OPINION: GO VOTE, IT’S VERY IMPORTANT , PAGE 4.
THE
BRHS field gets update
TUESDAY
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
See what’s going on in the area, page 5.
Sports, Page 10.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 August 23, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 169
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Election Day is here
POLLING LOCATIONS Alexander City District One – Cooper Recreation Center District Two – Housing Authority Spring Hill District Three – Gas Plant District Four – Hillabee Baptist Church District Five – National Guard Armory District Six – Fire Station II
Polls open at 7 a.m. in municipal elections, Sunday sales vote By MITCH SNEED Editor
After more than a month of campaigning, candidate forums, advertising, buzz from residents and door-to-door campaigning, voters will go to the polls today to make some big decisions on the future of Tallapoosa County’s municipalities. Residents in Alexander City, Dadeville and New Site will have their say in whether they want to see Sunday sales put before the people in November.
In Alexander City voters will see four men on the ballot for mayor and four contested council races, with three candidates each battling in districts 1, 2, 4 and 6. Two districts have already seen declared winners as Scott Hardy was unopposed in District 2 and Tommy Spraggins had no opposition in District 5. In Camp Hill and Dadeville, there are four candidates for mayor and each council race has opposition. Even in Jacksons Gap there are four mayoral candidates, but only Place 3 is contested as incumbent Janice Glaze is opposed by Carl Pritchard. See ELECTION • Page 9
Camp Hill Mt. Lovely Baptist Church
Dadeville Dadeville Recreation Center
Jackson’s Gap Downstairs at City Hall
New Site Town Hall Community Room
County jobless rate drops to 5.7 percent
McGregor, Ford announce Victoryland reopening
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Owner says he expects more than 200 new jobs
Tallapoosa County’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 6 percent in June to 5.7 percent in July, according to the latest data released Friday by the Alabama Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The county’s unemployment rate was identical to Alabama’s statewide rate for both months and is almost a full percentage point down from last July’s county rate of 6.6 percent. “The unemployment numbers for the state continue to show growth in jobs and that is also reflected in the numbers shared locally,” said Ed Collari, president and chief executive officer of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. “The 5.7 percent unemployment rate for July in Tallapoosa County is great news at a time when our community needs to be uplifted. “I look forward to seeing those numbers continue to improve locally as the Chamber, Lake Martin EDA and MainStreet continue to work together and
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
VictoryLand is looking to hire more than 200 employees in preparation for its reopening on Sept. 13. The reopening was announced on Sunday in a release from VictoryLand’s owner, Milton McGregor, and Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford. According to the release, McGregor said he expects to hire those 200 individuals from “Tuskegee and the surrounding seven-county area” prior to what the release termed a “soft launch” on Sept. 13 and that several hundred more would be hired in the coming months. According to Cameron Dizarr at VictoryLand, applicants should go to the VictoryLand home page at victoryland.com and click on the employment link to apply. “All applicants should apply online on our homepage,” Dizarr said. “Click on the employment link that’s under the schedule.” McGregor said on Sunday he had been working with Ford and law See VICTORYLAND • Page 3
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Stephens Elementary School students pick up packs of fruit from the cart at Stephens Elementary School Monday. Below, Individual packs of mangoes await students to pick up Monday afternoon at Stephens Elementary School. The fruit is available to all students thanks to a fresh fruit and vegetables grant.
AN APPLE A DAY
Elementary schools receive fruit grant from USDA By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Students in Alexander City’s elementary schools once again have fresh fruits available to them as they leave school many school days thanks to the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program. Monday students at Stephens Elementary School were picking up grapes and mango for their trip home and were looking to see what else they might find. See FRUIT • Page 3
See UNEMPLOYMENT • Page 3
Truck drivers and registered nurses most sought-after online
Today’s
Weather
92 72 High
Low
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
489.06 Reported on 8/22/16 @ 6 p.m.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
Traffic light at major intersection repaired Crews work to repair a traffic light at the intersection of U.S. Highway 280 and Highway 22 Monday morning. The light received damage when a tarp that covered the load of a tractor-trailer snagged the light late last week. The repair was completed in less than two hours, but fortunately officials were able to keep one lane of traffic moving westbound.
Data collected and analyzed by the Alabama Department of Labor’s Labor Market Information Division shows that in July the most online wanted ads were for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, registered nurses and retail salespersons with 7,422 ads placed for those occupations. “Nursing positions continue to stay in the top as ‘most wanted’ position,” said Fitzgerald Washington, secretary of the Alabama Department of Labor.
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“Demand is up nearly 50 percent over last year. With an average hourly wage of close to $30, these positions are very desirable. Staff at our Career Centers can help you if you’d like to break into this field with free educational and vocational assistance.” Overall, ads increased over the month by 400. The Help Wanted Online data is compiled from all online job postings in the state, including those posted on the state’s free online jobs database, joblink.alabama. gov,and other sources such as See JOBS • Page 3
256-329-1313 Free Consultations
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“We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
256.825.9830
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Page 2
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Worried son foresees trouble in parents’ all-day drinking
Wednesday
89 70 Low
High
Partly sunny, 40 percent chance of thunderstorms
Thursday
89 71 Low
High Mostly sunny
Staff
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.
Postal
Information
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.
