about water from aquifers to the water cycle. Today, children from Stephens and Coosa elementary schools will visit the festival, making the total number of children exposed to the activities approximately 600. The kids each visited six stations, learning hands-on at each about different aspects of water and how important it is to their everyday lives. At the fisheries station, the children were exposed to several different species of fish, including carp, largemouth bass, spotted suckers and others. They learned the things that fish need to live and were even able to handle and, in at least one case, kiss a fish. Dadeville fourth-grader Lane Chayka gave the fish a quick smack and then, when asked what kid of fish it was, couldn’t recall that it was a spotted sucker. “You kissed a fish and didn’t even know its name?” Tallapoosa County Extension Specialist Shane Harris asked. At the “Edible Acquifer” station, students pulled refreshments through a straw from plastic cups to illustrate how groundwater is pulled from aquifers. They used sprinkles and other edibles in their drinks to demonstrate the potential for the presence of contaminants in groundwater. Other stations taught the attendees safe canoeing practices and water conservation. “Any time students are outside learning with hands-on activities it sets them up to understand things more
clearly and put what they learn in place in their everyday lives,” said Sabrina Wood of the Middle Tallapoosa Clean
continued from page 1
that day and said that it was a day that will never be forgotten in Alabama. “The tornadoes which ripped through the Southeast five years ago did unprecedented damage in Alabama, tearing apart not just our homes and businesses but countless families,” Sessions said in a released statement. “However, in those darkest of days, the people of our state united in a common purpose to reveal their true nature. The love and service shown in the following days and weeks through the giving of time, aid, and prayer brought our communities together like never before. “The work which began the morning after the storms to rebuild our communities from the destruction continues to this day. As we look back on how far our state has come in these short five years, let us take time to cherish the memories of the loved ones who were lost and who will never be replaced.” Abbett said that while no one can ever prepare for a disaster of the magnitude that the area experienced in 2011, said a lot was learned that has helped. “You can do all the training and planning in the world and never really be ready something as devastating as that storm was hits your community,” Abbett said. “But you find that when you have to do it and actually put it all to work, that experience serves you well. I do think that was the case with that period for sure.”
different agencies in here and no telling how many volunteers who responded to help get the area back to some degree of normalcy.” Abbett said that response and the spirit with which the residents and the people attacked the devastation was a reminder of how incredible the people of this community can be. “You never want to say that you were lucky, especially with all the damage and loss of life,” Abbett said. “But because of the timing many of the lake homes were not occupied full-time. I mean, there were 120 kids at a retreat at Camp Alamisco and it missed there by a mile or two. So little things like that you are thankful for. “Plus I think the tornado again showed how resilient the people of this area really are,” Abbett said. “They rolled up their sleeves and went to work. I think that’s why we recovered as well as we have.” Gov. Robert Bentley on Wednesday visited one of the hardest hit areas to assess the progress five years later and highlight the state’s response. “Alabama will never forget the more than 250 people who lost their lives on April 27, 2011,” Bentley said. Wednesday in Hackleburg. “Today, five years later, Alabama is better prepared to face the next natural disaster due to the lessons learned in how we prepare and respond. I am proud of the efforts state agencies made to help communities recover.” Sen. Jeff Sessions praised the work done by first-responders and volunteers
Relay
Water Partnership who coordinates the festival. “This is a wonderful opportunity for them.” The Tallapoosa County Water Festival is one of several of its kind in the state, Wood said, but the only one that is held outdoors and the only one that offers six activities to visiting schoolchildren. The annual festival is sponsored by the City of Alexander City, Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Constellation Energy, Alabama State Parks, Lake Martin HOBO, Lake Martin Resource Association, Alabama Power Co., Tallapoosa and Coosa County Conservation District, Coosa County Forestry Planning Committee, Lake Martin Lions Club, Kellyton Fire and Rescue, Russell Lands, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Lake Watch and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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The Outlook
