OPINION: KEY CHOICES CAN LEAD TO GOOD HEALTH, PAGE 4.
TUESDAY
THE LOCAL, PAGE 2
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
More on Stop the Violence Rally
SPORTS, PAGE 10 Wildcats fall to Aggies
April 4, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 66 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
City deals with grant, theater name change By MITCH SNEED Editor
The city de-obligated itself from grant funds that would have helped the city airport construct new hangars, a liquor license for a highend downtown cocktail bar was approved and the city saw an ambitious plan and approved a name change for what was the Bama Theater. Those three items were just part of a busy night for the Alexander City City Council, that also included a public hearing on possible
demolition of several dilapidated structures and furnishings and fixture for the completion of Broad Street Plaza. The item that gave the council the most angst was the de-obligation of funds for the T-Hangers at Russell Field. The current hangers are at least 50 years old and in bad shape. The plan was to use a $250,000 grant with an equal match by the city to tear down the buildings and replace with 8 to 12 new structures. Community Development Director Al Jones said the cost of the project would have gone See COUNCIL • Page 3
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Councilwoman Buffy Colvin hangs ballons for the kids at Saturday’s Stop The Violence Rally at Laurel Park in Alexander City.
New Site Council searches for police candidate
Young victims testify against suspect in sex abuse trial Girls, now 14 and 16, identify alleged attacker, describe abuse By MITCH SNEED Editor
By MITCH SNEED Editor
The trial for a 42-year-old Alexander City man accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with two girls under the age of 12 began Monday in Alexander City before Judge Tom Young. Henry Lemanns Williams, 42, is charged with sexual abuse of a child and sodomy having been indicted in August of 2015, after the girls reported in 2013 that they were sexually abused by Williams. In testimony Monday, both girls, who are now 14 and 16 respectively, identified Williams as the man who abused them. The girls told the jury about a pattern of abuse that took place over time by Williams and the threats he made should they tell anyone what he had done to them. One of the girls, now 16, testified through tears that Henry Williams sexually abused her, giving details of the acts that he did to her. She said that Williams threatened her, hit her and said he would kill her sisters and brothers if she told anyone. “This one time he was there and I had a headache and didn’t feel well,”
The New Site Town extended the application period for the police officer opening and moved a step closer to getting a grant for the town’s water system. The council is looking to fill a slot vacated by Phillip Weddle when he was promoted to police chief. “We have three applications that have been returned,” Councilmember Michael East said. “We have had the job posted since March 21.” East suggested that the town extend the application period for 10 days to help deepen the applicant pool. “We could extend the application period a few days,” East said. “It would not put us behind to extend it to sometime just before the next meeting.” East has also been work on a pay scale for the position. The starting pay would be about $29,000 and would take seven years to top out in the matrix. The position like all other See NEW SITE • Page 3
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Residents come out to ‘Stop the Violence’ Above ,Councilwoman Buffy Colvin hangs balloons for the kids at Saturday’s Stop The Violence Rally at Laurel Park in Alexander City. Left, Antonio Dunn playfully lifts up 2-yearold Amari Dunn at Saturday’s Stop The Violence Rally. For more photos from the event see page 2.
See TRIAL • Page 3
Second annual United Way Quail Fry kicks off campaign with food, fun LD Benton drops some battered quail into the fryer at Saturday night’s United Way Quail Fry. Guests were treated to quail, shrimp, gumbo and a great atmosphere as they kicked off their 2018 campaign. For more photos see page 9.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
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A huge turnout of great people, enjoying fantastic food on a beautiful spring evening to support a great cause – that’s what the second annual United Way Quail Fry Saturday turned out to be. About 300 people turned out for the event at the Russell Lands Carriage House that featured fried quail, a shrimp boil, gumbo and all trimmings. “We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night,” United Way Director Sharon Fuller said. “It was just an incredible turnout and everything – the food, the people the weather and just the atmosphere – was perfect.” In addition to the food and music and gather-
ing of friend, there was a massive bake sale and baked good auction to top off the evening with some of the confections fetching upwards of $500 each. The event served as the kickoff for the 2018 United Way Fundraising Campaign. The campaign theme is “Team United” and the event was a great example of the combined efforts of countless people to pull off the event. Representatives from the 27 United Way agencies were on hand along with countless volunteers who helped serve, cook and make guests feel welcomed. “I can’t thank everyone enough,” Fuller said. “We had so many people really step up to make this a success. It just couldn’t have gone any better.”
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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 Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com
Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 alethia.russell@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.
