Issuu

DEFENSIVE EDGE

OPINION: REMINDER TO LETS BE SAFE, PAGE 4.

FRIDAY

THE

Former Dadeville assistant returns to lead Tiger defense, page 8.

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 August 5, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 157 www.alexcityoutlook.com

Shoppers get a break with sales tax

Sweet Sounds of Strand

Annual tax holiday underway in the state

Workers back, AG investigator questions staff, suit threatened

By MITCH SNEED Editor

For those people with lastminute shopping left to do as their children head back to school, they can find a little bit of relief as they hit the checkout line. The 2016 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday started across the state at 12:01 this morning and will run through midnight on Sunday, Aug. 7. This year marks the 11th annual sales tax holiday in Alabama, giving shoppers the opportunity to purchase certain school supplies, computers and clothing free of state sales or use tax. During the tax holiday, the state’s four-percent sales tax will be waived statewide and locally Alexander City and Dadeville councils voted to waive their sales tax on the items covered under the program. Tallapoosa County opted not to participate and will still collect its 2 cents per dollar tax, but the opportunity still presents a potential savings for local shoppers. That means that rather than paying the standard 10 percent sales tax in Alexander City and the 9.5 percent in Dadeville, this weekend shoppers will pay just 2 percent in those cities. Some of the items subject to the tax holiday include: • Clothing priced at $100 or less; • School supplies valued at $50 or less; • Books that cost $30 or less; and • Computers and computer equipment with a selling price of $750 or less. See TAX • Page 3

City Hall filled with activity By MITCH SNEED Editor

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

B. Snipes of Birmingham performs at the final session of the 2016 Lake Martin Young Professionals’ Strand Sessions Thursday night. The Strand Sessions have brought out area residents to downtown Alexander City on the first Thursday of each month this summer. The Young Professionals hope to be able to put together a Christmas series similar to the summer series.

Almost all the employees at city hall in Alexander City returned to work after what Mayor Charles Shaw called “a two-day protest,” an investigator with the Alabama Attorney General’s Office questioned city employees as part of a probe into possible theft of city funds and an attorney for the city’s embattled finance director is threatening to sue. Yes, Thursday was just another day at Alexander City City Hall. Residents seeking to pay utility bills at city hall were able to do so by all means as most of the windows in the lobby were staffed Thursday, after two days where no employees were present to handle the task. “Most everyone is back today,” City Clerk Harriett Scott said. “So payments can be taken in all forms. “ While none of the workers have said on the record why they were out, Shaw told the Outlook Tuesday he felt “it was a direct protest against the council’s action from Monday night ” that put city Finance Director Sandra Machen back on the job. See CITY • Page 2

Camp Hill council votes to return to full-time hours for town employees By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Despite still having income less than expenses, the Camp Hill Town Council voted Monday night to return all employees to 40 hours a week. Just weeks ago the council voted to cut everyone but the police department back to 32 hours in an effort to save money. Court clerk Sallie Heard explained to town staff that everything cannot be done in a 32-hour work week. See CAMP HILL • Page 3

Renew Our Rivers Upper 489.21 Tallapoosa cleanup set Lake Martin

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Lake Levels Reported on 8/4/16 @ 2 p.m.

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

Today’s

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93 74 High

Low

54708 90050

The 12th annual Renew Our Rivers Upper Tallapoosa River cleanup is Saturday, Aug. 6, with volunteers gathering at Tallapoosa River Outfitters near Heflin, located on Alabama Highway 46 near Heflin. The Upper Tallapoosa River Cleanup is one of more than 30 cleanups in Alabama done as part of Renew Our Rivers, including a Lake Martin cleanup, which is set for Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4-5. “We’ve been doing this for about a decade,” said Kent Owen, manager of Tallapoosa Outfitters. “We clean up about 5.2 miles on the river. The trip by water takes 3-4 hours, depending on the boat traffic and how high the water is. “We have about 20-30 volunteers every See CLEANUP • Page 3

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Over 100 took part in the Summer Reading Finale for the Summer Children’s Reading Program “Ready, Set, Read” Saturday at the Sportplex Gym. Guests were entertained by juggler, Tom Foolery, mascots like Sparky the Fire Dog, McGrugg the Crime Dog, Winnie the Pooh and Big Al. Children in attendance were treated to train rides and play in sports inflatable. Children were also took home bags and certificates for participating in the reading program following a free lunch.

