SUPER 12
OPINION: THERE MAY BE MORE TO LOTTERY THAN WE THINK , PAGE 4.
Graham has a new focus for 2016.
TUESDAY
THE CHAMBER PULSE
Chamber recaps Sun Festival, LMYP and more. Page 6-7.
Sports, Page 12.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 August 16, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 164
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MORE FINANCIAL ISSUES UNEARTHED $220K in IRS penalties, no budget, status of pay study, $1.5 million accounting issue, stalled audits discussed at meeting
Mayor Charles Shaw told the city council that he was unsure when he would have a budget ready for review.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Alexander City City Council President Jim Spann used Monday night’s meeting to try to clear the air on several matters that have been lingering, but instead it was learned that the city is dealing with a whole new level of craziness.
Craziness was about the only way to describe this laundry list that was unearthed in pre-meeting discussion by Spann: • According to an auditor working on getting the city’s books caught up, the city’s books remain “$1.5 million out,” according to Spann. “I’m no accountant, and I See COUNCIL • Page 11
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Bentley’s call includes lottery, Medicaid
USAmeriBank holds senior banking seminar today STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Each year, seniors lose approximately $2.9 billion to financial fraud. That is why USAmeriBank has joined a national effort, led by the American Bankers Association Foundation, to protect seniors from becoming victims of financial fraud and abuse. Today at 11:30 a.m. at its main Alexander City office, located at 4643 Highway 280, USAmeriBank’s Prestige Program will host a seminar for seniors and their financial caregivers offering tips for safe banking to help combat this problem. A light lunch will be served. Seniors are some of the most precious customers to America’s banks because: • Older Americans (50+) hold 67% of all bank deposits; • Older Americans (65+) most likely to be banked compared to all other age groups; and • Older Americans (55+) have the best credit scores compared to all younger age groups. For these and other reasons older Americans are also most likely to be targeted for fraud and financial exploitation, resulting in losses for older customers and banks alike. Some of the information the “Safe See SEMINAR • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
92 73 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
488.98 Reported on 8/15/16 @ 6 p.m.
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Council President Jim Spann asked some tough questions and disclosed several additional issues in the city’s finances at Monday night’s council meeting.
54708 90050
8
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Doris Butcher has been been taking care of this Mastiff mix near her home in Dadeville since she appeared about two weeks. With three dogs already, Butcher is looking for a good home for the dog.
A FOREVER HOME Local woman, vet seek adoption for wayward pooch
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Wanted – a good home. That is all that Dadeville resident Doris Butcher is looking for to help a new found friend – a mastiff-mix dog. “She came out of the woods in Laeman’s Landing about two weeks ago,” Butcher said. “She just came up one day. It barked out the neighbors.”
From there the shy but friendly giant took up with everyone. “My neighbor put some water out and she woofed it down,” Butcher said. “He also put some food down and she woofed it down too.” From there, Butcher took over. “She was taking up on my porch,” Butcher said. “I have three dogs already, one a rescue. Everything was fine until I fed my dogs and she came around and my dogs started barking.” See DOG • Page 3
Gov. Robert Bentley released Monday morning his call for the Alabama Legislature’s Special Session, which convened Monday at 4 p.m. The governor’s call includes two items: • A constitutional amendment enabling a state lottery to support the state’s General Fund; and • Legislation providing funding for Medicaid, infrastructure and/or debt repayment. “This call is designed for the Alabama Legislature to address adequate support of essential state services including children, the elderly, people with mental illness and support for men and women in law enforcement,” Bentley said. “A primary focus of this special session is for legislators to allow the people within their district the right to vote on a statewide lottery. “I am looking forward See SESSION • Page 3
Five arrested on drug charges in Goodwater STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Coosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people on drug and other charges last week after discovering illegal activity as they searched for a suspect in the Goodwater area. According to a released statement, CCSO personnel, working with U.S. Marshal’s Service, Talladega County Drug Task Force and Talladega Sheriff’s Office, attempted to serve a felony warrant on Jacob Street in Goodwater for a suspect wanted in Talladega County. While attempting to locate the subject, Deputies discovered several individuals committing drug related crimes. During the investigation of the scene a large amount of narcotics were recovered, along
with several firearms and a large amount of cash. The following individuals were taken into custody for the listed charges: • Arthur Legrant Cox, 29, of Goodwater Leonard Searcy was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana first degree. Cox is currently being held in the Coosa County Jail on $35,000 bond. • Lewis Demerkit Searcy, 35, of Clay County was arrested on the charge of possession of a controlled substance. Searcy is currently being held in the Coosa County Jail on $25,000 bond. • Padre Lesuer Leonard, 37, of Cox Twymon Goodwater was arrested on charges of pos- Whetstone session of marijuana first degree and posSubmitted / The Outlook session of drug paraphernalia. Leonard is Coosa County Sheriff’s Offi ce arrested five people on drug currently being held in the Coosa County and other charges after discovering illegal activities as they See GOODWATER • Page 3 searched for a suspect in the Goodwater area.
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Daughter turned against mom must be set straight
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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 Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@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 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.
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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
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DEAR ABBY: I have a problem with my two younger sisters. Neither one can have children. I have three. Recently, one of my sisters turned my sweetest daughter against me by telling her I had “abandoned her” when I moved to Ohio with my oldest son and divorced their father. Not true! I left my daughter with my sister so she could experience raising a teenager since she couldn’t have a child of her own. After telling my daughter I had abandoned her, my sister advised her to tell me she never wanted to talk to me again. My heart is broken. My daughter is very sweet and gullible. She has taken her aunt’s side and says she wants nothing to do with me. This is driving me crazy. Please tell me what to do. -- HEARTBROKEN IN THE MIDWEST DEAR HEARTBROKEN: If your daughter is a minor, demand that she return to you immediately. Do it through a lawyer, if necessary, because what your sister is doing is a form
of parental alienation. If your daughter is an adult, then ask your other two children to talk to their sister and set her straight.
are many variables regarding why a person would want an aisle seat. Among them would be access to the bathroom, a person’s size or a desire for more personal space. If sitting in the middle seat in close proximity to a man you don’t know would bother you, mention it to one of the cabin crew and request a change, or just switch seats with your travel companion.