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in honor of, a loved one who has been impacted by cancer. “If the donor would like, we will also send an acknowledgement card to the person who the bow was bought in memory or honor of. We will also post the donation on our Facebook page and on a board at Relay for Life.” This year’s theme is “Lights, Camera, Cure,” and participants are encouraged to embrace the theme by dressing in attire from Hollywood’s big screen. Relay for Life teams camp out overnight and take turns walking or running around a local track. Events are up to 24 hours long, and because cancer never sleeps, each team is asked to have at least one participant on the track at all times. Each year, more than four million people in countries worldwide raise funds and awareness to fight the disease. Details of this year’s event include: When and Where: Friday, May 6th from 6-10 p.m. at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Track DJ: Steve Culberson Master of Ceremonies: Kenny Dean
Schedule: 6 p.m. Opening Ceremonies, including presentation of colors, national anthem by Heather Vickers, invocation by Bro. Wayne Cowhick, and guest speaker, Dr. Minter from UAB Cancer Center at RMC Survivors, Caregivers, Family/Friends and Team Parade Laps 7 p.m. Performance by BRHS Cheerleaders 7:15 p.m. Fight Back Ceremony where the community makes pledges as to what they will do in the next year to fight back against cancer 7:30 p.m. Relay Idol Finals featuring Apollo 256, Tina Hosey, Lou Ann Duffie and Cole Sherum 8:45 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony, including guest speaker Lisa Wilson and special performance by Hillabee Baptist Church Choir LED Balloon Release in Memory or Honor of Loved Ones who have been affected by cancer 9:45 p.m. Closing Ceremonies, including awards
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and public safety issue. “Medications that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse,” Wood said in a released statement. Wood said it’s important to properly dispose of medication because it prevents harmful chemicals from getting into drinking water. “Studies are showing that this practice is dangerous to our rivers, lakes and streams as well as harmful to the animals that depend on these aquatic habitats,” Wood said in her release. “A study done
by the United State Geological Survey back in 1999 showed that 80 percent of our streams contained compounds found in common medications. Sewage systems are not set up to remove these medicines from water that is released into lakes, rivers or oceans. Fish and other aquatic animals have shown adverse effects from medicines in the water.” For any questions, contact 256-3295176 or 334-273-7300.
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EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
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Page 4
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Post-meeting fight gives city a black eye U
nless you’ve been under a rock somewhere deep in the woods, you’ve heard about the embarrassing episode at Monday night’s meeting of the Alexander City City Council when Mayor Charles Shaw and Councilman Tony Goss engaged in a physical confrontation which resulted in assault charges against Shaw and his wife, Lavern. Alexander City has seen its share of embarrassment lately from its local government. Thousands of dollars are unaccounted for from Lakewinds Golf Course and a criminal investigation has begun. Raises – sometimes exorbitant ones – were granted by the mayor without the required council approval. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Our
Opinion Most recently, accountants with the firm Carr Riggs & Ingram said $1.5 million in city funds are unaccounted for. In fact, it was CRI’s revelation of the unaccounted-for funds that was the backdrop of the fisticuffs that erupted Monday night between Goss and Shaw – and quickly spread via the internet to virtually every corner of the globe. For more than three years an adversarial atmosphere has existed, with some council members feeling they are left in the dark and unable to get answers or information, while the mayor seems to take every inquiry as a personal attack. If these people were to go to
a marriage counselor we think a legal separation would be in order. But voters will get a chance to decide that for themselves in August. Meanwhile, the show (no pun intended) goes on. Alexander City’s mayor and council must, in the interim, continue to work together for the betterment of the city. How is that supposed to happen when you have behavior that law enforcement warranted criminal charges? Such a complete lack of professionalism as was illustrated on Monday night simply will not abide. We hear so much about how far Alexander City has come since that dark day when Russell Corp. left town. We hear so much about the businesses and industries that are
coming to be a part of our area. We hear so much about Alexander City continually becoming a better place to live. And then our city leaders start throwing punches in the midst of what is, quite simply, a financial crisis. In case you haven’t figured it out, the Showdown at City Hall buried the lead: $1.5 million in city funds are unaccounted for. And no one’s talking about it. The city has in many ways become a better place to live than it was after Russell left town. We have drawn new business and industry to the area. But without city leaders who are capable of professionalism, civility and proper financial management, those days may be numbered.