1720 Dadeville Road • Alexander City, AL
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DEAR ABBY: I have been concerned about my parents for some time now. They are elderly and live in a retirement community. They have a very nice home and don’t have to worry about money. The problem is, they drink every day -- sometimes from noon to when they go to bed. Many times, their drinking has caused arguments and police visits. When I express my concern about their drinking, they tell me to stay out of it, mind my own business, and they’re retired and have earned the right to do whatever they want. Abby, I don’t mind them having cocktails every now and then, but this has gotten out of hand. I think they have become alcoholics and only bad things are coming of it. They refuse to listen to me, or anybody else, for that matter. What should I do? -- WORRIED WILLIAM IN NEW YORK DEAR WILLIAM: As people age, their bodies are sometimes less able to metabolize alco-
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hol than they were when they were younger. When things get out of hand to the extent that the police are being called, I agree something must be done. Because there is this level of disruption going on, it follows that the neighbors in that very nice retirement community must be less than thrilled. That your parents drink is only part of the problem. Elderly people can suffer from balance problems even when they are sober. It is common for someone who is inebriated to fall, which could cause your mom or dad to suffer serious injury. If other family members are also worried about your folks, an intervention might be in order. Before attempting one,
Mrs. Sandra Gray Sewell 1943- 2016 Memorial Service for Mrs. Sandra Gray Sewell, 72, of Kellyton, will be Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Wayne Henderson will officiate. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 24, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Sewell passed away on Friday, August 19, 2016 at Russell Medical. She was born on September 25, 1943 in Alexander City to Joe Gray and Levis Gray. She loved cooking for others and was well known for her
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DEAR ABBY: I went out to dinner with a close friend last night. During the hour we were at the restaurant, she made and received no less than 11 cellphone calls. These were entire conversations, not unanswered rings or a quick, “I’m busy now. Call you later.” If there had been extenuating circumstances, maybe I wouldn’t feel so offended. But the chats were with a coworker, someone from church, her boyfriend, her daughter, etc. This friend does “live” on her phone, but this was excessive even for her. I thought it was ridiculous, and next time I may be “too busy” to meet her for dinner. Should I say something or just avoid or limit meals with her in
the future? -- PUT ON HOLD IN TEXAS DEAR PUT ON HOLD: Tell your friend that you were very hurt by her lack of consideration at dinner because you had looked forward to spending some time with her -- not listening secondhand to her 11 conversations. Her behavior that night was thoughtless and rude, and she owes you an apology. DEAR ABBY: Should stepchildren and their offspring be recorded in your family Bible? -- KEEPER OF THE FAMILY BIBLE DEAR KEEPER: Yes, if they are considered members of the family. 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.
of Dadeville, Alabama. He retired from the ABC Store in Dadeville, Al. and later on retired from Dadeville Health Care in Dadeville, Al. Mr. Howard is survived by his three daughters: Vicky (Bennie) Dykes of Opelika, Al, Marcy (Mike) Veasey of Opelika, Al, and Margie ( Paul) Godfrey of Opelika, Al. nine grandchildren: Candy ( Josh ) Mackey, Britney ( Jackie ) Hamby, Joe Dykes, Kayla ( Austin) Gamper, Michael Veasey, Logan ( Hunter ) Davis, Mallory Veasey, Angel Dykes, and Brantley Grace Godfrey; eight great-grandchildren: Jonathan Mackey, Ayden Hamby, Easton Hamby, Bentley Dykes, Landon Hamby, Minnie Mackey, Mallie Kate Davis, and Adalyn Hamby.
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.
Alabama Funeral Homes are handling the arrangements. www.alabamafuneralhomes.com
Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville.
stews and sweets. She worked as a supply clerk for Madix for 22 years and had worked up until three weeks before her passing. Mrs. Sewell lived to help others and was very active in the Christmas Angel Project and the Relay for Life in Coosa County. She cherished her family and enjoyed the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. She is survived by her daughter, Amanda Fuller (Ronnie) of Kellyton; sons, Jerry Sewell (Leigh) of Kellyton, Mike Sewell of Millbrook, and Jimmy Sewell (Christa) of Winfield; brother, Jim Fulmer of Kellyton; grandchildren, Kenny Fuller
(Lindsey), Matthew Fuller (Sabryna), John-Michael Sewell, Ashley Sewell, and Joseph Sewell; great grandchild, Layla Rose Fuller; and Lifelong Friend, Holly Hawkins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Buddy Sewell. In lieu of flowers the family prefers that memorial donations be made to C.O.A.C.H. 15019 Hwy 280, Sylacauga, AL 35150. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON
Mr. Posey Thomas
Attorney at Law
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
825-9559
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
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attend some Alanon meetings so you can listen to others’ similar experiences and learn how they were handled. Visit www.Al-Anon.alateen.org, or call 1-888-4AL-ANON to find a meeting near you.
Public Meetings
Funeral Service for Mr. Jimmy “ Hot Dog “ Howard, age 71, of Dadeville Al. will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, August 22, 2016 at the chapel of Alabama Funeral Homes in Dadeville, Al. Family will greet friends from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday at Alabama Funeral Homes in Dadeville, Al. Mr. Howard was born in Sylacauga, Al on February 12, 1945 and Howard passed away on August 19, 2016 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Al. He was preceded in death by his parents Pete and Sally Howard Mr. Howard was a life long resident
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The Outlook
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Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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.
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. 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.
Mr. Posey Thomas (formerly of Cottage Grove, AL) died on Friday, August 18, 2016 in Atlanta, GA.
Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department.
Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.
Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.
MARY H. ALEXANDER Mary Hodnett Alexander, 80, of Harrisonburg, VA died on Monday, August 22, 2016 at Sunnyside Retirement Community. Arrangements are pending at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg, VA.
C.M. “Mike” Whatley, Owner
329-1217
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.