DEAR ABBY: When a couple is on an airplane in a section with three seats (window, middle, aisle) and a male stranger has the window seat, should the woman sit in the middle seat beside the male stranger, or in the aisle seat exposed to all passengers walking by? -TRAVELER IN VANCOUVER, B.C. DEAR TRAVELER: When someone makes an airline reservation, a particular seat is usually assigned and the airline expects the passenger to sit there unless the crew is notified and approves the change. There
DEAR ABBY: I’m a retired man who took a community college class. My lab partner was a young woman who was having difficulties attending the class. She wasn’t there for the final exam, and I wondered if she had dropped the course. I did not have her phone number or her email address, but she had mentioned she worked at a nearby bank, so I went to visit her there. We talked for a few minutes and she told me she had actually done quite well in the class. When I told my wife and daughter about it, they were
DEAR ABBY Advice
shocked. They said what I did was inappropriate because of the age difference and she could have gotten into trouble at her job. Abby, they almost accused me of stalking her. I don’t understand why they considered this inappropriate. Is there a social rule that makes my behavior incorrect? I find it hard to believe someone would get into trouble for talking to a person in the bank at any age. Gender should not be a concern. I would have done the same thing had she been a man my own age. -- AM I MISSING SOMETHING? DEAR AM I: You appear to be a very nice person. What you are “missing” is the fact that your wife is insecure, and your daughter backed her mother up. You did nothing wrong. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Obituaries Mrs. Hazel F. Powell 1936 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mrs. Hazel F. Powell, 79, of Alexander City, Alabama, was on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Pastor Scott Jordan officiated. Burial followed in the Alexander City Cemetery. The family received friends on Sunday, August 14, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Powell passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. She was born on September 19, 1936 in New Site, Alabama to Thomas Judson Oliver and Jewel Hand Oliver. Mrs. Powell loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed fishing, sewing, gardening and painting. She had two very special companions that were constantly be her side, Pup and Logan. She is survived by her daughters, Donna Latham of Alexander City, Dora Delaine Noles (Chris) of Jacksons Gap; sons, Dana Paul Powell of Alexander City, Billy Dean Powell of Alexander City, Bobby Dale Powell (Kathy) of Alexander City; eleven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren and brother, Fred Oliver (Patty). She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Powell Jr.; parents; brothers, Wrenfro Oliver, Heflin Oliver, Kenneth Oliver and Fletcher Oliver; sister, Louise Morgan and son-in-law, Lem Latham. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX, 75284 Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Doris C. Cleveland Funeral Services for Doris C. Cleveland, will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 14, 2016 at Andrews Chapel Methodist Church in Hanover, AL. She will lie in state from 1PM until 3PM at the Church. Rev. Bill Boggan will officiate. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. Mrs. Cleveland passed away on August 12, 2016 at Coosa Valley Medical Center. She was born October 25, 1937 to Charles Clinton and Florence Cardwell Colquitt. She is survived by her son, Tim (Wanda) Cleveland; brother, Owen (Betty) Colquitt; sisters, Merrell Cole, and Gwen (Gene) Sides. Granddaughters, Tabitha, Tennille and Rachel. Great Grandchildren, Dolton, Brantley, Cohen and Raylee. Several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, James (Jimmy) Cleveland; son, Talmadge (Tab) Harris and her parents. Bass Funeral Home and Cremations directing. Memorial messages may be sent to: bassfuneralhomeandcremations.com
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Mr. Clyde Sherra Whetstone Mr. Clyde Sherra Whetstone 38 (formerly of Goodwater, AL) Antioch, IN died on Saturday, August 13, 2016. Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.
Mr. James Richard “Rickey” Scott 1952 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mr. James Richard “Rickey” Scott, 63, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the The Arbor at the First United Methodist Church. Dr. Todd Henderson and Rev. John Verciglio will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Scott passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. He was born on October 20, 1952 in Alexander City, Alabama to James Owen Scott and Gloria Jean Williamson. Mr. Scott was a member of Legacy Builders, Habitat for Humanity and Emmaus Walk #171. Mr. Scott retired from Alabama Power after 42 years of service. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, who loved his family dearly. His family has many precious memories of trips they took traveling throughout the United States. He especially loved Alaska and Yellowstone. Mr. Scott enjoyed participating in his bible study group, hunting, fishing on Lake Martin and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Lana Dee Scott of Alexander City; son, Andy Scott of Alexander City; daughter, Kerrie S. Carr (Scotty) of Alexander City; granddaughter, Scottlyn M. Carr; grandson, Peyton S. Carr; mother, Gloria Jean Williamson; sisters, Deborah Pike (James), Pam Polly and Paulette Davis. He was preceded in death by his father, James Owen Scott. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Central Alabama Emmaus Community, P O Box 241571, Montgomery, Al, 36124. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Snapshot Day today for library STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Adelia Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library are joining public libraries across the state in participating in “Snapshot Day: One Day in the Life of Alabama Public Libraries” on Tuesday, Aug. 16, to show how important public libraries and library systems are to the state of Alabama. On Aug. 16, Adelia Russell Library and Mamie’s Place
Children’s Library will compile statistics, patron comments, photographs, and other data chronicling a typical library day. The results at Adelia Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will be added to those of public libraries across Alabama to show how libraries provide invaluable services to Alabama citizens. “Snapshot Day: One Day in the Life of Alabama Public Libraries” is a project of the Alabama Public Library Service.
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Tuesday, August 16, 2016
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The Outlook
Session
Page 3
continued from page 1
to working with lawmakers over the next few days as we address legislation that is simple, clean and transparent.” Some lawmakers have complained that the governor has played his intentions for the special session too close to the vest and possibly waited too late to convene it for lawmakers to agree on lottery legislation, in particular. “My thoughts about the called special session are mixed,” Alexander City’s Rep. Mark Tuggle said recently. “I would like to find additional funding for Medicaid in 2017 and pay off all debt owed by the General Fund to the Alabama Trust Fund by monetizing the BP settlement. Not sure we can accomplish that in the special session. “We have only nine days to create a quality constitutional amendment (on the lottery) to be placed on the November ballot for a voter referendum. I will stay positive and work for the best balanced solution for my district and the state.” Though Bentley’s call doesn’t specifically mention monetizing the money the state received in the settlement with BP for the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill, he did tell reporters on Friday in Mobile that “if legislators want to bring that up and solve it, I’m all for it.”
Currently, there are several proposals for divvying up of the proceeds from BP and an agreement among the legislature within nine days would appear difficult to reach. In addition to the lottery, the issue that most legislators appear determined to address is the future of Medicaid funding in the state. Almost any conversation with regard to the special session, including the governor’s, mentions the need for additional funding for the program that covers health costs for children, the poor and the disabled. Already the Alabama Medicaid Agency has been forced to cut reimbursements to physicians who provide healthcare for Medicad recipients. The special session will also likely see the formal election of Mac McCutcheon of Monrovia in Madison County as Speaker of the House. McCutcheon was selected by the Republican caucus of the state House of Representatives as its nominee for speaker on Aug.2, but must be formally elected by the entire House. McCutcheon is retired from the city of Huntsville, where he worked as a police officer, detective, probation officer and zoning coordinator. He would replace Mike Hubbard, who a Lee County jury convicted of 12 felony ethics violations on June 10, removing him from office.
