Issuu

SUPER 12

OPINION: VOTERS ARE TAKING THEIR ROLE SERIOUSLY, PAGE 4.

FRIDAY

THE

Reeltown’s Baker aims for the championships.

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 August 12, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 162 www.alexcityoutlook.com

Sports, page 8.

It’s hands on at ACPD’s National Night Out enjoyed herself. “I like it,” Miller said. “I think it is good for the community to get to Even with threatening skies, area know these people.” residents came to the Sportsplex for Residents had a chance to see National Night Out hosted by the law enforcement from Alexander Alexander City Police Department. City, Alabama Law Enforcement “I think it is going to slide around Agency and Tallapoosa County, us,” ACPD Lt. James Orr said. “At the SWAT team, fire departments least I am hoping so.” from Alexander City, Dadeville and The event is designed to give law Goodwater and the rescue team enforcement and first responders a shoot a bow and arrow with the chance to interact with the commu- Conservation Department and even nity in a friendly way. enjoy hot dogs and snow cones. Alexander City Middle School National Night Out is designed eighth-grader Diamond Miller to: By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Alexander City Middle School eighth-grader Diamond Miller tries her hand at a bow and arrow under the eye of Conservation Oﬀicer Drake Haynes.

Sales tax collections trending upward

Alabama Power continues low releases from dams By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Because of the dry, hot conditions that have been prevalent in Alabama, Alabama Power Co. continues to follow its drought plan calling for minimum releases from its hydroelectric dams, but has at least temporarily continued releases of water from Jordan Dam to the Coosa River, according to Allison Westlake, a spokesperson for Alabama Power Co. In June, Alabama Power announced it was minimizing releases of water from its hydroelectric dams and, beginning on the July 4 weekend, suspending recreational releases from the Jordan Dam on the Coosa River to help combat the low flows. “We’ve had some rainfall throughout Alabama that has had an impact of river flows, but not enough that we have been able to do anything but continue the minimum releases from our power-generating dams,” said Westlake. There is good news for the See DAMS • Page 3

Lake Martin

Lake Levels

489.07 Reported on 8/11/16 @ 3 p.m.

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL

Today’s

Weather

87 73 High

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• Heighten crime and drug-prevention and foster safety awareness; • Generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; • Strengthen neighborhood spirit and public safety-community partnerships; • Promote general safety in and around the home; and • Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. The nation wide event is in its 33rd year and ACPD has now hosted it three times.

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

District 6 candidates for the Alexander City Council from left Jason Cromer, Tim Funderburk and Tony Harris take to the podiums to answer questions about their views and why they would like to represent residents in their district.

HOPE FOR COUNCIL Candidates give their vision for Alex City’s future

out for the 2016 Alexander City City Council Candidates’ Forum, sponsored by Tallapoosa Publishers and Central Finances, finances, finances. Alabama Community College to hear All 14 candidates for city council posi- from council hopefuls. tions in Alexander City left no doubt that While all had their own ideas and for the city to move forward the backlog visions for what they would do if elected, of audits and the financial issues must be as one candidate put it “the elephant in solved first. the room” was the city’s financial issues. Thursday night 241 voters turned See FORUM • Page 3

By MITCH SNEED Editor

There is a glimmer of great economic news in Alexander City, as the latest sales tax collection numbers show a continued increase in month-over-month and year-over-year collections. The good news is that increases in sales tax collection means increased sales by local businesses. According to numbers released by Ward Sellers, who handles business licenses and sales tax collection for Alexander City, July showed a 6.19 percent increase over the same month in 2015. “There are a lot factors that play into the numbers,” Sellers said. “We have an increase in business license fee collections, which could indicate more businesses operating, but in general, more taxes collected means increased sales. “Regardless of the factors, this is good news for the city.” In addition to the good news in July where the city collected a total of $857,766 in taxes including the half-cent for roads, the year-todate collections for the 2016 fiscal year show a 4.74 percent increase over last year. The July collections were the second highest of the fiscal year, ranking second only to See TAX • Page 3

Stephens teachers use Fred the Fish for water lesson By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Fred the Fish was the star of the show at Stephens Elementary School Thursday morning when teachers Ann Goree and Debra Griffith teamed up to teach fourthgrade students about the different kinds of water pollutants. The lesson was part of a lead-up to the Nov. 4-5 Renew Our Rivers Lake Martin Cleanup, sponsored by Alabama Power Co. and the Lake Martin Resource Association. LMRA President John Thompson visited with the class and heard the story of Fred the Fish. “Mrs. Goree is the one

that’s really kept Stephens’ involvement in Renew Our Rivers going,” said Thompson. “I think she’s been involved with it for 10 years now. Thanks to her efforts, the children do a great job of teaching their parents the value of Lake Martin.” Not only does Goree teach a series of lessons on water to her science classes every year, but the students at Stephens also submit original artwork in a contest affiliated with the Renew Our Rivers effort. The winning art is featured on the t-shirts given to the volunteers for the cleanup. This year, the top 50 pieces of art submitted will be exhibited in Alexander City See FISH • Page 3

David Granger / The Outlook

Cerynity Price adds a pollutant to Fred the Fish’s bowl Thursday morning as teacher Ann Goree looks on.