Today’s
Quote
“Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” – Mark Twain
Today’s
Scripture “He who digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him.” – Proverbs 26:27
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Are you embarrassed by the fight between elected officials at city hall Monday?
Yes - 64 No - 14
Thursday Question: Do you think the government in Alexander City is in ‘total disarray?’ To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
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Mission
Know Your
Officials Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010. Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee. Sherry EllisonSimpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256-3290516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee. Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee. Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee. James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-329-9758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee. Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-749-3355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
Readers sound off on events at city hall Vindicated: Make a stand so our city can move forward
Charles Shaw
Bobby Tapley
Sherry Ellison Simpson
Bob Howard
Billy Ray Wall
James Spann
Tony Goss
Dear Editor, The editorial I wrote on March 24 was viewed by some as harsh. Sometimes the truth is harsh. Sometimes that is what it takes to get people to listen. To all my detractors I do believe after Monday night’s incident at the city council meeting, I have been vindicated. I have been exposing what kind of person our mayor was for years. I think Monday night’s action speaks for itself. In that editorial, I asked “hasn’t Alex City suffered enough?” I guess not. The embarrassing event that took place was splashed across the whole state by 10 o’clock. Charles Shaw stated in his rebuttal editorial on April 23 he was bringing business and jobs to Alex City. Really? With this kind of exposure to Alex City, what kind of jobs, WWE? The rebuttal editorial was very professionally composed, even if it took a month to respond, but anyone who has spoken to Charles Shaw for over five minutes would realize Charles doesn’t possess the vocabulary or oratory skills to compose such a document. Tony Goss, who wants to be the next mayor, isn’t much better. Being provocative appears to be Mr. Goss’s only strong trait. This leads me to believe Mr. Goss lacks the professional ability to be the leader Alex City needs. My Sunday school lesson this week came from James, Chapter 3. I am attempting to temper my words. I think Mr. Shaw and Mr. Goss need to read James, Chapter 3. The council isn’t much better. Three years of service of the current council and we find out our finances as well as our books are a total shambles. Three budget processes and nobody knew? Mr. Howard, the president of the council, stated the next mayor and council may be the ones to fix these problems. I say to Mr. Howard, NO. You wanted the president’s job since the first night the current
council was installed. You have eight months to start the fix. Be the leader Alex City needs. Do what we the people of Alex City pay you to do. This whole situation goes back to a statement I made in the editorial of March 24: there is no competent leadership in our city government. So what is the fix for this situation? First, the problems need to be identified. Then competent people must be in charge of the fix. If the person currently in charge of those responsibilities isn’t capable of doing the job find someone who is capable. The first person to go should be the mayor. We the people of Alex City have to make a stand so our city can move forward. Thank you for your time. Woody Baird De Opresso Liber Alexander City
READER: ‘We thought Alexander City was a step above’ Dear Editor, We were shocked and amazed by the behavior of Mayor Charles Shaw at the recent city council meeting. We subscribe to the Alex City Outlook and try to keep informed about local issues. We know that Dadeville has the “good old boys” style of governing and we are saddened by Camp Hill politics, but we thought Alex City was a step above these towns. However all the recent budget woes, the golf course losses, the raises for some and special treatment for others does make us wonder. We know Tony Goss as he installed our security and intercom system when we built our home in 1998. Tony returned whenever we needed him even after he sold his business. He was a pleasure to work with and fun to be around due to his upbeat energetic nature. We know Tony is an honest, hardworking individual who really wants what is best for Alex City. Yes, he is outspoken, but wouldn’t all of us prefer a representative who tells it like it is over one who pulls strings
in the background? Out of curiosity we wonder why Chief Robinson, who personally witnessed the assault on Tony and disturbance of the peace, did not take appropriate police measures. If we assaulted someone in front of a police officer, would we not be arrested and charged with criminal activity? David and Diana French Alex City
Sometimes if you push too hard people push back Dear Editor, This is not to condone the embarrassing event that happened Monday night at the Alexander City Council meeting. But I hope Tony Goss learns one of life’s lessons... that, if you push a person to their breaking point, you are likely to get what you deserve. Dick Bronson Lake Martin
Boxing gloves may be a better way to handle city issues Dear Editor, After reading Tuesday and Wednesday’s Outlook, I have been inspired to write my second letter to an editor. For much of the duration of our city council, valuable meeting time has been spent on mistrust of other members, who is responsible for pay raises, who is employed, plus other self-serving items. The past two Outlooks leads me to suggest a seemingly agenda change. My suggestion is that before the next meeting, boxing gloves be purchased for each member and others who wish to be recognized. That way the selfserving issues could first be resolved, then items such as the budget, perhaps a manual might be written explaining who is responsible for supervision of each activity, etc. Bob Morgan Alexander City
The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
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Subscribe 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 50 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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Today’s Anniversaries
Bobby and Dot Vickers and Gary and Brenda Claybrook are celebrating anniversaries today.
