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December 21, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 255
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Suspect held in attempted murder, kidnapping case By MITCH SNEED Editor
A local woman remains hospitalized in a Birmingham hospital while the man accused of slashing her throat after a domestic altercation is sitting in the Wilcox County Jail awaiting return to Alexander City to face charges. Vasco, Orlando Woods, 43, was arrested in Wilcox County late Monday evening after he fled Alexander City following a incident that occurred at about 8 p.m. on Smith Street in the Spring Hill community of Alexander City. Authorities say charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and theft are pending his return.
“It was a domestic altercation between a boyfriend and girlfriend,” Alexander City Police Department Detective Commander Capt. James Easterwood said. “The argument became physical and the information we have is that the woman was cut on the neck after the suspect produced a knife and used it on her.” Woods then took the victim’s Honda Accord and a minor child that was in the home and fled before police arrived at the scene. An all-points bulletin was issued with a description of Woods, the child and the vehicle that he was believed to be driving. According to court records, the permanent address listed for Woods is in Camden, which is in Wilcox County, where he was
picked up by authorities. “We were in contact with them and they located him and took him into custody,” Easterwood said. “We anticipate going down there Wednesday to search the vehicle, gather evidence and bring him back.” Woods is no stranger to law enforcement. A search of Alabama Court records shows more than 20 arrests for crimes including theft, domestic violence, escape and reckless endangerment. Easterwood said the victim was taken by ambulance to the University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital. The woman is listed in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery in time.
OUR COMMUNITY COLUMNISTS DISH UP HEAPING HELPINGS OF LOCAL NEWS TIDBITS
Flowers, Page 3
Morgan, Page 5
Holt, Page 7
Graham, Page 8
City forced to wait on employee pay study By MITCH SNEED Editor
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Wildcat grapplers take Holtville, Opelika down for the count
It appears that Alexander City will have to wait until next year to have the data it needs to compare employee wages to those paid in other municipalities. The previous city council had allotted about $50,000 to fund a comprehensive pay study and job classification plan through Auburn University’s Center for Governmental Services, but it was learned Monday night that it won’t be ready until spring or summer of next year. Alexander City City Council President Tommy Spraggins said Monday night that officials with the group said that their own personnel issues and reorganization have put the project way behind schedule. “They are behind on that study
BRHS cheerleaders cheer on Jy Harvey as he pins Holtville’s Cameron McCormick. BRHS defeated Holtville and Opelika in a tri-match Tuesday. For more on this week’s matchup see page 8.
Today’s
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62 46 High
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Library gets new learning programs By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
If you are a shade tree mechanic, interested in family history, need to research medical issues or looking to give your toddler a hand up in learning the Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library is a one-stop shop for you. “Thanks to a grants and programs from the Alabama Public Library Service we are able to offer the Chilton Library, Ancestry Library Edition, Merck Manuals and ABCmouse.com to patrons,” Library Director Amy Huff said. “It is all free and right at your finger tips.” See LIBRARY • Page 7
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By MITCH SNEED Editor
File / The Outlook
Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library is now able to offer the Chilton Library, Ancestry Library Edition, Merck Manuals and ABCmouse.com due to grants and programs from the Alabama Public Library Service.
Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors said the city is making progress on the financial statements for previous years, but did not shed any light on when a new budget might be presented for review. Speaking during Monday’s meeting of the Alexander City City Council, Nabors said they are not where they want to be but he does see positive movement “We are making progress on the 2014, 2015 and 2016 financial See FINANCES • Page 11
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Woman abused as child needs help to overcome hang-ups
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Lonna Upton Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 lonna.upton@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Advertising Sales, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@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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© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Obituaries can be submitted to The How to Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com Submit fax at (256) 234-6550. For more orinfor-by Obituaries mation, call (256) 234-4281.
