FOR SUBSCRIBERS: LAKE MAGAZINE INSIDE TODAY. VIVA CUBA! THURSDAY THE Since America’s Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
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May 5, 2016
Inside, pages 6-7.
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Armed gunman robs Camp Hill Dollar General
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
The Dollar General in Camp Hill was robbed by a lone gunman Wednesday afternoon. “A black male suspect, about 6 feet, 5 inches wearing long sleeves, a hat and sun glasses came
from the woods behind the store,” Camp Hill Police Chief Johnny Potts said. “He entered the store and took an undisclosed amount of cash.” The robbery was not the only crime committed by the suspect according to Potts. “As he was leaving the store, he
attempted to steal an automobile,” Potts said. “He took the keys from a female victim in the parking lot but was unable to start the car. After being unable to start the car he fled on foot back down County Road 89 near the store.” See ROBBERY • Page 11
Goodwater city clerk indicted on theft charges
Bro. Wayne Cowhick makes a plea to members of the Alexander City City Council and Mayor Charles Shaw, asking them to meet to air dfifferences and start a healing process for the city at Monday’s meeting.
Parker surrendered today at Coosa County jail STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
A former Goodwater City Clerk accused of rigging payroll to over pay herself thousands of dollars over a multi-year period has been indicted for theft. Former Goodwater City Clerk Leslie Shardae Parker, 27, of Sylacauga, surrendered today at the Coosa County Jail and is being held on $150,000 bond. Attorney General Luther Strange announced the multiple count indictment on the charges of theft and possession of a forged instrument. The AG’s Special Prosecutions Division presented evidence to a Coosa County grand jury, resulting in Parker’s indictment on April 29. Specifically, the indictment charges Parker with three counts of first-degree theft of property – each in excess of $2,500 – and with three See GOODWATER • Page 8
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Camp Hill police are investigating an armed robbery at the Dollar General on Highway 280 in Camp Hill.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Hope and a prayer Alexander City’s elected leaders will sit down with a local minister to iron out personal differences and “clear the air” today at city hall. Bro. Wayne Cowhick of Alexander City Methodist Church made the offer to meet and pray with the mayor and all the council at Monday night’s meeting. All those at the meeting agreed to attend. The public is not invited to the meeting, which is set for 4:30 p.m. in the upstairs
Restitution agreement returns funds allegedly used improperly By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
conference room. While a normal business meeting of a government body is subject to the state’s open meeting laws, Alabama’s Open Meetings Law allows a quorum of a governmental body in private, provided no deliberations are conducted or any discussions of items that could be voted on in the future. The provision was made in the law so that elected officials could attend training, conferences or all gather at social functions such as retirement parties at the same
Two former Dadeville Dixie Youth Baseball board members, one of whom is a city of Dadeville employee, have repaid money to the organization allegedly was used for personal purposes. Scott Baker who served as president of the group and is the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Dadeville and Regina Walker, who served as the group’s treasurer, have paid nearly $4,000 in restitution back to the organization for purchases made at local restaurants, gas stations in Dadeville and Knoxville, Tennessee, Walmart, a hotel in Biloxi and cash withdrawals between November 2014 and September 2015 according to documents given to The Outlook. The money was allegedly accessed through the use of an organization debit card as well as Dixie Youth checks. The irregular transactions were discovered
See COUNCIL • Page 3
See RESTITUTION • Page 3
Council, mayor to meet with minister to ‘clear the air’ By MITCH SNEED Editor
Pair repays money to Dixie Youth in Dadeville
Lake Martin
Group honors Cotney with scholarship By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
The Alabama Animal Control Association will never forget Kelly Cotney, the former animal control officer for Alexander City who died as the result of an automobile accident in December of last year. “We’re a very close group,” said a tearful Gina Jones, animal control officer for the City of Bay Minette, who served as a member of the AACA board with Cotney and keeps a photograph of her friend in her office. “And I was especially close with Kelly. If we were off somewhere at a meeting or at training, me and Kelly would always bunk together. “The whole association, we’re just a close group. If any of us had a meeting together anywhere, we would always call each other when we got home. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t have been
Lake Levels
able to call that day.” The AACA in April named a scholarship in Cotney’s honor. The scholarship will allow a member of the AACA who would not otherwise be able to afford it to attend the annual AACA Training Conference to do so and earn continuing education units to help the animal control officer improve his or her skills and perhaps further their career. “For example, this scholarship may be given to someone that’s new to the role (of animal control officer) so that they can get this training, which can be very beneficial to them,” said Rebecca Cotney, Kelly’s mother. The first recipient of the Cotney Scholarship, funded by the AACA, was Andrew Stubbs, animal control officer in Mobile County. As a result of his award, Special / The Outlook he was able to attend the 2016 training Alexander City Animal Control Offi cer Kelly Cotney died following conference, which included classes on an auto accident and has been honored by the Alabama Animal See COTNEY • Page 3 Control Association with a scholarship in her name.
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Friendship fades when girl’s best friend gets a boyfriend
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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 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, May 5, 2016
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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 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: My beautiful, kindhearted, loving daughter “Cora” has a “best friend” she used to be very close with. However, her friend now has a boyfriend, so Cora doesn’t see her on weekends or receive texts from her very often anymore. Everything they plan to do together, the girl cancels. My daughter is so distraught that it is affecting her emotionally and physically. Cora has told her friend many times how she feels, but it has made no difference. Her friend promises her things and never follows through. My daughter suffers from social anxiety, so making a good friend is a rarity for her. I tell her I love her and that I’m always here for her, but although Cora sees a therapist, nothing seems to comfort her. The school she attends stops accepting new students after ninth grade, so there is no chance of her meeting anybody
A Jacksons Gap man who was arrested last December on child abuse charges after his son, who was four months old at the time, was severely injured, is due in court on the plea docket before Judge Steven Perryman today. James Edward McInvale Jr., 24, of Davis Circle in Jacksons Gap is facing charges of second-degree domestic violence assault and aggravated child abuse. It is unclear if a plea will be entered at the hearing, or if the case will continue to a jury trial scheduled for June 7. Dadeville Police Department
Police Reports Alexander City Police Department April 28
• Michael Wesley Wolfe, 30 of Anniston was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. • Kedric Lashon
Congrats! We are so proud of you! Always believe in yourself and dream big. We Love You!! Mom, Dad & Sissy
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investigators say that they were called to a residence on Christmas Day in response to an unresponsive child. There they found a child with injuries so severe that he was flown McInvale to Children’s Medical Center in Birmingham. The child’s mother Susan BrownMcInvale told The Outlook that the child suffered multiple injuries, including what has been characterized as blunt force head trauma. The child spent more than two
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.