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Ex-husband’s parade of dates interferes with his dad time

Saturday

88 74 High

Low

Partly sunny, 40 percent chance of thunderstorms

Sunday

89 72 High

Low

Partly sunny, 30 percent chance of thunderstorms

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com

David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@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

Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com 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 Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales Intern, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@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 Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@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, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

Postal

Information

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

Friday, August 12, 2016

The Outlook

DEAR ABBY: I have been divorced for a year and have two boys, ages 8 and 9. During this time, my ex-husband has introduced three different women to my children and recently introduced them to a new girlfriend he has been seeing for a few weeks. The first day that they met the girlfriend, he had the children spend the night at her place. The woman has a 9-year-old son of her own. I do not find this appropriate. When I confronted my ex, he insisted that there is no problem with it. How long do you recommend someone wait before introducing children to the person he/she is dating? Am I wrong to be concerned about this? -- CARING MOM IN KANSAS DEAR CARING MOM: Unless your ex is trying to teach his sons that relationships are revolving doors, he should slow down the traffic. They need to spend time with their father, not their father plus one. Occasionally having a female friend join him and

DEAR ABBY Advice

the boys is all right, provided they understand she’s just a friend. But he shouldn’t have been diluting the time he was spending with the boys during this first year to the extent that he has because it sends the wrong message. DEAR ABBY: My lesbian friend, “Giselle,” broke up with her significant other, whom she met over the internet. They have actually never met in person because her girlfriend, “Samantha,” lives in Canada, but Giselle says they were soul mates. Samantha has moved on and now has another sweetheart, but Giselle won’t move on. It has been many months and Giselle is still trapped in this bubble of sadness. She

won’t stop talking about how much she loves Samantha. I kept reassuring her everything would be OK and maybe she would find somebody else like her internet friend did. After a few months, she became angry with me, and accused me of not being supportive of her trying to get Samantha back. She also accused me of not understanding “what girl-to-girl love is,” which makes no sense, considering that I’m bi. This has been going on for nearly a year. Should I back off, or must I continue to be supportive of something I know can’t happen? -- TRYING TO BE SUPPORTIVE DEAR TRYING: Giselle is angry at you not because you haven’t been supportive, but because she’s upset her feelings for Samantha aren’t returned. This is called “displaced anger,” and you happen to be the nearest target. Your life will be a lot more pleasant if you step out of the picture until Giselle figures out for herself that her romance

has fizzled and decides for herself to move on. DEAR ABBY: My son was cremated as he had requested, but he also asked that his ashes be spread far away from home, which would require us to take a long trip to do. Would it be disrespectful not to accommodate that part of his request? If we did that, we would have no part of him near or with us. Do you have an opinion? -- SO FAR AWAY DEAR SO FAR AWAY: Yes, but first allow me to offer my condolences for the loss of your son. If you feel the need to have his cremains physically close to you, do what will bring you comfort. Divide the ashes, keep some of them and honor his wishes with the rest. 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.

Ongoing Events

CORRECTION In Tuesday’s edition of the Outlook, the address for the Lake Martin Auburn Club was incorrectly listed in the story on the club’s establishment of a scholarship in memory of Jimmy “Red” Phillips. The correct address is Lake Martin Auburn Club, P.O. Box 245, Alexander City, AL 35011-0245. Checks for donations to the Phillips fund must be made out to the Auburn Foundation to be tax deductible.

RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7:00 am until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please contact Terry Bishop at 256-409-2020 for more information. AWANA: Wayside Baptist Church hosts Awana Sundays from 4:40 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for ages three to high school. For more information contact George Gardin, student minister, at 864-580-0343. VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers. Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256-234-1134 or 256-7493717 for more information. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a women’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. READY TO WORK: Ready to Work is a FREE jobs skills training program offered at Central Alabama Community College Career Center. Classes meet Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until

noon. Completion of the program depends on the skill level of the individual. For more information contact Elaine Balint, instructor, at 256-215-4496 (leave message) or ebalint@cacc.edu. OFFICE CAREERS: The Office Careers Technology program is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and was created to help dislocated workers learn new employable skills. To qualify for the programs be a dislocated worker (layoff) or a low-income family. Anyone interested in the classes should contact the Alexander City Career Center @ 256-215-4494 and ask about the WIA program. Most all dislocated workers automatically qualify for financial assistance. The program is 52 weeks and is open entry/open exit. Students learn at their own pace in a nontraditional classroom setting. Classes begin when students are approved and they may leave when they receive any or all of the certificates offered. Classes are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. (with a lunch break). All textbooks and class materials are supplied. Certificates available are receptionist, inventory clerk, data entry clerk, administrative assistant, accounting office clerk, medical office clerk, legal office clerk.