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Man’s cold reaction to wife’s miscarriage adds to her pain

Saturday

94 74 Low

High

Mostly sunny, 40 percent chance of thunderstorms

Sunday

92 73 Low

High

Partly sunny, 50 percent chance of thunderstorms

Staff

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

Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales Intern, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com

Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com 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.

Postal

Information

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

Friday, August 5, 2016

The Outlook

Call 256-234-4281 to subscribe!

DEAR ABBY: My husband, “Rob,” and I are at odds and your response may affect whether we stay together or not. I had a miscarriage a week ago. I was only seven weeks pregnant, but it was still something real for me. My husband’s niece’s birthday was over the weekend. I made it clear that I didn’t want to drive (three hours!) and be around people after what happened. When he told me it didn’t matter, that it was his niece’s birthday, I lost it on him. After driving him to his sister’s, I left and drove myself home. He says I’m overreacting and said that I was OK with it earlier in the week. I explained how hurt I was that he’d insist on going and also that he couldn’t stand up for me and explain that I was too emotional and upset to attend her birthday. He can’t grasp why I’m so hurt by this. AM I overreacting, and am I crazy for feeling the way I feel? -- FEELING DOWN

DEAR ABBY Advice

IN THE SOUTH DEAR FEELING DOWN: I’m sorry for your loss. You’re not overreacting and you’re not crazy. However, some people are unable to grasp how deeply a miscarriage in the early months of a pregnancy can affect the mother-to-be psychologically and physically. Unfortunately, Rob appears to be one of them. You didn’t mention whether you told your sister-in-law why you didn’t feel up to celebrating, but if you didn’t, you should have because she probably would have understood and let you off the hook. You also should have stayed home, not driven six hours round-trip to

drop Rob off in your fragile condition. If this continues to cause problems in your marriage, perhaps your clergyperson (if you have one) or a marriage counselor can help you get the message across to your husband. DEAR ABBY: When I invited a family member and her family for dinner, she asked what I was serving. When I told her, she said, “My kids won’t eat that,” so I ended up making a different meal that met with her approval. It was annoying, and I thought she was very rude. I can’t imagine saying something like that to someone who is preparing food for me. This is a family member, so I can’t just write them off, but do you have any witty responses should this happen again? -DISGUSTED IN CALIFORNIA DEAR DISGUSTED: I agree it’s rude for guests to ask a host what will be served, unless

there are allergy issues to be considered. As far as what to say to your relative, I have a couple of suggestions. Neither one is “witty.” The first is: “Fine. Bring food your kids will eat or I’ll thaw them some frozen pizza.” Or, if you’re feeling brave, say: “I’m serving (blank), so hire a baby sitter. That way, the kids can have what they’re used to and we’ll have an enjoyable adult evening.” P.S. It is not child abuse for parents to introduce children to different foods by telling them to taste it because they might like it. And if they don’t, they won’t be forced to eat it. That’s how they learn. 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 Mr. Michael Anthony Barker 1959 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mr. Michael Anthony Barker, 57, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Dr. Jeffrey Fuller, Rev. Wayne Cowhick, and Bro. Clay Thomas will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hackneyville Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 5, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Barker passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at his residence. He was born on May 5, 1959

in Wetumpka, Alabama to Thurston Barker and Lorraine Floyd Barker. He loved his family and enjoyed the time he spent with his children and the family dog, Bentley. Tony was a Master Electrician at the Alabama Department of Transportation. He enjoyed fishing and farm work. He was able to fix anything and when he couldn’t, he was able to give advice. Tony was a member of New Salem Baptist Church and was a wonderful singer and musician. He is survived by his wife, Gail Peacock Barker of Alexander City; daughter, Ashley Barker of Alexander City; son, Micah Barker of Alexander