Hollenquest, 36, of Rockford was arrested for possession of a forged instrument and obstructing government operations. • Christopher Curtis Moore 24, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported in the 400 block of Springhill Road. • Criminal mischief was reported on 12th Avenue. • Criminal mischief was reported on Hillabee Street. • Theft was reported on Dadeville Road. • Harassment was reported on I Street. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported in the 400 block of Spring Hill Road. • Harassment was reported on Knight Road. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported in Alexander City. • Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported on Spring Hill Road. • Reckless endangerment was reported on Daywell Street. • Theft was reported in
months hospitalized, both in Birmingham and then at hospital in Michigan. Brown-McInvale said that the child is still suffering from the effects of his injuries. “He has multiple seizures daily and is on several medications,” Brown-McInvale said. “He still has to be fed through a tube and gets his medications that way.” Shortly after his arrest, James McInvale claimed that the injuries were the result of an accident, but police investigators said that wasn’t consistent with their findings. It was unclear if there would be any action in the case today or if the trial would head to trial.
Gap was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. •Terrance Andrae Golden, 30, of Alexander City was arrested for drug paraphernalia. • Jessica Nicole Johns, 26, of Alexander City was arrested for theft. • Timothy Edward Vignola, 31, of Alexander City was arrested for theft. • Domestic violence was reported on Farm Loop Road. • Burglary was reported in Alexander City. • Theft was reported at Market Place.
April 26
• Sernee Delshay McNeal Wilson, 27, of Alexander City was arrested for harassment. • Kevin Rayshaad Hughley, 19, of Alexander City was arrested for attempting to elude law enforcement. • Daniel Trammel Byrd, 35, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana, domestic violence, possession of drug paraphernalia, and attempting to elude. • Toiyas Kidell Gopher, 23, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic vio-
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DEAR ABBY: A friend sent me a sample line of face care products from a company she works for. She included a lip balm I used, and sunscreen that contains a chemical to which I am allergic. I offered to send that sample back. When I researched the ingredients of the other products, I was dismayed to see that they contain many chemicals, too. (I try to use organic products as much as possible because I have sensitive skin.) Should I
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new. We have tried having her join other activities, but they don’t last. I’m desperate to help her. Any advice? -BROKENHEARTED MOM DEAR MOM: If you haven’t already, talk to Cora’s therapist. There may be a medication that will help to lessen her intense social anxiety, or she may need a different therapist. What’s going on between your daughter and her former best friend isn’t unusual. When romance intervenes, it is common for teenage girls to focus their attention and energy on the boyfriend and less on their girlfriends. Expecting this girl to be your daughter’s sole support
By MITCH SNEED Editor
This month The Outlook will publish senior photos for the local graduating classes. We will include graduate photos and your special message on or near the graduation pages. Benjamin Russell - May 27th • Horseshoe Bend - May 24th Central High School Coosa County - May 19th
Benjamin Russell High School
Advice
return the whole unused sample kit? I obviously can’t return the lip balm. Or should I just thank her and keep -- but not use -them? These are high-end products from Europe, and she has been so “wowed” by them that she has become a consultant and is excited to promote them. -- RETURN TO SENDER? DEAR R.T.S.?: Talk with your friend and thank her for her generosity, but explain that you are unable to use the products. Ask if she would like the unused products returned to her and take your cue from her. If she has had to pay for the products she’s representing, she may be glad to have them back to share with others.
Father accused of abusing son due in court
Congratulate your GRAD!
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DEAR ABBY
system is unrealistic and unfair to the girl. Because it is unlikely that Cora will find new friends in the context of school, continue to find outside activities that will give her something to do as well as contact with other teens. And, if Cora is open to it, you might consider having her volunteer at an animal rescue group or letting her adopt a pet from a shelter.
Kaleb Johnson
Horseshoe Bend High School
lence. • Burglary was reported on Lakeview Circle. • Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Theft was reported on Cherokee Road.
• Theft was reported in the 300 block of Madison Street. • Domestic violence was reported in the 100 block of Thomas Road. • Theft was reported on U.S. Highway 280.
April 24
• Marcus Anthony McNeal, 33, of Alexander City was arrested for attempting to elude and theft. • Kelvin Dewayne Smith, 33, of Alexander City was arrested for theft.
April 23
• Alicia Meyers Markel, 55, of Eclectic was arrested for possession of stolen property. • Vincent Darrell Bias, 49, of Alexander City was arrested for simple assault.
April 22
• Issac Flores Gonzalex, 31, of Alexander City was arrested for vicious dogs and dogs at large. • Kwamanie Gathright, 20, of Alexander City possession of marijuana. • Domestic violence was reported on Church Street. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported in the 1000 block of 3rd Street. • Menacing and criminal trespass was reported on North Central Avenue. • Harassment was reported on Sunny Level Cutoff. • Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Theft was reported in Pamela Manor. • Theft was reported in Alexander City • Criminal mischief was reported on North Central Avenue. • Theft was reported in Alexander City. • Domestic violence was reported on Red Bud Street. • Domestic violence was reported King Street.
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Cotney
continued from page 1
Alabama laws and cruelty investigations, rabies and handling wildlife, officer shootings involving dogs, human trafficking, investigating fatal dog attacks and animal control identification techniques. The announcements of the scholarship’s being named in Cotney’s and the first recipient were made at the annual training conference at Guntersville State Park. Rebecca Cotney, her husband, Larry, Kelly’s sister and niece, Renea Rose and Jocie Cotney, and Alexander City Police Department animal control officer Ken Vernon were all in attendance for the announcement. “I think this is something that Kelly would have really appreciated,” said Rebecca Cotney. The mission of the Alabama Animal
Control Association (AACA) is to ensure that training is made available for all animal control officers and humane officers throughout the state and work with local and state officials to enact new animal related laws. Chief among the AACA’s goals are education and training of animal control and humane officers, developing rigorous penalties for offenders, developing programs on responsible pet ownership and advocating for those unable to speak for themselves. Cotney worked as an animal control officer for the City of Alexander City for eight years. She loved animals and was, even outside her on-the-job role, an advocate for their proper care and treatment.
