OPINION: RESIDENTS THE BIG LOSERS IN CITY SICK OUT, PAGE 4.
GRAVEMAN ON A ROLL
THURSDAY
THE
Former BRHS star having success with Oakland A’s
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 August 4, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 156
Sports, Page 8
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Archer suspended for six months Outlook report on probate judge’s inappropriate messages with woman cited in Judicial Inquiry Commission complaint By MITCH SNEED Editor
Tallapoosa County Probate Court Judge Leon Archer will serve a six-month suspension without pay as a result of a Jan. 30 Alexander City Outlook story that revealed that the judge had exchanged sexually explicit message with a woman who was
Archer
half his age that had previously had a case before him. Archer reached an agreement with the Alabama Judicial Inquiry Commission Wednesday following an investigation launched after The Outlook’s story reached members of the commission. According to Archer’s attorney Randy Haynes of Alexander City, the suspension is effective
immediately and is expected to be approved by the Alabama Court of Judiciary Monday, the same day that it begins proceedings against Chief Justice Roy Moore. “Judge Archer made some bad mistakes with a person who admitted to having her own reasons to discredit him,” Haynes said. “He has admitted his poor judgment from the outset. Two things people
should know – the JIC has agreed that Judge Archer cooperated fully and honestly with the Commission. Secondly, his communication with the woman was not carried out during the performance of his official duties nor while she had any matter before the Probate Court. He admitted he was wrong, and he definitely made mistakes, See JUDGE • Page 7
Tuggle talks McCutcheon, special session
Councilitis continues at City Hall Wednesday
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Alexander City’s Rep. Mark Tuggle said that Rep. Mac McCutcheon, chosen Tuesday as the Alabama House of Representatives Republican Caucus’ nominee to replace Mike Hubbard as speaker of the House, “will be an outstanding speaker” Tuggle and shared some thoughts about the upcoming special session recently called by Gov. Robert Bentley for Aug. 15. “My legislative experience with Rep. McCutcheon has always been positive, professional and constituent-oriented,” Tuggle said Wednesday. “I look forward to working with him in his new role.” Tuggle said McCutcheon was selected from among six candidates for the speakership. Reports said others considered were Reps. Steve Clouse of Ozark, Lynn Greer or Rogersville, Mike Jones of Andalusia, Barry Moore of Enterprise and Phil Williams of Huntsville. See TUGGLE • Page 7
Residents growing tired of inconvenience caused by ‘sick out’ Cliff Williams / The Outlook
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Above, Horseshoe Bend School prinicpal James Aulner speaks to elementary students at an assembly on the first day of school. Below, Horseshoe Bend School seventh-graders Brianna Travis, left, and Sarina Arnold try to navigate the high school wing in between classes on the first day of school Wednesday.
Absences by some employees at city hall in Alexander City again caused some issues for residents who were trying to pay utility bills Wednesday. A day after Mayor Charles Shaw speculated that heavy absences by city employees were a “direct protest against the council’s action from Monday night ” that put city Finance Director Sandra Machen back on the job, evidence of a limited “sick out” remained present Wednesday. There were more doors open at city hall Wednesday and light could be seen coming from many offices that were dark on Tuesday. After being unable to make any utility payments on Tuesday, the city was able to take checks and money orders from residents Wednesday. But still that was an
BELLS RINGING Windle ‘very pleased’ with county’s first school day By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Tallapoosa County Schools convened Wednesday for the first day of the 201617 academic year with Dadeville schools adjusting to a new alignment as a result of the closure of Councill Middle School. “I think we had one of our best openings for the system in my four years as superintendent,” said Joe Windle, superintendent of Tallapoosa County Schools. “I always look at four areas as I go around to the schools on the first day: transportation, scheduling, feeding and
See COUNCILITIS • Page 2
See SCHOOL • Page 2
Snipes caps summer Strand Sessions concert series tion to our lineup.” Scott Hardy, who also heard Snipes at the magazine shoot, said his music was full of “soul and good vibes.” Snipes, who was born in Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, and now lives in Birmingham where he teaches Bible at Briarwood Christian School, will lead a six-member band that includes two guitars, drums, bass, trumpet and a female vocalist. Snipes describes his music as a mixture of folk and rock and roll and says he’s been able to play a lot of gigs this summer. “It works out pretty good being a teacher,” said Snipes. “I’ve been able to do a lot of shows and get out my first full-length album, ‘American Dreamer,’ which came out July 4. I made sure it came out on the right day.” This is the fourth and final performance of the summer Strand Session series, but Howell said she hopes to see
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Tennessee-born singer-songwriter B. Snipes will perform tonight at the Lake Martin Young Professionals’ Strand Sessions at Alexander City’s Strand Park from 6:30-8:30 p.m. According to Snipes’ website, his musical influences range from folk to indie rock. He has two recordings to his credit, his debut EP “Away Away” and his first full-length album “American Dreamer.” “Me and (husband) John Howell and Scott Hardy met Brandon and his wife at a Country Living magazine shoot on the lake,” said Lacey Howell, a member of the LMYP executive board. “He starting telling us that he was in a band and we didn’t believe him. He played us some of his music and it was very good. “I’d call him uniquely soulful, just really good. I think he’ll be a nice addi-
See STRAND • Page 7
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Page 2
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Grandma a demanding hostess during family’s annual visits
Friday
93 73 Low
High
Partly sunny, 30 percent chance of thunderstorms
Saturday
94 74 Low
High
Mostly sunny, 30 percent chance of thunderstorms
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com
Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@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
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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
Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