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Public Meetings  Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m.  Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.  Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m.  Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville.

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The Outlook in Alexander City (alexcityoutlook.com) is a multi-media news and sales organization that is located in Alexander City, Alabama. The Outlook and its sister publications have been the voice of central Alabama since 1892. Alexander City enjoys steady growth along with a list of many recreational opportunities.

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Please email resume to marketing @ alexcityoutlook.com

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

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All meetings are open to the public.  Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in city hall.  Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department.  Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.  Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held upstairs in the courthouse at 6:30 p.m.  Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend.  Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton.  New Site City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall.  Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office. All customers are invited to attend.  Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m.  Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853.  Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session.  Tallapoosa County 911 Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the 911 Administrative office at 240 West Columbus Street, Dadeville. Call 825-8490 for more information.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Fish

continued from page 1

City Hall. And then there’s Fred, a lucky fish who lived in a beautiful river kept clean by Renew Our Rivers volunteers. “Even though Fred had it good where he was,” Goree told the attentive fourth-graders, “he decided to go on an adventure.” So Fred began to travel, running a gauntlet of pollutants along the way. He dealt with soil erosion, road salt, trash and factory stuff – all added to his ever-darkening bowl by student volunteers. “I hate to tell you, but life’s about to get even worse for poor Fred,” Goree said before Fred made his way past a faulty sewage treatment plant that wasn’t properly treating the waste and, finally, a hazardous waste plant where rusty barrels were leaking waste into the river. “Ooooooooooo,” the kids responded as the water grew even murkier for Fred. According to Goree, Fred decided, “’I’m going back to my river where the Renew Our Rivers volunteers keep it clean.’ And he goes back and he lives to tell this story to y’all.” But the kids didn’t just learn about Fred. They learned, too, about the real-life struggles of the people in Adiwerema, Ethiopia, to get water from a brief video star-

Dams

ring movie star and activist Matt Damon. They watched as the townspeople, who made the trip twice a day to the large hand-dug well, drew water murky with soil and other pollutants from the well to drink. Then they watched as volunteers of water.org installed a new well and celebrated with the townspeople with applause when they learned it would provide them with running, clean water. After the lesson was complete, a few of the students shared what they had learned. “African people need clean water,” said Jaiuntae Tuck. “I’m going to put a dollar in (a jug the class has to collect money for water.org) so they can drill the water.” Arionna Ware said she learned, “You should keep trash off the roads and don’t throw poison or trash in the water.” “I learned how the people who drink dirty water have to go four miles,” said Alan Rodriguez. “And I learned to not keep throwing stuff like oil or gas on the river.” “You should not litter and people in Africa have to walk 10 hours to get water,” said Zakiya Orr. “This is a great lesson for the kids,” said Griffith, who came to Stephens from Dadeville Elementary this year. “They need to learn how lucky they are to have clean drinking water and a great water resource like Lake Martin nearby.”

Tax

of taxes, and in this time of tight budgets, that’s a good thing to have happening.” This is the first year that the city has used the Alabama Department of Revenue for tax collections after years of using a private contractor for the service. Sellers said that transition has been seamless and he’s been pleased with the results.

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Lack of audits, failure to pass budgets on time and missing money that is the subject of a criminal investigation were all topics raised by the candidates. All 14 candidates, including two that were unopposed and already poised to take office were on hand. Scott Hardy in District 3 and Tommy Spraggins in District 5 gave opening statements, letting residents know a little more about two of the new faces who will be on the council come Nov. 1. In the other races, all the candidates showed how much they care. In District 1, Councilman Bobby Tapley is opposed by Steve Crowe and Beverly White. In District 2, Councilwoman Sherry Ellison-Simpson is being challenged by Buffy Colvin and Jacob Meacham. In District 4, Councilman Billy Ray Wall faces Eric Brown and Frank Tapley. And in District 6, there will be a new councilman as Jason Cromer, Tim Funderburk

and Tony Harris are in the race. Despite heavy rains that blanketed Alexander City just before the event began, voters on hand listened carefully, some taking notes as the candidates spoke. Most said they benefitted from what they heard. “We appreciate you all doing this,” said Alexander City resident Billy Middlebrooks. “This election is important and this helps to hear how they all feel about the issues facing the city.” Buddy Looney said the forum will help him make a decision. “This was great,” Looney said. “It may have been a tie-breaker for me. I tell you, it’s great to hear how they feel and how they think on their feet.” Each candidate had something that seemed to resonate with voters. For more on what the candidates had to say, see Saturday’s Outlook.

