OPINION: GET IN THE GIVING SPIRT AT UNITED WAY KICKOFF
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August 29, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 171 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
AFTER LONG, SIX-DAY SEARCH, TEAMS LOCATE MISSING MAN
SPORTS, PAGE 10 Qua Tucker is the Outlook Athlete of the Week
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner shakes hands with retired DHR employee Sharon Gaither at Monday’s groundbreaking.
County breaks ground on new DHR building By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Search teams return to shore after recovering the body of 44-year-old Thomas Heulan Spence of LaGrange, Georgia Sunday. An exhaustive six-day search by multiple agencies led to the discovery.
Search teams recover Georgia man’s body from Lake Martin By MITCH SNEED Editor
The body of a LaGrange man who had been missing since Monday evening when he was last seen in the waters of Lake Martin has been recovered.
After an exhaustive search by countless agencies and volunteers, the body of 44-year-old Thomas Heulan Spence of LaGrange, Georgia was recovered at 4:11 p.m. Sunday in the same general area where he was last seen.
Alexander City Police Department Chief Jay Turner said the 44-year-old man had no known health problems and was physically fit, but at about 6 p.m. Monday, the pontoon he and four others were in was parked See RECOVERY • Page 3
Family and friends remember Spence for the way he lived, not how he died By MITCH SNEED Editor
A six-day search of Lake Martin for the remains of Thomas Heulan Spence was trying for everyone – family, friends and the rescue teams. But Monday, a day after search teams found him in 37 feet of water Spence on the north end of Lake Martin, many of those who knew the 44-year-old husband and father remembered him for the way he lived, not the way he passed. Spence’s mother Connie West thanked all those involved in the search for their hard work and wanted people to know how kind her son was. Special / The Outlook “My son was my confidant,” West said. “If I Co-workers were saddened by the loss of their friend, Thomas Spence, left, needed someone to talk to, he was there. He would See SPENCE • Page 3 and said he was a caring person who went out of his way to help others
It was an exciting day for the Tallapoosa County Department of Human Resources as they broke ground Monday morning on a new building in Dadeville. The current building has been in service for nearly 50 years and for former DHR employee Sharon Gaither the new building is See DHR • Page 9
Community band underway for area By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Just how do you start a community band? Central Alabama Community College music instructor Ivory Brock has an idea: just invite anyone and everyone who has an interest to come out. “This is what I call a ‘Y’all Come Band,’” Brock said. “This will be an outlet for some in the community and for others it might be a person who wants to dust off their instrument and play.” Brock is new to the community having started in Jan. 2017 teaching music appreciation classes along with ensemble jazz and concert classes. But Brock is not new to music. He got his start in Chicago Public Schools some 40 years ago with stops at Delaware State University, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff and schools in North Carolina. He is confident that he can pull together a community band which is something he did in North Carolina. “I enjoy the people here,” Brock said. “Everyone I have talked to has been supportive of the community band concept. I See BAND • Page 2
Our Town Grocery to be demolished By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
The grocery store and gas station at the corner of Elkahatchee Road and Highway 63, a landmark that has been part of the Our Town community for decades is being demolished. Currently owned by Russell Lands, the store has been closed for several years and was most recently used as a voting center until the polls were moved to the new Our Town Fire Hall. “Demolition began a couple of weeks ago when the façade began to give way,” said Russell Lands lawyer Steve Forehand. “There are containers for the debris on site, and we’re looking to officially begin tearing it down in the next day or so.”
Today’s
As the structure is not very large, Forehands said Russell Lands would be handling the demolition themselves, rather than bidding it out to a contractor. Even though they looked at seeing what it might take to fix the building up, Forehand said the building was in very bad shape. “There’s always a sadness when a landmark like that needs to be torn down,” he said. Wade Jones, whose family owned the store for approximately 25 years, expressed his feelings about seeing the building come down. “The thing I hate the most about it being
Lake Martin
Weather Lake Levels
85 70 High
Low
490.46
Reported on 08/28/17 @ 5 p.m.
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54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
See DEMOLITION • Page 2 Our Town Grocery has been closed for several years and is now being demolished.
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Elderly usher’s ‘proposals’ draw reaction from readers
Wednesday
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
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Band am really excited about doing it.” Currently he says about 20 have expressed interest in joining the effort and says he will mix in some of his CACC students too. “The hardest thing is getting people to come out,” he said. “People want to sit back and watch and see what is going to happen.” Brock is hoping more community members will come out for the first practice of the fledgling community band Sept. 12 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m at the Fine Arts Center at CACC. Brock is planning on weekly practices leading up to a Nov. 30 Christmas concert. For those interested in joining, Brock asks them to go to the Fine
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
The Outlook
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continued from page 1
Arts page of the CACC website and look for a sign-up form under the community band. Brock sees the community band doing more than just the Christmas concert. “I see us going to assisted living facilities,” Brock said. “And doing other things in the community. Just seeing the joy in people’s reactions is priceless.” Brock is unsure as to the nature of the music to be played at the Christmas concert until he sees what talent turns out but promises it will be lively. “First I got to find out what we can play,” Brock said. “If it is nothing but Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, we will play something for Christmas.”
DEAR ABBY: Regarding the letter from “Dumbstruck in the East” (April 22), whose 9-yearold daughter has been getting “proposals of marriage” from a church usher in his 70s. An old man at church said things like that to me when I was about her age. He also was always trying to hug me. It made me uncomfortable and I disliked it. My mother never thought twice about him hugging me. Years later, when I was an adult, I learned he was a pedophile. Her parents should go directly to the minister and let him know what is going on. If the parents decide to tell the usher his comment is not appreciated, they should say it’s uncalled for and please stop making that type of remark. While his comment may be harmless, you never know for sure. -- ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION IN THE MIDWEST
DEAR ABBY Advice
DEAR CAUTION: Readers had various reactions to that letter. Some echoed your sentiments, while others felt differently. Read on: DEAR ABBY: I am from the same generation as the church usher. I was the little sister who was not as attractive as my older sibling. (Boys either teased or ignored me.) I remember several elderly men complimenting me in a similar fashion, and although I realized I could never date or marry someone so much older, it lifted my self-esteem. I believe the usher was just being kind. It would be horrible
if he were reported to the pastor or embarrassed by a flip remark. If the parents want to stop his comments, they should gently suggest that “in today’s world his kindness might be misinterpreted.” I don’t think we should teach children to be mean-spirited when this man spoke freely in front of the parents. -- JOAN IN KENTUCKY DEAR ABBY: I had a different reply in mind for “Dumbstruck,” whose young daughter is told by an elderly church usher that he is going to “marry” her when she grows up. Her mom could look at him and say, “I didn’t realize you were ORDAINED, but how kind of you to offer to officiate!” -ANONYMOUS IN MICHIGAN DEAR ABBY: That man needs to be reported immediately. When I was 8, a friend of my dad used to tell me all the time he wanted to marry me.