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Thursday, August 4, 2016
The Outlook
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
DEAR ABBY: We visit my grandmother out of state once a year. After our visits, I usually leave feeling defeated. A few reasons why: She leaves multiple notes around “reminding” us to clean up after ourselves. There’s a note in the shower that says, “Please wipe down shower walls after use.” She asks me to change the sheets or launder our towels before I leave. Although she has decorative paper hand towels in the bathrooms, she asks us not to use them because they are “too expensive.” She complains about my son’s handprints on her windows (he’s 2). She badmouths nearly everyone she knows, has unsolicited advice on everything and is generally highly judgmental. When we return home, she gushes about our visit for months, saying how “lonely” she is now that we’re gone and how much she enjoyed our visit. I don’t understand. Is this normal grandmother behavior, or does
DEAR ABBY Advice
she take it too far? Must we continue spending big bucks to go out there every year, or can we just send pictures and call often? -- GRANDDAUGHTER IN A QUANDARY DEAR GRANDDAUGHTER: If these annual visits are a “command performance,” I can see why you might resent them. However, it’s not unheard of for a hostess to leave a note asking that the shower be wiped down, or that the sheets and towels be laundered before a guest leaves -- particularly if the guests are family members. A gracious guest wouldn’t mind doing those things, and would ask how her hostess wanted it handled before she left. Rather than stew when she
complained about your 2-yearold’s handprints on her windows, the appropriate response would have been: “You know, you’re right. I’ll get the Windex!” And when she made a negative comment about someone, you should have found something nice to say about the person in response. If these visits cause financial hardship, visit your grandmother every OTHER year, or consider inviting her to visit you, but don’t cut her off completely. After all, she’s family, and not all family members are “perfect.” DEAR ABBY: I’m a newly retired woman living alone. Today I received a phone call on my landline asking me to participate in a survey. The first question asked was how many people are in my household. In the past, I didn’t live alone and I didn’t mind participating in surveys. But calling on my landline makes me worry that person has access to my physical address. And being asked
Councilitis
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.
continued from page 1
issue for many who only had cash, needed to look up items on their account or who are accustomed to paying with debit cards. “I just don’t understand why employees would do this,” said resident Crystal Basham, who had cash for her utility payment. “We don’t let bills get behind and I have the cash in my hand and I like to pay them as soon as I get them. I mean we have limited time to get bills paid. School is starting and we all have a lot to do. I guess I could get a money order and come back, but we shouldn’t have to do that.” Kathleen Spradley came in Tuesday and Wednesday to pay her utility bill. “I came in yesterday and they weren’t taking any payments,” Spradley said. “I came back today and it’s just check or money order. So, I guess I won’t pay it today either.” City officials said that due to the issues with employee absences, the city would not impose late fees
and no service would be terminated during the period that payments were limited. “That’s fine, but it’s just the inconvenience,” Basham said. It’s still unclear of just how many employees stayed out of work each day. Despite reports from city hall Tuesday indicating there were heavy absences across all city departments, calls to those departments on Wednesday found that wasn’t the case. Department heads told callers that the only absences that they had were scheduled vacations, legitimate illnesses and, in one case, a death in the family. They said the only multiple absences that they had heard about were at city hall. Calls to city hall inquiring about the exact number of absences recorded Tuesday were not returned Wednesday.
School safety (predominantly routing of parents dropping off and picking up students.). Then we make an assessment and figure out to handle any adjustments. “I was really pleased. I was really concerned about the feeding at Dadeville High School with us adding another 200 or so students, but it went just as planned.” In April, the Tallapoosa County Board of Education voted to close Dadeville’s Councill Middle School, moving sixth grade classes to Dadeville Elementary School and seventh- and eighth-grade classes to Dadeville High School. “I want to thank our principals at Dadeville, our assistant principals, our counselors and our technology people in particular for the work they did in our facilities in Dadeville with the move from Councill,” Windle said. “The maintenance crews, too. They did a tremendous job with the
by some stranger for information like my age, the number of people in my household, and whether I have guns in the house, etc. makes me feel very vulnerable. I told the caller I was not interested in participating and wouldn’t give a reason why. There has got to be a better way to conduct surveys. Please let researchers know. -- CAUTIOUS SENIOR DEAR CAUTIOUS: I’m doing that. But while I’m doing it, I am also advising readers that they are under no obligation to respond to surveys of any type, and that all they have to do if they receive this kind of call is say, “Not interested,” and hang up.
continued from page 1
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend School Elementary students walk into the gym for an assembly on the first day of school.
move and getting the facilities ready. They were all completely ready today.” Dadeville Elementary also has a new principal with Chris Dark replacing Chad McKelvey, who is now principal at the Edward Bell Technical Center in Camp Hill. Fred Ford is the new director of career tech programs
at Edward Bell, where Windle said 182 students were enrolled as of yesterday after ending last year with 141. Windle also said there were more kindergartners registered at Dadeville Elementary than in the last four years – 101 as of Tuesday. “That’s about what kindergarten enrollment
used to be before the 2010, 2011 and 2012 classes that dropped to the 85-95 range,” Windle said. Windle also said an additional kindergarten teacher was needed in Reeltown, which had classes of 25, 24 and 22 students today. “Those numbers need to be below 20,” Windle said. Windle had little information about the new Tallapoosa Virtual Academy since students who have applied still must be approved for enrollment by a threeperson committee. Numbers on the virtual academy are expected Friday, he said.