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Tuesday, April 4, 2017
The Outlook
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
DEAR ABBY: My daughter is graduating from high school in May. She has been accepted to a prestigious university, entirely due to her own hard work and dedication. My father-in-law recently informed us that his new wife had selected our daughter’s graduation present, and they are excited to give it to her. They chose a pink luggage set. My husband and I are mystified about why they decided this would be the perfect gift for our daughter. We know she will be embarrassed -- but gracious -- if she receives this gift in front of our family and friends on graduation day. We would like to spare her the awkwardness and having to return an inappropriate gift. Abby, would it be rude of us to strongly encourage them to rethink their gift? How do we broach the subject so we don’t cause hurt feelings or a rift? We are grateful for their generosity, but we know
DEAR ABBY Advice
the gift won’t suit our grad. -MYSTIFIED MOTHER DEAR MOTHER: I do not advise your becoming involved with this. Warn your daughter in advance what the gift will be so she isn’t caught flat-footed on graduation day. If she chooses to exchange the luggage for something she feels will be more appropriate, she should do so. Luggage that stands out like a sore thumb may be easier to spot on an airport carousel, but it can also be more vulnerable to theft than something that blends in. DEAR ABBY: I have a tough problem. I care very much for my girlfriend. She keeps me in check and does everything for me. However,
Obituaries Miss Kimberly Ashlynn Sims 2005 - 2017 Funeral Service for Miss Kimberly Ashlynn Sims, 12, of Verbena, Alabama, will be Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Bro. Jeff Hardy will officiate. Burial will follow in the Rockford City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, April 3, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Miss Sims passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017 in Rockford. She was born on February 19, 2005 in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Mr. O’neal Tuck
Mr. O’neal Tuck 57 of Alexander City, AL died on Monday, April 3, 2017 at his residence. Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services
Attorney at Law
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
825-9559
DEAR ABBY: My exhusband recently died, and I have just learned he had an ille-
to Bradley Sims and Melissa Sue Sims. Ashlynn had a tender heart and was a very loving, silly girl that loved everyone. She enjoyed playing softball and was short-stop for the Alexander City White Socks girl’s softball team. She is survived by her father, Bradley Sims of Alexander City; mother, Melissa Sue Sims (Jared Buttram) of Verbena; sisters, Briana Nicole Sims of Dadeville, Brooklin Diane Sims of Verbena; brother, Kaiden Roy Sims of Verbena; grandparents, Lisa Diane Scruggs (Jere) of Alexander City, Tony Ray Sims (Peggy) of Jacksons Gap, Raymond Abrams (Kim) of Rockford, Robert Dunham (Melinda); great-
Mrs. Ruth Harrell
gitimate son 25 years ago. The son tracked me down wanting to know things about his biological father. My late husband and I had two children before this one was born. So, do I tell my children they have a half-brother and his aunts they have another nephew? -- TRACKED DOWN IN ILLINOIS DEAR TRACKED DOWN: I see no reason to make any announcements right now. Keep the news to yourself until you are sure that the man wants more contact with his relatives and isn’t just looking for medical information that could affect him. You also should make absolutely certain that he truly IS your late husband’s son by discussing it with an attorney before sharing any news or details. 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.
grandparents, Roy Sims (Gail); great-grandmother, Eyvonne Dunham of Goodwater; great-grandparents, George Ellis Vernon (Sue) of Rockford; aunts and uncles; Jason Sims (Laura), Shelly Whaley, Karen Thompson (Wade), Raymond Edward Abrams (Ashley), Dawn Rudolph, Charity Turner (Jonathan) and seventeen cousins. She was preceded in death by great-grandfathers, Louis Dunham and V.O. Abrams. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Carrie Berry
Mrs. Ruth E. Harrell 87 of Goodwater, AL died on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at Russell Medical Center, Alexander City, AL.
Funeral service for Mrs. Carrie W. Berry 81 of Alexander City, AL; Wednesday, April 5, 2017; 11 a.m.; GAP Fellowship Church, 721 Robinson Court, Alexander City, AL. Burial City of Alexander City Cemetery, Alexander City, AL.
Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services
Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services
Mrs. Martha Jean Perry 1935 - 2017 SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON
my best friend’s sister and I are extremely close. By close, I mean we have conversations about how things would be if we were dating. We have so much fun together. We never, ever argue, whereas my girlfriend and I are constantly fighting. I legitimately want the other girl, but I don’t know what I should do. -- SCARED AND STUCK IN ST. PAUL DEAR SCARED AND STUCK: You are a free man, neither married nor engaged. Because you have romantic feelings for someone else, gather your courage and level with your girlfriend. Tell her that while you appreciate everything she has done for you, you want to be free to date other people and think she should, too. The news will probably come as a shock to her, but it’s the honest thing to do and better for both of you.