Dog
HILLABEE TOWERS
continued from page 1
Butcher is lucky in that she was able to put the dog in a fenced-in area in the neighborhood. “We put her in the fenced-in area, fed her, and gave her water,” Butcher said. “We started to look for her a home.” After no luck finding her a home with posts on Facebook, Butcher contacted Dadeville vet Dr. John Caldwell. “She called me to put her down since they are unable to find her a home,” Caldwell said. “She is in too good of health for me to put down. I told her (Butcher) that I would help her in finding a home. “We contacted K911 in Camp Hill to see if they could take her. But they are full to the brim. We are trying to reach out to the community to see if we can find her a home.” Butcher says the dog has put on some weight since arriving about two weeks ago. And Caldwell says the
animal appears to be in decent shape despite living in the woods for some time. “It is a pretty good quality dog,” Caldwell said. “She appears to have some mastiff in her, maybe some Great Dane. She weighs about 90 pounds and does not appear to be too old. Larger dogs have problems with hips as they age and she does not appear to have any issues. She is a very alert and active dog. She is a little shy around people but will come up to be petted.” The shyness is something that Butcher’s daughter Karen White has noticed. “At first she was shy around me,” White said. “Now she will come to me and let me pet her.” Butcher hopes that someone will take her to be in a good home. For those that are interested, you can call Butcher at 256-825-8451.
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Banking for Seniors” seminars will cover: * Identifying and avoiding scams • Protecting your assets by preventing identity theft • Choosing a financial caregiver • Acting as a responsible financial caregiver The American Bankers Association is the united voice of America’s hometown bankers – small, regional and large banks that together employ more than 2
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Goodwater
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Jail without bond due to currently being on parole. • Dalametrick Keon Twymon, 39, of Goodwater was arrested on the charge of possession of marijuana second degree. Twymon is currently released on $2,000 bond. • Carlos Quintez Whetstone, 32, of Goodwater was
arrested on August 12, 2016 on the charge of obstruction of governmental operations in relation to this case. Whetstone is currently released on $500 bond. This case is under investigation and more charges are pending. Many a small thing has
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
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Page 4
Our
Opinion
We’d like to hear from you
D
o you have something you’d like to say? A letter to the editor or a guest column published in The Outlook is read by a large number of people in the Lake Martin community. Here are some good reasons to speak out: ■ If you see a problem in our community and you’d like to suggest a solution. ■ If you want to thank someone who has gone out of their way to help you. ■ If you would like to voice an opinion on a topic that impacts a number of residents. ■ If you want to call attention to someone or some group that has achieved something noteworthy. Whatever you have to say, we’d like to help you say it – for free. Just write us a letter or a guest column. We have a few rules designed to help get your thoughts published effectively. First, we require all letters be signed and include a phone number. We won’t publish your phone number, but if we have a question, we need to be able to get in touch with you. We will not publish any opinion that includes profane, slanderous or libelous statements … and we would encourage you to state your opinion clearly, politely and respectfully. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t say it to your grandmother, don’t say it to the public. The main difference between a letter to the editor and a guest column is the length. Letters are limited to about 250 words. Guest columns can go up to 500 words or so and include a photo of the writer. You can e-mail us at editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. You can write us a hand-written note or a typed message and mail it to Editor, The Outlook, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35010. And if you have an opinion but are having a hard time putting it into words, give us a call at 256234-4281 and we’ll give you a hand. Speak out. Your opinion can make a difference.
Know Your
Officials Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-2427100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Kay Ivey is the Lt. Governor of the state of Alabama. Ivey was elected Lt. Governor in 2010. The Office of the Lieutenant Governor is located in Suite 725 of the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Alabama.
Robert Bentley
Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.
There could be more to lottery than just a lottery
A
t first blush, it appears so simple. The state’s General Fund budget is underfunded, and Medicaid, the program that provides health care for about 1 million people in Alabama – many of them children – is $85 million short in the FY 2017 budget. Gov. Robert Bentley, a former Baptist deacon, announced last month he would call the legislature into session this coming Monday to address his proposal for a statewide lottery. To date, he has not issued the official call, which specifies what the legislature can address in a special session. The Montgomery Advertiser reported late Friday that Bentley’s office won’t issue the call until Monday, when the legislature is expected to begin meeting. There is great irony in the fact that our state, which spent untold amounts of money shutting down gambling operations it decided were illegal and immoral, now is led by a governor arguing that passing a lottery is the only moral answer. Think Country Crossing. Think Victoryland. Think GreenTrack. Meanwhile, the governor has been making appearances around the state at places like
MICHELE GERLACH Guest Columnist
Children’s Hospital, and giving speeches that insist the legislature must adopt a lottery to save the lives of children. After all, he says, there are only six or so states without a lottery. Bentley’s proposal for a lottery is a bit short on details, but he claims it will generate $225 million. Because he hasn’t shared his math, it isn’t immediately clear if that’s the gross amount expected to be generated, or the net. Other gaming interests in the state have been rather quiet on the issue. The Poarch Creek Indians, who operate casinos in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka, and who own race facilities in Mobile and Birmingham, only say “We support the governor’s efforts to find a solution to the crisis.” A second proposal, by Sen. Jim McClendon, puts more on the menu. McClendon is proposing not just a lottery, but “virtual lottery terminals” at VictoryLand, GreenTrack, and the Mobile and Birmingham
race courses. He says he also would allow the governor to negotiate a gaming compact with the Indians, presumably for expanded gaming. The truth is, if any lottery bill passes, the Poarch Creek Indians won’t need the compact they’ve sought with the state for decades. The federal government allows recognized Indian tribes to operate the same level of gaming allowed by the state, in three classes. Class 1 gaming resembles something like poker at the hunting camp or annual pow wow; Class 2 is bingo; Class 3 is everything else. If a lottery passes, the slot-style electronic “bingo” machines can be switched in a heartbeat to slot machines; and they can add table games to their entertainment offerings in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery. The compact – nor the share of proceeds that usually accompany it – would not be needed. As simple as Bentley’s proposal sounds, there is nothing simple about it. The legislature should not move swiftly and emotionally, but deliberately and thoughtfully, with the long game in mind.