continued from page 1

canoeists and kayakers who frequent the Coosa River, however. “Fortunately, the area where we’ve seen some of the greatest impacts of the rainfall have been on the Coosa, so we’ve been able to release water from Jordan Dam for recreational purposes for the last three weekends,” Westlake said. Westlake said while the dry weather has caused the minimization of releases from hydroelectric dams, the occasional rainfall has prevented most lake levels from dropping significantly. Still, she said, Alabama Power hydrologists see nothing short of a significant rainfall event – something along the lines of a tropical storm – that would allow it to release more water from all of its dams. “I’m not expecting us to life those measures we put in place in June anytime soon,” Westlake said. “It would take a rainfall event with a large impact to cause that to happen, something like a tropical storm.” Westlake said Alabama Power will continue to closely monitor conditions on the lakes and manage the limited water resources carefully. Individuals with boats and other water-related equipment should always be alert to changing conditions on Alabama Power reservoirs and be prepared to take the necessary steps to protect their property. She said should conditions worsen and require additional measures rather than improve, Alabama Power Co. would issue an additional lake levels alert, like the one issued in June.

continued from page 1

January in terms of total tax collections in the city. Sellers said the tax collection process has been smooth overall, and even without counting in the portion for roads, the rising collections is encouraging. The added revenue is good news to city leaders who had to slash the budget drastically last year to make ends meet. “Increased sales, solid collections and new businesses likely all play some role in the numbers,” Sellers said. “But the bottom line is the city has a larger income

Page 3

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Outlook The

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Page 4

Christians should be the gold medal

Opinion

Our View Voters are taking their role very seriously

his may sound like a familiar beat on the same old drum, but it is one that deserves a

replay. The best voter is an informed voter. That’s why we would like to applaud all the people who worked so hard to stage candidate forums here in Alexander City this week as well as all the people who turned out or watched on the various media platforms that carried the mayoral and city council candidate forums. The Lake Martin Young Professionals did an incredible job hosting the mayoral forum Monday night. The candidates were attentive, thoughtful and all took their best shot at selling themselves to the voters. Thursday night, the city council candidates took the stage and made a case for why they should be elected to office. We would like to publicly thank Dr. Susan Burrow and the CACC staff for making the facility available for these two important city events. Why are forums so important? In both gatherings, candidates who have stepped up and shown the willingness to be public servants, told residents why they want to serve, what they see as the big issues facing the city and offered their opinions how they can help accomplish their goals. Voters need that kind of information, with details you can’t get from a yard sign or brochure, to make what is an important decision for Alexander City. Elections too often turn out to be popularity contests and not enough about qualifications, ideas and substance. Election Day is just 11 days away. It’s encouraging that candidates are getting out and meeting with voters, but it is even more refreshing to see residents paying so much attention to the task at hand. From conversations around restaurant tables, to reading printed material, meeting with candidates and attending forums, it appears that Alexander City residents are concerned about the future and are doing their homework. The power of a vote is an awesome thing. Keep studying and make your vote count.

Know Your

Officials

T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s T.C. Coley Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill community. His phone number is 212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton. Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Steve Robinson Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City. John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.

John McKelvey

Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone Emma Jean Thweatt number is 825-4207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.

George Carleton Jr.

Friday, August 12, 2016

he 2016 Olympiad is officially open and running in Rio. Athletes from around the world have come to compete in their chosen sports. They are the best of the best and can’t wait to pit their skills against the world. These young people are aggressive, tough and in great shape. However, all the Olympic events they compete in are played out regularly in the local church. Let me give you a few examples: Javelin Throwing: this has been perfected by many in the church as they throw these darts of gossip, innuendoes and words of hurt. Javelins are offensive weapons and thrown from a great distance to protect the thrower. High Jumping: this event is seen in many Finance Committees as they review the budget and find out what it cost to run a growing church. Usually these jumpers go straight up and bounce off the ceiling. They can see the cost of everything and the value of nothing. Kayaking: in this event a pastor paddles through all the treacherous turns of a nasty business meeting while trying to keep the church afloat and on course. This is an event that has claimed more than one fearless participant, Relay Racing: here we see

DR. GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist

folks handing off their jobs each year to someone else because they just can’t go another step. More than likely the baton will be dropped in the process and the race will be lost. Once they have done their part they consider the race finished. High Dive: this venue features a church taking a great leap of faith as it takes on new ministries to accomplish God’s will. If done correctly it is a thing of beauty and grace and sight to behold. It takes faith just to climb the ladder in this event. Bicycle Racing: these folks get into a rut and pedal as hard as they can to maintain the status quo. They are so busy pedaling that they never realize that they are just going in circles without ever going forward. Synchronized Swimming: this one is closely related to the bicycle event. This thing looks good, treads a lot of water, has a lot of motion, but doesn’t go anywhere. It’s a church playing social games and trying hard to act like the body of Christ. Soccer: this event was introduced early in church history and continues to be a popular

event. In this sport everyone runs around as fast as they can kicking everything that gets in their way and swearing they never foul or play dirty. It usually leads to a fight by the players and their supporters. Wrestling: here we see folks who are willing to go to the mat for their beliefs. They grapple with Satan and refuse to give up and are known by their bruises and abrasions. These folks are tenacious and hate to lose to any opponent, no matter how big. Marathon Runners: praise God for these folks. They are there for the long haul and will keep on going when others have long since dropped out. Quitting just isn’t in their DNA because they have trained themselves to keep on keeping on in spite of the pain and effort. Sailing: this requires a lot of bluster and wind. These folks will hoist their sails and sail away on any breeze. They live on their boats and never have permanent roots, but move from place to place as the wind blows them. Anyway, you get the idea, don’t you? Just make sure your gold medal event honors Jesus and brings honor to His church. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired Alexander City minister who writes a weekly column in The Outlook.