One day, when my parents weren’t home, he molested me. That little girl should be kept away from the usher, even if it means not going to that church. -- LYNNE IN CALIFORNIA DEAR ABBY: Next time the greeter tries the betrothal approach on the 9-year-old, her dad should chime in, “You’ll have to get past ME first!” It’s blunt, but it gets the message across and doesn’t insult the old guy. It’s just Daddy protecting his baby girl. Done! -- PRACTICAL IN MARYLAND 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 Miss Carolee Campbell 1971 - 2017
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Graveside Service for Miss Carolee Campbell, 45, of New Site, will be Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Andrews Chapel Cemetery with Bro. David Moore officiating. Miss Campbell passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at Russell Medical Center. She was born on November 16, 1971 in Alexander City to John and Hettie Lee Campbell. Carolee loved her cat “BoBo” dearly; also she enjoyed Alabama Football, Elvis and Nascar and loved her family and enjoyed family gatherings, birthdays, and holidays. She loved God and touched many lives during her illness. She is survived by her mother, Hettie Lee Campbell of New Site; sisters, Jo Ann Washburn (Steve), Linda Campbell and Martha Ford, all of Alexander City; nieces, Jessie Ford and Jennifer Ford, both of Alexander City, and Stephanie McCullars (Justin) of Wadley. She was preceded in death by her father, John Roland Campbell. The family expresses their grateful gratitude to Russell Medical Center and Adams Nursing Home Staff for their loving care. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Amos Walls Hales 1938 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mr. Amos Walls Hales, 78, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Burial will follow in the Alexander City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Hales passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at his residence. He was born on December 3, 1938 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to Horace G. Hales and Sadie Pearl Hales. He was an active member of Alex City Methodist Church. Mr. Hales spent many hours volunteering for Russell Medical Center and driving the bus for the senior center after his retirement from Russell Corporation. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his friends and spending time with his family. He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Hales Hubbard (John) of Dacula, GA; niece, Kathryn Thigpen (Richard) and nephew, Matthew Phillips (Annie). He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Irene Hales; parents and
sisters, Gwendolyn Phillips and Joyce Hales. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Vello Jackson Mrs. Vello Jackson 95 of Clay County, Alabama died Saturday, August 26, 2017 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL. Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.
Mr. Joe Madison Wesson 1962 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mr. Joe Madison Wesson, 55, of Harlan, Iowa and formerly of Alexander City, will be Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Eagle Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Demoliton
continued from page 1
torn down is that it’s been a landmark for 70 to 75 years,” he said. “It’s sad to see the place where I learned my work ethic, a place with so many fond memories go down.” Even though he hates to see the Our Town grocery store and gas station be demolished, Jones understands why it will no longer stand, and says he can’t say anything bad about Russell Lands, as they treated him well after purchasing the store from him in the mid-2000s, keeping him on to operate the store for them. “It was always a productive store. Around 75 percent of our business came from local
customers,” he said. Starting at the age of 11, Jones worked there after his stepfather bought the store in 1983, continuing to work there some until he bought the store from his stepfather in 1998 before selling it to Russell Lands several years later. “There are just so many memories there,” he said. “It would ease the pain some if they put a new gas station there.” Another fond memory Jones will always have is, when he added on to have a liquor store at the site as well, a large portion of the community turned out and volunteered to help build the add-on to the store.
Currently, Russell Lands has not made any plans for what to do with the site after the store is demolished. “Our main focus right now is eliminating a dangerous building,” Forehand said. “It’s premature to even discuss plans for the site.” When the grocery store and gas station in Our Town is demolished, locals will lose a building that has not only been an icon in the community for years, but also a key point to help give directions with. “It’s such a long-time landmark, people used it when giving directions,” Jones said.