Call me. April 25-29
BASEBALL REGISTRATION: The 2016 Alex City Baseball 13-15 Year Old League registration will be at the Sportplex Baseball Tower Monday, April 25 through Friday, April 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $75.
April 29
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HEALTH FAIR: Lake Martin Community Hospital, a division of Ivy Creek Healthcare, is hosting a Health & Wellness Fair on April 29th, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Stillwaters Welcome Centre (2129 Moonbrook Drive) in Dadeville, Al. Physicians and nurses will be on site administering basic health & wellness checks, as well as a fly-in by Life Saver helicopter. For more information, please call 334618-4616. QUAIL FRY: The Lake Martin Area United Way is hosting a quail fry and low country boil April 29 at 6 p.m. at LD Benton’s Barn on Elkahatchee Road. Cost is $50 per couple or $30 per individual. For more information or to purchase tickets contact the United Way office at 17 Main Street or at 256329-3600.
April 30
DRUG TAKEBACK: Local law enforcement will be on site at Walgreens Pharmacy in Alexander City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 30 to allow anyone to dispose of unwanted or expired over the counter and prescription medications. No questions will be asked. CEMETERY PRESERVATION WORKSHOP: The Alabama Cemetery Preservation Alliance is hosting its annual cemetery preservation workshop at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact Scott Martin at bevel67@ aol.com for additional information. CAR WASH: The Pine Ridge Mission Team is having a car wash April 30 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Arby’s. The proceeds will help with VBS and community outreach projects this summer on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. SHELIA’S WARRIORS: The Central Alabama Club of the NANBPWC, Inc. in a one mile walk for Sarcoidosis honoring the memory of Sheila Shelton-Burks April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration is $10 and t-shirts are $12-$15. All proceeds from this gathering will aid in finding a cure for this deadly disease. For additional information contact Shirley A. Shelton, CAC President 1114 Parrish Street Alexander City, AL 35011. MULE DAY: The Weogufka Center will host Mule Day Saturday, April 30. Vendors are welcome. Breakfast will be available from 6:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Concessions will be available from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Parking is $2 per car. There will be plowing demonstrations, buggy rides and entertainment will be available all day. For more information contact Margaret Thornton at 256-234-2186 or Kattie Hocutt at 256-329-3638. PRAYER WALK: Haven Chapel UMC Prayer Team Ministry will do a prayer walk April 30 at 7 a.m. in the communities connecting the church to the community. The team will leave 185 Royston Street, to Broadnax, Crawford, Herren and South Street (OLD 280.) Upon returning to the church, the team will branch out in the communities seeing the communities through God’s eye, praying for discernment; discovering, interacting, and seeking ways of blessing the communities. CLEARANCE SALE: The Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center is hosting its second quarter clearance sale Saturday, April 30 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
May 1
REGENERATION ANNIVERSARY: The Regeneration Community Praisers will present their Moving Forward pro-
gram May 1 at 3 p.m. at the Cooper Recreational Center. Mistress of Ceremony will be Keke Fuller. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: The Mt. Lovely Baptist Church in Camp Hill will be observing its 22nd pastoral anniversary of Rev. and Sis. Bernard Harris on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m. Rev. Douglas Caddell and Canaan Baptist Church of Bessemer will be our guest. Come out and celebrate. FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: Oak Grove CME Church will be hosting their family and friends day Sunday, May 1 at 11 a.m. The guest speaker of the morning will be Rev. Harry Gatewood III, from Newman, Ga. The church is located on 17412 Highway 22 East Daviston. Everyone is invited to attend.