Kay Ivey
Luther Strange
Mark Tuggle
Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Tom Whatley Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Today’s
Quote
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Today’s
Scripture
“They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” – Jeremiah 1:29
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Daily Poll Weekend Question: Who do you favor for city council District 1?
Steve Crowe - 45 Bobby Tapley - 19 Beverly White - 7
Gerlach is publisher of Andalusia The Star-News.
Tuesday Question: Who do you favor for city council District 2 – Buffy Colvin, Sherry Ellison-Simpson and Jacob Meacham?? 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.
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Letters to the Editor
It’s time for a clean sweep in Alexander City Dear Editor, The approaching city elections are critically important to the future welfare and prosperity of Alexander City. Our city desperately needs a completely new city government. By a “completely new city government” I mean a new mayor and all new persons on the city council. We need a city government that we can trust, respect, and believe is capable of leading us to growth. The incompetence, corruption, and scandals of the administration of Mayor Charles Shaw, all so well reported on the front page of many recent issues of The Outlook, make it impossible for anyone to trust
or to respect our present city government. However, Mayor Shaw’s administration is not without accomplishments: it has effectively repelled any new industry that might have considered locating in this area and its corruptions and scandals have given a bad name to our city throughout Alabama and beyond. Because Alexander City so desperately needs a completely new city government, I respectfully request that Mayor Charles Shaw and all members of the city council who are seeking another term on the City Council to place the future welfare of Alexander City, the
future prosperity of Alexander City, and the future reputation of Alexander City ahead of their own ambitions and desires and to withdraw from the forthcoming city elections. Their withdrawals will guarantee that Alexander City will have a completely new city government that has no connections whatsoever with the incompetence, the corruption, and the scandals of our present city government, which is exactly what our beloved city most needs. Bill King Alexander City
Reader: Nabors is the right choice for mayor
Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Dear Editor, I would like to begin by expressing how much I love Alex City. I have been a lifelong resident here, leaving only for my four years in college, and the four years I served in the U.S. Air Force. Never in all those years, too many to mention, have I publicly endorsed a candidate for any office, but I feel I must make an exception in our current mayoral race. While serving at Russell Corporation as chief financial officer and vice president, Jim Nabors always kept Russell
within budget, and procured responsible funding when necessary. He was also an exceptionally competent interim superintendent for our city schools, and is currently chairman of the board for Russell Medical Center. When he commits to correcting the city’s financing and accounting for all 50 million dollars, as well as bringing good paying jobs back to Alex City by redeveloping Russell properties, you can take those promises to the bank. In my experienced, com-
pletely unsolicited certainty, of the four candidates for the office of city mayor, Jim Nabors, a graduate of the University of Alabama, is the most qualified, trustworthy and diligent candidate. He WILL make our city a better home for us all. Thank you for your time and attention. George W. “Bill” Hardy Alexander City P.S. There will be no “missing checks”
Channel anger into constructive behavior Dear Editor, This is in response to Ms. Reynolds’ letter that was published on Friday, Aug. 12. I thank Ms. Reynolds for her well-written and thoughtful response to my previous letter. Ms. Reynolds, there is nothing wrong with being an “angry black woman.” I myself am an angry old male W.A.S.P. and I am sick
of being blamed for every sin, injustice, racial inequity, political suppression, war, glass ceiling, male pattern baldness, etc. I believe the secret is to channel that anger into constructive behavior. I totally agree with you that there is, has been and probably will be for the foreseeable future – racial inequities. This is on all sides of racial lines and we all
need to recognize that. I will not attempt to respond to all of your statements as it would take too long and would serve no useful purpose. At least we were able to discuss these few points in a civilized manner. May God bless us all. David French Alexander City
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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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Tuesday, August 16, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Today is
August 16, 2016 Today’s Event
BUDGET HEARING: The
Alexander City Board of Education is having a public budget hearing following the 5 p.m. August 16 board meeting at the board office.
Today’s Anniversaries
Tom and Mattie Howard and Margaret and Robert Hendrix are cel-
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Submit calendar items:
Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/. ebrating anniversaries today.
Today’s Birthdays
Cindy Trimble, Scottie T. Marbury, Barry Hammonds, Angie Turner, Jacob Fox, Mandie Peppers, John Kelley and Terrance Leonard are celebrating birthdays today.
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Stephens Elementary science teacher Ann Goree talks to her class Thursday about the importance of clean water in our lives Thursday morning.
August 15-21
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LAKE MARTIN HOME INSPECTIONS
CHRISTIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY: New Covenant Ministries of the World is hosting an annual Christian General Assembly August 15-21 at the Liberty Life Christian Center at 243 S Street. A prayer and breakfast will be held at 9 a.m., explanation of Bible scriptures at 11:30 a.m. and worship and praise services each night at 7 p.m. with speakers. Climax Day speaker will be Chief Apostle W.T. Traylor
August 16
BUDGET HEARING: The Alexander City Board of Education is having a public budget hearing following the 5 p.m. August 16 board meeting at the board office.
August 16-18
CHURCH REVIVAL: Mt. Lovely Baptist Church in Camp Hill will have its annual revival August 16 - August 18 at 6:30 p.m. nightly. Rev. Quenton Hammond of Antioch Baptist Church in Pratt City will be the guest minister. Rev. Bernard Harris is pastor.
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. Guest speaker is Maurice Wright of New Life Christ Center in Roanoke.
August 20
CHURCH YARD SALE: Mission Minded Kidds (m&m’s) of Duncan United Methodist and Sunnylevel United Methodist Churches will sponsor a free yard sale Saturday, Aug. 20 at Duncan United Methodist Church from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The church is located on Highway 22 East just passed Abernathy Feed and Seed. YARD SALE: Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson’s Gap is hosting a yard sale August 20 from 6 a.m. to noon. There will be sausage and biscuits for a $1. All items must go with nothing priced over $2. The money raised is going for a new piano.
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
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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 Road in Alexander City will hold a revival Monday, Aug. 22-Friday, Aug. 26 with nightly services set for 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Theoangelo Perkins of Liberty Christian Church in Harpersville.
August 27
MEET AND GREET: With all that’s going on in the country dealing with our Law Enforcement Official and the community. We the Brothers of Gibraltar Lodge #173 decided instead of marching or protesting, why not have a Meet and Greet / Family Fun Day August 27 starting at 10 a.m. at the Cooper Recreation Center. This would allow for the City Officials and the Community an opportunity to come together and have dialogue on concerns within the community as well as get to know each other. We are a small city and there isn’t any reason why we can’t get to know each other. So come on out bring the family and be a part of the solution. It will be a great time of Fellowship.