Funeral Service for Mrs. Martha Jean Perry, 82, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Donald DeLee will officiate. Burial will follow in the
Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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STOP THE VIOLENCE RALLY Above, Councilman Scott Hardy addresses the crowd at Saturday’s Stop the Violence Rally. Left, event organizer, David Lee Wyckoff stands in front of Lt. James Orr, Sheriff Jimmy Abbett and Cpl. Marcus Billups as he talked about the importance of making the right decisions. About 400 people turned out for the event which featured fun for the kids and plenty of food.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Council
continued from page 1
substantially over what the grant and match would have allowed. Jones said the cost to build back 12 hangars would have been $925,020 that included a taxiway. Despite having a waiting list and evidence that the extra cost could be recouped in less than 20 years, the council voted to opt out of the project for now. “I just hate it,” Councilman Eric Brown said. “Do we need them? Yes. Do we have the money? No. I just wish there was a way. Maybe down the road.” The board of ACT II walked the council through an ambitious plan for a dramatic transformation of the old Bama Theater. In addition to the work that is planned, they also asked for the name to be changed to reflect what they have planned. The council heard from Larry Jennings, as well as Rob and Betsy Iler and the presentation was impressive. For more on the plan for ACT II’s renovation of the building, pick up Wednesday’s Outlook. But the council did approve naming the theater the Alexander City Theater II Fine Arts Center in a unanimous vote. The council approved an application for a Class 1 liquor license by Mark Gilliland for Ocie and Belles LLC Lounge, which will be at 41 Main Street. Police Chief Jay Turner had reviewed and approved of the plan. Gilliland was present and told the council that he
could be open in six to seven weeks if all goes well. The council approved a request made by MainStreet Alexander City’s Richard Wagoner for $13,000 for seating, tables and banners to place in the Broad Street Plaza. The fixtures were in the original plans and are needed to complete the project. “The plaza has been well-received and we now have people asking for space there,” Wagoner said. “This is needed to complete the project.” The council also held a public hearing on several structures being considered for demolition. While many drew no discussion or comments, four property owners objected, saying they had plans for the property. The council took no action, but advised them to make plans, get a building permit and start addressing the issues. The council could vote on the matter at their next meeting in two weeks. In other action the city council voted 6-0 to: • Approved a resolution providing up to $1,500 in funds to host the Alabama Bass Federation, Inc. State Jr./HS Tournament • Approved a resolution to provide up to $3,000 to Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation, Inc. (Adult) • Approved a request from Beacon of Joy to hold the 2nd Annual Healthy Community Health Fair Sunday, July 9, 2017 from 2-6 p.m. at Strand Park. • Approved a request for the Kiwanis Club Traveling Fair which will be held April 25th to 30th at the Sportplex.
Trial the 16-year-old said. “He gave me a pill and I thought it was for a headache. But all I know is I went to sleep. The next day my sister and brother told me he touched me when I was asleep.” Before she left the stand, she pointed to Williams and identified him as her attacker. The other girl, now 14, testified giving details of the alleged abuse by Williams. She said she was touched in her “private parts” by Williams with his hands and his “private parts.” Then 14-year-old testified that she saw Williams in bed with her
continued from page 1
sister after he had given her a pill. She said she hid under the covers and pretended to be asleep to avoid Williams knowing she had witnessed the incident. She too said that Williams had threatened her and her siblings if she told anyone. District Attorney Jeremy Duerr is the lead prosecutor in the case. In his opening statement, Duerr said that the girls, who are now 14 and 16, told forensic interviewers in 2014 that Williams had molested them for years. “In addition to what you will hear from these
girls, I expect that you will hear their brother testify that he had walked in and saw (Williams) on top of his sister, with his pants and her pants down,” Duerr said. He said while there are no photos or video of the abuse, “common sense” will tell the jury that the abuse did happen and Williams was the perpetrator. Defense attorney Mark Tindal said that Williams was the victim in the case. “Henry Williams is the victim of a horrific and vicious lie perpetrated by his very own mother,” said Tindal.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Father Reddy marks 25 years of church service at jubilee Father Peter Reddy, above addresses his congregation at the Silver Jubilee Celebration at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church Sunday. The celebration included festive performances from dancers as well as hymns and communion.. Right, Bishop Robert J. Bake, center, walks with Father Reddy after the celebration. Baker presided over the program.
Page 3
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The Outlook
According to Tindal, the reason that the allegations arose is because his mother had custody of four of her son’s children and that she received benefits for them. “In cases like this, if you follow the money, you can find the root of the issue,” Tindal said. Witnesses included Investigator Erin McWaters, Veronica Buckley, who has had custody of the children since the abuse allegations arose and Nora Williams of DHR. Testimony is expected to resume this morning.
New Site
continued from page 1
employees would have a six-month probationary period. New Site Mayor Phil Blasingame thanked East for his work on the matter. “This gives us something to go by,” Blasingame said. “We need to get some help but we want good help.” The council unanimously approved the extension of the application process and pay scale. Blasingame informed the council that the town was proceeding with the next step in the grant application for the water system. “We applied through ADEM to do our grant,” Blasingame said. “We got a letter that we qualify for it. Now we are going to fill out the full application and they are going to look at our financial things. We have moved on from step one to step two and have 60 days to fill out the full application which the engineering firm is doing.” Blasingame took part in a discussion and asked for a recommendation to open a checking account and move CDs to River Bank Trust that are set to mature April 9 but abstained from the vote. He explained that given rates and a special run by River Bank that the town would make more. The special requires the opening of a checking account to get a 0.90 percent rate on 13 month CDs while other banks were offering 0.45 percent. “I think we need to get the most for our money,” councilmember Bree Walton said. “We still have our checking and other accounts at USAmeribank,” East said. The approved move will close out a money market account with a balance of $4,700 to create the required checking account at River Bank. Councilmember Toby Hanson was absent from the meeting. The council also: • approved a proclamation recognizing retired Public Safety Director John McKelvey. • approved minutes from the last meeting. • approved a request from the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) for $500 to help with Meals on Wheels. • learned opening day for youth sports went off with very few problems and many compliments on some of the new amenities at the ball park. • learned that new flooring had been installed in the clerk’s office and despite efforts to locate a smell, it was still present. Quotes are currently being sought for an exhaust system. • learned town hall will be closed Friday, April 14 for Good Friday. • council members were reminded that ethics forms are due by May 1. The next meeting of the New Site Town Council will be Monday, April 17 at 5 p.m.