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Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Unemployment
continued from page 1
partner with our local government to make our community more attractive to potential employers.” Alabama’s 6 percent rate was below July 2015’s rate of 6.1 percent. July’s rate represents 123,095 unemployed persons, compared to 130,298 in June and 130,098 in July 2015. “We continue to see decreases in Alabama’s unemployment rate, and increases in both of our employment measures over the year, which is a testament to the strong economic development efforts we have prioritized,” Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said. “We haven’t seen an unemployment rate this low in eight years. Not only did the rate decrease since last month, there are also nearly 28,000 more people working this year than there were last year.” In July 2016, 2,039,029 people were counted as
employed in Alabama, up from 2,011,438 in July 2015. Additionally, 123,095 people were counted as unemployed in July 2016. The last time that number was at or below 123,095 was in June 2008, when the number of unemployed measured 118,828. Over the year, wage and salary employment increased 10,000, with gains in the leisure and hospitality sector (+3,300), the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (+3,200), the financial activities sector (+3,100), and the manufacturing sector (+3,000), among others. “July registered the fewest number of unemployed people since 2008 and the good news also trickled down to the counties this month as well,” Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington said. “Every county in Alabama saw its rate decrease over the month, and 66 of
Jobs
67 counties saw their rates decrease over the year, some by more than two percentage points. This is excellent news.” Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby County at 4.2 percent, Elmore County at 4.7 percent and Baldwin County at 4.8 percent. Counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Wilcox County at 14.3 percent, Perry County at 12.1 percent and Clarke County at 11.4 percent. Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are: Vestavia Hills at 3.4 percent, Homewood at 3.9 and Hoover at 4.0. Major cities with the highest unemployment rates are: Selma at 11.4 percent, Prichard at 10.2 and Bessemer at 9.0.
continued from page 1
traditional job boards, corporate boards and social media sites. There were 41,277 online ads in July. Of those, 17,617 were new ads. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earn a mean wage of $20.15 per hour, registered nurses earn a mean of $27.82 and retail salespersons earn $12.62 an hour. According to occupational data from HWOL, Alabama is seeing a sharp rise in demand for automotive specialty technicians. Online ads over 90 days old have doubled in the past two months. Growth for this occupation over the period from 2014 to 2024 is projected to be over 500 jobs. Sixty percent of automotive service technicians are employed by automotive dealers and automotive repair and
maintenance industries. The top three employers posting ads in July were St. Vincent’s Health System (774), UAB Medicine (694) and the University of South Alabama (504). Forty-three percent of all online ads are less than 30 days old and another 33 percent of all ads are less than 90 days old. “We’d like to encourage anyone who needs a job or wants a different job to come into one of our Career Centers for assistance,” said Washington. “Our trained staff can assist you in obtaining the career you want.” A listing of Career Centers can be found at joblink.alabama.gov.
Fruit
continued from page 1
“We had the grant program year before last,” Alexander City Schools’ Nancy Skipper said. “The fruit is in all of our elementary schools, Jim Pearson, Stephens and Radney.” Already this school year, apples, grapes, mangoes, bananas and watermelon have been made available. Staff at Stephens Elementary said the students love the fruit and watermelon seems to be a favorite already this year. Skipper said the program exposes students to fruits and vegetables that hopefully will lead to better choices. “We hope it gets the kids to try new things and move
to a more healthy option like fruits and vegetables,” Skipper said. According to the USDA’s guide, this program is an important catalyst for change in efforts to combat childhood obesity by helping children learn more healthful eating habits. It introduces school children to a variety of produce that they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to sample. The USDA says the program is only available to elementary schools and wants the fruits available at least twice a week.
Victoryland enforcement and legal officials to prepare for the opening. “We have been working with Mayor Johnny Ford, our outstanding Sheriff (Andre Brunson) and District Attorney ( E. Paul Jones), and many others for months to get the doors to VictoryLand back open,” McGregor said. “While it has taken longer than we hoped, the time is now here and we are pleased that hundreds of our people will have a new job and VictoryLand will be generating a badly needed shot in the arm for Tuskegee and this entire region of Alabama.” From the soft launch, McGregor said he expects an expansion of operations to occur quickly. He also said that there will be announcements this fall about increased offerings to customers and area residents. McGregor credited Ford and former Senator Myron Penn for their leadership. “Electronic bingo would not be a reality in Macon County without the leadership of Mayor Johnny Ford when he was our State Representative and former Senator Myron Penn,” McGregor said. “Throughout the past several months Mayor Ford has worked with our staff, local law enforcement and others to make sure our opening happened as quickly as possible. “So many deserve credit for the successful reopening of VictoryLand. We are excited for our citizens who have stood behind us through thick and thin and so many others who have worked night and day to get the facility ready.” In recent weeks, Brunson and Jones have been involved in determining that the electronic bingo machines that will be in operation
Page 3
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The Outlook
HILLABEE TOWERS
continued from page 1
meet all regulations and all other guidelines. Brunson said he and Jones have had the machines reviewed by independent experts and that the machines are in compliance and will offer customers games that will compete well against Poarch Indian facilities in the area. According to McGregor and Ford the facility will offer more than 500 electronic bingo machines. Also open at the soft launch will be food and beverage areas of the facility with new expansions expected in the future. “We will grow as our customer base allows it,” McGregor said. “Our goal is to get open, build our business back to where it was before it was illegally closed, and then begin to reopen all areas previously open like our hotel and four-star restaurant.” The reopening will mark VictoryLand’s re-emergence from a troubled past. In January 2010, McGregor stopped a raid on VictoryLand
after obtaining a restraining order. Later that year, in August, VictoryLand voluntarily surrendered its liquor license and closed its doors to prevent a raid by the administration of former Gov. Bob Riley, who effectively managed to close every major non-Indian casino in the state through his Task Force on Illegal Gambling. In 2011, Gambling machine manufacturers removed their machines from VictoryLand in 2011. But the casino reopened in December 2012 with electronic bingo machines that VictoryLand said were legal. State law enforcement agents disagreed. Law enforcement agents from the Alabama attorney general’s office and the Alabama Department of Public Safety (now ALEA) served a search warrant at VictoryLand in August 2013. According to the AG’s office the action was taken in response to illegal gambling operations.