August 28
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.
August 30
COUNCIL MEETING: The Dadeville City Council will meet August 30 at noon for its second meeting of August to canvas the results of the municipal election and its regular meeting.
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 256-826-1050. Registration deadline is Sept. 9.
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 256-8257820 for more information.
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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 256-377-4918.
September 29 - October 15
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Young Frankenstein will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players Sept. 29 - Oct. 15. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
October 11
AUTHOR DISCUSSION: Peggy Wall, author of ‘Alabama Gold, a History of the South’s Last Mother Lode’, will visit the Dadeville Public Library Tuesday, October 11 at 2 p.m., to discuss her book and sign copies that will be available for sale. The book covers gold mining in Tallapoosa County during an entire century, beginning in the 1830’s and ending in the late 1930’s. She has included research about Gold Mountain, the Devil’s Backbone, Eagle Creek, Goldville and Hog Mountain. Ms. Wall interviewed miners from the 1930’s and they also told her stories of the experiences of their parents who had been miners in the early 1900’s. The Friends of the Library will sponsor this event in the basement of the library at 205 North West St. Call 256-825-7820.
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October 18
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
October 22
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CHRISTMAS CARD WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a Christmas Card Workshop October 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover dogwoods, pink and white. MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Nov. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
792 Commerce Drive Suite 103 Alexander City, AL
256.234.2007 256.749.8804
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Tuesday, August 16, 2016
The Outlook
PULSE
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
The entire Chamber of Commerce staff and Board of Directors would like to thank all of the sponsors, city council, mayor, police and fire department, volunteers, ambassadors and the wonderful people of Alexander City for making the 4th Annual Sun Festival another huge success.
Diamond Sponsor
City of Alexander City Gold Sponsor
Submitted / The Outlook
Alexander City Chamber of Commerce
Sun Festival garnered extravagant participation in each event this year. Above, locals enjoy music and dancing and below, teams pose at the Cornhole tournament. Middle, a contestant in the hot dog eating contest wolfs down a weiner.
Silver Sponsors SL Alabama Steve Robinson, Tallapoosa County Commission USAmeriBank
Band Battle Sponsor Russell Lands On Lake Martin
Praise in the Park Sponsors Daniel Yates & Lynn Patterson Radney Funeral Home
Please thank and support our Sun Festival sponsors
Bronze Sponsors Alabama Tourism Department Alabama Power Alex City Marine AmTech Arctic Heat & Air Ballard Farms Karen Channell State Farm Lake Broadcasting McDonald’s
Morris, Haynes & Hornsby Russell Medical Center Sabal Trail Transmission Tallapoosa Publishers T.C. Coley, Tallapoosa County Commission Lisa McClendon Country Financial Agency WLMA/WRFS 105.1 The Lake MainStreet Urgent Care
Friends of the Festival Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast Coca-Cola Crescent Moon Entertainment Home Depot
The Shoppes of Queen’s Attic Walgreens Walmart Super Center Wind Creek State Park
Events Sponsors A & M Plumbing Adams Nursing Home Alexander City Arts, Inc. Alexander City Chiropractic Alexander City Methodist Church Alexander City Parks & Recreation Alexander City Veterinary Clinic AmTech File / The Outlook Auburn Dental Spa Middle, Jana Kramer rocks out to the gnarly beats produced by her drummer at the Barbara’s Studio of Dance finale’s big concert. Top, residents participate in the Show Your Colors event representBeds, Baths & Bark-On ing rival teams the Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers. Below, kids participate in the Bice Motors sailing event during Sun Festival. Big B Bar-B-Que Brown Nursing Home C & T Electric Caldwell Electronics Carlisle’s Central Alabama Gastroenterology Century 21 Lake Are Realty Chapman Healthcare & Assisted Living Cherokee Bend Bed & Breakfast Cloud Nine Councilwoman Sherry Ellison-Simpson, Dist. 2 Dairy Creem Dark Insurance Agency Dianne Naler, CPA Disability Representatives Dixie Sailing Club Downtown Body Shop Dr. George Hardy Dr. Robert Edwards Edward Jones Investments, Randa Marlow First Baptist Church
First United Methodist Church Fish Tales Bait & Tackle Flint Hill United Methodist Church Foshee’s What’s Grace’s Flowers Harbortouch Services of AL, Inc. Hill Petroleum Hillabee Towers Jake’s Jim Bob’s Chicken Fingers JR’s Sports Bar & Grill KFC Lake Broadcasting Lake Martin Home Health Lake Martin Area Association of Realtors Lake Martin Storm Shelters Lakewinds Golf Course Larkin Radney, Attorney at Law Lee Marketing Group Lila’s Engraving Little Black Dress Madison House Restorations Madix MainStreet Alexander City Mark Tuggle, State Representative Marsha C. Mason, Attorney at Law Marshall Street Church of God Nationwide – The Daughtry Agency North Lake Crafted Off the Beaten Path Paige Patterson Performance with Lake Martin Voice PATH Finders
PATH Lake Martin Piggly Wiggly Plain & Fancy Cleaners Playhouse Cinemas Radney Funeral Home River Bank & Trust Rodan & Fields – Tiffani Whatley & Season Speaks Russell Medical Center Sarrell Dental Scotty Gordon Agency Service Printing & Office Supply Sixth Street Baptist Church SL Alabama Springleaf Financial St. James Episcopal Church Tallapoosa Ford Tallapoosa Publishers The Medicine Shoppe Tooth Masters Top Flight Gymnastics & Cheer Total Fitness at RMC USAmeriBank Wayside Animal Hospital Wellborn Forest Products Wellington Lake Martin Wells Fargo Wendy’s WLMA Woody Woodpecker Daycare WRFS The Lake 105.1 Zajac’s Auto Collision
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
The Outlook
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PULSE
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
Sunday sales an economic step forward
I
regularly hear from our business community and local citizens regarding the importance of moving Alexander City forward from an economic standpoint. It’s a statement we echo at the Chamber of Commerce as well. We don’t focus on the past, instead we work toward creating a more promising future. One of our many roles at the Chamber is to promote and encourage business and one way we can all make a huge statement in showing our eagerness to move forward is to vote “yes” for Sunday alcohol sales. On the ballot for the upcoming elections on Tuesday, Aug. 23, will be a referendum to allow restaurants, grocery stores and other approved retail outlets the opportunity to sell alcohol on Sundays from noon to 11 p.m. If you are in favor of economic development and helping to move our city forward, I would encourage you to vote “yes” to this referendum. There are many reasons this vote is significant to Alexander City. The obvious is the tax dollars we fail to recoup from residents and visitors who go elsewhere to do their grocery shopping or purchase alcohol on Sundays because we prevent them from spending their money here. We must grasp that our area benefits greatly from tourism. Over 40 percent of the houses on Lake Martin are secondary homes and owned by people from Birmingham, Montgomery, Atlanta and many others throughout the Southeast who are accustomed to purchasing alcohol on Sunday. Wind Creek State Park alone registers over 241,000 visitors on an annual basis. Include all the guests derived from the lake, Sportsplex, local events and recreational opportunities and we can begin to grasp the overwhelming impact tourism plays in our community. Please don’t confuse Sunday alcohol sales with out-of-control behavior and unlawfulness. It’s as simple as buying a bottle of wine or six-pack of beer on your weekly Sunday afternoon trip