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Page 4
Our
W
e can all throw our hands up in disbelief at rising healthcare costs and insurance costs. But we can also control some of those costs by making a few choices. Dr. Jamie Evans of Russell Medical’s Medical Park Family Care in Dadeville reminds us that choosing to be healthy does not require rocket science. “Wellness involves choices in how we live our lives,” Evans told the Dadeville Kiwanis Club last week. “Those choices determine our lifestyles.” Those choices are often simple like eating healthy, exercising and just taking time to be. Being open to others, being playful and laughter are things Evans says will help. We can’t argue with those simple steps. Just look at children. We all comment about the energy they have. What are they doing? Exercising, playing, being open to others, laughing and with adult help, eating healthy. But somewhere along the way things get in the way and that is where we encourage youto follow another suggestion from Evans – the annual wellness check. “Find a doctor to go to even if you are healthy,” Evans said. “We screen for illnesses so hopefully we can catch that cancer early before it gets to far advanced.” That simple visit is often covered fully by insurance. It helps us get reminders from the doctor that we need to lay off the sugar and if the screenings catch something early, it might save us thousands of dollars in healthcare costs. We agree with Evans something as simple as moving can get the ball rolling to a healthy lifestyle. “I believe God created our body to move,” Evans said. “I frequently tell my patients the more you do, the more you can do. The less you do the less you can do.”
The
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Health insurance: Let’s fix it right
Opinion
Key choices can lead to good health
Outlook
I
n large measure, the reason Trump was elected against the desires of the GOP and later the Democrats, is that he is really neither. The inability to get the health care revision bill passed last week emphasizes why Americans elected Trump: to break up the caucuses that are driven by special interests and to get things done in Washington. He is not a politician, which is why this seems so awkward, but it’s for the best. ObamaCare needs major changes. It is like one of those cheap hospital gowns that ties in the back that nurses give you. Americans know the gown is like ObamaCare; it makes you feel like you are covered, but you know your backside is exposed. Watching Democrats defend ObamaCare is like watching your niece defend her abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Trever. It is so bad Trump bristled at calling his bill “TrumpCare” — and he puts his name on steaks, vodka and mattresses. The Dems know it is in a “death spiral,” as the Aetna CEO recently said. They are just looking for someone to blame. As Trump said, it would be smarter politically for Republicans to watch it explode further on the American people, since all the goodies were front-end loaded and the costs were put in like a time bomb to explode when Obama was gone. In short, bad will get worse. House Speaker Paul Ryan, like his orange predecessor John Boehner, cannot force all three branches of government to work together. He can’t even control all three branches of the Republican Party: RINOs, Tea Partiers and Libertarians.
RON HART Columnist
Republicans have healthy debate and disagree. Democrats, who come up through the Party machine, do whatever their leaders tell them. They are lemmings. Liberal Justices do the same thing on the Supreme Court: vote together. This does not make them right, just cohesive. That way they do not have to independently think through any issue. So this is a chance to get it right, not rush it through like then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi did with her infamous words, “We have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in the bill.” Somehow, Americans think that insurance companies will not increase prices when they are forced to cover somebody’s layabout kid until he is 26 or walks in with a pre-existing condition, like needing a heart transplant. A recent and astonishing CBS poll of Millennials found they do not consider themselves adults until age 30. Think we have coddled them too much? ObamaCare was a boondoggle for friends of Democrats. The stock values of drug and hospital companies have soared since Obamacare was passed, and they all plummeted in November when Trump was elected. If ObamaCare throws in a free pony for every kid, we pay for it. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Somehow liberals are shocked by such a hard economic truth: Businesses charge extra when you make them pro-
vide more. Now deductibles are higher and premium costs in some states have increased over 100%. Yes, there are more people covered, but when a law is passed that if you do not buy health insurance from us you go to jail, of course more people are forced to have coverage. Most were eligible for Medicaid anyway. It is a shell game, hard to untangle in just one bill. All I know is competition, tort reform, and a true free market pricing of insurance are the answers. Health insurance is the only business where the consumer, you, has no idea of the price, does not shop for best quality, has no idea who is paying for it and what he or she will owe. You can thank regulations. Consumer choice is the key. Under ObamaCare, the only choices were to buy the farm, sell the family jewels, or push up daisies. If the hard right prevents ObamaCare reform from happening, Trump needs to work with moderate Democrats to get it done. He is one of the few presidents in modern times who could artfully do a “deal.” To show you where priorities are, conservative house Republicans did submit a bill that makes it illegal for federal workers to watch porn at their jobs. But under a technical rule, it will not apply to Homeland Security/TSA or the Internal Revenue Service, where the activity is considered “job training.” Ron Hart is a libertarian syndicated op-ed humorist, award-winning author and TV/radio commentator can be reached at Ron@ RonaldHart.com or visit www.RonaldHart.com.
“ Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?” – 1 Chronicles 17:16
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Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be 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.
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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.