Restitution
Council
said. “Every time the board meets, we all get a copy of what is going on. We are completely open.” Ayers agreed that the procedures now used are transparent. “We are open to anybody,” Ayers said. An issue concerning the DDY board is Baker’s employment with the city and his access to the group’s assets. “Scott is still a city employee,” Ayers said. “He is over the parks and recreation department and has access to all of our assets. That creates quite a situation.” As of Wednesday afternoon, staff at the Dadeville City Hall knew very little about the situation. “I have had two phone calls about it,” City Clerk Mike Gardner said. “Both from the newspaper.” One council member, when called referred The Outlook to city attorney Robin Reynolds. “There is no complaint that has been filed against a city employee,” Reynolds said. “The city cannot act unless there is a complaint.” DDY board members are looking further into finances to see if there are any other problems. Messages left for Baker and Walker Wednesday afternoon were not returned. Jones is disappointed but not just at the alleged theft. “They stole from children,” Jones said. “That is my biggest gripe. They stole money that was supposed to be used for the betterment of our kids and community.”
continued from page 1
time. “This isn’t about me, it’s about getting past any problems that exist and start the healing process in our city,” Cowhick said. “I just made this offer because I wanted to help in any way that I can.” Both Cowhick and Council President Jim Spann have talked with City Attorney Larkin Radney and were briefed on items that can and can’t be discussed. “I can assure you that this will be a legal and proper meeting,” Cowhick said. “I don’t even know what business is facing the city. That’s not what this is about. This is just a chance to talk and clear the air, so to speak.” Spann, who returned to council after six weeks battling health issues, said he will not allow any city business to be discussed. “I will make it clear up front what
continued from page 1
after new board members were elected as officers. “First thing I did when I was made president was acquire control of the Dixie Youth’s bank accounts and get full statements,” new Dadeville Dixie Youth (DDY) board president Stacy Ayers said. “What we found while auditing the accounts was charges that did not appear to be legitimate made by Scott Baker and Regina Walker.” From there Ayers said the group went to the police. “We took it to the Dadeville Police Department and they did an investigation,” Ayers said. “What the board decided was it did not want to put anybody in jail but to try and get the money back.” Ayers, who previously served on the DDY board, had no idea funds were being used for other things than those related to the group. “Board members in the past, including myself, had no access to the funds or the records and had no idea what was going on,” Ayers said. New board member Brandon Jones says there now are procedures in place to prevent it from happening again. “Every purchase that is made, every board member is made aware of,” Jones said. “We use the debit cards to order for the concession stand supplies online at Sam’s and then we pick it up. We do order stuff online like the new netting for the batting cage, something like that we can get cheaper online.” Ayers and Jones says there is more transparency than in the past. “We know what is being done,” Jones
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can and can’t be discussed, and if it goes there, we will shut it down,” Spann said. “This is something we need. We have identified the problem, now it’s up to us to solve it so that we can move forward. Hopefully we can do that at the meeting.” A divide between Mayor Charles Shaw and some members of the city council came to a head after Shaw pushed for the ouster of the city Finance Director Sandra Machen at an April 25 work session. After an exchange of words, Shaw rushed Councilman Tony Goss and punched him, touching off a wild scene with others getting involved. Shaw claimed that Goss “cussed” his wife Lavern. The day following the fight, Shaw and his wife were arrested on assault charges and face a May 24 court date.
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Thursday, May 5, 2016
Involved
Could Trump afford to tap Sessions as VP choice?
Headlines tell the good, bad and ugly
onald Trump has done what I thought he could never do. Barring some completely unseen and outlandish development (and let’s not discount that; after all, we’ve never seen anything quite like this Republican primary season), Trump has won the Republican nomination for the presidency of the United States. Donald Trump is now the standard bearer for the party of Abraham Lincoln. Trump added another state – Indiana – to his win list on Tuesday night and, in doing so, prompted Ted Cruz to do something I thought he would never do – formally suspend (read: end) his campaign, much to the chagrin of his weeklong running mate, Carly Fiorina. I thought that the Texas senator would battle to the end, likely having to be pried loose from the arm of his wife Heidi at the Republican National Convention and dragged kicking and screaming from Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena in defeat. Meanwhile, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus on Tuesday night declared Trump the GOP’s presumptive nominee via Twitter. But, on Wednesday morning, he didn’t seem thrilled that his party finally had its nominee. At least not that it was Trump. “You know what, I think something different and something new is probably good for our party,” Priebus said Wednesday morning on CNN. “Look, I don’t think anyone predicted what happened. So, look, we’re here. We’re going to get behind the
T
he last week has been filled with several big news stories. Here is how the Outlook editorial board feels about some of our top headlines. THUMBS UP: While newspapers normally take a dim view of public meetings being held behind closed doors, there is a meeting today that will take advantage of an exception under the Alabama Open Meetings Law. Alexander City elected officials will meet with Rev. Wayne Cowhick to try to repair personal issues that have made the city the center of negative attention. The meeting is needed and we will take leaders at their word that they will not take up city business or items that will be voted on later. This group has many important decisions to make. Without putting a fist-fight, ill will and personal animosity aside, that work will not get done. We pray this is the fix that is needed. THUMBS DOWN: Camp Hill was the scene of an armed robbery Wednesday afternoon, where a lone gunman entered the store, robbed the place and then tried to steal the car of a customer. Investigators scoured the area for the man who fled on foot, but as of late Wednesday, no arrest was made. People ask what is this world coming to when even small towns experience the crimes that were once only heard of in big cities. To us, it’s another sad reminder that this isn‘t Mayberry anymore. THUMBS UP: The Camp Hill Town Council voted earlier this week to cut the hours of most full time employees to 32 hours weekly as a cost-saving measure. The reduction is for all fulltime employees, with the exception of the police department. The move will save the town about $3,000 a month. It hurts employees to be in the situation, scrambling to make up for lost income. The positive thing is that the city leaders are doing something to address the financial issues it faces.