Until May 2
PRE-K REGISTRATION: Pre-K applications are being accepted at Jim Pearson School, Alex City Board of Education and Hippy House until May 2. Be sure to bring completed family information form and most recent utility bill as proof of Alabama residency.
May 3
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: Central Elementary School will have registration for kindergarten May 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Central Elementary School. Registration forms are available at www.ces.coosaschools.k12.al.us Bringing completed forms will make the registration process go much more quickly.
May 4
BIBB GRAVES MONTHLY LUNCHEON: The monthly luncheon for the Bibb Graves School will be May 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a covered dish.
May 5
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION: Central Elementary School will have registration for kindergarten May 5 from 3:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Central Elementary School. Registration forms are available at www.ces.coosaschools.k12.al.us Bringing completed forms will make the registration process go much more quickly. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: The local observance of the National Day of Prayer will be May 5 at noon at the First Baptist Church of Alexander City. Everyone is invited. This is sponsored by the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: The Hackneyville Community will sponsor its first National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 5 at 10 a.m. (rain or shine) around the flag pole at the Hackneyville Community Center on Highway 63 North. All are welcome For more information, contact Leslie Payne at 256-8391235.
May 7
HATCHETT CREEK ROUNDUP: Hatchett Creek Presbyterian Church will host the 20th Annual Hatchett Creek Roundup May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Speakers will be George C. Smith, Sr. MD, George C. Smith, Jr. MD. and Ashley Lane, MD on Healthcare in Clay County Past Present and Future. FISH FRY: The Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its annual fish fry May 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost is $10 a plate.
May 12 - May 28
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: I Hate Hamlet will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players May 12 - May 28. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
May 14
CLASS REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, AL, Senior Class of 1974 is hosting a School Reunion BBQ on Saturday, May 14,
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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
Chloe McMichen, Morgan Culberson, Harold Ingram, Sylvia Stokes, Jimmy Whitman, Nelson Whitman, and Christine Johnston are celebrating birthdays today. 2 p.m. until at University Station RV Park, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families, and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334257-3826, email hughesautoparts@ centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233, email steven505@ centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-3193434, email auburnhood@aol.com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-508-1768, email gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems. CLAY SHOOT: The Alex City Kiwanis is once again sponsoring it’s annual Five-Stand Clay Shoot at Five Star Plantation. This year’s event will be Saturday, May 14th. Five person teams will compete against one another with each team getting 25 shots per person. Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Full five-man teams are $800, a half team is $400, and individual entry is $160. Entry deadline is Friday, May 6th. For more information or to register, please contact Dr. Matt Haines at mhaines@ sixthstreetbaptistchurch.com or call 256-794-3074. You can also contact through the Alexander City Kiwanis Facebook page. GRILL MASTER CLASS: The Tallapoosa County Extension Service is hosting a grill master class May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Pavilion #3 at Wind Creek State Park. Cost is $15 per person and reservations are required. To register call 256-825-1050 to sign-up. LAUREL CLASS OF 1969: Laurel High School Class of 1969 will have a meeting Saturday, May 14, 10:30 a.m. to talk about the 50th year anniversary reunion. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast May 14 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost is $6 a plate and consists of bacon and or sausage and pancakes. It is all you can eat dine in only. To go plates available.
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May 15
GOSPEL SINGING: Goodwater Baptist Church is hosting a gospel singing May 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lunch in between. Bring a covered dish. The Joyful Hearts will be performing and a love offering will be taken. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Holly Springs Baptist Church and Cemetery of Coosa County will host a homecoming May 15 at 10 a.m. with lunch after the service. Please join us if you have family buried in the cemetery or you used to go to church there. HOMECOMING: The Midway School Historical Association will be hosting homecoming May 15. Lunch will be at noon and singing afterwards. SOLIDARITY DAY: The New Adka Church is hosting Solidarity Day may 15 at 11 a.m.