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Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Today’s
Steve Marshall
Mark Tuggle
Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Tom Whatley Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Dear Editor, First let me start by saying, some people will say that all I do is complain or that I should keep my mouth shut, but some things just need to be said. I have to ask the question, why is it we can afford to replace or repave Lee Street and the roads downtown, but when asked about fixing the roads in the community, the answer is that there aren’t enough funds or they have been fixed previously. The fact is, that most community streets were given a gravel surface, which only lasts for so long, and then potholes and problems reappear. If the city would just spend the taxpayers money on paving the streets right the first time there would be no need to use the gravel treatment every few years. Next, let me vent for a minute about the job situation downtown. While everyone is
arguing about the pay raises and pay scale, what about the positions. Council members, city workers and citizens have been having this discussion for a while now about the pay at the city. Plus we actually paid to have a salary study done to tell us what we already know, some are making too much for the job that they do, some don’t make enough for what they do (and years of service), and some are getting paid for doing absolutely nothing. I imagine the money spent could have paid one or two salaries for year. Also, I know there are some people of color working for the city (bush hog/grass crew) but clearly there is not enough diversity. Every time I see city workers out working it seems to be way too many people for the project, but I’m no expert. Plus there are never any people of color on the crew. Bottom line, hire some black people. Lastly, what is the deal with
police patrolling? I understand the importance of police patrol and with society the way it is, crime is definitely on the rise, but come on man. Is it a quota the department is trying to fill? Sorry. Do we need the money that bad? If so, cut a few of those unnecessary positions that have been created for children, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. That should keep us going for a while. There is clearly a problem in Alexander City with the way our city governs. I hope our new council fixes the hiring procedures, salaries, and the way police department policies are handled. Let’s get it together, so people will want to come to our great city for something other than retirement, but that’s another story. Rayo Robinson Alexander City
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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USHER MEETING: The Early Rose District usher meeting will be Tuesday, April 4 at 5 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center.
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• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune
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Submitted / The Outlook
Faith Christian Academy held their Second annual Spring Formal “Belles and Beaus” Friday night. The Belles and Beaus included: front row left to right: Dylan Palacios, Evan Dunning, Isaiah Moore, Noah Wilmeth, Avery Benton, Jonwesley Jones, Haver Spurlin, Teddy Herrmann, Brayden Parker, San Lee, Brian Thompson, Harrison Jones, Ethan Rojas, Noah Hill, Hudson Daniel, Hogan Chappell, Noah Hill, Drew Daughtry, Reid Daughtry, John Patrick Stark. Second row left to right:Jake Jennings, Kylee Waldrep, Abbie James, Murphy Spurlin, Adlyne Benton, Serenity Smith, Dani Smith, Autumn Angell, Riley Jackson, Janya Smith, Sarah Brown, Jenny Joiner, Gracie Claire Keel, Zoe Johnson, Anna Claire Stark, Chloe Jackson, Lexi Robinson, Natalie Durden, Allie Bishop. Third row left to right: Katy Sammons, Bella Arami, Kylee Stark, Maria Moore, Kelly Hernandez and John Paul Boles.
Now – April 15
FREE TAX ASSISTANCE: Beginning Jan. 30, free tax and electronic tax filing assistance at Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, Inc., 5030 Hwy 280, Alex City, AL IRS certified volunteers will provide the free tax assistance and electronically file federal and state income tax forms. The free tax sites are designed to assist seniors 60+ (with no income limit), taxpayers under age 60 with incomes less than $54,000, and disabled taxpayers. Taxpayers will be assisted in the order they are registered. Please do not bring people to the site not involved in the filing of your taxes due to the limited space. Waiting may be necessary. Volunteers will provide free tax assistance and electronically file federal and state income tax forms at Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, Inc. beginning Jan. 25. Please arrive and register for assistance at least one hour before closing time. March – Mondays and Tuesdays – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Thursdays – 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. April 1 to April 15 - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays --- 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Information You Must Bring To The Tax Site: The following information is required by the IRS: last year’s tax return; photo ID-driver’s license-for taxpayer and spouse; social security cards for taxpayers and dependants; W-2’s; and 1099’s B, R, and SSA 1099. If you have health insurance through the government marketplace, bring your 1095-A. ALL employed taxpayers should bring a copy of their year-end pay stub. In regards to the itemized deduction list, you should bring all the documentation that applies to you. Even if you do not itemize on your Federal taxes you may be able to do so on your State return. For more info call (256) 2340347. ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS: Faith Christian Academy is accepting applications for the 2017-2018 school year. Applications may be picked up at Faith Temple Church on the corner of Franklin and Gorgas Streets. For more information call 256-234-6421. V. ROBINSON PRE-K REGISTRATION: Applications for pre-k at V. Robinson Head Start and Pre-K are being accepted through April 7. Monday through Friday until March 24 and April 3 through April 7 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at V. Robinson Head Start at 277 Tallapoosa Street in Alexander City. HEAD START RECRUITMENT: The Head Start Program of Chambers-Tallapoosa is now taking applications for the 2017-2018 program for 3 and 4-year-old children. If you have any questions concerning recruitment call Head Start in Dadeville at 256-825-4204 or any Head Start Center.