On June 25, 2015, Judge William Shashy dismissed the civil forfeiture case against VictoryLand brought after the Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange’s office executed the August 2013 search warrant, seizing $263,105.81 in cash and 1,615 gaming machines. Judge Shashy said, “The state could not and did not offer any substantive reason why it permitted this state of affairs to continue at other facilities, while taking its present stance against the same operations at Victoryland … The propriety of the State of Alabama electing to currently pursue action against only one facility is of great concern. It is apparent at the present time that the State of Alabama is cherrypicking which facilities should remain open or closed. This Court refuses to be used an instrument to perpetuate unfair treatment.”
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
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Page 4
Our
Opinion
Vote today, it’s important
E
lection Day is upon us. Today, we get to make important decisions about who will make our wishes known in local and state government. In preparation for this editorial, an electronic search of items written in the Outlook since qualifying began shows 47 references to how important this year’s municipal votes are to the communities here in Tallapoosa County. Words like critical, pivotal and vital have been used to describe to readers what kind of impact the results of this year’s election could have. As noted journalist Bill Moyers said, “Although our interests as citizens vary, each one is an artery to the heart that pumps life through the body politic, and each is important to the health of democracy.” So regardless if you live in Alexander City, Dadeville, New Site, Jackson’s Gap, Daviston or Goodwater, plan to vote today. There are no excuses not to exercise this important right. Consider that: • The forecast calls for clear skies, with only a remote chance of rain. • There have been forums to help voters educate themselves on the candidates. • From newspaper stories, radio, television and internet interviews, commercials and candidates knocking on doors to meet the public, there have been ample opportunities to get answers needed to make a decision. • Voters will find a large number of candidates who have stepped up and volunteered to become public servants. • The field of candidates includes people with diverse backgrounds and ideology and multiple levels of experience. • Alexander City, Dadeville and New Site residents can vote to be given a chance to decide whether they want Sunday alcohol sales on a future ballot. • The polls are open for 12 hours, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., so just about anyone who desires can find a few minutes to do their civic duty. Men and women over the years have sacrificed everything to ensure we continue to have the freedoms we have in this country, including the right to vote. So today, go to the polls and make your wishes known.
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
Kay Ivey
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. 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.
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.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
If people only knew the truth about the lottery
“T
he people want to vote!”– the most oft-repeated catchphrase of the lottery debate. Even politicians who declare themselves personally opposed to a state-run lottery try to justify their support of it because “the people want to vote.” But politicians know full well that they have not been honest with the people when it comes to a lottery--that this debate isn’t over whether or not they should be able to buy scratch-offs in Alabama. No, for politicians and for bureaucrats, the lottery is merely a means to an end– and that end is bigger government. If the people only knew what was really going on in Montgomery, they would staunchly oppose giving politicians more of their money to spend. Despite the fact that Alabama’s government spends more money every single year, to most politicians and bureaucrats, nothing in state government has been or will ever be “fully funded.” Around the State House, these men and women flippantly and unapologetically discuss getting their hands on more of the people’s money – never mind that most Alabamians can’t afford to give away more. This year, the state spent $29 billion of the people’s state and federal tax dollars only for state leaders to then tell the people that Alabama faces a dire budget “crisis” over a request to spend $85 million more – a mere 0.29 percent of what has already been spent (and, if it were vital, then it
KATHERINE GREEN ROBERTSON Guest Columnist
could have been found). To put it simply, the spenders have a want, but they’ve done a good job convincing the people that it’s a need. Attempting to reason with his colleagues on Friday, one senator reminded them that government will always find a way to spend every single penny that it takes in. And having more money to spend in the short term will continue to cover up the unsustainable fiscal trajectory that the state finds itself on. The government’s insatiable spending addiction will not be satiated with lottery revenue – it will be stimulated. Critical policy proposals that would help place our state on stable financial footing for the long term will not see the light of day. As a result, it won’t be long before our politicians realize that lottery revenue can’t support their spending problem. Where will they look for money next? Not only will the lotteryfueled growth in government almost instantly have to be sustained by other forms of revenue (i.e., more of the people’s tax dollars), but the cost of a state lottery will show up in other ways. For the state to net the governor’s $225 million estimate (more on that here), the people--every
Weekend Question: Do you regularly attend high school football games in your area?
Katherine Green Robertson is vice president of the Alabama Policy Institute (API).
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.