D
DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
presumptive nominee.” “Probably?” “We’re here?” Not exactly the strongest endorsement for your party’s nominee, but, hey, Priebus makes the big bucks. I suppose he knows what he’s doing. So where do the Republicans go from here? Is there a choice that Trump could make for a running mate that would help him in a race that the latest CNN/ORC International poll shows him losing by 13 points to Hillary Clinton? Clearly, Trump needs to tap someone with significant political experience. To choose another non-politician would simply make larger what will be a pretty hittable “lacks experience” target already. The real estate baron also needs to exhibit some degree of conservative “chops.” Enter Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III. The 69-year-old Selmaborn junior senator from Alabama would seem at the outset a good choice for Trump to make in an effort to add gravity to his campaign and experience to the Republican ticket. He would certainly add appeal to conservative Republicans. And on the surface, Sessions seems like a good choice. As a conservative, he is popular here in his conservative home state, having
served more than 20 years as one of its senators. He is wellknown and respected among conservatives in Washington and is, most importantly, a Trump supporter. But Sessions is not without baggage. Trump has made a point of criticizing Hillary Clinton on her vote in favor of the Iraq War. Sessions also voted to go to war in Iraq. And it gets worse. When Sessions was nominated by Ronald Reagan as a judge for the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Alabama. He became only the second nominee to the federal judiciary in 48 years whose nomination was killed by the Senate Judiciary Committee after he was said to have called the NAACP and the American Civil Liberties Union “un-American” and “Communist-inspired.” Also in Sessions’ confirmation hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Figures, who was black, said Sessions once said he thought the Ku Klux Klan was “OK until I found out they smoked pot,” that Sessions had called him “boy” and told him to “be careful what you say to white folks.” Granted, Sessions was a young man when he made these seemingly racist comments, but politics has a long memory. Needless to say, I don’t think Trump can afford to go with Sessions. Of course, that means he will. Granger is a staff writer for The Outlook.
Officials
Bobby Tapley
Sherry Ellison Simpson
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.
Bob Howard
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.
Today’s
Scripture “Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not enjoyable anymore.’” – Ecclesiastes 12:1
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Charles Shaw
Sherry Ellison-Simpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
“I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail than to attemp to do nothing and succeed.” – Robert H. Schuller
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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.
Quote
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.
Know Your 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.
Today’s
Billy Ray Wall
James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-3299758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.
James Spann
Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
Tony Goss
M
Jesus is now my bartender
y moratorium on alcohol continues. The down and dirty of it is that due to personal issues, I was drinking way too much throughout most of last year. I was also eating way too much. On December 22, after a night of excess, I felt awful and had had enough. Two days later, I had a previously scheduled appointment at the VA, where I had a series of labs drawn. A few weeks later, my results came back. My cholesterol was high and my liver tests were slightly elevated due to alcohol consumption. I’d already made the decision to drastically alter my alcohol intake, but this was added incentive to do just that. I had a follow up three months later. I drank some after that decision but haven’t had any since February 8. I recently wrote about an incident where I thought I was ready for a beer. I’d been given a 12-pack of beer and was going to have just one but dropped the whole thing and that one bottle of beer that I intended to drink sacrificed itself for me. The other 11 are still in my refrigerator. Another time, I was at my buddy’s house for dinner. He was drinking a beer while standing over the grill. In the past few weeks, he’d asked if I wanted one, but I declined
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
each time. This time he didn’t ask. I momentarily felt the urge to have one but didn’t stress about it. I had an angel on one shoulder telling me no and a devil on the other shoulder who was passed out and never said a word. The angel easily won. It was no contest. There are so many styles of microbrews, and I love them all except for porters and stouts. I simply cannot drink them. You’ll see me wearing a Bama shirt before you see me drinking one of them. Last week, I went to a little restaurant around the corner from my hotel in Jersey City. They had great lunch specials for only $10, which included a beverage of choice. They had an extensive selection of beer on tap, but only three of them were marked for the special. After a few minutes of deliberation, I decided to go with the pale ale. The guy next to me had just ordered one, and it was a thing of beauty. Speaking of a thing of beauty, my bartender walked back over to tell me that the keg of pale ale was empty.
The guy next to me had gotten the last pint, so I looked at the menu to see what my other two choices were. There were at least 30 beers on tap so they could have been any style, but they weren’t just any style; they were porter and stout and were going nowhere near my snout. My battle with beer is a lot like the war between North and South Korea. Technically, they are still at war but have had a truce since 1953. I haven’t quit drinking, I’ve just had a truce since Feb. 8. Early last week, I got back my lab results from the VA. My cholesterol levels were good, and my liver tests were normal. I don’t know when I’ll have my next drink. It may be next week or it may be never, only the big bartender in the sky knows. He’s cut me off for now but is always there to listen. And before anyone gets upset about that analogy, just remember this; he turned water into wine. How cool is that? Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.
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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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) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
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Thursday, May 5, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Today is
MAY 5, 2016 May 5
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
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. PRE-APPRECIATION SERVICE: Bread of Life A.C.O.P. on Highway 280 in Kellyton is hosting a preappreciaiton service for Elder
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Neverland Tuck May 5 at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Apostle W.T. Traylor. For more information contact Prophetess Alisa Norris at 256-3298674 or Elder Beverly McKinney at 256-307-6509.
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Members of the Alexander City Middle School Band recently participated in the solo and ensemble festival in Auburn. 34 received superior medals.Pictured are front row Paris Burdick, Chelsey Patel, Hope Radcliffe, Dillan Howell, Josh McDaniel, second row, Bexley Knight, Diamond Miller, Martha Martinez, Kaylee McDonald, Hyunjun Chae, Kiara Phelan, Dashandria McKinney, third row, Lauren Tidwell, Abbie Fuller, Faith McClellan, McKennan Pritchard, Alli Broom, Valerie Tauro, Matthew Kelley, fourth row, Casie Childress, Starlit Edwards, Jaion Kelly, Connor Spann, Sam Morris, Skyler Oliver, Hailey Wingard, Jahlese Oliver.
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. CRUISE IN: The Lord’s Crusiers are hosting a cruise in Saturday, May 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Arby’s on Highway 280. All antique cars, trucks and bikes are welcome and listen to music from the 50s, 60s and 70s. For more information call Rob Sizzers at 256-7943846. MOTHERS PRAYER BREAKFAST: Centerview Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill is hosting a Mothers Prayer Breakfast Saturday, May 7 at 9 a.m. Rev. Gary Hardy is pastor.
May 9
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COMMUNITY GARDEN: Monday, May 9 at 12:30 p.m., fourth graders from Stephens Elementary will plant the community gardens near the First United Methodist Church under the direction of PATH. Everyone is welcome.