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DEAR ABBY: I am a 46-yearold woman with PTSD due to a history of physical abuse, mental abuse and incest that I experienced as a child. I’m proud to say that it has not been repeated with my four children. My childhood history has made me want sex only if I am in control or if I am role-playing rape. It has caused a big problem with my fiance. I want this scenario all the time, and unfortunately it’s unhealthy. I’m not sure how to go about healthy sex with him. He is 10 years older than I am and not interested in “different” sex practices. I love him very much and don’t want to mess up this relationship because of my sex issues. Can you advise me how to handle this? -- ROLEPLAYING IN ST. PAUL DEAR ROLE-PLAYING: If you haven’t discussed the reason for your sexual issues with your fiance, you need to explain the reason for them. From your letter, I am guessing that you never had counseling to help you resolve the abuse to which
you were subjected. If that’s correct, I am advising you to contact RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network; rainn.org) or a local rape crisis organization and ask for some help now. The counselors are specially trained to help victims of various kinds of abuse, and the place to start resolving your issues would be there. DEAR ABBY: I’m a woman in my 30s. My father has been in prison since I was a tot. I was raised by my mother who, in my opinion, did a great job. My relationship with my father has been damaged for as long as I can remember. He will never get out, and part of me is angry at him for making such poor life choices.
n 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. n Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m. n Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville. n Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. n 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. n Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled
Obituaries Gladys Tucker Kizziah Gladys Tucker Kizziah, age 77, of Alexander City entered into rest on December 18, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. Funeral service is
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meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public. n Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a pre-meeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall. n Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. n Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall. n Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held upstairs in the courthouse at 6:30 p.m. n Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend. n Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton. n New Site City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Rockco Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. Visitation is one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Pineland Memorial Cemetery. Brother Jimmy McSpadden officiated. She is survived by her son, Donald Ray Kizziah(Traci) of Dadeville; daughters, Susan Rebecca Kizziah Hughes of Alexander City and Lisa Dianne Bramlett of Kellyton, AL; brothers, Robert Tucker(Elizabeth) of McDonough, GA and Roy +
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prison visit, even though hitting is unacceptable. When people are incarcerated, their ability to reach out is severely limited, as I am sure you know all too well. I don’t think the way your father handled your ignoring his letters was bad or wrong. If his silence stung you, imagine how yours affected him. Whether or not your father is dying is beside the point. I think on some level you know you have to treat him with more compassion than you have, or you wouldn’t have written to me. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t made mistakes. Your father made a doozy. But you say your mother raised you right, and if that’s true it couldn’t hurt to treat him with some compassion. 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.
in the Conference Room in the Town Hall. n 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. n Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m. n 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. n Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session. n Tallapoosa County 911 Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the 911 Administrative office at 240 West Columbus Street, Dadeville. Call 8258490 for more information. n Walnut Hill Water Authority meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. Call 825-9841 to inquire about the agenda.
Otis Tucker of Thorsby; sisters, Eloise Tucker Smith of Birmingham, Annie Stone Herndon of Chipley, FL, Dianna Tucker McSpadden(Jimmy) of West Blocton and Sandra Tucker of Lena, MS; grandchildren, Joshua Hughes(Jessica), Jamie Oliver(Van), Jacob Hughes, Matthew Bramlett, Ian Bramlett, Christopher Kizziah, Kayla Kizziah and Alaina Kizziah; great grandchildren, Savanna Oliver and Reid Oliver. She is preceded in death by her parents, Howell and Altha
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Tucker; brothers, George Tucker, James Tucker and Gerald Tucker. Pallbearers are Joey McSpadden, Matthew Bramlett, Ian Bramlett, Christopher Kizziah, Jacob Hughes and Joshua Hughes. Honorary pallbearers, sisters and brothers, Juanita Barnett and Van Oliver. Donations can be made to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home and Muscular Dystrophy Association.