Today’s

Quote

“Good teachers know how to bring out the best in students.” – Charles Kuralt

Today’s

Scripture

“Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul.” – Proverbs 22:24-25

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Thursday Question: Who do you think won the mayoral forum Monday night?

Charles Shaw – 184 Mark Fuller – 195 Mark Lamborne – 311 Jim Nabors – 203

Friday Question: Do you think you have enough information to make an informed decision in this municipal election? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

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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.

How to

Letters to the Editor

National and local elections are critical to us all Dear Editor, We are approaching two major elections for the citizens of Alex City. One is the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November. The other is the Mayor and City Council elections in August. Both of these elections are critical for those of us who live and work in Alex City. Once upon a time, we were a town dominated by a Fortune 500 company. Small businesses were important, but the events involving large companies provided the wake in which most of us lived. No longer are we blessed or cursed by the fallout from national and international issues affecting this giant company. We are no longer protected by the benevolence of hometown management of this giant which loved, invested in, and had great hope for our little town. We don’t have any large companies in our town anymore. What we have are small

businesses run by local citizens or foreign owned businesses with limited local employment, but run by people who have no personal investment in our town. Now, more than ever, we dramatically need political and economic structure in which small business can prosper. What we have now is a political and economic environment which is hostile to small businesses by throwing in the way of management every conceivable regulation imaginable and by increasing business taxes which are choking the life out of the small profit which is the life blood of our economy. This strangulation is occurring at all levels of government from federal all the way down to our city and county government. Why in the name of God would a community increase both city and county retail taxes at a time when retail businesses are struggling to survive and when both our residents and those in communities

around us can go to other cities to get cheaper goods and services with less taxation? How can we continue to support a local administration and council that has presided over increased taxes, mysterious loss of large amounts of money, and has through their public “clowning” made our little town a laughing stock in local, state, and national media? It is time that we say enough is enough. In the mayor and council races coming up, we must support and vote into office responsible and honest people who have vested interests in our community. In the presidential race, we must support and vote into office the person who can “throw the rascals out” in Washington and get us back to common sense and constitutional government. Billy Sellers Alexander City

There is no way to deny racial inequities Dear Editor, I have been hesitant to write this in fear of being labeled with the “angry black woman,” narrative, but I feel that is a selfish excuse for not speaking on obvious issues in our community and the nation. I read a previous “Letter to the Editor” that basically stated we as black people need to “get over divisiveness and move on.” That statement itself is infuriating to many, if not all African Americans and was more of a push to address these issues. The letter also stated how the Black Lives Matter movement is racially divisive, which is completely the opposite of what it represents and since some in our community don’t comprehend this I will try to explain

why. The Black Lives Matter movement was motivated by the unjust killings of black people by law enforcement and the lack of justice being served to those who committed these murders. The movement does not negate that all lives matter yet it reinforces that our lives matter too. One argument that always comes up is the issue of black on black crime. I will put it like this, if Trey Trey shoots and kills Peanut, then Trey Trey goes to jail, but if Officer Dan shoots and kills unarmed Peanut, then Officer Dan receives paid administrative leave, basically a paid vacation, and is acquitted of all charges. Does this not seem to be an issue to you? Another point I would like to make is the All Lives Matter

rebuttal to Black Lives Matter. Yes, all lives do matter, but the justice system does not reflect this. Look at it like this, you go to the doctor and tell him your arm is broken, he responds with “All bones matter,” though this is a true statement it does not fix the fact that your arm is still broken! So can we fix this broken bone in our society for future generations sake? Until you walk in another man’s shoes, don’t discredit his trials and tribulations. White indifference and denial of racial inequalities is just as bad as the actual acts of these said inequalities and discriminations. Jaylan Reynolds Alexander City

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 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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August 12, 2016

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Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Trapp are celebrating their anniversary today.

Brad Denney, Glenda Sherum, Donna Carter, Agnry Knight, Rodney Kilgore, Johnny Blackmon, Linda Fuller, Lance Dudley, Chip Stanfield, Donald Dykes, and Bobby Langley are celebrating their birthdays today.

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Cliff Williams / The Outlook

No one was injured in a two car accident at the intersection of Cherokee Road and Russell Road Thursday morning. Both vehicles were towed from the scene and the Alexander City Police Department directed traffic as part of the roadway was blocked.