Citizens have many unanswered questions do this by pushing it off on the audits not being completed. My question to the mayor is this: if your household banking accounts were missing funds or weren’t balanced properly, would you tell the power company that they’d have to wait on their payment until you figured it out? No, you’d sit down and figure it out immediately so you can keep the lights on in your house. Mayor Shaw, Alex City needs its bills paid to be able to function. In order to do that, we need a budget. We need answers. We do not have the luxury of time for this to happen. Why hasn’t there been a forensic audit team called already? What are we waiting on? An investigation from the Attorney General’s office? Why was that even necessary to begin with? Why couldn’t this have been handled within the confines of our city until it posed a conflict of interest? Or is there more to that story as well? Why is the golf course STILL
experiencing missing checks as late as January of this year? What about the financial problems and inconsistencies prior to Ms. Machen’s employment with the city? Why couldn’t the pay scale study be completed? Why can’t the two audit teams brought in finish their audit? Why on earth are we being assessed penalties to the IRS? These are just more of the questions that aren’t being given a straight answer, instead pushed aside with a simple, “that’s not my job.” Well, Mayor Shaw, that is your job--to make sure our city is functioning properly. With the press and the confusion at City Hall, we are clearly not functioning properly. It seems that there are more excuses and double talk than there are answers. My hope for the work session on Monday is that voters get the chance to experience the actual transparency in government that we’ve been promised by Mayor Shaw. Joyful Johns Walters
director sent home three times setting up what will likely be a big lawsuit and more negative headlines than I care to dig back into at this time. When our city has been through so much and endured so much negative attention, why should we even entertain the thought of voting for a single person who is in office now
in Alexander City? We shouldn’t take a chance and vote any of these people back into office and risk having history repeat itself. Please go to the polls and vote and let’s get a clean start. Nona Patterson Alexander City
Reader believes criticism in financial woes is misplaced
Dear Editor, I appreciate the work of Mitch Sneed to try to help keep us informed on lack of progress with financial problems in Alex City, but he can only deal with information provided to him. Apparently, the revenue office handles funds from the golf course as council leaders Bob Howard and Jim Spann should have started there in their search as to what the heck is going on. Follow the money sounds simple to me. City Hall is not a huge place. Offices are steps away from each other. Eight months have gone by since Wendell Scroggins exposed this scandal and now according to Mr. Scroggins, it’s still going on. Jim Spann and others like
to blame the mayor, but the mayor has no vote on the council, does not write or sign checks, does not direct where or how city funds are spent, does not hire or fire, mayor cannot produce a budget without reliable numbers from the finance director. As leaders of the council, Bob Howard and Jim Spann know the responsibilities required in the job finance director. One of these responsibilities is to make sure payroll taxes are sent to the IRS in a timely manner. We the citizens will have to pay a $220,000 fine because apparently this was not done on time. This is reckless and irresponsible. Why is she still there? Mayor Shaw had no part in this, yet Jim Spann arrogantly
Today’s
Scripture
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength and character, and character strengthens our confident hope in salvation.” – Romans 5:3
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Alexander City needs an entirely new set of leaders Dear Editor, I hope that voters in Alexander City will keep fresh in their minds what all has happened in our hometown in the last few years when they vote on Tuesday. We’ve had a fist fight between the mayor and a councilman, money apparently stolen at city hall, a finance
Quote
“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.” – Aldous Huxley
Alabamian eighteen years of age or older--would have to spend $182 a year on lottery tickets. According to Salil Mehta, a renowned academic statistician and Ivy League professor, probability calculations indicate that an estimated 350,000 Alabamians would lose $200,000 of their lifetime savings as a result of a state lottery. Keep in mind, this is in a state with the 48th lowest median household income in the country. A state in which 19 percent of the people live in poverty and 25 percent receive government assistance. Who will be better off if the government is permitted to aggressively coax individuals with limited resources into wasting their money on the false hope of getting rich quick? The people should not be fooled into thinking that the debate going on in Montgomery is over an innocuous game of chance or their freedom to play it – it’s about conning them into handing over more of their money without asking too many questions. Make no mistake, the lottery is a tax – a hidden tax, disguised as entertainment, and supplied through a state-run monopoly – and it will almost assuredly lead to more taxes as politicians are further enabled to avoid the kinds of tough decisions that they were elected to make.
Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, After weeks of turmoil and non-answers from those in charge, it’s time for transparency and answers. The residents of Alexander City and council members have asked the same questions repeatedly of the Mayor and we are no closer to a solid answer than we were before this all started. It seems that each time a direct question is asked of Mayor Shaw, the finger is pointed in another direction. I hope that with the work session on Monday, Mayor Shaw has actual answers, numbers, or at the very least, a plan for finding them. Or, perhaps, he’s content to stall until it’s in his predecessor’s hands? The mayor has said in an e-mail (June 28) to Ms. Machen that he would complete the budget himself and bring it before the Council before the fiscal year begins. He failed to show any work started or completed on that budget when asked to present it last Monday. He explained his inability to
Today’s
attacked Mayor Shaw stating you wanted this job, you got this job, now handle it. Really Mr. Spann, you and Bob Howard are not doing your job. You know that the council runs the city, not the mayor. When will you do your job and fully investigate the revenue office and the finance director office? That’s where the problems are. Oh yes, Mr. Spann, as president of the council, concerning Sandra Machen, you wanted her, you got her, now handle her. We the Alex City citizens should not have to continue to pay $86,000 a year for incompetence. Annette Lynch Alexander City
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 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 23, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Today is
August 23, 2016
Today’s Anniversaries
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Paul Nolen a nd Pam and Steve Sherrer are celebrating their anniversaries.
Page 5
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Today’s Birthdays
Mary Adamson, Shirley Mann, Maria McKee, Wilka Neighbors, Wesley Moore and Cederix Ingram are celebrating their birthday.
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Cliff Williams / The Outlook
City employees, including department heads met Monday morning in the conference center at the Thomas C. Russell Field with Mayor Charles Shaw. It was unclear what topics were discussed, but at one time there were 16 city vehicles present on the lot and parked in the grass.
August 22-24
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
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LAKE MARTIN HOME INSPECTIONS
walls don’t talk. Get all the facts before you buy, with a certi¿ed home inspector.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY! 110 Calhoun Street • Suite 202 Alexander City, AL cell: 256.794.5551 wwwlakemartininspections.com KENNETH BLAIR, Certi¿ed Home Inspector
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. YARD SALE: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting its annual yard sale Aug. 27 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at 427 East Church Street. There are going to have a little bit of everything. FAMILY GAME NIGHT: The Bibb Graves Alumni and Friends Association in Millerville is hosting a family game night with bingo Aug. 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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. UNITED WAY KICKOFF: The Lake Martin Area United Way’s Campaign Kick Off is Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center.
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 3
YARD SALE: Camp Hill Baptist Church is hosting a yard sale at its 280 property Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise funds for a playground.