City; brothers, Dale Barker (Delbra) and Mark Barker (Beth), all of Alexander City. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family will accept flowers or contributions may be made in Tony’s memory to the Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Dept., 9267 Highway 63 North, Alexander City, AL 35010. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

City The Outlook filed an open records request Thursday seeking the exact number of city employees who called in sick on Tuesday and Wednesday after getting conflicting information from city hall and the city’s department heads. Despite reports from city hall Tuesday indicating there were heavy absences across all city departments, calls to

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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 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.

continued from page 1

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. Department heads indicated that the only multiple absences that they had heard about were at city hall. With the two-day sickout apparently over, an investigator with the office of Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange was at city hall Thursday. He was on site for more than two hours and met with several city officials and employees, asking questions as a part of an investigation into money that an auditor working for the city said appeared to be stolen. The money had been taken to city hall for deposit from Lake Winds Golf Course. On March 22, Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney E. Paul Jones said he believed that there was criminal activity involved in the missing funds and said that a forensic audit was needed to determine if criminal wrongdoing occurred. On April 18, Jones reported to Alexander City Mayor Charles Shaw that he had requested assistance from the Attorney General’s office. Mike Lewis, the communications director for the Attorney General’s office, confirmed in June that an investiga-

tor from the AG’s office had been assigned to look into the golf course fund issue. Lewis said he couldn’t comment or confirm whether an investigator was in Alexander City or what may or may not have been discussed. Also, an attorney who represents Finance Director Sandra Machen said since her return to work Tuesday, his client has been subjected to a hostile work environment and slandered by the mayor in television news reports. Attorney Bob Echols said he has made attempts to stop the pattern of behavior towards Machen who just wants “to do her job.” “She doesn’t have a computer to work on, her phone has been forwarded to another office,” Echols said. “All she has is a desk and pencil and paper and that’s about it. Then on top of that you have the mayor on television saying things about her that were taken into executive session to protect her good name and character. It needs to stop.” Echols said he hasn’t ruled out a lawsuit, but hopes that city leaders “come to their senses.” Echols shared an email that Machen sent to the mayor and all the members of the city council that asked for help in doing her job. “I have not been able to access my computer. The telephone line to my office is being forward to another

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office,” Machen wrote. “I have been removed from accessing all bank accounts. Employees are responsible for respecting the rights of their coworkers. I had a right to a due process hearing regarding my termination by the Mayor. I exercised that right, the Council voted not to uphold the termination, and I returned to work. Employees have failed to respect my rights by refusing to come to work until I am no longer employed. I am asking the mayor and the council to deal appropriately with these actions by those employees. At this time, neither the council nor the mayor has made any attempts to condemn this type of behavior. … “I am working in a hostile work environment. I am suffering emotional stress and physical strain as a result of the deliberate attacks from the Mayor, and others. I am very concerned with the damage caused to my future employability. I am asking the council to take action to protect me as an employee from harassment, intimidation, retaliation, and false reporting. I would like to focus on my job without being affected by these issues. I personally request you to look into this matter seriously. I hope this plea will assist in establishing a harmonious, cooperative working relationship between employees and the mayor.”

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Public Meetings  Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m.

p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department.  Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.

 Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.

 Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held upstairs in the courthouse at 6:30 p.m.

 Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m.

 Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m.,

 Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month.

 Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton.

 Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.  Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford.  Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in city hall.  Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30

 New Site City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall.  Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office. All customers are invited to attend.  Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m.  Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853.

Cleanup year. Of course, it depend on what other things may be going on that weekend. We’d love to have volunteers from south of us come and participate.” “Renew Our Rivers engages thousands of community volunteers and partners each year, creating a unique partnership with one goal in mind: cleaning Alabama’s rivers and watersheds,” said JackiLyn Lowery, a spokesperson for Alabama Power. “We are fortunate to have so many people and organizations supporting the cause. It is especially exciting to see a new generation of younger volunteers getting involved in the stewardship of our lakes and rivers.” Volunteers should wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes and are encouraged to bring their own boats. Minors must have a chaperone to participate. T-shirts will be provided to the first 75 volunteers to arrive. The cleanup will finish at 4 p.m., followed by a cookout. This Renew Our