August 13

CAMP FIRE REGISTRATION: There will be a pool party registration for Camp Fire for the upcoming school year August 13 at the city pool from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is for kindergarten through sixth grade. GOSPEL SINGING: The Joy Masters Quartet will perform August 13 at 6 p.m. at the Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street. Everyone is welcome. BENEFIT SINGING: There will be a benefit singing for Abby and Sam Salinas to help with medical bills due to an accident this past April at the Kellyton Revival Center August 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. AFTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION: The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lake Martin Area After School Program will be located at the Sportsplex Gym. Clubs will be open every weekday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and are available to children 5-7, 8-9, 10- 12 and a FREE teen program for 13 – 18. For an application, please contact us at 256234-4757 YOUTH EXPLOSION: Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Youth Explosion August 13. The program starts at 10 a.m. Special guests are Rev. Jamal Oliver of White Street Baptist Church and Gospel Rapper Vydreon Moon. Lunch will be served and everyone is invited to attend. BACK TO SCHOOL BASH: Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Highway 63 is hosting a back to school bash Saturday, August 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a 18 foot water slide bouncy house, snow cones, fun and messy games, hot dogs and hamburgers. Parents bring a lawn chair and enjoy the fellowship. HIPPY REGISTRATION: Playhouse Cinema is hosting HIPPY registration Saturday, Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. along with a free movie. The Alexander City HIPPY program is encouraging all families with a 3, 4, or 5 year old child to register with HIPPY. HIPPY is a program designed for Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters. Registration is desired as soon as possible since the program is planned to run alongside the regular school year. The 30 week program begins at the end of August and will run through May. Registration is also at the Hippy House in front of Benjamin Russell High School. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The 2016 Pride of Alexander City Benjamin Russell High School Marching Band is hosting a pancake breakfast Saturday, August 13. Plates can be picked up for $6 between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Purchasers get a sneak peak of the half-time show at 9 a.m. on the practice field.

August 14

CHURCH

HOMECOMING: Sardis United Methodist Church in Dadeville is hosting its 179th Homecoming August 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a lunch following. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Peace & Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church on County Road 30 in Kellyton is hosting homecoming Sunday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. The guest minister will be Rev. McClendon Hall of Loving Peace Baptist Church. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Liberty United Methodist Church in Hackneyville is hosting homecoming services August 14 at 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Hon. Ray Martin with special music by Harlan Burton. Lunch will follow at noon and there will be a singing in the afternoon. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church is hosting homecoming services Sunday, August 14 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Pastor Freddy Robinson of Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson’s Gap. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Centerview Baptist Church in Camp Hill will celebrate its 140th anniversary Sunday, August 14 at 11 a.m. Rev. Gary Hardy is pastor.

Guest speaker is Maurice Wright of New Life Christ Center in Roanoke.

August 21

HOMECOMING: Darian Missionary Baptist Church at 1825 Pearson Chapel Road in Alexander City will have a Homecoming Celebration beginning at 2:30 p.m. The guest church is Harper Springs Baptist Church of Sylacauga with Pastor Ocie Blackmon speaking. Rev. Larry Shealey is the minister at Darian Missionary Baptist Church.

August 22

SPEECH AND HEARING SCREENING: Auburn Universtiy’s NSSLHA and SAA are having a free speech and hearing screening Monday, August 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic in Room 1199 of the Haley Center. No Appointment is necessary.

August 22-24

REVIVAL: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services August 22-24 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest minister is Rev. MacArthur Moss of Reeltown Missionary Baptist Church. Edward Milner is pastor.

Aug. 22-Aug. 26

REVIVAL: Darian Missionary Baptist Church at 1825 Pearson Chapel August 15-21 Road in Alexander City will CHRISTIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: New Covenant hold a revival Monday, Aug. 22-Friday, Aug. 26 with Ministries of the World is hosting an annual Christian nightly services set for 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be General Assembly August Rev. Theoangelo Perkins of 15-21 at the Liberty Life Liberty Christian Church in Christian Center at 243 Harpersville. S Street. A prayer and breakfast will be held at 9 August 27 a.m., explanation of Bible MEET AND GREET: scriptures at 11:30 a.m. and worship and praise services With all that’s going on in the country dealing with our each night at 7 p.m. with Law Enforcement Official speakers. and the community. We the Climax Day speaker will Brothers of Gibraltar Lodge be Chief Apostle W.T. #173 decided instead of marching or protesting, why August 16 not have a Meet and Greet BUDGET HEARING: The Alexander City Board of / Family Fun Day August Education is having a public 27 starting at 10 a.m. at the Cooper Recreation Center. budget hearing following the 5 p.m. August 16 board This would allow for the City meeting at the board office. Officials and the Community an opportunity to come together and have dialogue August 16-18 on concerns within the comCHURCH REVIVAL: munity as well as get to Mt. Lovely Baptist Church know each other. We are in Camp Hill will have a small city and there isn’t its annual revival August any reason why we can’t 16 - August 18 at 6:30 get to know each other. So p.m. nightly. Rev. Quenton come on out bring the famHammond of Antioch ily and be a part of the soluBaptist Church in Pratt City tion. It will be a great time of will be the guest minister. Fellowship. Rev. Bernard Harris is pastor.