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Recovery
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Spence
continued from page 1
in a part of the north end of the lake near Camp ASCCA swimming. His friends told officials that he was in the water and didn’t resurface. Friday, dogs trained in cadaver recovery alerted to a presence not far from where the initial search began and teams restricted traffic in the area all weekend while diving and dragging for the body. Turner said that a presence was located using sonar and that led to the recovery on Sunday. Spence’s body was taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy. No results were available Mitch Sneed / The Outlook Monday. An exhaustive six-day search by multiple agencies led to the recovery of the body Turner said while the outcome was of 44-year-old Thomas Heulan Spence of LaGrange, Georgia Sunday. not what all had hoped for, it does bring to a close a very painful week but a little further back towards the Rescue, Blount County Search and for the family. opening of the slough closer to the Rescue, Attalla Search and Rescue “We are thankful that now the and the Daphne Search and Rescue all river. We were just glad that he was family can have some sense of found and now the family has some joined the search in the last few days. closure,” Orr said. “It has been a “It was an incredible effort and no answers.” very trying week for them and has Cowart, who rarely left the area one ever gave up hope and literally taken a toll on everyone. We can’t during the six-day search, said the searched non-stop,” Turner said. say enough about the outpouring of way everyone worked unselfishly for Turner said a specialized sonar th support and the help from so many a common cause was incredible. brought in by the team from Daphne agencies, volunteers and individuals. “We had so many people who was what ultimately led to the There is no way that we can thank offered to help,” Cowart said. “You discovery of Spence’s body. them all enough.” know we always go and help other Ken Cowart of the Alexander Those who assisted included: folks when we can, and this time City / Tallapoosa County Rescue ALEA Marine Unit, the Alexander when we needed help, they were Squad said the sonar that Daphne City / Tallapoosa County Rescue here. So many folks just came and used was one that was submersible Squad, the Alexander City Police asked what they could do to help. and reaches out and then is able to Department, the Tallapoosa County “The Salvation Army fed folks draw in at various distance intervals. Sheriff’s Department, Alexander almost every meal. People like The images captured are 3-D and City Fire Department, Alabama Lynn’s Quick Stop, What’s Curb are recorded on a laptop and can be Conservation Officers, Tallapoosa Market, Russell Do It Center donated reviewed closely to make sure what County EMA, the American Red some plywood for dog platforms, the each image is. Cross, the Salvation Army, the city and the county stepped up, River “Our sonar is mounted on the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s back of the boat,” Cowart said. “The North let us use some boats, Andy State Trooper Aviation Unit, the Tucker at Pawn Depot loaned a boat one they have is on a tripod that is Montgomery Police Department’s that was used in the search, Foshee’s lowered into the water. It goes out Search and Recovery Dive Unit, the Boat Doc loaned some Sea Doos. to 120 feet and then comes in at 30 Elmore County Sheriff’s Department feet at a time. That gives you greater Huddle House donated some food for Dive Team and the North Alabama breakfast. detail. It located an object on the Search Dog Association all played “I know I’m probably missing bottom at about 37 feet. roles in the effort. some people, but you see what “They suited up and went down Groups including the Kellyton I mean – so many people came and got him. He wasn’t hung up, it’s Fire Department and Our Town Fire just that the water was so cold that he together for the strict purpose of Department, Childersburg Search hadn’t expanded and floated up. With finding this man and giving the and Rescue, Etowah County Search no visibility, it was impossible to see. family some closure. It was special and Rescue, Lake Martin Search and to see how it all came together.” The site was in the same basic area,
continued from page 1
comfort me and console me when I was down. Tommy was always thinking of others instead of himself. That’s just the way he was. He was my son, but he was my buddy and my friend, too.” She said that Spence’s caring spirit showed in everything he did. He was a firefighter and an EMT for many agencies across Georgia, was a part of a team that started an EMS company and owned a store with his wife in LaGrange, Georgia for awhile. But she said he loved his work as an EMT at the emergency department at St. Francis in Columbus, Georgia. “The job is very stressful, but he was such a special and kind person,” West said. “You have to be in that field, but he went above and beyond. He was so gentle and knew just what to say to make people feel better. He loved what he did, but the stress took its toll. That’s why he and some of the others took trips like this just to decompress and clear their head. That’s what they were doing on Monday.” Ashley Lopez-Gonzalez was one of Spence’s co-workers at St. Francis. She said Spence was the kind of person who made all those around him better. “I just want everyone to know that he was an amazing person who has touched so many lives and pretty much lived to help and take care of others,” Lopez-Gonzalez said. “The world lost a wonderful man with the most kind and loving spirit. I feel blessed to have known him.” Lopez-Gonzalez said Tom loved to travel and talked often about trips to Costa Rica where he swam unprotected with hammerhead sharks. “He lived life and he loved to make people laugh,” Lopez-Gonzalez said. “They were telling me earlier that day he was clowning with them and pulling on fishing lines, making them think they had a fish on the line. He loved his wife and kids and talked about them all the time. He was just one of the best human beings that I have ever been around. ” Joey Overton worked with Spence at the Hapeville Fire Department almost a decade ago. He said Spence was a great firefighter and one of the most intelligent EMT’s he ever met. “He was a very good guy and was very good at his job,” Overton said. “He was a smart guy and as an EMT, he just had a knack of knowing exactly what to do and helped pass that on to others. We were all shocked to hear the news. It’s just hard to believe.” Lopez-Gonzalez had praise for the search teams who helped bring Tom home. “Thank you to all those who worked tirelessly over the last week to find Tom,” she said. “Your efforts are appreciated in helping bring this closure to his family and us, his work family.” No arrangements or memorial services have been set at this time.
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Page 4
Our
Opinion
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The
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Free speech in all its peaceable glory
Get in the giving I spirit at United Way kickoff nited Way helps fund several nonprofit agencies who assist those in need in our community. While most of us have heard of United Way, many residents are unaware of all the agencies depending on the funds raised or exactly what they do. If you fall into that category, tonight is your chance to learn more and enjoy the kickoff for one of the most exciting campaigns in recent memory. The Lake Martin Area United Way will announce its annual goal at a special kickoff event set for tonight at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center on the campus of Central Alabama Community College. The kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. The need in our community is great so the agency is asking for area residents to be part of “Team United” and help them raise the funds that will make the work done by 27 agencies possible. Each of the agencies will be represented and will have people on hand to answer questions. They will be glad to tell those in attendance about their organization and the work they do. The evening will also feature food, prizes, fun and the revealing of the campaign’s pacesetter – the local companies that have already set an example for the rest of the businesses in the area – and how much they’ve raised, and the campaign’s goal for the year. There will be door prizes awarded and team members milling about and making themselves available for pictures. This is probably one of the most important years for United Way to make its goal. There is a large need in the community among local charities. Your donations make sure that people in need have the most basic needs like food and shelter at times when they have few other options. From working to end homelessness, provide youth services, promote early learning, offer health services and help older adults – your dollars do great things for our community. So take this opportunity to join in the fun and educate yourself on these incredible agencies. Attend tonight’s United Way Kickoff celebration. You will be glad you did.