April 4-6
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
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SPRING REVIVAL: Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Baptist Church on Stillwaters Drive in Dadeville is hosting spring revival services April 4-6 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest ministers are Rev. Eddie Marbury, Rev. Leon Henderson and Rev. Jason Whetstone. Rev. Jimmy Thomas is pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
April 5
STORY TELLING: Dolores Hydock will be at Red Ridge Methodist Church April 5 at 12 p.m. The program will be “Close Encounters of the Storytelling Kind.” MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their monthly luncheon on Wednesday April 5, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.
April 6
SENIORS ALIVE: The Tallapoosa County Baptist Association is hosting a Seniors Alive, a senior adult revival, April 6 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Dadeville with lunch at noon. Dr. Gerald Hallmark will be the speaker, Mack Daugherty is the worship leader and musician and Ronnie Betts will have special music.
April 6-7 13-14
PLAY: Tickets for the spring production of Alabama’s Official Folk Life Play, “Come Home, It’s Suppertime” at the We Piddle Around Theater in Brundidge are on sale. Play dates are April 6, 7 and 8 and 13 and 14. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include the preshow, a full country supper with dessert and the award-winning, two-act play. For tickets call 334-344-9427 or 334-6855524 or 670-6302.
April 7
Nguyen was imprisoned by the North Vietnamese following the war and after being released made his way to Atlanta. After learning English and finishing college, he graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. EASTER EGG HUNT: Sixth Street Baptist Church is hosting a Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at Byers Field. Bring an Easter basket. For more information call 256-234-2408 or email ayoungkidmin@gmail.com
April 9-15
NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK: The Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is joining libraries across the nation to celebrate National Library Week April 9-15.
April 10-12
YOUTH REVIVAL: Hatchett Springs Baptist Church is hosting a youth revival April 10-12 at 7 p.m. nightly. Speaking will be Minister Zavious Kidd, Minister Jonathan McKinney and Prophet Issac Grove Jr.
April 14-16
CRUCIFIXION REENACTMENT: Mt. Zion Baptist Church is creating the Crucifixion of Christ reenactment from 12 p.m to 6 p.m. April 14 is the “Crucifixion,” April 15 is the “tomb” and April 16 “He is Risen.”
April 8
COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Darian Missionary Baptist Church family and prayer team are offering prayer to the community April 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Laurel and E streets across from Stephens School. CAR SHOW: The 16th Annual Klassic Kruisers Fundraiser, car show, swap meet and car corral will be April 15 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. across from the New Site City Hall on Highway 22. Registration is $20 and must be registered by March 31 to qualify for a pre-entry $100 drawing. For information call Susan Gamble at 256234-4975. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: There will be a pancake breakfast at the New Site Fire Department starting at 6 a.m. EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA: The New Style Baptist Church in Equality is hosting an Easter Eggstravaganza April 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be egg hunts, face painting, prizes, food, games and live entertainment. It is free for the whole family. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be April 15 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors are inside the old school and many items are available.
April 9
GUEST PREACHER: Red Ridge is hosting a guest pastor Sunday, April 9 at 9:30 a.m. Rev. Vu Nguyen, a native of south Vietnam who served with American forces during the Vietnam War will deliver a message.
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April 13
BOOK SIGNING: Dr. Drew Huffman will be at the Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library April 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. signing his book “Screw This.”
MASTER GARDENERS PLANT SALE: Tallapoosa County Master Gardeners annual plant sale will be April 7 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the building across from the First Baptist Church. We will have Native Azaleas, bedding plants, ferns and day lilies and more. EASTER EGG HUNT: The Wind Creek Easter Egg Hunt will be April 8 at 10 a.m. There will be areas for ages two and under, two to four years, five to eight years and nine to 12 years. Prizes will be awarded for finding the three golden eggs in each group. The Easter Bunny will be available for photographs. There will be plenty of prizes, candy and fun. Park entrance fees apply. In the event of a hard rain, this event will be cancelled. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK SALE: A book sale will be hosted by the Friends of the Dadeville Public Library April 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the lower level of the Dadeville Library. Hardbacks are $1, paperbacks are $.50 and $5 for a bag of books. EASTER EGG HUNT: Mt. Zion Baptist Church is hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for pre-k and up. EASTER EGG HUNT: Wayside Baptist Church will hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a magic show, egg hunt and food. Everyone is invited. EASTER EGG HUNT: The annual Mt. Zion Community East er Egg Hunt for toddlers and up will be April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come join the fun and food.
•Alexander City Outlook •Dadeville Record •Wetumpka Herald •Eclectic Observer •Tallassee Tribune
April 15
April 16
SUNRISE SERVICE: The Church of the Living Waters is hosting a Sunrise Service April 16 at 6:30 a.m. Rev. John Mann will be the guest speaker with special music by Betty Burke. Dress is casual and childcare is not provided.
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TEAM UNITED KICKOFF United Way kicks off 2018 campaign with a the second annual United Way Quail Fry Guests were treated to quail, shrimp, gumbo and a great atmosphere as the Lake Martin Area United Way kicked off its 2018 campaign at the second annual Quail Fry at the Russell Lands Carriage House. The night featured a casual atmosphere, great food, a cake auction where some of the creations fetched as much as $500 and showcased the cooperative effort of The United Way, its 27 member agencies and countless volunteers. “We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night,” United Way Director Sharon Fuller said.