August 28

August 17-19

CHURCH REVIVAL: Peace & Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services Aug. 17-19 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest evangelist will be Rev. Kendall Burton of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sylacauga. CHURCH REVIVAL: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services August 17-19 at 7 p.m. nightly.

CHURCH HOMECOMING: River Road Baptist Church is hosting homecoming services Sunday, August 28 at 10 a.m. with Rebecca Futral and Just One in concert. A love offering will be taken and a covered dish lunch will be served at noon. Margaret Thornton is music director and Dr. Albert Pike is pastor. Everyone is invited.

September 2

HOMECOMING: There will be a homecoming reception for the Dadeville High School Classes of 1957, 1977 and 1997 at the Dadeville high School Library at 5 p.m. The classes will be honored at the reception before the game and by recognizing them at the football field before the game begins.

September 10

LAUREL HIGH CLASS OF 1969: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 will have a meeting on Sat. September 10 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Cooper Recreation Center.

September 17

RIVER KIDS: The Tallapoosa County Extension Service and River Kids are hosting a float trip on the Tallapoosa River from Horseshoe Bend to Jay Bird Creek September 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Only twenty spots are available. Children must be at least 12 years of age and participated in Kayak Kamp. For more information or to register contact the Tallapoosa County Extension Office at 256826-1050. Registration deadline is Sept. 9.

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September 20

MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.

September 22

STORY TELLER: Delores Hydock, actress and storyteller, will present ‘Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II’ at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner of Hwy 49 and 34) Sept. 22 at 11:30 a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host this fun presentation by Delores, and she will tell us that it was bigger than Bob Hope! From Utah to the Philippines, from wrestlers and tap dancers to the biggest names in show business, from 16,000 servicemen in a southern France amphitheater to 20 GI’s in jeeps, USO camps were part of an inspiring story of volunteerism, patriotism and service. She shares with us her stories, pictures and video excerpts of some of the 7000 camp performers who brought music and laughs to US servicemen far from home during WW II. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.

September 24

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover birch trees in a snow scene. You can register at Wine Emporium or by calling Dottie Holdren at 256377-4918.

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sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 8

Friday, August 12, 2016

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Sports

Briefs Chierighini takes 8th in 100m free in Rio Marcelo Chierighini was sixth at the turn and finished eighth in the finals of the men’s 100m freestyle at the Rio Olympics on Wednesday night. Chierighini touched in 48.41 in his fifth 100m free of the Olympics. Swimming in lane 8 on Wednesday night, he got to the turn in 22.98 seconds. Kyle Chalmers of Australia won gold in 47.58, Pieter Timmers of Belgium won silver in 47.80 and Nathan Adrian of the United States won bronze in 47.85. Chierighini, who swam at Auburn from 2010-14, qualified for the 100 semifinals with a 48.53 during Tuesday morning’s prelims, 13th-best in the field. He then clocked a 48.23 in the semifinals, earning the eighth spot in Wednesday’s gold medal race. Chierighini also raced the 100m free as part of Brazil’s 4x100m freestyle relay team, leading off in both the prelims (48.47) and the finals (48.12) as the team finished fifth in the event.

SUPER 12

TOWER OF STRENGTH

Crimson Tide’s James to try for Olympic gold medal

Kirani James, two-year letterman at Alabama and 2012 Olympic gold medalist in the 400 meters will compete in Rio this weekend and are televised on the NBC networks. The 400m preliminary heat can be seen at 9 p.m. today. The semifinals will be shown at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, and finals take place at 10 p.m. Sunday. James has two wins in two finals appearances on the IAAF Diamond League circuit this season, in Eugene, Oregon and Birmingham, England. He is a bronze medalist in the 400 meters at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, a gold medalist in the 400 meters at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, gold medalist at the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Daegu and double gold medalist in the 200 meters and 400 meters at the 2009 IAAF World Youth Championships. James won silver medals in the 400 meters at the Junior and Youth levels. He also ran a personal-best time of 43.74 at the Diamond League meet in Lausanne, Switzerland on July 3, 2014.

Gamecock soccer takes fifth place in preseason poll

The coaches and sports information directors in the Ohio Valley Conference have pegged the Jacksonville State soccer team to finish just below where the Gamecocks finished the 2015 campaign as the league announced its annual preseason soccer prognostications on Monday. After finishing in a three-way tie for third last season with a league mark of 5-4-1, JSU was picked fifth in the league after voting was done by the coaches and sports information directors. Jax State accumulated 137 points and was three points shy of matching UT Martin in the fourth spot. Jax State’s season opener is set for Friday, Aug. 19 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee against the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State. JSU will begin its eight-match home slate on Sunday, Aug. 21, against the Eagles of Georgia Southern. Match time is set for 1 p.m. at the JSU Soccer Field. Admission is free to all home soccer matches.