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Thursday, August 4, 2016
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Today’s Birthdays
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August 4, 2016
Today’s Anniversaries
Jerry and Kim Whetstone and Tracy and Keith Scott are celebrating their anniversaries.
Page 3
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The Outlook
Ann Fleming, J.B. Rainwater, Helen Cook, Leola Duck, Freeda Sexton, Twins Logan and Jared Sellers, Faye McKenzie, Jon Mask, Rhonda Jane Porch and Steve Davis are celebrating their birthday.
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From left, Tallapoosa County’s Sid Phelps, Clint Burgess and Whitney Willis joined peers from across Alabama to compete in State Young Farmers events July 30 at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 44th Commodity Producers Conference in Mobile. Phelps and Burgess participated in the Discussion Meet contest, while the Willis participated in the Excellence In Ag competition. They are pictured with Federation President Jimmy Parnell.
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August 6
BACK TO SCHOOL EXPO: GAP Fellowship Church is hosting a Back to School Expo at Betty Carol Graham Technology Center with special guest Bill Gailliard, author and motivational speaker. There will be free school supplies, free back packs, pizza and drinks. All students K-12 and teachers are invited. YARD SALE: Duncan United Methodist Church is hosting a yard sale August 6 from 6 a.m. to noon. HORSESHOE BEND SYMPOSIUM: The annual Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Symposium will be August 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Auburn University’s Pebble Hill on Debardeleben Street in Auburn. Speakers will be Dr. Kathryn Braund, Mike Bunn, Dr. Keith Hebert, Matthew Sparacio and Justin Weiss. CELEBRATE THE ARTS: New Water Farms is hosting celebrate the arts August 6 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is a day of free art demonstrations, great art and culinary work. Dinner is $75. Email micah@newwater.com for more information. AFTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION: The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lake Martin Area After School Program will be located at the Sportsplex Gym. Clubs will be open every weekday from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and are available to children 5-7, 8-9, 10- 12 and a FREE teen program for 13 – 18. For an application, please contact us at 256234-4757.
August 7
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Lovely Baptist Church will hold am Anniversary Celebration and Homecoming Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Gary Dixon of Calvary Baptist Church in LaFayette. For more information call 256-825-7286 or email jan_dhart@yahoo.com CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: The Wall Street AME Zion Church, 71 Zion Street of Tallassee, Alabama, will celebrate 136 years of ministry August 7. A homecoming program is being prepared to commemorate this joyous occasion. Members, former members, family, and friends are cordially invited to attend. The program will begin at 2:30 p.m. The speaker for the occasion will be LaBrian Stewart, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Keith Stewart. LaBrian is one of our own. He is an accomplished student athlete and professional educator and currently serves as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Northview High School, Dothan, Alabama. GOSPEL SINGING: The gospel singing group The Greene’s will be in concert Sunday, Aug. 7 at 11 a.m. at Comer United Methodist Church in Alexander City. A covered dish dinner will follow the concert. The church is located at 427 East Church Street in Alexander City. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Calvary Baptist Church in Dadeville is hosting homecoming Sunday, August 7 from 11 a.m. to noon. Special speaker will be Rev. Tim Davis of Beulah Baptist Church with special music by the Beulah Praise Team. Dinner will follow the service.
August 8
PRAYER VIGIL: There will be a prayer vigil August 8 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church on Jefferson Street. People are invited to come to pray at any time during those 12 hours and stay as long or as short a time as he/she chooses. This
is sponsored by the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association.
August 8-12
CHURCH REVIVAL: Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its annual revival August 8-12 at 7 p.m. nightly The pastor is Rev. G.H. Pulliam and the evangelist for the week is Rev. Carols Snead of Faithful Baptist Church in Columbus.
August 11
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: The Alexander City Police Department is hosting the 33rd Annual National Night Out August 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sportplex. The event will showcase various public safety and emergency response agencies that operate in the Alexander City and surrounding areas including the State, County, EMA, businesses, and church groups. The event is free and will include free hotdogs and drinks while they last. PATH FINDERS MEETING: The next meeting of the local Alzheimer’s Group for individuals needing dementia education, resources and support will be Thursday, August 11 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lake Martin Area United Way Conference Room. This meeting is open to the community.
August 13
CAMP FIRE REGISTRATION: There will be a pool party registration for Camp Fire for the upcoming school year August 13 at the city pool from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is for kindergarten through sixth grade. GOSPEL SINGING: The Joy Masters Quartet will perform August 13 at 6 p.m. at the Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street. Everyone is welcome.