ED COLLARI Chamber President
to the grocery store. On average, 33 million people go do their grocery shopping on Sunday, making it one of the busiest shopping days of the week. American shoppers also spend 21 percent more money on groceries on Sundays than any other day of the week, according to a 2015 study by the Heartland Institute. Sadly, thousands of customers and tax dollars travel outside of Alexander City on Sunday so they can fulfill their shopping needs. We can vote to help those shoppers spend their money here. Sunday alcohol sales also play a major role in restaurant recruitment. I cannot promise you restaurants will flood to our community should we elect to pass the referendum, but I can assure you there are plenty that will not even consider Alexander City with our existing laws. In my role at the Chamber, I’ve already spoken with national restaurant operations that assured me they would not even visit our community because of the loss of revenue they would face from lack of Sunday alcohol sales. Thankfully it’s an obstacle to restaurant recruitment we can remove on Aug. 23. I don’t want to rehash the many issues our city currently faces, but instead focus on opportunities for growth that sit on our doorstep. Camp Hill already sells alcohol on Sunday while Dadeville, New Site and Tallapoosa County will also be voting to allow Sunday sales in the upcoming elections. It is already perfectly legal to consume and possess alcohol on Sunday. Why not show our willingness to move forward as a community and allow alcohol sales on Sunday in Alexander City? It is a significant step we can make in moving our city forward economically when we go to the polls on Aug. 23.
YEA! RECRUITMENT IN FULL SWING Calling all budding young businessmen and women! Applications are now being accepted for the 2016-17 class of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Limited space is available in the class and the application deadline is Sept. 30. There are several ways to apply. You can pick an application up in-person at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, from Mrs. Mandi Durr at BRHS or from the ACMS office. You can also apply online at www. alexandercitychamber.com. The program is open to all middle and high school students. Along with a completed application, prospective students must also submit a letter of reference, their academic transcript, an essay and be interviewed by a YEA! Student Selection Committee member. Through a combination of in-class instruction, field trips, guest speakers, and working with business mentors, participants of YEA take an idea from scratch and mold it into their very own business. They’ll learn about different businesses, do the research, write a business plan, and ultimately pitch their idea to a panel of local investors for the chance to have their business funded. YEA provides interactive, hands-on experience in a fun learning environment that helps instill into students a spirit of innovation. Have questions? Contact Jacob Meacham at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at (256) 234-3461 or email jacob.meacham@ alexandercitychamber.com.
Submitted / The Outlook
Above, Lake Martin Young Professionals hosted this year’s mayoral forum, bringing together all the candidates to discuss their views on city business and why they should be elected. Below, Strand Sessions finished its last run with B. Snipes and his six-piece band.
Recapping a busy summer for Lake Martin Young Professionals
By JACOB MEACHAM VP Business Development
It’s been a busy summer for the Lake Martin Young Professionals. Since reorganizing almost a year ago and joining the list of community programs and initiatives led by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, members of LMYP have firmly positioned the group as one that’s here to stay through taking action and providing numerous opportunities to have fun, serve the community, give back, be involved in local government, support local businesses, and do it all with a positive vision for Alexander City and the Lake Martin area’s next generation. New to the list of YP events this summer was Strand Sessions, a four-part live music series in downtown Alexander City’s Strand Park. The concerts were held on the first Thursday of each month, May through August, featuring a mix of local musicians and others from around central Alabama. The series kicked off in May with Opelika’s Dallas Dorsey, followed by The Bank Walkers in June and Rexton Lee in July. YP put a bow on the inaugural series on August 4th with B. Snipes and his six-piece band. Throughout the series, crowds of between 200 and 400 people gathered in Strand Park for a couple of hours to spend time with each other, hang out in our beautiful downtown park and listen to some great music. It was great to see people of all ages and from different neighborhoods and parts of town come together and support something that will definitely be a part of summertime in Alex City in the future. In the meantime, Strand Park and Alexander City’s Arts & Entertainment District is alive and full of new energy and ideas for what our downtown area can become on a consistent basis. The events wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many, starting with the event sponsors Anytime Fitness, Bice Motors Inc., Duerr for District Attorney, Firetruck Bar-B-Que, Lake Martin Area Association of REALTORS, Lee Marketing Group, Music Depot, Satterfield Outdoor Living and USAmeriBank. Also, LMYP extends a huge thank you to the City of Alexander City, including the city council, mayor, police and fire departments, and parks and recreation for their hand in making these events possible. MainStreet Alexander City and the downtown businesses were also a part of Strand Sessions’ success.
Above all, Strand Sessions served as an example of what people in Alexander City will support and showed us how working together helps bring us together. Wrapping YP’s busy summer was last Monday night’s Mayoral Forum featuring the candidates running for mayor of Alexander City. Voters will go to the polls on Aug. 23, and YP welcomed over 400 people to CACC’s Betty Carol Graham Technology Center and many others who tuned in to watch online, on local TV or listened on local radio as the candidates stated their platforms for moving Alex City forward and answered a variety of questions from Auburn University professor Dr. Bridgett King, who moderated, and other questions submitted by Alex City voters and members of the audience. It was yet another example of people coming together for the benefit of the community, this time offering an educational forum as part of the very important right of choosing our local leaders. Thank you to CACC for hosting, to Dr. King for moderating and to Lee Marketing Group, the Lake Martin Area Association of REALTORS and State Farm’s Karen Channell for sponsoring the forum. As LMYP reaches the one-year anniversary of its reorganization, we can look back on the last 11 months and be proud of the work we’ve done while looking forward to the next year of continuing our mission to provide social engagement, leadership opportunities, community service and area-wide involvement for the Lake Martin area’s next generation of leaders. Cheers to the future, and we look forward to seeing you out at the next YP event!