Outlook
t was a fine day for protesting at Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C., where folks were enjoying their right to free speech in a productive and peaceable manner. Lafayette Square sits directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the White House. The park was packed with a variety of people the Saturday morning I visited nearly a decade ago. A large group of Hispanic protesters was demanding “living wages,” acceptance of bilingual education and amnesty for illegal immigrants. A dozen other protesters stood on the other side of Pennsylvania Avenue. They called themselves “Freepers,” meaning “freedom protesters.” Each became a Freeper through freerepublic.com, an online forum for independent grassroots conservatives working to roll back decades of government overreach and to root out fraud and corruption. “It’s not like we don’t have other things to do with our time,” said one woman, who told me she drove three hours every Saturday to voice her beliefs. “But someone has to speak up to defend our Constitution.” Crossing back over Pennsylvania Avenue to talk with anti-nuclear-bomb activists, I was almost knocked over by a roller-hockey player. Two games were going on amid tourists and protesters, but the park police didn’t care; hockey players have as much right to the park area as any other American citizens do. Between two anti-nuclearbomb signs sat an elderly woman with a sunburned face.
TOM PURCELL Columnist
According to her handout, she came from Spain in the late 1960s, married, had a daughter, got divorced and lost custody of her daughter. She essentially lived across from the White House, protesting nuclear bombs 24 hours a day. As I chatted with her, two women dressed as ninja warriors approached. They carried a white sheet with a message written in Spanish. “What does that say?” I asked one of the ninja warriors. “No hablo Ingles,” she said to me. The Spanish anti-nuclearbomb woman read the ninjas’ sign. She told me they were protesting the evils of capitalism. Suddenly, the protesters who had been demanding amnesty, living wages and bilingual education began marching toward me on their way to the White House. They were blowing whistles and cheering, while reiterating their demands through a megaphone. Suddenly, Pennsylvania Avenue was a sea of tourists, protesters of every stripe and hockey players in the heat of competition. The energy, noise and enthusiasm were astounding. Nobody brought clubs. Nobody fought. Nobody tried to silence anyone else on that Saturday morning. Everyone freely exercised his or her right to speak freely.
One of my history professors at Penn State marveled over the magnificence of our political system. America, at its best, is organized chaos — in which different opinions continually collide and work themselves out in a peaceful and constructive manner. Every citizen has the right to peaceably assemble and protest. We can criticize our political leaders with megaphones, in print or on YouTube. We have the right to stage revolutions. All we have to do is vote. Every citizen has the right to speak freely — even the right to say things that, to the majority of us, are hateful and ill informed. Of course, that is the challenge with freedom. It opens the floodgates to everything that is good in the human heart — justice and integrity and generosity — but it also opens the floodgates to everything that is bad in the human heart. In any event, the First Amendment, when properly respected and practiced, is a wonderful thing. I witnessed it in all its glory in Lafayette Square one sunny Saturday morning not so long ago. Tom Purcell, author of “Misadventures of a 1970’s Childhood” and “Wicked Is the Whiskey,” a Sean McClanahan mystery novel, is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Send comments to Tom@ TomPurcell.com.
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 Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. 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. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Steve Marshall
Mark Tuggle
Scripture
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28
alexcityoutlook.com
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Yes — 71%, 42 votes No — 29%, 17 votes
Tuesday Question: Do you give to the annual United Way campaign?
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 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 75 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.
Letters to the Editor
Yet another outrageous anti-Christian court ruling There seems to be no end to goofy ludicrous court rulings coming from our federal courtsespecially the 9th Circuit. This week the three-judge panel ruled against former high school coach Joe Kennedy who had sued to get his job back. Kennedy was fired in 2015 for continuing to kneel and pray silently midfield AFTER high school games! This court (a term I use loosely) stated that “even though games were over, the coach was in full view of students and parents when he prayed silently and was, therefore, a public official and was not protected under the First Amendment’s free speech protection.” Can you believe this? Where does the insanity stop? And then right here in my home county public school officials in Sylacauga has
received notice from the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) that school events at the City’s middle school and high school violated the Constitution and prior court ruling against prayer, Bible reading and Bible distribution in public schools. It further noted that these events beginning august 11, 2017, were attended and supported by the principals and vice-principals of both schools. While school have remained silent since this story broke, some parents stated that they were given a choice of participating and their kids chose to attend. The notice outlined video and photos showing students being given Bibles and kneeling in front of a cross. This opens a decades old wound on religion in public schools going back to the lawsuit filed by Madeline Murray (O’Hara) against the Baltimore
School Board (Murray vs Curlett, 1963). This case was affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court as remains the law of the land since. In 1976 President Jimmy Carter voiced his support of the ban and O’Hara. Carter proudly wore his Christian faith on his sleeve boasting his role as a Sunday School teacher and Baptist. These court decisionsespecially the recent praying coach decision defy common sense and surely will be reversed. Yet, as a Christian common taxpayer all we can do is pray for these people that somehow they recover their judgment and stop supporting these groups of obscure antireligious groups & take in consideration the overwhelming majority believe Christianity belongs in our public school. James W. Anderson Talladega
Reader: Now is not the time to ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ Dear Editor,
Tom Whatley
Today’s
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.
Dear Editor,
Kay Ivey
Quote
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” —John Quincy Adams
Mission
Know Your
Officials
Today’s
This is in response to a recent letter to the editor written by Margaret Aldridge. It is easy for a white person to say “let sleeping dogs lie” when you have not experienced racism. As a black man, racism
is evident to me on a daily basis. How would you feel walking around looking at monuments that remind you of the oppression of your people? So no, it is not time to let sleeping dogs lie. When injustice is seen, it needs to be addressed.
I’m all about love and wish everyone could get along, regardless of race, but the administration in office has made it clear that’s not what he wants. Chad Higgins Alexander City
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Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
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Tuesday, August 29, 2017
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The Outlook
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A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS! Marina: 256.825.6871 Chuckwalla’s Pizza: 256.825.7733
Town & Country Cleaners
And Shoe Repair
1222 Cherokee Road 212-9600
For Music Schedule And Events Check Us Out On Facebook LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS
HOURS: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon
RED FLAG PEST Serving Central Alabama CONTROL
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Construction, Inc.