September 4
GOSPEL SINGING: World of Truth Ministries is hosting an Awakening Crusade with Paster James H. Bolton and Minister Eddie J. Howard Jr. Sunday, Sept. 4 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. LABOR DAY WEEKEND CONCERT: Russell Lands on Lake Martin is hosting its last event of the Summer Concert Series with a Labor Day Weekend Concert Sunday, Sept. 4 at The AMP with the Vegabonds, The Bama Gamblers, Rexton Lee and The Bank Walkers. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 and children under six are free. APPRECIATION SERVICE: St. John A.M.E. Church is hosting the 21st Appreciation Sunday, Sept. 4 at 2:30 p.m. honoring Rev. and Sister James R. McCoy.
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.
September 17
September 6
TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves Aluni and Friends Association is hosting a trade day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Booths are $10.
Septemeber 7
SPAGHETTI DINNER: The Bibb Graves Alumni and Friends is hosting a spaghetti dinner Sept 23 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with the Billy Morgan Band. All proceeds go to the restoration of the school.
BUDGET HEARING: The Tallapoosa County Board of Education is holding two public hearings for the 2017 Budget on Sept. 6 and Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Board office at 679 East Columbus Street in Dadeville. MONTHLY LUNCHEON: The Bibb Graves Alumni and Friends Association is hosing its montly luncheon Sept. 7 form 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast Sept. 10 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for $6 a plate. Plates consist of pancakes, bacon and/or sausage. Dine in is all you can eat and to go plates are available.
September 12
BUDGET HEARING: The Alexander City Board of Education will have a public budget hearing Sept. 12 at 7 a.m. in the board office at 375 Lee Street. BUDGET HEARING: The Tallapoosa County Board of Education is holding two public hearings for the 2017 Budget on Sept. 6 and Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. at the Board office at 679 East Columbus Street in Dadeville.
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
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September 23
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 334868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
Best Prices Available!
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.
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
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.
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Tuesday, August 23, 2016
The Outlook
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS AN ARTHROPOD?
An arthropod is an animal that has a hard, outer shell called an exoskeleton. Underneath this shell is a soft body. The exoskeleton gives it support, much like a skeleton does for mam- Myriapods mals. Arthropods are the largest group of animals in all of the animal kingdom; they make OW ANY ORDS up approximately 84 percent of all known animals. With over a million different types, there AN OU PELL are more species of arthropods on the planet ROM HE ORD than all the other animal species combined! They are found in all habitats. Because there are so many arthropods, it is hard to classify _________________________ WKHP 7KH PDLQ FODVVL¿FDWLRQV DUH 3URWR]RD _________________________ ÀDWZRUPV DQQHOLG ZRUPV HFKLQRGHUPV FRHOenterates, mollusks, arachnids, insects, myriaONNECT HE OTS pods, and crustaceans. Arthropods are inver&RQQHFW WKH GRWV EHORZ WR ¿QG tebrate animals--they do not have a backbone. Their hard exoskeleton is made of a material out which type of Arthropod it is. called chitin. As they they y grow, g y shed their exoskeleton and create e a new one because it is a hard material that does oes not grow. They are usu-ally small animals and are cold-blooded. Most of them lay eggs. Arthropods eat a variety off different things.
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Faulkner.edu In Cooperation with Central Alabama Community College Call Carol Tarpley at (256) 215-4308 Or email ctarpley@faulkner.edu
ZAXBY’S 4497 Hwy. 280 •Alexander City, AL (256) 234-2181 Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10:30-11:00
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Brown Nursing Home 2334 Washington St. Alexander City, AL 35010 Phone: (256) 329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
1649 Highway 22 West • Alexander City, AL 256-215-5323 We’re Just a Heart Beat Away
3701 Dadeville Road, Alexander City ( 256 ) 234-6366 Rehab• Long-Term Care• Assisted Living
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DADEVILLE HEALTHCARE CENTER Kim Russell, Administrator 385 E. LaFayette St., Dadeville 256.825.9244
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S TEVE K ING , S R . P ASTOR Court Square, Alexander City • 256-234-6351• www.fbc-ac.org YOUR LAKE MARTIN CHEVY DEALER Full Service Tire Center • Free Estimates Parts, Service & Body Shop
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150 Green Street • Alexander City • 256.234.5023 157 E. South Street • Dadeville • 256.825.4155
• Machine Shop Services • Paint & Body Supplies • Hydraulic Hose Assemblies
AUTO PARTS
8:00-4:00 Mon.-Fri • By Appt.(Except Emergencies) 256-234-4295 • After Hours 256-329-7100
YOUR FAMIY CARE CENTER Medicine, Office Surgery, Pediatric, & Industrial James P. Temple, M.D. • Timothy J. Cordin, M.D. Vincent Law, M.D.
859 Airport Drive • Alexander City, AL
Fun Carts of Opelika
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Open Monday-Friday -6 PM 8AM__ Saturday 8AM-12PM (256) 215-8014
1144 Airport Drive •Alexander City
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10973 County Road 34, Dadeville www.kelleyshvac.com • AL License #99129
Wright’s Funeral Home
Attorney at Law
825-9559 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
RED FLAG PEST Serving Central Alabama CONTROL Has your home been inspected lately?
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J&M TANK LINES, INC. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin @ 256-245-3933
HENDERSON AND COKER, INC.