Professional Development Workshop: Customer Service STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce presents a Professional Development Workshop on Customer Service Thursday, Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the CACC Betty Carol Graham Technology Center. The workshop is open to the public, costs $10 to attend and includes lunch from Chick-fil-A, one of the workshop’s presenters. Joining Chick-fil-A to present on the topic of customer service will be representatives from local businesses River Bank & Trust, Russell Lands On Lake Martin and USAmeriBank. Each presenter will speak to the audience for about 20 minutes, providing insight into their particular philosophies on the important skill of customer service. Following the individual presentations,
the four presenters will field questions from the audience and engage in a panel discussion. “We all know how important customer service is for many businesses in our area,” said Chamber VP of Business Development, Jacob Meacham. “Being in a small town, word travels fast and you might not always get the second chance to make a positive impression on a customer or potential customer, and in today’s world with social media and online reviews, things can be spread even faster, both good and bad. Something we try to provide in our professional development workshops are real ways for people to learn valuable skills that can help their business or employees perform better.” This will be the third workshop the Chamber has hosted this year, including one presented by Google which pro-
New Members for the month – Alexander City of Commerce • Home Place Mortgage Loans Inc. – 1990 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010
vided ways for businesses to be found easier on search engines, and another on e-mail marketing presented by Constant Contact. If you’d like to RSVP to the workshop or have
any questions, please call the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at (256) 234-3461 or email Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@alexandercitychamber.com.
888-500-4488 • The Closing Agency, LLC – 2060 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010 256-329-8832
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Tuesday, August 16, 2016
The Outlook
THE 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES
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The Outlook
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Council
continued from page 1
don’t know if that means we have more in the bank than our books say or if the books say we have more than the bank says we have. Either way, it’s a mess,” Spann said. • Alexander City has been assessed and paid about $220,000 in penalties to the Internal Revenue Service due to issues with timely payment of payroll taxes. While the issue stems from an overpayment that didn’t get credited as it should have and the city hopes that the IRS will refund the money, that isn’t certain at this point. “You don’t mess with the head messer,” Spann said. “You get to messing with the IRS and they will mess with you and they are the head messer. You will not win.” • Mayor Charles Shaw said he doesn’t anticipate having a budget for the council to look at before the end of September, because he can’t get numbers. That is after a June 28 email where Shaw said he would handle the budget. “In cooperation with my department heads, I will compile the budget suggestion prior to the beginning of the fiscal year. I will discuss with each department head their needs, estimates and recommendations for the upcoming year,” Shaw wrote in the email. The budget discussion got heated as Spann threw it back on Shaw. “We don’t have numbers?” Spann questioned Shaw. “Don’t say we. You are the boss. Everybody who works with numbers works for you. People who work for you generate the numbers. … “You are the boss you wanted the job, you got it. Handle it.” Shaw fired back. “I will handle it,” Shaw said. • Shaw had no word on the status of a $50,000 Auburn University pay study commissioned by the council that was designed to clean up the pay structure. Spann indicated that the study was expected to be done in July. • Two sets of auditors who are being paid weekly to help straighten out the city’s financial mess indicated to Spann Friday that they really don’t think they can do the city much good, Spann said. There was no word on how much their work has already cost the city. • Despite being back on the job, Finance Director Sandra Machen does not have keys to city hall and was actually locked into the building on
Friday after closing. Shaw said that if Machen needs a key, she needs to see the human resources director and sign for one. • Spann said emails indicate that Machen doesn’t have proper access to the city’s financial software system, but Shaw said she does. Councilman Bob Howard tried to talk solutions and end the fingerpointing. “I don’t like hearing this,” Howard said. “I don’t like us arguing with each other. My mindset is that we roll up our sleeves and then go into a work session with (the accountants) and we discuss every issue, get on a grease board or a chalk board and go through every issue and find solutions. We can sit here and point fingers at each other, but we were elected to do a job. All of us. We have to find solutions. …I’m tired of finger pointing.” If all that wasn’t enough, Alexander City resident Wendell Scroggins said claims the city’s issues with money missing from the golf course ended in 2016 is not true. He said he still has checks that have not cleared from January of this year. Scroggins was the man who came before the council on Jan. 25 after repeated attempts to check on checks written to LakeWinds Golf Course that had not cleared that touched off what is now an attorney general’s investigation into missing funds. He asked why the people who handle money during the time that the money went missing are still being allowed to handle money. “I understand that you can’t accuse people of a crime until something has been proven,” Scroggins said. “But you can reassign them administratively so that they aren’t handling our money. That way you make sure it doesn’t happen again.” He said the council had three options. “You can do nothing,” Scroggins said. “Blame the inaction on the attorney’s general’s investigation. Or do what you were elected to do and take action now. I urge you to not wait on the election. Do something now.” After all that, the council actually had an agenda. The council also approved: • A resolution calling for a public hearing to rezone certain property
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Wendell Scroggins addresses the Alexander City City Council about continued questions regarding missing checks in the city’s handling of financial issues at the LakeWinds Golf Course.
located at 232 South Central Avenue for its present R-3 to B-2 at the request of John R. Chapman Jr. The change simplified a property near the post office that had two zoning designations previously. • A resolution appointing the election officials as they were run in the Outlook on Saturday. • A resolution appointing and reappointing board members to the Special Care Financing Authority. Susie Kelley, Steve Crowe and Barbara Sokol were the names put forward and approved. • A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a contract with Garver for engineering services at the airport. The cost will be $59,068 and will be for engineering and design on new T-Hangars at the airport. • A resolution rescinding Resolution No-16-93. • An application for Lounge Retail Liquor- Class 1 from Emporium Wine and Spirits located at 128 Calhoun Street. This will enable the business
to serve liquor in addition to the beer and wine that it now has permits to serve. • A request to address the council from Rev. Gary Boles of Beacon of Joy Church to hold a Health Fair Out Doors on Sept. 11 at Strand Park. Police officials had signed off on the activity and Boles said it is designed to promote healthy eating habits, exercise and promote healthy living. • A request to hold an executive session from Don McClellan for a economic development project. The meeting was to get an update on a potential new industry looking at coming to the area. Members of the Tallapoosa County Commissioners as well as County Administrator Blake Beck were on hand. Soon-to-be council members Tommy Spraggins and Scott Hardy also sat in on the meeting. No vote was taken and no update following the closed meeting was given.