August 14
CHURCH HOMECOMING: Sardis United Methodist Church in Dadeville is hosting its 179th Homecoming August 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be a lunch following. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Peace & Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church on County Road 30 in Kellyton is hosting homecoming Sunday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. The guest minister will be Rev. McClendon Hall of Loving Peace Baptist Church. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Liberty United Methodist Church in Hackneyville is hosting homecoming services August 14 at 10:30 a.m. The guest speaker will be Hon. Ray Martin with special music by Harlan Burton. Lunch will follow at noon and there will be a singing in the afternoon.
August 16
BUDGET HEARING: The Alexander City Board of Education is having a public budget hearing following the 5 p.m. August 16 board meeting at the board office.
August 16-18
CHURCH REVIVAL: Mt. Lovely Baptist Church in Camp Hill will have its annual revival August 16 - August 18 at 6:30 p.m. nightly. Rev. Quenton Hammond of Antioch Baptist Church in Pratt City will be the guest minister. Rev. Bernard Harris is pastor.
August 17-19
CHURCH REVIVAL: Peace & Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services Aug. 17-19 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest evangelist will be Rev. Kendall Burton of Mt. Zion
Missionary Baptist Church in Sylacauga.
August 21
HOMECOMING: Darian Missionary Baptist Church at 1825 Pearson Chapel Road in Alexander City will have a Homecoming Celebration beginning at 2:30 p.m. The guest church is Harper Springs Baptist Church of Sylacauga with Pastor Ocie Blackmon speaking. Rev. Larry Shealey is the minister at Darian Missionary Baptist Church.
August 22
SPEECH AND HEARING SCREENING: Auburn Universtiy’s NSSLHA and SAA are having a free speech and hearing screening Monday, August 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic in Room 1199 of the Haley Center. No Appointment is necessary.
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August 22-24
REVIVAL: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services August 22-24 at 7 p.m. nightly. The guest minister is Rev. MacArthur Moss of Reeltown Missionary Baptist Church. Edward Milner is pastor.
Aug. 22-Aug. 26
REVIVAL: Darian Missionary Baptist Church at 1825 Pearson Chapel Road in Alexander City will hold a revival Monday, Aug. 22-Friday, Aug. 26 with nightly services set for 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Theoangelo Perkins of Liberty Christian Church in Harpersville.
September 10
LAUREL HIGH CLASS OF 1969: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 will have a meeting on Sat. September 10 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Cooper Recreation Center.
September 20
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MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
September 22
STORY TELLER: Delores Hydock, actress and storyteller, will present ‘Soldiers in Greasepaint: USO Camp Show Entertainers from World War II’ at Red Ridge Methodist Church (corner of Hwy 49 and 34) Sept. 22 at 11:30 a.m. Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host this fun presentation by Delores, and she will tell us that it was bigger than Bob Hope! From Utah to the Philippines, from wrestlers and tap dancers to the biggest names in show business, from 16,000 servicemen in a southern France amphitheater to 20 GI’s in jeeps, USO camps were part of an inspiring story of volunteerism, patriotism and service. She shares with us her stories, pictures and video excerpts of some of the 7000 camp performers who brought music and laughs to US servicemen far from home during WW II. Call 256-825-7820 for more information.
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September 24
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover birch trees in a snow scene. You can register at Wine Emporium or by calling Dottie Holdren at 256-377-4918.
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
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Residents big losers in city ‘sick out’
A
number of city employees whose jobs are in Alexander City City Hall have decided over the last two days not to show up for work. Supposedly, there is some frustration with the Alexander City City Council’s refusal to dismiss the city’s financial director, Sandra Machen, on two separate occasions. Machen was terminated July 22 pending review of the council. On Monday, her position with the city was discussed in an executive session of the council, which ultimately decided to keep her on the city’s payroll after a 3-3 vote. On Tuesday morning, few employees in City Hall showed up for work, the same morning that Machen returned. Several extended their absences through Wednesday. It’s an ill-conceived protest, if that’s what it is. The workers, many whose jobs include processing payments from Alexander City citizens, are doing little but making those citizens – already angry at the bumbling financial goings-on that have plagued the city in the last several months (not to mention the occasional mayor-councilman fisticuffs) – even angrier. As several readers pointed out, there are plenty of people who are not happy about the way things are going at work and have people there they don’t really care for a lot. But they go to work and do their job. The employees that stayed away get a paycheck that says City of Alexander City across the top. Regardless of who signs it, they work for the people and are paid by the tax dollars and fees ponied up by the residents. Mayor Charles Shaw said he believes this was a direct protest for returning Machen to work. If these absent employees found themselves on the hot seat, we’re sure they would want to have due process and things to be done right before they were fired. Instead of making a statement, what these workers did was further hamper the city’s ability to function properly. City employees, it’s time to man up and show up.