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
How to add a calendar item: Participate in your
May 17
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
May 18
MAY DAY: The Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s 50+ Club is hosting its 11th annual May Day Celebration at Wind Creek State Park Wednesday, may 18 starting at 9 a.m. with an opening ceremony. There will be door prizes, bingo, music, boat rides, horseshoe tournament, rook and food. If you are bringing a group of 8 or more, please call in you count by May 13 at 256-329-2910 Free and open to all of Tallapoosa County, just the $2 entrance fee at the park. For more information email corley. holt@alexandercityal.gov.
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May 19
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wine is hosting a wine tasting May 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. John Mark Davis of Pinnacle Imports will have wines from the Pacific Northwest.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
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Thursday, April 28, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Is Atlanta a STACY SIGNS WITH OREGON STATE bad sports city? Alex City native, former Wildcat taking talents to Pacific Northwest
“
By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Ronnie Stacy’s journey has taken him from Alexander City to Tyler, Texas. But now, the former Benjamin Russell Wildcat point guard will be heading to the Pacific Northwest after signing with Oregon State University on Wednesday. Stacy, a 2014 BRHS graduate, competed for Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas the past two seasons before making his jump to Division-I. Stacy said he is excited about the opportunity to be a member of the Oregon State basketball program and compete in the PAC-12 Conference. “This is a great feeling. I’m making my mom proud back home and then I get to go to school and still do what I love to do: play basketball. It’s just a great feeling,” Stacy said. “I actually went on a visit there (Oregon State) a week ago and I loved the campus, the coaches and the environment, just how the people there are welcoming. It’s a nice place. So, I narrowed it down to them.” Benjamin Russell basketball Coach Jeff Hines said he thinks Stacy will make a great addition to the Oregon State program. “Ronnie was an exceptional high school player, however, I thought his upside was tremendous and I thought he would be a better JUCO player than he was a high school player, which he was,” Hines said. “Going to JUCO and getting two years under his belt there, there was never a question in my mind: I always thought he would be a D-I player. I thought he needed a little seasoning, which he got, and he had an opportunity to play in the national tournament while at Tyler, which I think is a big plus. I think he’ll be a tremendous player for Oregon State.” Stacy said hard work at Benjamin Russell and during his time at Tyler helped him get to the Division-I level. “I feel like coming from Alexander City and just working hard trying to get to the next level (helped). Then when I got to Tyler, I just worked even harder,” Stacy said. “It got tough at times, but I fought through it, so this whole experience feels pretty good.” Hines said Stacy is one of the first Wildcats to play at the Division-I level in nearly 20 years. “Ronnie is going to be playing in the PAC-12, and to me it doesn’t get much bigger than that unless you go to the league,” Hines said. “I’m very happy for him. It wasn’t an easy process. There were bumps in the road, but he overcame it and I think a tremendous amount of credit has to go to his mother, Twila (Russaw), who I think did a phenomenal job keeping him on track and making sure he did the things he was supposed to do to get to the next level.” Stacy said he can bring great deci-
File Photo / The Outlook
Former Benjamin Russell Wildcat point guard Ronnie Stacy signed with Oregon State University on Wednesday.
sion making to the backcourt for Oregon State, but will need to work on his shooting. “I feel like my strengths will be my ability to get the right people the ball at the right time and making plays, and finishing at the rim and playing good defense. Also, I’m very vocal on the court,” Stacy said. “I think I need to build my confidence more so that I can be a better shooter to knock it down when I
need to.” Stacy added he is thankful for everyone who has supported him throughout his career. “I would like to credit Coach Jeff Hines and my coach here, Coach Mike Marquis for coming to Alexander City and giving me a chance at Tyler, Texas to pursue my dream,” Stacy said. “I would also like to thank Ronnie Tucker, Cecil Holinquest, and Gabriel Truitt.”
Wildcats finish second at Sectionals, advance to Sub-State By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo
Benjamin Russell’s Hal Coker tees off during a match this season at Willow Point Golf and Country Club.