May 10
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FOOD SAFETY FOR FUNDRAISERS: This is a class being offered by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System for organizations to receive some food safety training in quantity cooking. Tallapoosa County Extension will host classes on May 3 and May 10 at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse Extension auditorium in Dadeville. Class time is 6 p.m. – 8 pm. More details: https://offices.aces.edu/ tallapoosa/food-safety-fund-raisers/ BRHS 50TH REUNION: The Benjamin Russell High School Class of 1966 is having reunion June 4. Your reservation and information sheet was due April 20. If you have not returned, please do so as soon as possible. We have to have a final count before May 10. If need further information call Linda at 256-392-3515 or Martha at 256-2344885.
May 12
PATH FINDERS: The next meeting of PATH FINDERS will be on May 12 at noon in the United Way conference room, Main Street, downtown Alexander City. Please join us and help us make strides in 2016 to improve the lives of individuals dealing with dementia in the Lake Martin area.
May 12-13
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PASTORAL APPRECIATION: The Second Pastoral Appreciation honoring Elder Neverland Tuck of the Bread of Life Apostolic Church of Promise located on Highway 280 West, Kellyton ,Alabama will be held on May 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. nightly. For more information contact Prophetess Alisha Morris at 256-3298674 or Elder Beverly McKinney at 256-307-6509.
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, 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, 334-257-3826, email hughesautoparts@centurytel. net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-2832233, email steven505@centurytel. net; Carolyn Hood, 334-319-3434, 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 office is hosting its first ever Grill Master Class on Saturday, May 14. This basic class will cover food safety, meat selection, types of fuel cooking methods, and cooking tips for beef, pork, and poultry. And true to other Extension programs, this event will be an “eating meeting” and feature taste testing – some samples of cooked items. The Grill Master Class will be held from 9 a.m. – 12 noon at Pavilion #3 at Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City. Cost is $15 per person and reservations are required. Participants are asked to contact the Tallapoosa County Extension office at 256-825-1050 to sign-up or mail in the Grill Master Class Registration Form. Deadline for payment is Friday, May 13. More details: http://offices.aces.edu/tallapoosa/extension-present-grill-masterclass-may-14th/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.
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.
May 16
PARENT NIGHT: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is hosting parent night for the annual summer reading program May 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be registration for the summer reading program, door prizes, pizza and fun run information.
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 256329-2910 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. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MEMORIAL: The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department and the Alexander City Police Department are hosting the 20th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial at the Alexander City Police Department May 19 at 11 a.m. Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill. In the event of bad weather, the ceremony will take place at the First Baptist Church.
May 20
AWARDS DAY: Coosa Central Middle School Awards Day for fifth through seventh grades will be May 20 at 9 a.m. The eighth grade promotion ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. DSC FUNDRAISER: The Dixie Sailing Club is hosting a $5,000 Drawdown at The Ridge Club May 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The proceeds will be used to promote the youth sailing program. There will be a silent auction, music, food and drinks. For tickets check the club’s website at www.dixiesailingclub. com.
May 21
PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Paddle for a Purpose May 21 at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees are $35 for the mile race and $45 for the 3 and 6 mile race. This event is part of the SUP the South race series. Non-racers are welcome to watch.
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The Outlook
Thursday, May 5, 2016
CUBA
A first-person look as America begins to improve relations with its Latin neighbor to the south By KENNETH BOONE TPI Chairman
From the top: The Malécon boulevard with the Cuban White House in the background; Tobacco drying inside a thatch barn; A street scene in Old Havana, where buildings were painted pastel colors by government order; Gourmet seafood in Havana; Cuban hero Che Guevara is immortalized in Revolution Square; A sign painted along the roadside means “Socialism or death;” Refrigerator magnets for sale outside Ernest Hemingway’s estate.
Suzanne, our blond, bubbly and very able American tour guide, met us in the lobby of the NH Capri hotel and announced the “bad news.” Our tour bus had broken down and she arranged for taxies to take us to dinner. Not really a tragic announcement anywhere in the world, but not good news either. Except in Havana, Cuba, where it turned out to be a highlight of our visit last week. Lined up on both sides of the street were 17 vintage 1950’s American convertibles, tops down, awaiting 41 American travelers on a 75-degree breezy evening. Buicks and Oldsmobiles and Fords and Pontiacs, all painted bright colors like lime green, sky blue, crimson and white, and the most iconic of all, Pepto Bismal pink. Mary Lyman and I couldn’t keep the smiles off our faces as we rode in the backseat of a bronze and white 1953 Mercury Monterey along Havana’s famous seaside boulevard – the Malécon – while the sun dropped into the Gulf of Mexico. Our ‘ride’ had the original ‘53 engine and modern stereo that accepted a USB stick drive playing Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” – with the volume cranked way up. That’s a memory worth crossing 90 miles of saltwater. Cuba is still closed to American tourists, except those who travel under 12 special categories. We were part of a people-topeople exchange with the Alabama Press Association and the Southern Newspapers Publishers Association. The rules required that we have a full-time schedule of educational exchange activity. And we had one. During a four-day jam-packed whirlwind tour, we visited a local artisan print shop; toured a number of the squares in old Havana (the city is also spelled “Habana” and is often called La Habana); had dinner at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba where the walls of the bar were lined with photos of famous Americans who have visited; drove by national monuments like the capitol building which is called the “Cuban White House” because it is modeled after ours, except it’s 9 feet taller; walked inside the Habana Cathedral where uniformed school children were also touring; we ate wonderful seafood, crayfish and snapper, and lots of fresh organic vegetables. We asked why so many of the vegetables were organic and learned that many small Cuban farmers don’t have access to pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Everywhere we went we had what ought to pass as the Cuban national drink, the mojito, a mixture of lime juice, sugar cane juice, sparkling water and mint. The best restaurants add a splash of Angostura bitters on top … after pouring in a generous dollop of Cuban rum, usually Habana Club. Most meals began with a “welcome mojito.” Some places featured the other Cuban highball, the Cuba Libre, which is very similar to the Alabama tailgate favorite bourbon and Coke, except it’s made with Cuban Rum and Tropicola or Tukola – locally made colas. Did I mention a bottle of rum costs $5? One of the few perks in a communist country. By the way, don’t drink tap water in Cuba. We brushed our teeth with bottled water and kept closed-mouthed in the shower. Two non-rum hydrators are the local beers. Cristal is in a green can with a Royal Palm on the label. Bucanero is a red can with a pirate on its label. If you order a beer, the waitress will likely say, “Strong or weak?” If you answer, “Strong,” which I usually did, you get the red pirate beer. The performing arts are alive and vibrant in Cuba. We saw a mid-afternoon drum and dance performance by the young men and women of the Habana Compas Dance troupe who used congas and bongos and even drumsticks on leathercovered chairs to get our pulses quickening. At dinner one night Cuban pop singer Jessee Suarez was filming a music video next door on a deck overlooking the river. We visited the famous Tropicana cabaret and saw a spectacular burlesque show, one said to rival the Moulin Rouge in Paris and I believe it. The Tropicana is in an open-air amphitheater surrounded by palms, mangos and dense green tropical vegetation, with a wrap-around stage that would make Ricky Ricardo weak at the knees. When we arrived, each man was presented with a Cuban cigar. Then came champagne. Then a bottle of rum and cans of Cuban Tukolas were set down on each table beside a full ice bucket. An orchestra pounded out Latin salsa while very profes-