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When I was a teenager he struck me once during a visit. He is also manipulative and sometimes does hurtful things. For example, a few years ago he wrote me letters to which I never responded. When I finally got around to writing him back, he mailed my letters back to me (unopened) and said I deserved to see how it felt to have letters go unanswered. He has said he’s convinced he will die within five years because he’s nearing the ages when his parents died. I think there’s something wrong with him, and I’m afraid that after he passes on I’ll feel like I didn’t make enough of an effort. How do I proceed with my relationship with my father? -- CAUTIOUS IN THE SOUTH DEAR CAUTIOUS: Your father made terrible life choices, and he’s spending the rest of his life paying for them. I don’t blame you for feeling anger at his inability to parent you. However, before advising you to write him off, I would need to know why he lashed out at you during your
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Page 3
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The Outlook
Alabama has more interest in state races than national
H
istorically speaking, Alabamians have been more interested in the governor’s race than presidential politics. For years, from 1876 to 1964, we were a totally Democratic state, more so out of tradition than philosophically. The hatred for the radical Republican Reconstruction shackles invoked on the South made an indelible mark on white southern voters. It was so instilled, that there are a good many stories told throughout the South where a dying grandfather would gather his children and grandchildren around his deathbed and gaspingly admonish them, “Two things I’m gonna tell y’all before I die – don’t ever sell the family farm and don’t ever vote for a damn Republican.” That all changed in November of 1964. Barry Goldwater and the Republicans became the party of segregation and the white southern voter fled the Democratic Party en mass. As the fall election of 1964 approached, the talk in the old country stores around Alabama was that a good many good old boys were going to vote straight Republican even if their daddies did turn over in their graves. Well folks, there were a good many papas turning over in their graves all over the South. The entire South changed parties on that day 52 years ago. Since we were a solid Democratic state for 90 years, we really had no say in the presidential selection process. We are in the same position today, being a solid Republican state. Therefore, it makes sense that we would have more interest in gubernatorial politics than presidential rhetoric because we have much more of a say in that contest. In addition, all of our other offices are up for election in the race for governor year,
STEVE FLOWERS Columnist
including all 67 sheriffs, all 140 members of the legislature, and all other constitutional offices such as attorney general, agriculture commissioner, secretary of state and treasurer. Indeed, for most of our past there were more votes cast in the Democratic Primary for Governor of Alabama than in a presidential contest. Today, our voting proclivity runs more along the national percentage. We also have the same tendency to vote more against someone than for someone. George Wallace used to always say give me a good boogeyman to run against. Well, lest you forget Hillary Clinton was the best boogeyman to vilify before Barack Obama. He was the hated villain for an eight year interlude. Now Bill and Hillary have taken back their rightful place as the face of the despised national Democratic Party among white southerners. Therefore, as this year began, I thought it would be a yawner, a sleeper year for good old Alabama politics. However, we have had some good theater. Not to be outdone by the colorful campaign of Donald Trump, who was a continuous circus or vaudeville act, our local Alabama characters have put on quite a show. It began with the ethics trial of former House Speaker Mike Hubbard, which was a lengthy, detailed, fully vetted and well run process. Hubbard was found guilty by a Lee County jury, which he represented in the legislature. He will ultimately go to jail, a state prison, which
is woefully overcrowded and dangerous. While the Hubbard story was anticipated and expected, the saga of good ole Dr. Robert Bentley has remained in the news continuously throughout the entire year. His former buddy, Spencer Collier, has filed a lawsuit against the Governor and his girlfriend. Now comes a second suit and revelations by his former Security Chief Ray Lewis which is juicier and adds to and confirms Collier’s story. This will probably keep the salacious story alive for another year or more. Bentley has been relegated to an irrelevant punch line or joke. He would not have been so adversely ridiculed if he had not been perceived as a family values man, churchman, retired doctor and looked like an old grandfather. There is an old saying in politics that if you ride a white horse you better not get mud on it because it shows up. Another truism is sex sells. Ain’t Alabama politics fun? Wow – what a year! Now we will get ready for the 2018 gubernatorial year, and to top it off, we have also got an open Senate seat up for grabs. We will have a governor’s race and an open U.S. Senate race in the same year. Those races have begun. Since winning the Republican primary is tantamount to election in Alabama, we elect a new governor and new U.S. Senator in June of 2018, which is less than 18 months from now. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Opinion
Our View
T
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 Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill T.C. Coley community. His phone number is 256-212-9316. 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, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His Steve Robinson address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City. John McKelvey represents District 3, \\vwhich 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 256-825-6914 and her evening phone number is 256-825-4207. Emma Jean Thweatt 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.