256-825-8913 Cell: 256-675-0217
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256-329-0500 www.riverbankandtrust.com
Brown Nursing Home
www.tallasseeautomotive.com
137 Franklin Street Alexander City, AL
256.794.5185
3701 Dadeville Road, Alexander City ( 256 ) 234-6366 Rehab• Long-Term Care• Assisted Living
S TEVE K ING , S R . P ASTOR Court Square, Alexander City • 256-234-6351• www.fbc-ac.org
ZAJAC’S THOMAS AUTO PARTS
AUTO COLLISION, INC.
793 Airport Road Alexander City, AL
256.329.9963
• Automotive Parts • Machine Shop Services • Paint & Body Supplies • Hydraulic Hose Assemblies
AUTO PARTS
150 Green Street • Alexander City • 256.234.5023 157 E. South Street • Dadeville • 256.825.4155
8:00-4:00 Mon.-Fri • By Appt.(Except Emergencies) 256-234-4295 • After Hours 256-329-7100
Temple Medical Clinic, P.C. 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
Coming Soon! The Community Center “Emergency Center for Shelter, Counseling and Job Placement” 8805 Alabama Hwy. 259 | Alexander City, AL 256.794.1519
(In need of volunteers, please call Lonnie Mace for more details)
SOCIAL SECURITY
FAYE EDMONDSON
ZAXBY’S 4497 Hwy. 280 •Alexander City, AL (256) 234-2181 Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10:30-11:00
Sun. - Thurs. 10:30-9:00
Currently available only at Zaxby’s store locations. Zaxby’s gift cards can be used at all Zaxby’s store locations.
New & Used Boats • Yamaha Waverunners Yamaha Golf Carts • Full-Service Marina & Service Center • Wet Slips & Dry Storage
256.357.2045
800.780.2045
DADEVILLE HEALTHCARE CENTER Kim Russell, Administrator 385 E. LaFayette St., Dadeville 256.825.9244
Alex City Internal Medicine & Nephrology Also dba...
256-825-2100
Weight Loss Center 256-409-1500
10973 County Road 34, Dadeville www.kelleyshvac.com • AL License #99129
3368 Hwy. 280 Suite 220 [ Alexander City, AL Connected to Russell Medical Center in the Professional Bldg. on the 2nd Floor in Suite 220
FAITH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
ELIZABETH HOMES LLC
Wright’s Funeral Home
MAGGIN EDWARDS, MANAGER 5639 Elmore Road•Elmore, AL•334-567-0446 Toll Free 1-800-246-0220
131 Mason son Street • Alexander City, AL
256-234-6421
w w w. f a i t h t e m p l e . u s
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
ARMSTRONG-HOLLEY
825-9559
“We Touch the Lives of the People You Love”
(256) 329-0847 1555 Hillabee Street • Alexander City
Attorney at Law 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.
(256) 329-1018
Zaxby’s® gift cards are perfect for the chicken lovers in your life. Available in any amount from $5 to $100, So next time you are at Zaxby’s, ask about our gift cards.
Adam’s Health & Rehab We Care About You And Your Loved Ones!
PEST CONTROL
652 Cherokee Road Alexander City
STEFUL GIFT IDEA . A TA
DOWEE WEDOWEE MARINE WE 21130 Hwy. 431 MARINE Wedowee, AL
PHOTOGR APHY
2334 Washington St. Alexander City, AL 35010 Phone: (256) 329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Drive a Little, Save a Lot! 1618 Gilmer Ave. | Tallassee, AL | 334-262-2544
Has your home been inspected lately?
BANK & TRUST S E RV I C E
AUTOMOTIVE
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256/234-6355 Eat At . . .
PLUMBING
WE SPECIALIZE IN COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING!
256-392-3809 OFFICE 256-794-0777 CELL
1900 Columbus Pkwy., Opelika, AL 36801
New & Used Modular and Manufactured Homes
334.749.7048 4 a f r e e d o m h o m e . c o m / 8 21
6684 HWY. 49 SOUTH • DADEVILLE, AL (256) 825-4827
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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
The Outlook
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/.
Today is August 29, 2017 Today’s Anniversaries
Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Bloodworth, Mr. and Mrs. John Robert Strickland, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Strickland, Clint and Penny Moody and Sandy and Tanya Meadows celebrate their anniversaries today.
–Since 1978–
Today’s Birthdays
Earnestine Corley, Jerrie D Thornton, Steven J. Ingram, Cory Blackmon and Tory Blackmon are celebrating their birthdays today.
BIG “B” BAR-B-QUE “We Cook The Best BETTER!”
Hickory Grilled Meat BBQ • STEAK CHICKEN • CATFISH
256.329.9996 Hwy. 22 West, Alexander City, AL
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
Tony Guy, Owner Over 40 Years Experience
H&A Installation, Charge Outs and Repair
Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile Carpet & Vinyl
Sheet Metal Work
FREE Estimates on NEW installations
Locally Owned for Over 45 Years
256-234-6071
1945 Hwy 280 • Alexander City
H
OLMAN
F
LOOR
C
OMPANY
“WE’RE THE PROFESSIONALS”
AL 96175
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
An empty westbound Norfolk Southern train speeds over the rail trustle on Lake Martin Sunday afternoon. The train was pulling more than 100 empty coal hopper cars. The number of trains coming through Alexander City has dropped to only a couple per week, making this sight more rare than in the past.
Sunday, September 3
PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: The Mt. Zion East Baptist Church on StillWaters Drive is celebrating the 14th pastoral anniversary of Rev. Sis. Jimmy Thomas Sunday, Sept. 3 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. J.C. Fryer of Pine Hill Baptist Church in Phenix City. Everyone is invited. ANNUAL HOMECOMING EVENT: Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church will be hosting their Annual Homecoming Event Sunday, Sept. 3 at 10:30 a.m. There will be no evening services on this day. Mountain Community Amazing Grace Minister will provide the music and lunch will be served following morning services. Everyone is welcome to join for this special occasion of worship, music and fellowship. Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church is located in Mountain Community in Clay County. PASTORAL APPRECIATION: St. John A.M.E. Church in Socapatoy is hosting the 22nd Pastoral Appreciation of Rev. and Sister James R. McCoy Sunday, Sept. 3 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Minster Kelvin Woods of St. Mary Baptist Church in Lincoln.