sional stage crew lit up the night for showgirls wearing huge headdresses, sequin and feather capes and not much else. One number featured girls wearing immense crystal chandeliers on their heads, walking carefully through the audience. A man balancing an aluminum octagonal frame on his forehead while a girl dressed in a few ribbons of fabric climbed inside and hung upside down by one foot – and he set the whole thing spinning, Cirque de Soleil style. It was an extraordinary show that has been in operation since 1939. The Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located several hours west of Havana. Its distinctive, rounded blocky hills called “mogotes” are surrounded by hundreds of small family farms, the home of Cuba’s world-famous tobacco. A farmer named Benito took us inside a thatched barn – both the walls and roof were thatched – when it was raining. The rain dripped off the thatch overhangs and we only felt a few drops inside. Benito explained, thorough our guide-interpreter Abel, how tobacco is grown, dried for five years and rolled into cigars. He then sat down with a board on his lap and his large knife as his only tool. He rolled dried leaves into a cigar shape with his hands, then cut out a wrapper and rolled it on a bias to cover it. Two chops with his knife made a finished cigar, which was smoked on the spot by one of our travel companions. Then we went inside his house where his wife sold us bundles of 10 cubans for 10 Cuban pesos (about $11 after the exchange fees). In the valley, we visited a cave and a park where a girl dressed as a native Cuban Indian was holding a small furry endemic creature called a “huita.” “Mary Lyman, would you like to hold a rat?” I asked. “No rat, huita,” the girl said. “It no bite.” “It looks like a rat.” “No. huita,” she said, as she pointed to the trees and said that’s where the huita lives. Turns out, huitas are more closely related to guinea pigs and hamsters than rats. You wouldn’t know it by looking at it. Our last full day in Cuba took us to Ernest Hemingway’s estate, Finca Vigia, located in San Francisco de Paula, which is about 10 miles east of Havana. Hemingway lived there from 1939 to 1960, and it was there he wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls, A Moveable Feast and The Old Man and The Sea. The home is modest, filled with African trophy heads and books. There is a three-story tower – concrete not ivory, though it might as well have been – beside Hemingway’s house. The top floor held a worn wooden desk with Papa’s old Corona typewriter. Outside in a pole barn is Hemingway’s famous fishing boat, Pilar, which has only one chair I could see, a wooden fighting chair. Hemingway won many fishing tournaments and caught a number of record-setting bluewater fish in that chair. He even patrolled for German U-Boats in the Caribbean in Pilar. One of his captains, Gregorio Fuentes, is said to be the model for Santiago in The Old Man in The Sea. Finally, we visited the home of Jose Rodriguez Fuster, a ceramic artist and painter, who made mosaics on more than 80 houses in his neighborhood and created wild, colorful patterns and structures that look like a mash-up of two famous Spanish artists: Gaudi and Picasso. The neighborhood is known as Fusterland and it is definitely a memorable sight. Throughout the short visit to Cuba, I found several common threads. The people of Cuba are friendly and helpful. I wore a lapel pen of American and Cuban flags joined together. At least a dozen Cubans noticed it, grabbed their lapels, and gave me a big smile and the thumbs up sign. The first night there, in the Capri hotel, I went to the “cigar bar” and asked if they had cigars for sale. The bartender said yes, and I said I would be back that night to have one. That night when I arrived, there were no cigars available, so I ordered a mojito and told the bartender I would go upstairs and meet some friends by the rooftop pool. Twenty minutes later, the bartender came up to me and handed me a cigar with no label on it. He said it was a “Rolo,” or at least that’s what I thought he said. I thanked him and offered to pay. He shook his hands at me and wouldn’t take any money. I don’t know where he found it, probably out of somebody else’s pocket. I left a $5 tip. The movie crew for Fast and Furious 8 was in Havana filming while we were there. Helicoptors flew overhead. Streets were blocked. Mary Lyman walked down to the Malecon where rows of vintage American cars, all in great shape and brightly painted, were parked. I took
Thursday, May 5, 2016
The Outlook
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Page 7
From the top: A Cuban smoking a cigar and reading a newspaper in the morning;A view of the beautiful Viñales Valley; A classic vintage convertible Chevy painted pink and used as a taxi; Tropicana cabaret has been thrilling visitors since 1939; A Cuban Santeras in downtown Havana; Habana Compas dancers and drummers stage a mid-afternoon show.
out my camera and started shooting. After about 20 photos, a Cuban man came up to me and said, “Sir, please take your photos and then move on.” I was standing in a movie set. Nobody got angry. Don’t try that in Hollywood. A second common thread: the communist Cuban infrastructure is crumbling. There are some nice, well-kept buildings. There are many, many more that are dirty and unkept. Some are literally falling in. Everywhere you look, Cuban people are sitting, standing, milling around. Especially in Habana, it doesn’t look like most have jobs, or at least not 9-to-5 jobs. The Cuban government provides an average of $20-30 per month to its residents. It doesn’t take but a few minutes on Cuban soil to figure out that Cuba needs the dollars American tourism and investment will bring as the frozen relationship between our countries thaws. On May 1, the first American cruise ship in four decades landed in Cuba. Before long, Cuban tourism and travel will be open
to Americans without a special license. The island’s infrastructure will be a challenge, the island’s warm people will not. They understand their plight all too well and seem hopeful for a better future. As our local guide Abel said, “Cuba is not all we want it to be, but it is better than you may have heard on Fox News.” Cuba is as close to Key West as Alexander City is to Birmingham, but that short distance across the Strait of Florida and political differences between our two countries forms an immense gap that is just now, slowly, starting to close. And that is good for both of our countries. Boone is chairman of Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Hotel: NH Capri, Calle 21, La Habana, Cuba, +34 91 398 46 61 Travel Agent and Guide: Suzanne Carlson, president; Carlson Maritime Travel, 727.945.1930, www.scarlsontvl.com
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Thursday, May 5, 2016
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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
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A group from Leadership Lake Martin has finished installing a new welcome sign at the Alexander City Boat Ramp off Stowes Ferry Road. The sign will provide a backdrop for tourists and fishermen as they pose for pictures.