Troy softball announces open tryouts are coming up

The Troy University softball team will be hosting open tryouts on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at 4:30 p.m. at the Troy Softball Complex. All prospects that are planning to attend must be currently enrolled at Troy University and need to RSVP to Taylor Smartt at tsmartt@troy.edu using their Troy issued email account. Participants need to provide their own bat, glove and cleats for the tryout.

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Wearing jersey No. 75 Reeltown High senior looks to lead his teammates in the right direction.

Baker aims to help Reeltown Rebels shoot for 2016 state championship By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

As an offensive/defensive lineman, Reeltown High senior Blake Baker doesn’t see himself in the spotlight. “I’m the guy who doesn’t really get his name put in the paper that much,” he said. Instead, Baker’s the guy whose mission is to block both coming and going. “He’s big in the trenches,” Reeltown head football coach Matt Johnson said. That’s no exaggeration as Baker comes in at 6 foot, 4 inches tall and 245 pounds. You can bet he makes the most of that power every time he steps out on the field. “My goal is to just put full effort into everything I do,” Baker said. While such commitment

may not garner major headlines for the athlete wearing the No. 75 jersey, Baker does stand out in his ability to lead his fellow Rebels. “Being a leader is more than bossing people around and telling people what to do,” the offensive tackle/defensive end said. “Being a good leader means being a good person that everybody can go to any time of the day without any worry or any regrets that that person is leading them in the right direction.” That includes leading Reeltown to have a consistently better season than last year. “Of course it was coach (Jackie) O’Neal’s farewell season,” Baker said. “We had

kind of a rocky road. There’s no better way to explain it.” That rocky road began with a 1-3 record. “We started out kind of weak in the season,” Baker said. But the Rebels rallied and ended 2015 6-5 overall and 3-3 in the region. “We started working our way back the rest of the season,” Baker said. The Rebels are starting 2016 afresh. That means working under the direction of Johnson for the first time. That’s just fine with Baker. “Very few words explain this man,” he said. “He’s one of those coaches that pushes

you to your limit every day. He expects the best out of us every day.” Those high expectations have rubbed off on Baker as he expressed complete confidence that the Rebels will have a winning 2016 season. “We’re going to win the state championship,” Baker said. The Rebels plan to accomplish this by completing and conquering a three-phase plan. “It started this summer in the weight room,” Baker said. “So far we’ve got one phase complete. We’ve got two more, that’s the regular season and the playoff season.” Reeltown High opens its season next week at home by hosting the Notasulga Blue Devils at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18.

Charley Lutz commits to Pine Manor College By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Former Benjamin Russell High School Lady Wildcat Charley Lutz has accepted a soccer scholarship to Pine Manor College in Boston, Massachusetts. While signing her acceptance letter at BRHS Thursday, Lutz expressed her enthusiasm for this new opportunity. “I’m very excited,” she said. Lutz also explained her commitment to a school that’s roughly 1,200 miles northeast of Alexander City. “The coach was very persistent,” she said. “He kept coming, which made me realize that he cared. Plus the college, itself, is pretty and small.” Lutz has been playing soccer since she was 4 years old. As a varsity athlete, she was an integral part of the Lady Wildcats program as the team’s goalkeeper. “We made it to the second round this year and the quarterfinals last year,” said BRHS girls soccer coach Lee Wagoner. In addition to the Lady Wildcats, Lutz played with the Opelika Crush. Although she was goalkeeper at BRHS, Lutz is not sure what her position on the Pine Manor team will be. “It’s either going to be goalkeeper or safety defense,” she said. BHRS athletic director Pam Robinson expressed her pride in this opportunity for

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Recent Benjamin Russell High graduate Charley Lutz (seated, center) signs her acceptance letter to Pine Manor College Thursday. She is joined by (from left, seated) her parents Bill and Teresa Lutz (standing, from left) BRHS athletic director Pam Robinson, her sister Chelsea Lutz, BRHS girls soccer coach Lee Wagoner and BRHS Principal Dr. Anthony Wilkinson.

Lutz to continue playing soccer at the collegiate level. “I’m excited about it for her,” she said. Robinson also said Lutz’s choice in schools shows what is possible for high school athletes. “There are so many schools out there our kids don’t even know about,” she said. “There are a lot of quality schools that can give a quality education to our kids.” As Lutz prepares to start her freshman year, she does so as an undecided major.

“But I did choose the school because they were going to have such small classes and I did like the one-on-one opportunity in the classroom,” she said. Classes at Pine Manor begin Aug. 31. However, Lutz is heading to the New England campus on Wednesday, Aug. 17. “We have to be there by 1 (p.m.) on Friday (Aug. 19),” she said. Lutz will attend her first meeting with the Pine Manor Lady Gators on Monday, Aug. 22.