Tuesday, September 5
CARLISLE HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 367 US H W Y . 280 A L E X A N D E R C I T Y , AL
256-234-0019 CA RLISLE AC.COM
DIVORCE CARE: Marijean Hadley is hosting a women’s divorce care workshop starting Sept. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The 13 week study is designed for women who are dealing with divorce or separation. It will be a Biblical approach to deal with many issues such as pain, loneliness, depression, anger, the effects on children and much more. The meeting place is campsite C72 at Windcreek State Park and is not associated with park events. The only cost associated with the workshop is a $15 workbook. For more information contact Hadley at marijean.hadley@gmail.com or 224-657-4809. USHER MEETING: The Early Rose District is holding an usher meeting Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center.
Wednesday, September 6
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
GRIEFSHARE: The Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church, next door to Russell Medical is hosting GriefShare. GriefShare is a grief recovery support group to find help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one. The 13 week curriculum uses videos and workbooks led by experts in the field of recovery. It starts Sept. 6 with meetings Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15 and 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To register or for more information call 256-234-2455, MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Grave High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville is hosting its monthly luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring a covered dish and a small donation.
Thursday, September 7
PRECIOUS MEMORIES GIFTS & MORE Monogramming onogramming Boutique outique CClothing lothing Jewelry ewelry Bathing athing SSuits uits & More More 10147 County Road 34 Dadeville, AL
256-496-4017
DIVORCE SUPPORT GROUP: The Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church is hosting a divorce support group Sept. 7 from 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. to focus on helping separated and divorced individuals get through the difficulties of a broken marriage. The group will meet every Thursday through Oct. 19. PTSD SUPPORT GROUP: The Trinity Campus of the First United Methodist Church is hosting a post traumatic stress support group starting Sept. 7 and every Thursday through Oct. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The group is for anyone who needs support in dealing with post traumatic stress.
September 7-28
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY: Haven Memorial Baptist Church at 354
Christian Street in Alexander City is hosting a women’s Bible study “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer Thursdays Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28 from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your own lunch. For more information contact Joanne Finley at 334-332-5970 or Pastor Nolan at 256-682-3810.
Saturday, September 9
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Sept. 9 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Eat in or carry out for $6 a plate. FLEA MARKET: The Town of Camp Hill is offering a free flea market day to all vendors that would like to come and sell at the new flea market in Camp Hill at the old airport. There will be no charge to vendors for a spot for the month of September. Vendors please call James Woody at 256-749-8270 to register for a spot and information. Free parking to all consumers and vendors. The market will be open on the second Saturday of each month from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, September 10
CHURCH HOMECOMING: New Style Baptist Church is celebrating its 121st Homecoming Service Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2:30 p.m. The church is located at 294 Coosa County Road 20 in Equality. There will be fellowship and dinner after the service. Guest minister will be Pastor Cameron Thomas of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cropwell. Pastor Richard Ellis Taylor is minister. YOUTH EXPLOSION: Hatchett Springs Baptist Church is hosting its annual youth explosion, Saturday, Sept. 10 at 3 p.m. Guest speaker and performer is D Hal. Special guests are the Greater New Hope Youth Choir, Daughters of Destiny and more. All surrounding youth is invited.
Monday, September 11
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dolores Hydock will present “The RedHeaded Woman meets Mr. Death and Southern Comfort in a Cast-iron skillet” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Sept. 11 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple per semester. Registration for the fall quarter begins Sept. 11 at 1 p.m.
from Comer Memorial Baptist Church. Rev. Don Polston is the pastor.
Service a 30 mile radius of Alexander City Licensed and Bonded #:84887 guysheating@live.com 256–234–4198 196 Thompson Ridge Road Alexander City, AL
Sunday, September 17
SACRED HARP SINGING: Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church is hosting its annual Sacred Harp Singing Sunday, Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. The church is located at 2582 Coosa County Road 83 just east of Goodwater. Bring a covered dish for lunch and there will be more singing in the afternoon. For more information call Jack Nelson at 256-839-5344 or William Futral at 256-839-6670.
Monday, September 18
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. Paul Harris will present “The Berlin Airlif and Operation Kinderlift” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Sept. 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City.
Thursday, September 21
DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Democratic Party will host a meeting Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to learn more about the Dec. 12 special election to fill the Senate seat formerly held by Jeff Sessions. The meeting will be held at the Charles Porch Center. For more information call Carol Gowan at 256-794-7432.
Saturday, September 26
BLOOD DRIVE: Kingz United is hosting a blood drive Saturday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 332 East South Street in Dadeville.
Saturday, September 23
STARGAZING: The Auburn Astronomical Society will set up telescopes to look at the night sky Sept. 23 at 6 p.m. on Hospice Point near the silo at Wind Creek State Park.
Sunday, September 24
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Wayside Baptist will celebrate 70 years of ministry on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 10:30 a.m. Special music will be provided by Eric and Whitney Miller and also the gospel trio Justified. The speaker will be Gerry Tapley. Everyone is invited to join with us for the service and a covered dish lunch afterward.
The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Monday, September 25
September 11-13
EMPOWERMENT SERVICES: New Style Baptist Church will be hosting Christian education empowerment services Sept. 11-13 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest speaker will be Pastor Carlos Wilson of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Additional guests include Malcom Cooper and the Soulful Voices of Birmingham and Nicholas Jemison.
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Terry Robbins will present Merle Haggard, The People’s Poet” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Sept. 25 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City.
Sunday, October 1
CHURCH HOMECOMING: New Elkahatchee Baptist Church is hosting homecoming services Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m. with Diane Sherrell.
Tuesday, September 12
COMMUNITY BAND: The CACC Community Band Inaugural Rehearsal will be Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. For more information contact Conductor Ivory Brock at 256-2154326 or email at ibrock@cacc.edu. You can also sign up at the CACC website under fine arts.
September 17-20
CHURCH REVIVAL: Old Providence Baptist Church in Hackneyville is hosting revival services Sept. 17-20. The Sunday service will be at 6 p.m. with Monday through Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Tim Harris
Monday, October 2
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Sarah Bliss Wright will present “Ida Quilt Project” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Oct. 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education Building at 375 Lee Street Alexander City.