Making a Difference in a Child’s Education The following sponsors have joined with The Alexander City Outlook and The Dadeville Record to promote the use of newspapers as an educational resource by providing Tuesday edition papers to city and county schools in the area. • Russell Medical Center • Russell Lands • Representative Mark Tuggle • Tallapoosa County Sheriff, Jimmy Abbett • Grace’s Flowers & Gifts • Barbara Young • Udora Berry
To become a sponsor in The Alexander City or Tallapoosa County School System Please contact David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 or david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com 548 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, AL 35010
Yorkies rescued from Tallassee puppy mill By LIZ ELY Staff Writer
Tuesday, eight adult Yorkshire terriers and nine puppies of the same breed were rescued from the alleged puppy mill of an elderly couple outside their home near Tallassee. The animals, whose living conditions were less than acceptable according to officials on scene, were brought to the Elmore County Humane Shelter where Executive Director Rea Cord went into overdrive to ensure the animals received proper attention and care. “They were quite dirty, but every one of them got two to four baths, treatment for fleas, vaccinations, de-wormed, and heartworm tested, Cord said. “Two of them do have heartworms, but we’ve set all of them up with fluffy beds, pillows, food, and love. They’re happy now, and some went out to foster homes yesterday. They’re in great hands” Aside from the dogs’ appearance and condition, they were found living in cages too small for comfort in an outdoor trailer of the couple’s home. For Cord, this situation only amplifies her stance against breeding. “For me, I personally cannot view a dog as a means to make a living off of breeding,” she said. “It’s not illegal, but you need to do right by them. These dogs deserve better. They deserve being valued and cared for. They’re companion animals, and they should not be living in cages just producing animals their whole life.” For Cord, there is a lesson that people can take away from this, but she does not wish to take aim at the couple that mistreated the animals. She admits that breeding can be done correctly, and she hopes that this incident will enlighten people on what happens when breeding goes wrong. “The lesson to be learned is for those who are buying,” Cord said. “When you buy from somebody that produces mass numbers of animals where dogs live in a cage instead of a house and live without the love of a family, you continue to support what they do. However, all breeders are not puppy millers. There are caring, decent breeders out there who do it for the love and not the almighty dollar.” For people interested in buying dogs of a certain breed, Cord cautions buyers to beware of what lies behind the scenes. “While purchasers may see a cute, clean puppy, they may not see where the adults are,” she said. “They may never see how the mother and father are living these horrible lives in filth and in cages with minimal care. The puppies aren’t there long because they get sold. Adults may live there their entire lives or until they’re used up and discarded.” Cord is pleased to be able to offer the Yorkshire Terriers a temporary home, and the shelter has been inundated with people wanting to adopt the puppies once out of foster care. Cord equates the public’s intense interest as a potential reason behind why breeding Yorkshire Terriers has become so popular. “I was prepared for the community reaction, Cord said. “They’re Yorkies, and those deplorable pictures tug at your heartstrings. Our phone has not stopped ringing and our email is quite busy. We’re very happy that there is so much interest in them and that they have bright futures. However, it is frustrating when we have 150 dogs that need homes also. It’s an explanation for why the couple chose this breed – the demand is there.”
Goodwater
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counts of second-degree possession of a forged instrument. Parker was previously arrested on December 17, 2015, on a related charge following a citizen complaint and subsequent investigation by the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Division. That arrest warrant noted evidence that Parker manipulated the city’s payroll to pay herself at least $150,000 more than her salary from 2013 until December 2015. No further information about the investigation or about Parker’s alleged crimes other than that stated in the indictment and warrant may be released at this time. If convicted, Parker faces a maximum penalty of two to 20 years imprisonment for each count of firstdegree theft, which is a class B felony, and one year and one day to 10 years imprisonment for each count of second-degree possession of a forged instrument, which is a class C felony.
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WAREHOUSEMAN/DELIVERY PERSON Accepting applications for warehouseman/delivery person position at Dadeville Russell Building Supply. Full-time position with benefits. Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving history. Applications accepted Monday - Friday. YOU MAY APPLY IN PERSON AT:
Russell Building Supply, 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL Online applications can be submitted at: www.russelllands.ninjagig.com Serious Inquiries Only • EOE
Thursday, May 5, 2016
The Outlook
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Investigators comb the area around the Dollar General in Camp Hill looking for any signs of a suspect or a weapon used in Wednesday’s armed robbery.
Robbery
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No one was injured in the incident. Law enforcement from several agencies responded to the incident helping photograph footprints and swab for fingerprints outside the Dollar General. Investigators could be seen a trail down County Road 89. “In addition to our Camp Hill officers, we had help from the Dadeville Police Department and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department.” Potts said. “Their help is much appreciated.” Potts explained that the incident is most likely not related to Dadeville Family Dollar robbery from last week. “This suspect was wearing a hat and sunglasses,” Potts said. “In Dadeville we think the suspect was wearing a skull cap and mask.” Potts asks that anybody with information on the robbery to call the Camp Hill Police Department at 256-896-4148 or 256-896-4411.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
The search for clues included roadsides and dumpsters as investigators were hoping to find keys, credit cards or anything else tied to the robbery.
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ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
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Thursday, May 5, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Lady Wildcats end season at Pell City By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo
Reeltown’s Cole Noble releases a pitch during last Friday’s playoff game at home against Horseshoe Bend.