Outlook The
Thursday, August 4, 2016
There are times when bad golf is good
L
ast week, I played in the Steve Bartkowski – Will Herring Youth for Christ Golf Tournament at the Auburn University Club. To put it mildly, my golf game is lacking. I am to golf what Hillary Clinton is to honesty, to what Donald Trump is to humility, and what Nick Saban is to height. I’m not very good, but I do enjoy playing. So many lessons can be learned on the links. When the young lady at registration asked what my handicap was, I replied with, “Well, I stutter.” Stuttering during a round of golf poses its own set of unique challenges. For example, I sometimes have trouble getting out F-words. Hey, it’s not what you’re thinking. When I accidentally hit a ball in the direction of other people, I have trouble yelling the word “fore.” By the time I get it out, the damage has been done. When I was a kid, Steve Bartkowski was my favorite quarterback. I loved Joe Montana and Dan Marino, but since he played for the Atlanta Falcons, he was my favorite. The Falcons weren’t very good, but they were our closest team, and they had running back William Andrews from Auburn. So, just imagine how
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
thrilled I was to be placed on the team with him. Rounding out our foursome in the scramble was Will Herring and Dixon Tharin. Will is an Opelika boy who had a great career at Auburn, followed by a solid seven or so years in the NFL. Tharin is a new friend, and we hit it off very well. He saved us a few times, granted he got to hit from the “old man” tee box. I’m just ribbing him. He played more consistent than any of us. We had a great time but didn’t play very well. I played worse than I usually play, which is saying a lot. Steve didn’t play very well, per his standards. The man has hit 13 holes in one for crying out loud. It sometimes take me 13 shots on one hole. When people are around me for any length of time, they start to stutter. Perhaps my golf game rubbed off on him a bit, too. There are times during the course of a round of 18 when I hit an amazing shot, which is all it takes for me to want to come back and play again. We had played 13 or 14 holes and
I still had yet to hit that shot. I was feeling down, because I wasn’t helping my team. At one point, the ball was over on the fringe. It wasn’t buried very deep, but it was not the kind of shot I ever excelled at. The other guys had gone before me without a lot of success, so it was up to me. I looked up at Will and very honestly said, “Man, I don’t know why I’m even attempting this shot." I did anyway. I swung away, and it was my shot—my shot of the day. It was high and long and sailed through the air beautifully, landing just a few feet from the cup. We may have used my ball one other time, but that was the shot, and it almost never happened, because I doubted myself. If we don’t believe in ourselves, then how can we expect others to? Lesson learned. It was a great day in every way, but most of all, because it gave back to East Alabama Youth for Christ, which gives back so much to our community and its future. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@ jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www. jodyfuller.com.
represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
Bobby Tapley
Sherry Ellison-Simpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
Sherry Ellison Simpson
Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.
Bob Howard
Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.
James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-3299758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee. Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
James Spann
Tony Goss
Scripture “Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.” – Ephesians 5:17
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Actions of city employees penalize citizens
Dear editor and city employees with the “Blue Flu:” You city employees need to remember who you work for: Although you are city employees, you work for the public, i.e., the taxpayers of Alexander City. You do not work for the city council. If you employees have a problem with the council, TELL THEM. Speak to them directly, face to face or by direct mail. Do not contribute to idiocy of the city government and management that seems to be the
norm these days. Your actions have only penalized the citizens of Alexander City. You who did not report to work on Tuesday did not cause a problem for the members of the city council. They were able to carry on their daily routine without any inconvenience. However, the citizens that came to pay their utility bill, which by the way, pays your salary, were inconvenienced. Your actions only served to add to the problem, not contribute to a solution. Our town has
enough foolishness and bad publicity to recover from as it is. What is needed is for you city employees to do your job, and if you have grievances, speak directly to the people responsible. The citizens of Alexander City are not responsible for your workplace grievances, but they are the only ones feeling the· effects of your actions. Timothy M. Blankenship Alexander City
Someone should pay attention to condition of neighborhoods Dear Editor, I am a concerned citizen of Alexander City where I have lived all of my life. We have selected officers (candidates) for our district hoping they would fulfill their promises. I live on Lonesome Road (cut off from North Central Avenue) Our street doesn’t get the grass edged,
trees and bushes trimmed nor our street swept. We need sidewalks (down E Street) and our streets widened. I’m wondering when we will get someone elected who is really interested in the welfare of our neighborhood. People own the property but don’t keep it up. I am concerned along with Joe Morrione.
Everybody should be made to keep their property presentable. We just want to be treated equal – after all we are all taxpayers. Take the time out and travel down Lonesome Road to see exactly what I mean. Mrs. Eddie Wright Alexander City
It’s time for city to move forward with God’s help Billy Ray Wall
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.
Letters to the Editor
Bobby Tapley
“Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.” – Henry Ward Beecher
Mission
Officials
Charles Shaw
Quote
Our
Know Your Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Today’s
Dear Editor, “The glory of God leaves the City” Ezekiel 11:22-23 “Then did the Cherubims lift up their wings, and the wheels beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above. “And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city.” Wake up Alexander City, Alabama, listen to the heartbeat of our city. Where are we trodding and will we destroy the spirit of our very existence due to frivolous and cantankerous arrogance?