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
dB
Lawn Care Darrell Brooks, Owner Cutting •Edging Weed Eating •Mulch Weed Control
Saturday, October 14
CAR SHOW: The 37th Annual Custom Car Show at Oktoberfest will be Oct. 14 with registration from 8 a.m. to noon. It is an open show format with a money tree. All cars will be parked on asphalt. For more information contact Danny Pike at 256-496-0024 or danny.pike@alexandercityal.gov.
256.267.0518
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
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www.alexcityoutlook.com
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Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
DHR much needed. “I am really excited about this,” Gaither said. “I went to work in that building in Sept. 1970. We moved out of the courthouse into the current building. They are in desperate need of this.” The new building is much needed according Alabama Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “This is a wonderful day and you can’t appreciate it until you go through the building where these wonderful people currently work,” Buckner said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “We are pleased to have had it all these years but it is certainly time to make some improvements for our clients and for our employees.” The need for a new building was first raised in July 2015 and the commissioners began the search for a piece of property. After one site was turned down, the focus moved to the Highway 49 parcel. After being given the thumbs-up from the state, the commissioners purchased the property in May 2016. Since that time all the hurdles and steps have been taken to get the process rolling. The county commissioners had to set up a Public Building Authority, then secure bonds using the state’s credit rating. In March, the Dadeville City Council
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rezoned the property so it would be appropriate for a public service building. When all is said and done, the county will actually own the building, but will lease the building back to DHR and the rent paid by the agency would repay the bonds. Keeping the building in Dadeville made many elected officials happy. “We are just glad to have a new DHR building in Dadeville,” said Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith. “This is an important day for us in the community, not only for the new building but for the services that are provided through this facility by DHR,” Tallapoosa County Commissioner T.C. Coley said. “I think this is one thing we have that other countries don’t have – we have mechanisms in place to take care of the less fortunate.” DHR provides services for many in the community like family assistance, food assistance, family services and childcare services. The groundbreaking could not come soon enough for Tallapoosa County DHR County Director Brenda Floyd. “Folks, this is very exciting,” Floyd said. “This is a wonderful thing for Tallapoosa County and the Tallapoosa County DHR.”
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Top: Area dignitaries break ground on the new Department of Human Resources building in Dadeville Monday morning. Above: The crowd gathers for the groundbreaking ceremony.
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LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
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Tuesday, August 29, 2017
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LUKE ROBINSON
Outlook Athlete of the Week Qua Tucker lives up to expectations from the start
Columnist
A guide to the perfect college football Saturday
Y
ou are busy. You have a lot on your mind. Your to-do list is longer than a voice mail from your mother. (“…So anyway, Honey, I just wanted to tell you again about how Mrs. Clemmons’ daughter was doing in school and to remind you that — blah, blah, blah.”) I understand you are busy. I am here to help. Well, for one day at least. That day specifically is Sept. 2, 2017. This Saturday. The first official, full Saturday of college football. You are going to need an itinerary of what games to see and when. Otherwise, you could get stuck watching some dump-truck of a contest. Below is your Sept. 2, 2017 “cheat sheet.” 7 to 9 a.m. — Tune in to “The Saturday Sports Countdown” on Charter Channel 3 or 97.5 FM. Yes, this request is a shameless plug for Sportz Blitz’s own programming, but we are officially the best sports show in the 7 to 9 morning slot in all of Tallapoosa County. 9 to 11 a.m. — Watch ESPN’s College Gameday. For nostalgia if nothing else. This college football institution has lost some of its cachet now there are literally hundreds of pre-game shows, but it’s still the best of them all. Plus, Lee Corso is always a threat to drop a cuss word on air. That’s always a lot of %$@#ing fun, right? 11 to 11:20 a.m. — Catch the Maryland at Texas game to see if the Longhorns are, for the eighth year in a row, back to their former glory. Spoiler alert: They probably aren’t. 11:20 to 11:35 a.m. — Temporarily switch over to the California versus North Carolina game as former LSU interception machine Brandon Harris will most likely be quarterbacking the Tar Heels. Personally, I think Harris was just a bad fit for LSU. But has he improved his game enough to get UNC over the hump? If so, LSU fans will be surprised and pretty mad. 11:56 a.m. — Do us all a favor and finally put some pants on! This Saturday is for chillin’ out, but come on. It’s almost noon, man! 2 to 2:30 p.m. — Check out the South Carolina-NC State game. This contest will be the first of several SEC-ACC matchups and will most certainly have talk shows buzzing about conference dominance. I love former Auburn High quarterback Jake Bentley, but I am worried the SEC gets off to a rocky start as the Wolfpack has a big, angry defensive line that resembles a literal big, angry wolf pack. 2:30 to 6 p.m. — Here we go. It’s time for Florida versus Michigan in Dallas. Thanks to Alabama and LSU, the SEC has done well at Jerry’s World in these games. However, the Gators are venturing into unknown waters as Florida hasn’t played a regular season non-conference game outside of the Sunshine State since De Soto asked for directions in St. Augustine. 6:30 to 6:59 p.m. — Watch just a smidge of the Auburn game against Georgia Southern. At least, watch just enough to make sure a scintilla of the Jared Stidham hype is warranted (which should take only about 46 seconds.) 7 to 10:30 p.m. — Alabama. Florida State. In the new Mercedes Dome. In Atlanta. Honestly, I am not sure there has ever been a bigger game to start the college football season than this one. There are storylines galore, but the focus will be on ’Bama’s Jalen Hurts and Florida State’s offensive line. Both need to have improved from 2016 to allow their respective teams to win. 10:31 p.m. — Tell your wife you love her, if she hasn’t already left you. Luke Robinson is a regular columnist and contributor to Lake Martin Living and BMetro.
By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
QUA TUCKER, DADEVILLE Grade and position: Senior, running back/safety Measurements: 6-foot-1, 185 pounds Other interests: Tucker is also a track star and plays basketball for the Tigers. Favorite team: University of Alabama Statistics: Tucker finished Dadeville’s season opener with 146 yards on 17 carries. He also had touchdown runs of 66 and 49 yards in the Tigers’ 28-14 win over LaFayette.