Camp Hill “They are not able to keep up with inputting stuff in the new system,” Heard said. “With the shortened work hours they just cannot get it done.” The council unanimously approved the move but still put in the requirement of no overtime except in case of an emergency. The move was not done without some discussion. “I thought we cut them back to 32 hours because we did not have the money,” Council member Will York said. “My question is, do we have the money to put them back to 40 hours? We are not even looking to see if we have the money to do it.” Mayor Danny Evans gave some insight into

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The Outlook continued from page 1

Rivers cleanup is coordinated by Alabama Power, Tallapoosa River Outfitters of Heflin, FOX 6-TV of Birmingham and several local sponsors. This year, 32 cleanups are planned through November on the Alabama, Black Warrior, Cahaba, Chattahoochee, Coosa, Mobile and Tallapoosa rivers. Renew Our Rivers has grown from a single river cleanup event in Gadsden to a nationally recognized campaign that includes Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle, six river systems and brings together thousands of volunteers each year. Alabama Power, with the help of volunteers around the Southeast, removed more than 14 million pounds of trash and debris from 2000 to 2015 through Renew Our Rivers. Items removed includes bottles and cans to tires, water heaters, refrigerators and boats. To learn more about volunteer efforts, visit our website, http://renewourrivers.com.

Tax

continued from page 1

While local shoppers may not benefit as much as in some areas where there will be no sales tax on the approved items, any relief is welcome by those on a tight budget. Alabama State Revenue Commissioner Julie Magee said this weekend is a great time for all consumers to save money. “You don’t have to be a student or even an Alabama resident to save money the weekend of Aug. 5-7 because of the annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday.” said Magee, in a released statement. “Products include items such as clothing, sports equipment, computers, and of course school supplies.” This year, 293 localities are participating, Magee said. According to the Alabama Retail Association, Alabama is

one of 17 states that utilize a Back to School Tax Holiday. This year Alabamians will spend almost $1.14 billion on back-to-school shopping. Alabama sales generally represent 1.5 percent of all retail sales nationally, according to numbers released by the Alabama Retail Association. The National Retail Federation projects $75.8 billion will be spent nationally this back-to-school shopping season. For many retailers, the back-to-school shopping period is their second busiest time. Alabamians will spend more than $4.5 billion in August, Alabama Retail projected in a press release. That is all taxed sales, all month, not just on backto-school and represents a 2.5 percent growth over 2015, when Alabamians spent almost $4.4 billion in August.

continued from page 1

what the town’s finances are and so did discussion about the town’s expenses and income. “We are about $93,000 in the red,” Evans said. Discussion between staff and council revealed that in the month of July the town was paying out nearly $63,000 and only took in $53,000. The council also discussed the importance of completing the input of information in the recently installed municipal QuickBooks so that audits can be completed. Town attorney Charles Gillenwaters had spoken with representatives from Auburn University’s Center for Governmental Studies who had recom-

mendations for the town. “They recommend we get the audits done as soon as possible,” Gillenwaters said. Gillenwaters also told the council that the group recommends establishing a budget and working with the IRS to reduce the amount owed by filling out a form for monies paid that have not been applied. The Camp Hill Town Council also: • approved payment of bills according to priority. • approved a gas certification class to occur this Saturday. • were reminded of a conference call with ADEM and the Attorney General’s office on the ligation involving the

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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Opinion

Our View

Let’s make this a safe school year

chools are already back in session in Tallapoosa County and school officials say the new school year is off to a good start. Alexander City Schools will follow suit and open the schoolhouse doors bright and early Monday morning. It goes without saying, but when school is in session that means traffic in and around school zones, plus children getting on and off buses in our neighborhoods. With that in mind, we ask you all to remember to slow down and watching out for children, who may not be watching out for you. State law says you must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road or not. These buses usually have a stop-sign arm on them, but you might not see it. Likewise, you might not see the children that step off these buses and run to nearby houses or people waiting for them. AAA urges drivers to be aware of children and extra cautious when backing out of driveways and parking spots in school zones and neighborhoods, especially in the morning and afternoon. Slow down. Obey the reduced speed limit in school zones. A pedestrian is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed when struck by a vehicle traveling at 20 mph compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling 30 mph. Eliminate distractions. Sometimes kids dart into the road unexpectedly. Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles the chance of crashing. Store cellphones out of reach — no texting, calling or emailing while driving. Come to a complete stop. More than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop and check for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks. Plan for extra time. With school in session, there are more children walking and riding bicycles on streets and sidewalks. Drive slowly and choose alternate routes to avoid school zones if possible. Let’s make this a safe school year.