Should we not press forward and reach ahead to be a beacon of light that energizes us to make us become better citizens of this town of about 15,000 people? It’s time for the City of Alexander City to soar and rise above the carelessness, faultfinding and the spirit of envy, jealousy and disdain. If we continue to exploit each other with unpractical and selfseeking ways, God may just take his glory to another place. And the city that is recognized for so many great accomplishments will falter to become a city where many citizens worked hard to destroy its greatness.
Alexander City citizens, we must decide where we go from here. Shall we end up in a backward state or can we move forward to better our beautiful, loving city? It’s up to all of us who are a part of this township to wake up, shape up and shake off the weights of barriers that stop our city growth. Mercy God Mary in Jesus name, Amen May the peace of God abide within our hearts and in the city. Evangelist Teresa Harrell Moten Way Ministries
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Judge
continued from page 1
but it had nothing to do with carrying out any official duties.” Archer said Wednesday that rather than fighting the allegations, he admitted his mistake and was ready to take his punishment and move forward. “I take full responsibility for my actions and I have never waivered on that,” Archer said. “I know it sounds harsh, but I am ready to get this behind me. This has been rough on my family, my wife and it was no piece of cake for me either. “I have been upfront and honest throughout the process and cooperated with them fully. All I can do now is ask for forgiveness. I was there and thought I was talking with a friend and she threw the bait out there and I took it.” The online conversations between Archer and the 37-year-old woman began in early January and escalated from friendly banter to sexually suggestive requests in a matter of days, according to time stamps on the messages. The messages from Archer’s Facebook account, which features his official probate court judge portrait. One message even includes the offer of money if the woman were to meet with him. The language in some of the message is so explicit that they can’t be printed in a newspaper and many of those suggestive passages were redacted in the complaint.
In messages from Archer’s account, the judge’s personal cell phone number was sent to the woman and in some conversations he asked her to call him at his office. Those requests came during business hours at the Tallapoosa County Probate Office. A picture of Archer, dressed in a T-shirt, is also included in one messenger exchange. A photo of a man nude below the waist was also sent to the woman from Archer’s cell phone number. The background in the picture closely resembles the bathroom tile in the Tallapoosa County Courthouse. The above facts were reported by The Outlook and were cited in the JIC complaint that was released late Wednesday. The JIC complaint alleges that “Judge Archer’s conduct described in this complaint demonstrates: a failure to uphold the high standards of conduct required of judges so that the integrity and independence of the judiciary may be preserved, a failure to avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all his activities, a failure to at all times maintain the decorum and temperance benefitting his office, and a failure to avoid conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice that brings the judicial office into disrepute.” The complaint further alleges that Archer violated the provisions of the Alabama Canons of Judicial Ethics including:
• Canon 1 - A judge should observe high standards of conduct so that the integrity and independence of the judiciary may be preserved. • Canon 2 - A judge should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all his activities. • Canon 2A – A judge should conduct himself at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. • Canon 2B - A judge should at all times maintain the decorum and temperance befitting his office and should avoid conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice which brings the judicial office into disrepute. Archer was first elected on Nov. 6, 2012 to serve a six-year term as probate court judge. Archer previously served as a county commissioner in Shelby and Tallapoosa counties. Archer said he has confidence in his staff and that regular business will be handled professionally in his absence. The office has vital roles in elections, tag and license renewal and other legal filings dealing with competency and marriages. Judge Tom Young will superintend the legal matters until a replacement is named by presiding Judge Steve Perryman when and if it becomes official.
Tuggle
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Those same reports said McCutcheon was chosen the caucus’ nominee after three ballots. McCutcheon, from Monrovia in Madison County, has served as chair of the House Rules Committee, a post he was appointed to by former speaker Hubbard. Hubbard was convicted in June on multiple counts of using his office for personal gain. He was sentenced to four years in prison and is awaiting an appeal. McCutcheon was first elected to the House in 2006. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served with the Huntsville Police Department for 25 years. His work included serving as a hostage negotiator and an investigator with the Major Crimes Unit. McCutcheon cannot be formally elected House Speaker until Gov. Bentley’s called special session convenes. Bentley has called the session in hopes of having a constitutional amendment on a lottery ready for the November ballot. Tuggle would like to see a special session include some other items and said he will hold his opinion of any lottery amendment until it is finalized. “My thoughts about the called special session are mixed …” Tuggle said. “The BP settlement at $50 million per year is currently going into the General Fund to help fund all General Fund
agencies, debt and Medicaid. I would like to monetize that settlement, worth approximately $650 million, and pay off all General Fund debt to the Alabama Trust Fund and put the balance ($50-60 million) into Medicaid for fiscal year 2017. The additional $50 million-plus will help fund the regional care organizations across the state and reform other Medicaid services.” Tuggle said he will wait to see any constitutional amendment on the lottery before he decides whether to support it. “I want to see the final version of the lottery constitutional amendment before I make any commitment of support or non-support. We only have nine days (Aug. 15-24) to create a quality constitutional amendment to be placed on the November ballot for a referendum. I will stay positive and work for the best balanced solution for my district and the state.” Alabama was one of five Gulf states awarded a total of $18.7 billion in a settlement for the disastrous 2010 oil spill from BP’s Deepwater Horizon rig. Alabama’s share of the settlement was approximately $2.3 billion, including $1.3 billion for environmental damage mitigation and $1 billion in economic damages. The $1 million has yet to be monetized. In FY 2016, the Alabama Medicaid Agency sought $100 million in addition-
Strand
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al funding after being level funded for several years. The legislature allocated $15 million and, on Monday, the agency responded to the shortfall by cutting reimbursements to Medicaid providers an average of 30 percent. Regional care organizations are nonprofit, locally led managed-care organizations that will ultimately provide
healthcare services to most Alabama Medicaid recipients at established costs under the supervision and approval of the Alabama Medicaid Agency. They were created to enable Medicaid to move from a volume-based, fee-forservice system to a payment system that incentivizes quality health care and improved outcomes.