When Qua Tucker first started playing football, he actually didn’t like the sport. “I always thought I was going to get hurt,” Tucker said. But now, it’s obvious he’s a natural on the field. Tucker was a force to be reckoned with for Dadeville in its season-opening victory against LaFayette, racking up nearly 150 yards and scoring two touchdowns. He is the Outlook Athlete of the Week. Most of Tucker’s yardage came on his two scores. He had touchdown runs of 66 and 49 yards and had 31 yards on his other 15 carries. But his two big ones were more than enough. “Coach (Jesse) Foster always told me if I see any daylight to just turn on the jets,” Tucker said. Heading into the season, the expectations were high for Tucker. He’s a state champion sprinter for the Tigers, so it
was obvious that when Tucker gets into some space, he’s going to take advantage of it. And because he’s been on the big stage before, he typically doesn’t let the pressure get to him. “He wants to play well and do well in every game,” Dadeville coach Richard White said. “he goes out every game and tries to play the best he can. On one touchdown, he hit a seam one time and it opened up like the Red Sea. When he hits his seams, they’re not going to catch him. On the other, he made a great cut inside, kicked it back outside and out-ran everybody by 10 or 15 yards.”
Tucker’s offensive game wasn’t the only thing that stuck out to White, either. At safety, Tucker was had a strong defensive prowess as well. “He’s so quick back there that it’s hard to beat him deep,” White said. “He’s almost like having two safeties because he can roam the field. He can get from side to side so quick. He almost had a pick on Friday, but it was a great play for him to knock the ball away.” As Tucker’s resume continues to grow, it will likely be even harder for him to keep up the success. Defenses will start keying in
Tucker
on him, but White said that’s OK. “If defense do target him, we have two more than can run the ball too,” White said. “We can use him as a decoy and it can end up hurting a defense in the long run if you can’t just take away the one guy.” Dadeville’s heated schedule continues as it travels to rival Reeltown on Thursday, but Tucker said it felt good to get off to a strong start. “It’s a positive start but we gotta keep getting better,” Tucker said. “We’re going to come in against Reeltown with our heads held high and play to the best of our ability.”
Dadeville Tigers Date Aug. 25 Aug. 31 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3
Opponent LaFayette Reeltown Munford Leeds Holtville Valley Tallasee Elmore Co. Handley Childersburg Bye
Place Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Home N/A
Region Non-region Non-region Region 3 Region 3 Region 3 Non-region Region 3 Region 3 Region 3 Region 3 N/A
Last Year L 44-29 W 48-21 L 35-24 L 46-14 W 51-14 W 30-10 W 44-27 W 42-14 L 50-13 L 48-46 N/A
Alex City Middle School falls to Wetumpka STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Despite being swept by Wetumpka, Alexander City Middle School football coach Shundell Russaw had good things to say about his squads. The eighth-grade team lost, 30-12, while the seventh-graders were defeated, 12-0. “The seventh-grade team competed hard throughout the game, and they look very promising moving forward,” Russaw said. Corrie Milliner and Malik Maddox were the leaders offensively, while Savon Spradley stood out on defense. During the eighth-grade game, the Wildcats looked extremely promising. After Wetumpka scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion, Alex City immediately responded. It had a 12-play, 72-yard drive for a touchdown, but the twopoint conversion failed.
File / The Outlook
Alex City Middle School’s football team played its first game against Wetumpka on Saturday.
At halftime, Wetumpka led 16-12 and the score remained close until late in the fourth quarter when Wetumpka had some big plays to set the final score.
Alex City hosts is first game at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex on Thursday with seventh grade starting at 5 p.m. and the eighth-grade game following.
Alabama youth dove hunt schedule announced STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) announces that the state’s 17th Annual Youth Dove Hunts have been scheduled for 2017. The north zone hunts begin on September 9. The south zone hunts begin on September 16. Although the hunts are free, registration is required. Online registration is opened Monday. For the complete hunt schedule, visit www. outdooralabama.com/ youth-dove-hunts. WFF is implementing a new registration process this year. Hunters submitting a registration for participation in a youth dove hunt must be a parent or an adult at least 21 years old and have a Conservation ID (CID). Additionally, once
you receive a registration confirmation email and accept the hunt you wish to attend, you cannot register for a second hunt until the date of your registered hunt has passed. As it becomes available, additional information describing the registration, notification and hunt acceptance process will be posted to www. outdooralabama.com/ youth-dove-hunts. Alabama’s Youth Dove Hunt events are held in open fields and staffed by WFF personnel, which encourages a safe, secure environment for both parents and participants. The program also makes use of private lands and fields opened for use by community members, which fosters good relationships between hunters and private landowners. To participate in the hunts, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and
accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old (or a parent) who holds a valid state hunting license and a Harvest Information Program (HIP) stamp. Hunters should obtain their licenses and HIP stamp before the hunt because they will not be available on-site. Before each hunt, a short welcome session with reminders on hunting safety will be conducted. All hunters are encouraged to wear eye protection and earplugs. Doves are migratory and covered by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has special rules and regulations that apply to dove hunting which all hunters must follow. To review the Alabama Cooperative Extension System recommendations for plantings related to dove management, visit www.outdooralabama. com/mourning-doves.
LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Aug. 31 High school football Dadeville at Reeltown, 7 p.m. Middle school football Auburn at Alex City, 5 p.m. High school volleyball Benjamin Russell at Carver/Lee, 4:30 p.m. Central Coosa at Childersburg, TBA Friday, Sept. 1 High school football Central Clay County at Benjamin Russell, 7 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Donoho, 7 p.m. Central Coosa at Fayetteville, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 College football Georgia Southern vs. Auburn, 6:30 p.m. Florida State at Alabama, 7 p.m. High school volleyball Benjamin Russell at Briarwood Serve Off, TBA High school cross country Horseshoe Bend in Yellow Jackets’ Invitational at Oxford, TBA