Know Your

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

John McKelvey

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

George Carleton Jr.

Outlook The

Friday, August 5, 2016

Wanting and getting are two different things

ooking out is a southern tradition that all of us enjoy. It’s normally a leisure time of friends, family and fellowship centered on good food and conversation. The ads and commercials always represent this activity as a fun time. Normally this is the case, but there is always that exception to the rule, Last Tuesday my sweet wife decided I needed to grill out to help vary our menu. It sounded like a good idea because this summer has been hot and dry and there was only a twenty percent chance of rain, and therein lies my story. It’s amazing how much rain can fall inside that twenty percent margin. Oh, it started out okay, and then the wind started picking up. That wasn’t so bad until the first bolt of lightning flashed and then a clap of thunder exploded right over my deck. The next thing I knew this idyllic cookout had turned into a storm of Biblical proportions. The slow sprinkle of rain suddenly became a monsoon with enough rain to make Noah proud. So, I did what any self-respecting man would do, I screamed like a little girl and ran in the house. As I slammed the door behind me I heard my wife’s understanding voice, “did you get it cooked?” I tried to explain about the mini tornado

DR. GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist

going on, but she was busy frying some fresh beets and told me to suck it up and get back out there. Since I’m more fearful of my wife than a little ole tornado I donned my yellow slicker, put on my rubber boots and went back outside. I looked like the Glouster fisherman standing into the wind at a forty-five degree angle. I had a spatula in one hand and held on to the banister with the other. I was about half way finished when a flying squirrel came by my head and landed on the deck. I didn’t think we had flying squirrels in this area, and we don’t. It was the neighbor’s cat. I would have helped him, but I was afraid to turn loose of the deck railing. It didn’t make any difference because when I looked again he was spiraling off like a Wizard of Oz character along with my deck umbrella, two chairs and concrete garden bench. I just went back to my grilling. The Palmist once said that God gave Israel the desires of their hearts, but sent leanness to their souls. This cooking

out was a desire we had, but the consequences from the circumstances changed the whole picture. It was a good idea as we talked about it, but an entirely different matter after we started. Consequently, we can have great desires of things that aren’t in God’s will and find out the hard way that there is an emptiness in them, We must always be alert and evaluate things according to God’s standard. The world is full of testimonies of people who chased after things, got them and then found only heartbreak, I finally finished my cooking and crawled across the deck to the door. I was able to get inside and close it behind me by putting my foot on the door casing and pulling with all my weight. Water ran out of my boots and up my britches’ leg and I nearly dropped my water-logged chicken. There is nothing like fresh fried beets and water logged chicken to make a feast. In this case the desire of my heart was about to bring leanness to my body. Then again, I ought to be glad that it wasn’t a fifty percent chance of afternoon thundershowers. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister, an Alexander City resident and a regular columnist for The Outlook.

Today’s

Quote

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will” – Vince Lombardi

Today’s

Scripture “He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Thursday Question: Do you think city workers who called in sick in protest did the right thing?

No – 37 Yes –21

Friday Question: Do you plan to watch any coverage of the Summer Olympics? 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.