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Our goal is very simple: “Complete the job in a timely manner with a customer who would ask us to do his next project.” 256.329.9001 www.hendersonandcoker.com
6684 HWY. 49 SOUTH • DADEVILLE, AL (256) 825-4827
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
ALFA Insurance
Auto | Home | Life STEPHANIE PHILLIPS 1977 Cherokee Road • Alexander City, AL 256-329-0544 sphillips @ alfains.com www.alfains.com/stephaniephillips
163 Alabama Street •Alexander City, AL 256-329-1004 Open 24/7 to members www.anytimefitness.com “MENTION THIS AD AND GET 2 FREE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS WHEN YOU JOIN”
ClassiÄeds
Lake & River Fax (205) 669-4217
Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties
The Alexander City Outlook
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The Eclectic Observer
Security Pest Control “The best against pests”
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Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Election
2016 ELECTION CANDIDATES
continued from page 1
In New Site, current mayor Curtis Mims is challenged by Phil Blasingame. In Place 1 long-time councilman Mickey Carter is facing a stiff challenge from Larry Wilson, a man who has been a fixture in New Site for decades. Interest has been high, with large turnouts at forums and a very high number of absentee ballots requested and turned in. In Alexander City, City Clerk Harriett Scott reported that 145 absentee ballots were received as of Friday afternoon. All polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the Alabama Secretary of State’s office sent out a reminder Monday that voters need to bring one of several accepted forms of photo identification when they go to the polls. Accepted IDs include: • Valid driver’s license • Valid non-driver ID • Valid Alabama photo voter ID • Valid state-issued ID (Alabama or any other state) • Valid Federal-issued ID • Valid US Passport • Valid employee ID from Federal government, State of
Alabama, county government, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state • Valid student or employee ID from a college or university in the State of Alabama (including postgraduate technical or professional schools) • Valid Military ID •Valid Tribal ID Also, the Secretary of State’s Office says if a voter possesses any of these forms of ID, he/she is not eligible to receive a free Alabama photo voter ID card. The voter must bring one of these photo IDs to the polls on Election Day or place a copy of the ID in absentee ballot materials. A voter who is required to present valid photo identification but who does not do so will be allowed to vote a provisional ballot as provided for by law. In addition, a voter who does not have a valid photo ID in his or her possession at the polls shall be permitted to vote if the individual is positively identified by two election officials as a voter on the poll list who is eligible to vote and the election officials sign a sworn affidavit so stating.
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The Outlook
Camp Hill
Alexander City
Mayor Jeffrey Bandy Frank Holley James E. Woody Ezell Woodyard-Smith
Mayor Mark Fuller Mark Lamborne Jim Nabors Charles Shaw (Incumbent)
Council Place 1 Linda Caldwell William Tucker
Council District 1 Steve Crowe Bobby Tapley (Incumbent) Beverly White
Council Place 2 Sylvia Spratling
District 2 Audrey “Buffy” Colvin Sherry Ellison-Simpson (Incumbent) Jacob Meacham District 3 Scott Hardy
Council Place 3 Duane Blackwell Anthony Pogue (incumbent) Council Place 4 Dean Bonner Andrea PennHutcherson Council Place 5 Heidi Carroll Clifford Wilkerson
District 4 Eric Brown Frank Tapley Billy Ray Wall (Incumbent)
Dadeville
District 5 Tommy Spraggins District 6 Jason Cromer Tim Funderburk Tony Harris
Darryl Heard Stephanie G. Kelly (incumbent)
Council Place 2 Heather Glenn (incumbent)
Council District 2 Brownie Caldwell Harold Gamble Thomas M. Parker Allen Treadwell Council District 3 Kevin M. Hall Teneeshia G. Johnson David Brandon Jones Ronald C. Rowe
Council Place 3 Janice Glaze (incumbent) Carl Pritchard
Council District 4 Ray Abercrombie Troy Davis Roy Mathis Billy Monroe (incumbent) Council District 5 H.A. “Dick” Harrelson Kenneth Thompson Tony Dewayne Wolfe
Jacksons Gap
Mayor Frank Goodman Mike Ingram Wayne Smith James M. Tarpley
Mayor Michael Crouch David Glaze Kim Henderson Jeff Walker (incumbent)
Council District 1 Betty J. Adams
Council Place 1 Troy Cruz (incumbent)
Council Place 4 Dana Ford (incumbent) Council Place 5 Brady Crocker (incumbent)
New Site
Mayor Phil Blasingame Curtis Mims (incumbent) Council Place 1 Mickey Carter (incumbent) Larry Wilson Council Place 2 Michael East (incumbent) Council Place 3 Billy Daniel Council Place 4 Bree Walton Council Place 5 Toby Hanson
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 10
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
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LUKE ROBINSON Columnist
A few scattered thoughts from a scattered mind
FINE TUNING
I
have seen a lot of football in my life. I have seen Bo’s runs and Tiffin’s kicks and Brodie’s sacks and Langham’s picks. However, something happened last Friday night in high school football that I never, ever, ever thought would happen. Never. Ever. … Brad Anderson, a mildlyrated running back from Bob Jones in Huntsville had two 99-yard touchdown run — in one game. Forget that those two runs almost put him over the two hundred yard mark for the contest (he ended with 310 yards and 3 TDs). Forget that the feat of scoring a 99-yard score on a rushing attempt has only happened 11 times in recorded AHSAA history prior to Friday. Forget that as I was scrolling through random articles in preparation for the AHSAA Scoreboard Show, I fortuitously stumbled upon one about how Anderson was beginning to get more attention in recruiting. The amazing thing to me is that Anderson had the mere opportunity two near-fieldlong runs. What are the odds that a team starts on its own 1-yard line twice in one game? I don’t know (and I am too lazy to investigate), but they aren’t high. Even if your squad was pushed back that far twice, to have the same running back take a handoff the distance twice in one career would be astounding. In one game seems impossible. By the way, Bob Jones wans’t playing The Piggly Wiggly Tigers, either; they were facing off against a strong program from South Carolina. · These amazing feat raised a question. What s more difficult: two holes in one in one round of 18 holes or two 99-yard TDs? Based on the small amount of info I could find, 111 golfers have had two holes-in-one in a single round (with the latest being an older woman from Florida). The odds, according