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 10
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
www.alexcityoutlook.com
LUKE ROBINSON Columnist
Time for it’s-legal sales to begin at college games
W
hen you think about tailgating for Auburn or Alabama game, what immediately comes to mind? Good friends? Great food? School spirit? Watching your moochie cousin hog the lawn chair as he feverishly watches the score updates to see if he won his parlay? I don’t know what your answer was, but I bet some of you thought about sharing a cold one or topping off a bourbon and Coke, too. You may have even harkened back to the ol’ college days when you’d help your girlfriend duct tape that oversized flask of vodka to her thigh. The point is, most of you had an adult beverage of some description. Maybe before the game. Maybe after. Maybe during (if you are slick enough). Ahhhh… Who am I kidding? The answer is “all of the above,” right? There’s an obvious catch though: You can’t just take a beer into Jordan-Hare or BryantDenny. It ain’t allowed. Now, we all agree that there is a large portion of each SEC crowd that drinks alcohol during the game, correct? I am not spilling secrets here. What… Did you think unbuzzed people SOBERLY paint tiger paws on their cheeks or wear elephant trunk masks? Maybe the 15 and under crowd does, but no one old enough to spell “Smirnoff” is doing those things without some liquid courage! Since we understand that there is a demand for beer and/ or (OK…it’s “and”) liquor during college football games, why isn’t it being sold legally to those of legal age? Spoiler alert: It may start being sold … and quickly! The LSU Tigers — a school that darn sure knows a thing or two about how to tailgate — has formulated a plan to open an in-stadium beer garden and they may start the practice as early as next season. It’s a brilliant move. Before you gasp and shudder at the thought of alcohol flowing in college stadiums like (boxed) wine, remember: We already established that people drink in the stadium now! Having the school sell the beer instead of fans resorting to James Bondesque tactics to sneak it in just means more money for said schools. For instance, the University of Texas began selling beer in their stadium last year. It brought in hundreds of thousands of dollars to the school — well over a million, actually. That’s real money. Real money that can be used to improve libraries or buyout coaches and stuff. West Virginia already does it. Minnesota does it. There are others, too. Heck, the luxury suites at practically all schools allow for the use of beer, liquor and wine now. Why should those in “section FF, seats 45-48” be left out? I am not advocating underage drinking. Nor am I am promoting excessive drinking. But alcohol is in the stadiums already. It’s sold in professional sports venues, at Broadway plays and even some movie theaters. It’s time to allow for the it’s-legal sales to happen at all college games. Luke Robinson is a local resident, a regular sports columnist for The Outlook and the president of the Lake Martin Bama Club.
Wildcats fall to Aggies BRHS baseball starts area play this afternoon By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
The Wildcats had a disappointing road trip to Sylacauga Saturday as the Benjamin Russell varsity baseball team lost to the Aggies 3-2. Sylacauga spoke first by scoring a pair of runs in the first inning. They only added one more in the fifth. However, the Wildcats struggled to catch up by just managing a run each in the fourth and fifth innings. “We just didn’t come up with big runs,” said Wildcats head coach Richy Brooks. The coach pointed out that Benjamin Russell made it on base several times but missed several opportunities to score. “We still managed to get beat,” Brooks said. Benjamin Russell’s runs were courtesy of RBI hits from freshman Brett Pitts and senior Connor Brooks. Benjamin Russell seniors Timmy Lawson and Darious Jackson split the loss for the Wildcats at three innings each on the mound. Jackson had five strikeouts and Lawson had one. Saturday’s loss marks the Wildcats’ fourth straight defeat and brings their season record to 16-12. Brooks has been disappointed in his team’s performance over the last few games. However he points out that they’ve merely been warm-ups for games that will make or break Benjamin
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell junior Bradley Stewart is at the plate in the Wildcats’ game against Gardendale last week during the Lake Martin Classic Baseball Tournament at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex.
Russell’s playoff eligibility. “We’ve played 28 games so far but they’ve basically been exhibition games,” he said. Those games have been in preparation for the Wildcats’ area play, which starts today when Benjamin Russell hosts Opelika at 4 p.m. “In order to make the playoffs we’re going to have to beat Opelika or Wetumpka,” Brooks said, “or both. We’ll have to do it one way or another.” That home game will be followed by a double-header at Opelika on Thursday. “That’s how we play in area play,” Brooks said. “We play three games and flip flop the double header each year. That makes it easy to get a double header at home.”
Opelika comes into today’s game with a season record of 13-12 overall and 3-1 in the region. “They have two pitchers committed to Division I schools,” Brooks said of senior Mitchell Myers, who signed with Alabama and junior Jackson Reynolds, who committed to play with Southern Mississippi. “We know what we’re going to see.” Even with that knowledge, the coach is less concerned about the opposition than he is about his Wildcats. “I know this sounds cliché but I’m more worried about us as a team,” Brooks said. “We’re going to have to play better than we have. We’re not running bases like we should, we’re
not bunting like we need to and we’re not getting back-to-back hits like we need to. It’s gotten to be contagious. “We’re not capitalizing on opportunities,” Brooks added. “That’s something that has to change.” While Brooks looks for his Wildcats to improve on their time at the plate, he also aims for consistency in fielding. “We’ve been pitching pretty well,” the coach said, “and our defense has been OK.” To come out on top in today’s home game and the remainder of the season, the coach believes his Wildcats need to give each performance their all. “They’re going to have to play with confidence,” Brooks said.