SPORTS EXTRA Central Alabama’s Most Comprehensive High School Football Coverage Begins August 20th
Don’t Miss It!!! 13 Schools in the Lake & River Region
SATURDAYS THE WETUMPKA HERALD Outlook The Tallassee Tribune The
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 12
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
SUPER 12
PLAY MAKER Cecil Hurt LUKE ROBINSON
Columnist
to speak at Bama Club
W
hen I was a student at Alabama in the early ‘90s, times were tough. I mean, I had a car … And an apartment within walking distance to The Strip where I could eat and go out … And the economy was pretty good ... And Gene Stallings had the Tide in the national championship picture annually and stuff like that ... But times were still tough. That’s right, you guessed it: There weren’t a lot of ways to keep up with football recruiting. No websites or Tweets or e-alerts. Nothing like fans have access to today. People just didn’t understand the demand for recruiting info yet. There were some snail-mailed newsletters and the ever-popular “Forrest Davis Southern Recruiting Guide,” but back then I needed instant-recruiting gratification like we have today. Thanks to Cecil Hurt, the sports editor at The Tuscaloosa News, I finally got it. Cecil set up a recruiting hotline where he would leave a recording (I assume on a cassette tape; no voicemail yet) of the absolute latest recruiting news available. Anyone could call anytime. Lots of times it was busy. Most of the time it was busy because I was calling. And calling. And calling. That’s right again: On a Southern campus filled with smoking hot women at a 6 to 1 girl to guy ratio, I spent a great deal of my personal time calling a football recruiting hotline in hopes of its being updated by a middle-aged dude. Sooooooooo … Let’s not talk about that anymore. Cool? Anyhoo, the point is Cecil was then as he is now: Ahead of the curve. Cecil is still editor at the Tuscaloosa News (among other many duties) and he is still on top of all things when it comes to Alabama. If it involves the Crimson Tide, Cecil has it covered. That’s why The Lake Martin Bama Club is so excited to have Cecil speak to our local contingent of Alabama fans on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. at The Elk’s Lodge. If you are an Alabama fan, you will not want to miss Cecil speak. The man literally knows all about the Tide from past, present and (potentially) the future. Meanwhile, there will be food, a silent auction (with items such as a football signed by coach Saban), chances to win two tickets to all ‘Bama home games, a lot of your friends to talk Tide with and a cash bar to boot. Membership to The Lake Martin Bama Club is required to attend, but that is an incredibly reasonable $50 for single membership/ $75 for couples membership and that money covers your membership for one year, entry to hear Cecil and your meal. Money raised goes toward scholarships for local area students to attend the University of Alabama. The Club currently has four endowed scholarships and we are working on a fifth in the name of Bobby Chapman who was an Alexander City native, a ‘Bama graduate, a tremendous fan and friendly fixture of the Lake Martin area until his recent passing. If you are interested in attending or simply contributing to this great cause, which helps our area youth, please email lakemartinbamaclub@gmail.com. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you there. Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook.
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Central Coosa High senior Raymond Graham looks to earn a winning season for the Cougars.
Graham has new focus for 2016 By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
At 5 foot, 7 inches tall and 150 pounds, it’s safe to describe Central Coosa County High School senior Raymond Graham as wiry. But that’s just the right build to help the quarterback take the Cougars to a successful season. Graham has been playing football since he was in the seventh grade. That experience shows brilliantly on his varsity statistics. For starters, the Cougars’ main man made 11 rushing touchdowns in 2015, racking up 66 points for Central Coosa. On average, that’s about a touchdown per game. If that’s not impressive enough, how about the fact that six times last year he rushed for more than 100 yards?
Of course, Graham gauged when to pass the ball too. With a varsity career quarterback rating of 73.9, he made 1,098 passing yards last year alone. As the heart of the Cougars, Graham has proven he knows just how to finish what he started by making 6.4 completions per game in 2015. As a smaller school, Central Coosa needs all of its athletes pulling their weight on both sides of the snap. With that in mind, Graham doesn’t shirk his duty when taking to defense. In his 26-game varsity career the senior made 27 tackles at an average of 1.4 per game. He also successfully defended against three of the other
team’s passes. His versatility extends to special teams, as well, as Graham gained 37 yards for the Cougars in kickoff returns. Although this will be Graham’s final season with the Cougars, it’s only his second year to play under head coach Barry Simmons. Under the new coach’s direction, the Cougars ended 2015 5-6 overall and 3-3 in the region. “It was a turnaround,” Graham said. He credits Simmons with bringing the Cougars into focus so they could live up to their potential on the field. “It gave us a lot to look forward to,” he said. That includes helping Graham and his teammates
get back to fundamentals. “With the new coaching staff and new work ethic, it really shows us what hard work is,” Graham said. “Giving your all to something, it shows you what the rewards are.” With a renewed perspective, the senior expects those rewards to be noteworthy. “We expect more out of ourselves,” Graham said. “So we’re turning it up a notch and trying to go farther with our season.” While setting higher goals is on the menu, Graham wants to stay grounded in the midst of a successful season. “The challenge is winning games and not getting too high on ourselves,” he said. The Central Coosa High Cougars open their season by heading to Montgomery this Friday to face Montgomery Catholic at 7 p.m.
Alex City All-Stars lose PGA Junior Sub-Regionals By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Saturday’s PGA Juniors AllStar competition ended in defeat for Alexander City, who lost to Montgomery by a score of 8.53.5. Hosted by Lake Winds Golf Course, the tournament was Round 1 of the PGA Junior SubRegional Qualifier. Competitors played nine holes in a two-person scramble flag format. Alex City golfers ages 8-13 played against 10 youth all-stars from golf clubs in the Montgomery area. Alex City All-Stars included Jacob Scott, Kole Caylor, Jesse Lankford, Lily Johnston, Olivia Tinoco, Nathan Jones, Camden Shockley, Benton Stegall, Spencer Gilliland and Grayson Weithoner. Alternates are Sandlin Pike and Tate Reynolds. Teams in Birmingham and Huntsville are also facing off this month with victors moving on to play two additional rounds. The winning team then takes on the champions from Louisiana or Mississippi. Teams besting the final round of play in the post-season qualifiers move on to compete in regional championships next month, which lead to the PGA Junior League Golf Championship in October. Saturday’s loss ended Alexander City’s all-star tournament play.
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
(Above) With an audience of friends, family members and fellow Alexander City All-Star Jesse Lankford looking on, Cole Taylor watches the path of the ball he drove on Hole 5 during Saturday’s PGA Junior SubRegional tournament at Lake Winds Golf Course. (At left) Alex City All-Star Olivia Tinoco follows through on a drive on Hole One.