to one site, are 67 million to 1. Based on the fact that a single round of golf generally includes four par 3 s (and maybe a par 4 that can be driven), I have to think Anderson s football accomplishment is much less likely than 67 million to 1 especially considering that in many games teams never start from the one yard line once let alone twice. However, me is bad to math (and English as well) so I am sure there is a scient-ician out there who can refute that statement. · What s really cool for Anderson now is he is always that guy; the man who scored from 99 yards out twice in one game. It’s like always having a 20 percent off retail card in your wallet. “Ummmm Mr. Anderson, I know the price tag says $25 for that video game, but you score twice from your own one yard line in 2016 so … yeah… That’ll be $20 plus tax, sir.” · All summer I have said that it won t matter who Bama s QB is because Lane Kiffin has made winners out of Blake Sims and Jake Coker the past two seasons. I may be retracting that confidence after last Saturday s scrimmage. From all reports, Jalen Hurts, a true freshman, is the best quarterback. Unfortunately, he obviously has no game experience. In fact, he has very little prom experience, since he enrolled at Alabama last spring. Then there are the other two challengers who received below-average to poor reviews from onlookers. Couple QB woes with the preseason-number-oneranking curse and I am wondering in this year will be more like 2010 rather than 2009. · Meanwhile, former Auburn great Terry Henley went out on an oak limb last week while talking to a Birmingham radio station. Henley proclaimed that he had a better chance of beating Usain Bolt in a footrace than Clemson had of defeating Auburn in Jordan Hare Stadium in two weeks. No offense to Mr. Henley, but here are the teams AU has beaten at home the last two years: Jacksonville State (in OT), San Jose State (twice), Idaho, Samford, a lackluster 8-5 LSU team, South Carolina (which finished 7-6), Arkansas (which also finished 7-6) and La Tech. Since November of 2014, AU has only beaten Samford, Jacksonville State, San Jose State and Idaho at home (no SEC opponents). None of those teams had a QB nearly as flashy and dynamic as Clemson will. Again, Auburn could win that game against CU, but it seems as likely as two 99 yard TDs in one game at this point. Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook.
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Above, Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson is pictured with a new ADA-compliant concession-stand counter Monday afternoon at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex football stadium. Below, Rodney Johnson and Alexander City Jail inmate Marcus McNeal pressure wash the stadium sidewalks.
Sportplex football field gets upgrade By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
When Benjamin Russell High School football fans head to the Wildcats’ first home game against Chelsea on Sept. 9, they’ll be seated at a refurbished stadium. Headed by Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson, work has been under way since July to get the 30-yearold Charles E. Bailey Sportplex football field ready for the 2016 season. “We’ve been on it a month,” he said. That work has included lowering counters at the concession stands to make them compliant with the American Disabilities Act requirements. City employees have also changed bulbs on lights that illuminate the football field, which was no small undertaking. “We had the (Alexander City) Utility Department and Fire Department here with the fire-truck ladder,” Wilson said. That’s because reaching those field lights is no easy task. Instead, it takes a person secured with a harness to
reach them. “That’s why we use the Fire Department,” Wilson said. “They’re certified in harness rigging.” Wilson and his staff have also been switching out the bathroom and locker room lights in each restroom with LED lights this summer. He explained that lights switched to LED will cast brighter light with less heat. They will also be more cost effective. “The lights we’ve put up have a 40-year warranty,” he said. “We did have to change lights out every year. This is going to be a huge savings.” But that’s not all. Alex City staff are adding fresh coats of paint to a variety of areas,
including stadium walls and 800 feet of handrails. “We’re also repainting the maroon Wildcats wall,” Wilson said. The field is getting an upgrade, too, with Matthew Keel aerating, verticutting and fertilizing the field then sanding it to make sure it’s level for play. “He’s done that the last few weeks,” Wilson said. The shrubbery has been trimmed too. What isn’t being painted or changed out is getting a thorough cleaning. “We’re pressure washing the bleachers, the outside of the pressbox and the sidewalks,” Wilson said. The Sportplex opened in
1986. According to Wilson, such a facility has a 30-year lifespan. However, the parks and recreation director works to extend that by quite a number of years. “Last year we had an engineer come out and his estimate was that it would cost $7 million if we had to build the stadium again,” Wilson said. “We’d never be able to afford to build another one again.” With that in mind, Wilson and his staff of eight, along with other municipal departments, go to work once a year to ensure the structure stays maintained. “It takes every department in the city,” Wilson said. While work has been underway for several weeks, Wilson said there’s plenty more to do. “We have another month,” Wilson said. “It’ll take us every bit of seven to eight weeks,” Wilson said. That work won’t be finished by Sept. 9. However, Wilson said those attending the Wildcats’ first home football game won’t be inconvenienced. “They won’t notice,” he said.
Three top Junior Invitational golf tournament By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Saturday’s Junior Invitational at Lake Winds Golf Course ended with Sawyer Scott, Camden Shockley and Lily Johnston winning their respective divisions of the medal-play tournament. Scott won gold in the 14-18 age bracket in which competitors played 18 holes of golf. Taking silver was Cade Worthy, and Sawyer Parks won bronze. Shockley took first in the 13-and-under division in which competitors played nine holes. Benton Stegall won silver and coming in third place for bronze was Grayson Weithoner. The girls’ division had two competitors playing nine holes. Johnston took first place with a score of 55, while Cathy Higgins / The Outlook Olivia Tonoco came in a close Junior Invitational at Lake Winds Golf Course girls’ division winner Lily Johnston watches the ball she second place with a score of drove during Saturday’s tournament. 58.