Our

Mission The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

How to

Help control litter by ‘getting involved’

n a recent conversation with a lifelong resident in the Lake Martin Community, this question was posed to me. “In all practicality, what can those of us who want to make a difference do to control the amount of litter we see on our roadsides and shoreline?” This conscientious individual is like most of us, very concerned about our environment and particularly concerned about illegal dumping and trash that is dumped on the roadside by careless individuals traveling the roads in the Lake Martin community It is very frustrating for those who love our environment to see garbage bags torn apart by scavengers and strewn on the roadside or left on the shoreline awaiting the next heavy rainfall that could possibly wash it into Lake Martin. There are some things that we can and should be doing and the most important of which is to get involved: • Report littered roadsides. If it is a state highway, call 334-567-4379, Elmore County 334-567-1162, Tallapoosa County 256-825-1062, Coosa County 256-377-2420 • If the opportunity avails, examine trash to determine the source. There may be an envelope with a name. Alabama’s Criminal Littering Law allows for conviction based on presumption of guilt. • Be willing to report

JOHN THOMPSON Guest Columnist

anyone that you witness dumping or littering to the appropriate County Sheriff’s Department. • Take a trash bag with you on your walk and increase your exercise activity by stooping to pick up litter. You can obtain an inexpensive “grabber” and avoid stooping and bending. • Organize your neighborhood by assigning designated areas for others to maintain as litter free. • Use every opportunity to point out litter to young people and invite them to assist in the removal. • Make certain that your trash container is properly positioned and closed with

no chance of toppling over or being improperly loaded into the disposal truck. • Avoid disposing of loose items, particularly plastic bags, Styrofoam products; place these lightweight items in bags and tie before disposing in trash bin. • For those that drive pick up trucks, make certain everything is secure in the back and cannot be blown out onto the roadside. It will take a concerted effort by all concerned citizens if we are to have a positive impact on the litter problem in the Lake Martin community. Lake Martin Resource Association (LMRA) has a process described on its website (www.lmra.info) to “Report a Litterer”. Those who witness criminal littering and are willing to “stick their necks out” can report the act to the appropriate County Sheriff for legal action. A reward of $250 can be earned if the report results in punitive actions. We are all privileged to live in God’s Kingdom but we are not being good stewards of this wonderful environment if we don’t make every effort to do whatever we can to get involved and fight this growing problem. John Thompson is president of the Lake Martin Resource Association.

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

What’s your

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) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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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 Aug. 6 from 6 a.m. to noon. HORSESHOE BEND SYMPOSIUM: The annual Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Symposium will be Aug. 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 Aug.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 256-234-4757.

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 Aug. 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

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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/.

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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, Aug. 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.

This meeting is open to the community.

August 8

CHURCH HOMECOMING: Sardis United Methodist Church in Dadeville is hosting its 179th Homecoming Aug. 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.

PRAYER VIGIL: There will be a prayer vigil Aug. 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, Aug. 11 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lake Martin Area United Way Conference Room.

Season Speaks

August 13

CAMP FIRE REGISTRATION: There will be a pool party registration for Camp Fire for the upcoming school year Aug. 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 Aug.13 at 6 p.m. at the Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street. Everyone is welcome. BENEFIT SINGING: There will be a benefit singing for Abby and Sam Salinas to help with medical bills due to an accident this past April at the Kellyton Revival Center Aug. 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

August 14

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

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The Outlook

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, Aug. 22 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic in Room 1199 of the Haley Center. No Appointment is necessary.

August 22-24

REVIVAL: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting revival services Aug.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.

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September 10

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

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September 20

Alexander City, AL

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

September 22

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

September 24

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover birch trees in a snow scene. You can register at Wine Emporium or by calling Dottie Holdren at 256-3774918.

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sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 8

Alabama Sports Writers Association Preseason Football Poll Class 7A 1. McGill-Toolen (27) (13-1) 347 2. James Clemens (2) (10-2) 248 3. Hoover (1) (10-3) 219 4. Central-Phenix City (9-4) 172 5. Spain Park (12-2) 169 6. Bob Jones (9-2) 164 7. Hewitt-Trussville (6-5) 158 8. Murphy (7-4) 98 9. Auburn (7-5) 49 10. Gadsden City (5-5) 32