SPRING SPORTS ROUNDUP
SPORTS CALENDAR
Tigers get swept in double-header
• BRHS varsity girls tennis at Opelika, time TBA. • BRHS varsity golf at Willow Point for match with Auburn and Valley, 12:45 p.m. • BRHS varsity boys tennis at Opelika, 4 p.m. • BRHS baseball home game against Opelika, varsity 4 p.m., JV 6:30 p.m. • BRHS varsity boys soccer home game against Montgomery Academy, 6:30 p.m. • Horseshoe Bend varsity baseball at Lanett, 4 p.m. • Horseshoe Bend varsity softball at Elmore County, 4:30 p.m. • Central Coosa varsity girls, boys track and field to Sylacauga for Sylacauga Meet 3, 4 p.m. • Central Coosa varsity baseball home game against Beulah, 4:30 p.m. • Central Coosa varsity softball home game against Verbena, 5:30 p.m. • Dadeville varsity tennis home match against Loveless Academy Magnet, boys 3:30 p.m., girls 5 p.m. • Dadeville varsity boys and girls outdoor track and field team at Mortimer Jordan in Kimberly for MJHS Invitational No. 3, 3:30 p.m. • Dadeville softball home game against Benjamin Russell, varsity 4:30p.m., JV 7 p.m.
By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
The Tigers had a disappointing Saturday in front of the home crowd as the Dadeville varsity baseball team got swept in a double-header against Holtville. The Tigers started the day at McKelvey Park with a 7-3 loss to the Bulldogs. Dadeville made the first statement in the game by scoring a run in the second inning. The Tigers followed up with one run each in the third and sixth innings. Holtville rallied in the fifth inning with two runs. The Bulldogs kept swinging with three more runs in the sixth and two in the seventh, proving too much for the Tigers to catch. Despite the loss, Dadeville junior Sam Stephenson led the Tigers at the plate with three hits, two of which were RBIs. Dadeville senior Landon Wilson took the loss for the Tigers. In seven innings at the mound he had six strikeouts. The disappointment continued as Dadeville lost the bottom half of Saturday’s double-header to Holtville 12-6. The Bulldogs took command of the second game by scoring six runs in the first inning. The Tigers answered with a pair of runs in the second inning. But Holtville only added to their lead with three more runs of their own. Dadeville added three more runs in the fourth inning and one in the sixth. But the Tigers just couldn’t catch the Bulldogs, who added a run in the fourth inning and two in the sixth. “We left runners on base in key situations,” said Dadeville head coach Kyle Caldwell. “We also didn’t play well enough to get the wins.” The coach plans to use Saturday’s defeats as a foundation for his Tigers to build upon. “They were disappointing losses, but we will get back to work and correct our mistakes,” Caldwell said.
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Dadeville senior William Claybrook readies to deliver a pitch against Eufaula earlier in the season.
Dadeville senior Landon Tidwell led the Tigers at bat in the second contest with two hits. Dadeville junior Jeff Rice took the loss for the Tigers. In five and a third innings on the pitcher’s mound he only struck out two. Saturday’s losses drop the Tigers’ season record to 9-12 overall and 1-4 in the region. Dadeville plays at home again Thursday as the Tigers host area opponent Elmore County at 4:30 p.m.
Lady Trojans split double-header with Snead State
The Central Alabama Community College softball team’s home-field double header Saturday had its share of highs and lows as the Lady Trojans split the contests with Snead State Community College. CACC started the day on a positive note with a 7-4 win in the first game. Snead started the scoring with a run in the third inning. They followed that with two more in the fourth inning and one more in the fifth. Although the Lady Trojans were scoreless for most of the contest, they finished with a flourish by scoring seven runs in the fifth inning. With that, they took the win. CACC freshman Taylor Hutto of Alexander City earned the win for the Lady Trojans. In five and a third
innings on the mound, she struck two out. The day ended on a disappointing note for CACC as the Lady Trojans lost the bottom of the double-header to Snead State in a 9-0 shutout. Snead came back from the loss of the first game with determination by scoring six runs in the third inning. They followed that up with one more in the sixth inning and a pair in the seventh. Meanwhile, CACC failed to score a single run. CACC sophomore Natalie Johnsey of Morris took the loss for the Lady Trojans’ second game of the day. In three innings on the mound she had five strikeouts. The Lady Trojans head to Boaz today to face off with Snead State in another double-header that starts at 2 p.m. The Lady Trojans’ next home game is Thursday in a double-header against MMI. The first pitch is at 2 p.m.
Trojans sweep Shelton State
CACC baseball had a good weekend as the Trjojans swept Shelton State in a double-header at home Saturday. The 6-2 and 2-1 wins bring the Trojans season record to 19-17. CACC baseball next hosts Snead State Community College Thursday in a double-header that starts at 4 p.m.
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