MEET THE
CANDIDATES Tallapoosa Publishers is hosting a non-partisan Candidate Forum for Candidates for City Council of the City of Alexander City:
Thursday, August 11th 6 PM - 8 PM Betty Carol Graham Technology Center, Central Alabama Community College Dr. Bridgett King - Moderator
the music continue. “Hopefully, we can have similar concerts this fall and winter,” Howell said. “I’d love to see us have a Christmas concert series of some kind.” Strand Sessions is presented by LMYP with sponsors Anytime Fitness, Bice Motors, Firetruck Bar-B-Q, Lake Martin Area Association of REALTORS, Lee Marketing Group, Music Depot, Satterfield Outdoor Living and USAmeriBank. Alexander City’s Fire Truck will be on site tonight selling Barb-B-Q nachos and pulled-pork and rib sandwiches. “They do allow coolers and we suggest that those that are coming bring their own lawn chairs,” said Howell. +
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The Outlook
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The purpose of the Candidate Forum is to allow our community to meet the candidates and to give candidates an opportunity to speak on issues affecting Alexander City. The event is free and open to the public. Each candidate will have 3 minutes to introduce themselves and give an opening statement. (This includes the 2 candidates that are running uncontested races.)
Candidates will be asked 2 questions by the moderator relating to municipal affairs and council responsibilities and 1 question that is district specific. Candidates will have 60 seconds of response time per question. Each candidate will then be allowed 3 minutes for closing remarks. Tallapoosa Publishers strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community by encouraging our citizens to be informed and to actively participate in government. BE RESPONSIBLE, VOTE. Please spread the word and encourage others in our community to attend.
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
My wild guesses for the college football season
T
Thursday, August 4, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
he magazines are out. The experts — whatever an expert is — have weighed in and offered their predictions for the 2016 college football season, but nobody really knows for sure what will happen. Teams that went 0-8 in the SEC one year can play for the national championship the next. The ball bounces funny. Injuries happen. Luck happens. Destiny happens. Before you know it, an absolute underdog in August is playing in the Georgia Dome in December. Here are my preseason ponderings, wild guesses and other musings: — SEC East – 1. Georgia, 2. Tennessee, 3. Florida, 4. South Carolina, 5. Missouri, 6. Vanderbilt, 7. Kentucky. Of note … Georgia and Tennessee should be the prohibitive favorites, with the Vols visiting Athens this year … I’m pretty solid on Florida in third, but the rest of the division is a toss-up for the cellar … Missouri’s defense could be pretty wicked, but the Tigers have problems scoring points. — West – 1. Alabama, 2. LSU, 3. Texas A&M, 4. Auburn, 5. Ole Miss, 6. Arkansas, 7. Mississippi State. Of note … LSU is the sexy choice by many and probably boasts the best starting talent in the conference, but Alabama is king of the hill until it is knocked off … Texas A&M should have another high-octane offense and boasts the best crop of the receivers in the conference, but something just isn’t right in College Station … Auburn is a mystery. The Tigers should rebound, but that schedule doesn’t help. — I could be wrong here, but Tennessee and Ole Miss might be two of the most overhyped teams in America. I get it, the Vols return an abundance of starters from a team that came together during the second half of last season. But “next year” hasn’t worked out for the Vols since Phil Fulmer was head coach. This is, however, their best chance in years. Regarding the Rebels, Ole Miss plays Florida State, Alabama, Georgia, at Arkansas and at LSU before Auburn comes to Oxford on Oct. 29. I’m not sure quarterback Chad Kelly can win on his own. Throw in the shadow of potential NCAA woes and a ton of talent lost to the NFL, I wouldn’t be surprised to find the Rebels struggling to stay above .500 through October. — Easiest SEC schedule: Georgia. The Dogs’ toughest road game is at Ole Miss (who could be floundering), gets Tennessee at home and has the luxury of playing Kentucky, Vanderbilt and Missouri each season. — Toughest SEC schedule: Auburn. Anytime you visit Athens and Tuscaloosa in the same season, you’ve got an uphill battle. Throw in two road games in Mississippi and a home date with LSU, and you better bring your best each Saturday, or else. — Stars fall on the Plains: Auburn’s September schedule features some of the top players in America. Clemson and quarterback Deshaun Watson visit Sept. 3, Texas A&M’s big bad defensive end Myles Garrett comes to town on Sept. 17, and LSU running back Leonard Fournette, who left footprints on the AU defense last year, visits Sept. 24. — Top conference games: Alabama at LSU (Nov. 5), Alabama at Ole Miss (Sept. 17), and Tennessee at Georgia (Oct. 1) are the early headliners. Sneaking in under the radar include LSU at Auburn (Sept. 24), Georgia at Ole Miss (Sept. 24) and Tennessee at Texas A&M (Oct. 8). — What about the playoff? Complete wild guess. I’ll go with Alabama, Florida State, Oklahoma and Michigan. Next four: Clemson, LSU, Notre Dame and Stanford. This is subject to change, often. Joe McAdory is the communications editor at the Auburn University Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and is the former sports editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.