Friday, August 5, 2016

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DEFENSIVE EDGE

Class 6A 1. Spanish Fort (29) (15-0) 357 2. Clay-Chalkville (1) (14-1) 264 3. Blount (10-2) 217 4. HillcrestTuscaloosa (8-4) 170 5. Opelika (12-1) 162 6. Oxford (3-7) 145 7. Park Crossing (8-3) 103 8. Saraland (8-3) 76 9. Bessemer City (8-5) 54 10. Benjamin Russell (12-2) 38 Class 5A 1. St. Paul’s (29) (132) 356 2. Mortimer Jordan (1) (13-2) 263 3. Jackson (13-1) 234 4. Alexandria (11-2) 196 5. Russellville (11-2) 183 6. Etowah (7-4) 82 7. Beauregard (11-1) 75 8. Eufaula (9-3) 70 9. Brooks (11-2, 4A) 52 10. Guntersville (121) 41 Class 4A 1. UMS-Wright (17) (12-1) 300 2. Madison Acad. (6) (11-2, 3A) 240 3. Cordova (2) (131) 218 4. Munford (1) (10-4) 217 5. Andalusia (11-2) 179 6. Fayette Co. (10-5) 158 7. Leeds (4) (13-2) 136 8. Cherokee Co. (7-5) 69 9. North Jackson (7-5) 54 10. Thomasville (6-5) 39 Class 3A 1. Piedmont (28) (141) 354 2. Gordo (2) (12-1) 266 3. T.R. Miller (10-3) 190 4. Bayside Acad. (114) 173 5. Hillcrest-Evergreen (8-6) 168 6. Opp (8-4) 158 7. Montevallo (9-3, 4A) 81 8. Colbert Co. (10-4) 74 9. Daleville (10-2) 69 10. Oakman (8-4) 57 Class 2A 1. Elba (27) (14-1) 351 2. Washington Co. (10-3) 217 3. Fyffe (13-2) 213 4. G.W. Long (12-1) 196 5. Lanett (5-5) 178 6. Tanner (3) (11-1) 162 7. New Brockton (9-2) 91 8. LaFayette (6-5) 88 9. Cleveland (12-1) 80 10. Aliceville (6-5, 3A) 68 Class 1A 1. Maplesville (19) (13-1) 298 2. Cedar Bluff (3) (13-2) 256 3. Linden (3) (10-3) 246 4. Brantley (5) (10-3) 235 5. Pickens Co. (8-4, 2A) 166 6. Notasulga (9-3) 121 7. Spring Garden (8-4) 106 8. Sweet Water (5-6) 100

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Above, three-time state champion winning defensive coordinator brings his skills back to the Tigers football program and sets down roots in Dadeville. Below, Richardson displays his championship rings.

Richardson brings precision perspective to Tigers By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

When the Dadeville High Tigers take to the field in their first game against LaFayette in just two weeks, they’ll do so with fresh eyes manning the defensive line. Although he’s been working with the football team since the spring, George Richardson was officially added to the school’s staff last week. While working with special education, he also serves as Tigers defensive coordinator. Richardson comes to Dadeville after working in the same job at Noxubee County High School in Macon, Mississippi. While there he garnered a record of 12-4 in 2015, 14-2 in 2014 and 16-0 in 2012, racking up state championships in all three seasons. Through his guidance the 4A team gave up 12.7 points per game with 43 sacks and 22 interceptions in 2015. He brings that same winning attitude to the Tigers’ program. “I’m keeping my same defensive style,” Richardson said. That style includes forcing a lot of turnovers and putting pressure on the quarterback. “If you cut off the head, the body falls away,” Richardson said. “One thing about Dadeville football, they always win,” Richardson said. That’s a cohesive mission with the defensive coordinator. “Myself and Coach White, we’re right at the same path,” Richardson said. “We know we need to be a tough team.” The defensive coordinator is

pleased with this season’s defensive line. “We’ve got some great kids,” Richardson said. He likens his method of coaching those kids with how he works with students in the classroom. “I’m a player’s coach but I’m a disciplinarian at the same time,” Richardson said. “We’re going to conduct business. We try to get them focused on the task at hand.” That involves looking back in order to shape the future. “You want to stay vintage,” Richardson said. “I’m really an old-school coach.” But the defensive coordinator credits the athletes with the ability to quickly grasp his instructions. “Times have changed,” Richardson said. “The thing about kids these days is they’re much smarter about technology. When I teach them something new, they get it really quickly.” Richardson envisions helping the seniors end their careers with a championship.