After a strong performance at sectionals, the Benjamin Russell Wildcats boys golf team is heading to Sub-State. The Wildcats finished second out of 12 teams in Tuesday’s 6A Sectional competition at Cider Ridge in Oxford. Benjamin Russell had a team score of 332, finishing behind Pell City, which shot a 315. Chilton County finished third with 352 and Pinson Valley finished fourth with 355. Benjamin Russell Coach Wes Tate said the Wildcats put together a strong performance to move on to the Sub-State competition on May 2 at Timber Creek in Spanish Fort. “They played really well Tuesday. They played on a tough course and played it well. They ended up finishing second out of 12 teams,” Tate said. “So, we’re moving on to Mobile and will compete in the Sub-State competition. We’re going to go down there on Sunday and we’ll be paired with Spanish Fort and Pell City.” Hal Coker shot an 80 for Benjamin Russell, while Dylan Moncus shot an 81, Sawyer Scott shot an 84, Trey Shockley shot an 87, and Kylee Reeder shot an 89. “I was really proud of them. They battled. Everything didn’t always go their way, but they didn’t drop their heads and ended up second,” Tate said. “We were 17 strokes out of first and all of them could look back on the round and find strokes. We took an eighth grader, we counted his scores and he played well. I was proud of all of them.”
Your fans are terrible! JOE You’re MCADORY a joke! Sports Atlanta is Columnist no sports city!” My left ear was the unfortunate recipient of a loudmouth in a Boston Celtics t-shirt recently at Philips Arena. The Celtics were in town to play the Hawks in one of the final games of the NBA regular season and this delightful human being made sure he had everyone’s attention within earshot. Regardless of his message (which I did not care one way or the other), he had awful breath – as if week-old road kill was lodged between his molars. But was he right? Yes, and no. I haven’t conducted extensive research of the demographics of metro Atlanta and its surrounding communities regarding its ties to the Hawks, Falcons or Braves, but I’ve lived in the region long enough to form an educated guess. Boston is a huge sports town – and should be. The Celtics have been around for eons, as have the Red Sox and Bruins. The Patriots are just more than 50 years old, but their fan base is helped by recent Super Bowl successes, and should be. New York’s teams have been around for years, so has its loyal fan base. Same goes for Chicago, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and even Cleveland, though the rusty Ohio city can’t seem to grasp a championship. Atlanta really didn’t become a sports city until 1966 when the Braves moved from Milwaukee and the Falcons were born into the NFL. Other than Hank Aaron’s 715th home run, the Braves were mostly known for losing seasons until it rose to power in the 1990s. The Falcons, more times than not, are so-so. Same for the Hawks, who often make the 16-team NBA Playoffs but that’s not saying much. It’s hard for fans in Atlanta to get excited about mediocrity. Maybe they weren’t Atlanta sports fans to begin with. When the Falcons and Braves moved to town, the population of metropolitan Atlanta was roughly 1.5 million. Today, more than 5.5 million occupy that area. Between Aaron’s first single at Fulton County Stadium and Matt Ryan’s last interception last season, five million people decided to call Greater Atlanta home. Aside from the normal population growth that is expected since God commanded us to “be fruitful and multiply,” industry exploded here. Whatever Gen. Sherman did to Atlanta in the Civil War, massive companies such as Delta Airlines, The Home Depot, AT&T, Coca-Cola, the Southern Company and SunTrust Banks, rebuilt. When companies locate to Atlanta – or any city – people often follow those opportunities. Folks from Florida, California, New York, even Boston. Atlanta may be home, but it isn’t their hometown. Zip codes change. Celtic Pride, or whatever, remains. Ever been to Turner Field to watch the Braves play the Yankees? Lots of pinstripes in the seats. These fans didn’t travel from the Bronx. No, many came from Buckhead or Roswell, but they didn’t grow up there. A man’s not going to pull for Derek Jeter or Ron Guidry all his life, move and suddenly purchase an Erick Aybar jersey. So is Atlanta a bad sports city? Maybe. Maybe not. Mediocrity is hard to sell and a large portion of the region’s population base migrated there from other locales. But when the Dirty Birds or Braves rise to the top of the standings, natives will flock to those shiny new stadiums under construction. Hopefully by then, the man from Boston will have brushed his teeth. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business and is the former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.