Graveman’s performance ‘A’-OK Alex City native gets back to basics in the major leagues By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Alexander City native and Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Kendall Graveman is on an upswing. In 117 games played this season, Graveman has had 10 quality starts and 71 strikeouts. For each inning he’s pitched, the Benjamin Russell High School alumni allows an average of 1.38 walks plus hits. His ERA also stands at 4.15. That’s quite a rise from a year ago when an oblique injury sent Graveman to the disabled list for a full two months of the 2015 season. It’s also an upward trend from a not-so-hot start in April when Graveman won only one game for the month and continued the trend through June. Then July came and the former Wildcat earned a 4-1 record. Graveman said one reason for his upswing was just to focus. “When I was 1-6, it didn’t define who I am,” he said. “My goal is getting back to .500. Every time I go out on the pitcher’s mound, I want to put my team in a position to win.” Graveman’s plan to work toward that goal began with a little self-evaluation. “I sat down and told myself I needed to simplify some things,” he said. “I asked myself, ‘The guys that are succeeding, what are they doing?’” That answer centered on locating the ball where it would do the most good for the A’s. “I went back to basics,” Graveman said. That includes remembering that groundballs are his specialty. “I can go deeper if I’m getting my groundballs,” Graveman said. “I need to stick with my identity.” He makes sure to keep that fact a priority. “When I look back at a game I think, ‘Did I get 10 groundballs during the game?” Graveman said. If so, he’s satisfied with his
Submitted / The Outlook
Above, wearing the No. 49 jersey for the Oakland A’s, Kendall Graveman sends a pitch across home plate recently. Below, Graveman plans to return to Alex City for a visit with his parents over the Christmas holidays.
time on the pitcher’s mound. As he looks toward the
remainder of the 2016 season, Graveman continues to set
goals for himself. “I’m going to try to reach 180 innings or more,” he said. Another goal centers around making sure he doesn’t have a repeat of last season’s having to sit out due to injury. “I’m trying to pitch a whole season healthy,” Graveman said. Part of that involves building up muscle. “I do as much as I can in the weight room,” Graveman said. On Wednesday Graveman was headed into pitching the second of three games against the Cleveland Indians. The A’s lost their first in the threegame series by a score of 5-4 but Graveman anticipated walking away with a win in the second game. “I hope it’s the first scenario to win the series,” he said. Results from Wednesday’s game were not available at press time.
Lamberth wins Willow Point Club Championship By STAFF REPORTS TPI Staff
Some 55 members teed off in the Willow Point Men’s Club Championship. Held on July 15-16, this was the third year the tourney was held on the facility’s new ultradwarf Bermuda green. It is also the third year the event was played in a dogfight division, with a Super Senior division added to help increase participation and include all levels and ages. The Championship Division players competed from championship tees (7,100 yards). “The golf was stellar,” said Willow Point Director of Golf Matthew S. Sheppard. Hank Lamberth opened with a 6-under par 66. This gave him a six-shot lead over two-time champion Thad Estes (72). On Estes’ heels after the first round, Mark Harris and Kevin Speaks, who fired opening rounds of 73 (+1), also had a glimpse at the title as the final round began. After the first nine of the final round, Lamberth’s lead was cut to 4 shots over Harris. “So the back nine was shaping up to have some potential to have an exciting finish,” Sheppard said.
Through 13 holes, Lamberth’s lead fell to just two strokes as Harris made back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13. Once the horn blew for a lightning delay, Lamberth kept stride with a birdie on the 14th and played solid to the tune of a 4-stroke victory — the first under-par total by a champion since 2011. The Senior Division also generated electricity as the over-50 crowd included some very competitive participants. Scott Henderson led after the first round with a 1-over par 73. Eddie Adair outlasted the senior field over the two-day event winning the title with scores of 74-75- 149. The new Super Senior Division featured past state amateur champions, multiple previous senior club champions and many others who enjoy competition. Paul Salter claimed the debut division’s title with scores of 74-72- 146. “We are looking forward to growing this division as these gentlemen thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the competitive atmosphere,” Sheppard said. Remaining participants competed in a dogfight format that allows competitors to play to a quota calculated by their
Submitted / The Outlook
Above, Willow Point Men’s Club Championship winner Hank Lamberth, center, is congratulated by Mack Shepard, left, and Kenyon Twing. Below, Hank Lamberth shares his victory with his son Henry.
handicap. John Smyt was the Points Division Champion for the second year. “He played well both rounds and there were very few players that were able to exceed their point quota for two days,” Sheppard said.