“That’s not common at all and you only go through high school one time,” he said. But the younger athletes will get their chance on the field, too. “We have a good group of younger players and we’re going to be playing a lot of younger ones,” Richardson said. “Come games four and five we’re going to ratchet it up,” Richardson said. Until then the focus is on the season opener against the Bulldogs. “LaFayette’s got a great team,” Richardson said. “No. 7, Jatarvious Whitlow, is their main guy as quarterback. We’ve got to stop him.” The assistant coach also sees the Tigers breaking down the Bulldogs’ offense. “My whole goal is to make the offense do what they’re not accustomed to,” he said. “I look at everything they’re doing.” With this match-up set for Aug. 19, Richardson is confident with the Tigers’ defense. “We’re on schedule right now,” he said.

Richardson credits summer conditioning and planning ahead with keeping the Tigers on track for a winning season. “We’ve been working on the first four games,” he said. “I look at all the plays we might see. Those are the ones we work on.” Richardson comes to Dadeville with quite a pedigree. He graduated cumlaude from Alabama A&M in 2001. While he’s a Los Angeles native, most of his 16-year coaching career has been spent in the South. “This is football country,” he said. Richardson’s first taste of central Alabama was in 2004 when he headed to Rockford for a year to serve as defensive coordinator for CentralCoosa County. Then Dadeville snatched him up to work with the Tigers’ defensive backs from 2005-06. “I was also assistant coach with track and field,” Richardson said. It was while in Dadeville that Richardson met his wife of 7 ½ years, Adrianne, while visiting Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. “It happened to be her church home,” he said. From there Richardson’s career took him back to California, to defensive graduate assistant at Alabama State University and defensive coordinator with Dallas County High in Plantersville. Now he returns to Dadeville to set down some roots where his marriage began. “We’ve already purchased a house in Dadeville,” Richardson said. “Go Tigers.”

Sports Calendar Aug. 1-31

Alexander City Parks and Recreation Adult Softball Fall League registration, $275 registration fee per team. Registration forms available by following online links at http://www.acpr.me/adult.php. For more information, call 256-329- 6736 or drop by the Parks and Rec office at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. Games begin Sept. 12.

Aug. 5

Alex City Youth Soccer registration for ages 3-15, 5:30-8 p.m. at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex gym, birth certificate required, $60 fee includes jersey.

Aug. 6

Alex City Junior City Golf Championship, 9:30 a.m. at Lake Winds Golf Club, Call the pro shop at 256-8259860 to sign up.

Aug. 11-Aug. 20

Tackle Football registration for age divisions: 5-6 yr old flag football, 6-8 yr olds, 10U and 12U (Playing age as of Sept. 1st). 8 week season. The league consists of 6 cities. The first 6 weeks is regular season. Then, there is a two week playoff to decide the top two teams in each age group. These top teams will then play in the Tallapoosa County Super Bowl.

Aug. 12

Alex City Youth Soccer registration for ages 3-15, 5:30-8 p.m. at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex gym, birth certificate required, $60 fee includes jersey.

Aug. 13

Alex City Youth Soccer registration for ages 3-15, 5:30-8 p.m. at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex gym, birth certificate required, $60 fee includes jersey.

Aug. 16

Meet the Tigers, 6:30 p.m. at Dadeville High School, chance to meet the 2016 DHS football team just days before the season begins.

Aug. 23

Alexander City Parks and Recreation Youth Fall Softball registration, 5-7 p.m. at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Gym, cost is $45, tryouts Aug. 25 for 10-game session.

Aug. 29

Dadeville High Baseball Four-Man Scramble benefiting DHS Baseball Team, 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Lake Winds Golf Course, entry fee $75 per person, for more information, call Carroll Gulledge at 256749-7887. Send entries for the Sports Calendar to Sports Editor Cathy Higgins at cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com.