Rebels ready for third-round game at Mobile Christian By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
With round three on the horizon, the Reeltown Rebels are getting ever closer to their goal of playing in the state capital. The Reeltown Rebels (22-11) will travel to Mobile Christian (18-11) in a doubleheader on Friday starting at 4 p.m., with game three scheduled for Saturday, if necessary. Mike Jones, head coach of Reeltown, said the Rebels are ready to play after what has been a great week of practice. Jones added that the team that makes the fewest mistakes on Friday is the one that will advance to the semifinals. “We’ve had a really good week of practice. I think they’re ready,” Jones said. “Mobile Christian, they’re really well coached, they’re defending champs. I think it’s going to be a really good series between us. Basically, it’s going to come down to pitching and defense for both of us. Both teams have pretty good pitching, both of us at times play really good defense, so I think that’s going to be the deciding factor is who makes the least amount of errors.” Jones said Mobile Christian has a strong pair of pitchers the Rebels expect to see on Friday. In order to win, he said Reeltown will have to get timely hits in order to win. “Their No. 1 and No. 2 (pitchers) are really good. And from what I’m told, they hit the ball real well and play good defense,” Jones said. “The most important thing for us is to put the ball in play and get timely hits and those two-out hits. Hopefully, our pitching and getting those two-out hits, that’s the biggest challenge for us right now.” The goal all season for Reeltown, Jones said, has been to make the trip to Paterson Field in Montgomery and have a shot at playing for a state championship. He said the coaches have told the Rebels to take a one-game-at-a-time approach this postseason. “You just tell them it’s week to week. It’s not a season anymore. It’s one series on Friday and Saturday,” Jones said. “You’ve just got to win that series to advance and you’ve got to be able to play your best game two-out-of-three.”
Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo
Benjamin Russell senior Charlie Lutz scored the Lady Wildcats’ lone goal in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss at Pell City.
Tuesday marked a heartbreaking end to the Benjamin Russell Lady Wildcats’ season, as they fell 2-1 on the road at Pell City in round two of the Class 6A State Playoffs. Benjamin Russell Coach Lee Wagoner said Pell City got off to a fast start as the Lady Wildcats (10-10-1) never fully recovered. “Pell City got off to a faster start than we did. I don’t know if we were a little bus-lagged from the long ride up there, but they scored first and got the momentum behind them,” Wagoner said. “They got their crowd involved. Of course our crowd support was great too, but, once you get down in a game like that where there are very few goals scored over the last few matchups, it’s hard to play catch up. Pell City and Benjamin Russell is always a close game to the end and it’s who outlasts who.” Charlie Lutz scored off a corner kick by Daly Wagoner for Benjamin Russell’s only goal of the game. “Charlie had a beautiful finish. It was Charlie’s lone goal of the season,” Wagoner said. “She had been playing defender but we started moving her forward on corner kicks because she was finishing very well and she got in there and got the job done.” Wagoner said it was a tough way to end the season, but he is proud of the growth the Lady Wildcats displayed throughout 2016. “Of course, it’s bittersweet to exit in the second round of the playoffs. But I told them there can’t be any disappointment when we’ve grown as people and individuals and as a team,” Wagoner said. “We’ve got to take away the positives that we built on this year with on-the-field success and off-field success as people and build on that. Hopefully, we can take those lessons we’ve learned and hope they’ve better prepared us for life.”
Pair of Wildcats named to South All-Star soccer teams
Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photos
Benjamin Russell juniors Daly Wagoner, above left, and Cole Grogan, above right, were each selected to the South All-Stars on Wednesday for the North-South All-Star game at Emory Folmar Soccer Complex on Tuesday, July 19 in Montgomery. The North-South All-Star games place the state’s best rising senior boys and girls players against each other. For more on Grogan and Wagoner, see Friday’s edition of The Outlook.
Many lessons to be learned from Laremy Tunsil story
I
mages posted on social media can come back to haunt you. Drunk photos. Salacious photos. Racist or sexist photos. Or even the occasional masked bong photos. What happened to former Ole Miss offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil last Thursday evening will stain this young man’s reputation regardless what he does on the field for the remainder of his football career. Tunsil, considered to be a top five pick, slid to No. 13 – costing him millions – and was chosen by the Miami Dolphins. An outsider sabotaged what was supposed to be the greatest night of his life, so far, by hacking into Tunsil’s Twitter account and posting the infamous marijuana bong photo that Tunsil claimed was taken more than two years ago. It’s unfortunate that a sick individual would do this to him,
JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
and it’s also unfortunate that thousands chose to poke fun at Tunsil during his darkest hour. Surely, these hypocrites never made a mistake. Do I feel sorry for Tunsil? Absolutely. Am I a Tunsil apologist? Not necessarily. Sure, he didn’t Tweet photos of himself getting high. That credit goes to a different evildoer, supposedly his former financial advisor (though I wonder why a college kid has a financial advisor). But Tunsil made two critical errors that I hope that people can learn from. First, don’t get high. Duh. The negatives far outweigh the positives.
Second, if a person is going to get high or drunk, or whatever form of mind-altering agent they choose, it’s wise not to be photographed, much less post said photos to social media accounts. In Tunsil’s case, potential job suitors balked at hiring (drafting) him. Ridiculous photos posted to a person’s Facebook or Twitter account can be lethal to a job candidate’s chances. Say you’re a finalist for a dream job, but your Facebook account is loaded (no pun intended) with multiple pictures of you playing tequila body shots with other scantily-clad drunks. I’m not going to hire you. I want the person who appears to be the most responsible. In today’s electronic world, your social media accounts are your shop windows for strangers. Every day is an interview and an insight into one’s true self for friends, relatives
and possible employers. The words and photos you post can be viewed as a reflection of you, your family, the people you associate with and your employer. Don’t think they aren’t. Tunsil didn’t post drunk or stoned photos, but he put himself into a position where he was photographed – and that bit him hard. Hopefully, he learned great lessons from this and will realize that his best path for a successful career steers clear of many vices in life. Otherwise, Crockett and Tubbs are waiting. Then there was the case of Tunsil’s Instagram account, which was also hacked and revealed on draft night. There, he had a conversation with Ole Miss staffers about receiving money. I’m not saying he was or wasn’t paid. I wasn’t there, so I don’t know. Here’s another lesson: highly-sensitive or
secret material should never be discussed via social media or even electronic devices. Don’t think that records aren’t being kept, and don’t think that they are always private. Was a university-owned desktop computer, laptop, or cell paid by Ole Miss with access to university servers or WiFi, used for these transcripts, or others? An open records request, or flat out demand by the NCAA, could reveal so much more. Whatever happens in Oxford, Mississippi, Tunsil will be basking in the South Beach sun, hopefully trading bongs for the bench press. And avoiding social media. Joe McAdory is the former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News and is the Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.