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Debate before city council is good for the city
Thomas and “F Young deserve a big shout out
here are times when you wouldn’t be doing a tremendous disservice if you didn’t take the time to salute people and their actions when warranted. So today we tip our hats to two local men. There has never been a more deserving standing ovation than the one that the council and residents gave soon-to-be-retired Community Development Director Randy Thomas at Monday’s Alexander City City Council meeting. Thomas is a man who has served 11 city councils and seven mayors, while bringing millions to the city through grants and other funding. He helped secure grants that helped make pipe dreams reality. Think of the senior center, the Sportplex, Bill Nichols Veterans Home, the roundabout, the streetscape plan, airport expansion and the city boat ramp. Yes, those are all things that Thomas and his tireless efforts helped bring to this city. But that is just a partial list. He will retire on Dec. 30 and as he rides off into the sunset we thank him for his dedication and love of Alexander City. We are often critics of the Alabama judicial system and how state guidelines have tied the hands of judges and force them to impose light sentences on people who should be under the jail. We applaud Judge Tom Young for finding a way to throw the book at a man who has shown no remorse for a brutal beating, kidnapping and rape that he committed after kicking in a door at the home of an elderly woman that his victim was caring for. Using the habitual offender provisions, Young gave Eddie Donnell Thomas life in prison and then set his sentences on other crimes in a way that means he should be in jail for the rest of his life. Thank you Tom Young. People who commit crimes like this need to be locked up and kept away from the decent people of Tallapoosa County. Congratulations to both of these men who have served us all well.
Outlook
or good ideas and true innovation, you need human interaction, conflict, argument and debate.” That line is one that is attributed to Margaret Heffernan, an international businesswoman, author, interviewer and motivational speaker who stresses the importance of collaboration and thinking outside the box. While I didn’t coin the catchy phrase, we certainly do agree with it and love it when we see that lively debate and exchange of ideas and opinions take place. We had a perfect example right here in Alexander City Monday night. The Alexander City City Council held a public hearing on whether to close the alley between 33 and 41 Main Street to vehicular traffic and allow a volunteer group to totally fund and complete a beautification project there or leave it as it is now. It was so refreshing to see so many people in attendance. Not only did they come out to the meetings, but a healthy number of local residents stood up to speak their mind on the issue and make sure that the council and mayor knew how they felt. From “name brand people” to regular voters and citizens like Teresa Moten, one by one seven people spoke and all made their feelings known. “I appreciate you all having this meeting and I wasn’t going to speak, but when you asked… I hear you all talk about the Chamber, you got all your name-brand people, well,
MITCH SNEED Editor
we are voters and we are citizens,” Moten said. “Councilmen, you were all put into office because of voters and citizens who thought worthy of you and you won the most votes. So listen to the citizens, listen to the businesses and all these lawyers who are against this. … Listen to what people are saying.” District 3 Councilman Scott Hardy showed the council has been listening. “Either through phone calls or through actually going out and visiting I spent the better part of last week talking to some of the business owners downtown,” Hardy said. “While there were some who were expressing their displeasure with the notion of closing the alley. The overwhelming majority of the business owners and citizens I talked to were supportive or indifferent. Personally with all that is going on downtown I think the idea of making the area as pedestrian friendly as possible is a good idea. I applaud Leadership Lake Martin for taking this on. I appreciate the effort to help make the city better.” Mark Lamborne asked the question about who would keep the alley up. “Who’s going to keep it up,” Lamborne asked. “The city can hardly keep up with what they have now.” “Name-brand Person” and Chamber CEO Ed Collari talked about something we have all seen in other areas and
wished that could happen in Alexander City every day – people walking the downtown area, buzzing in and out of downtown shops, eateries and business keeping their dollars circulating in the local economy. “We purchased that building because we believe that a vibrant downtown Alexander City is possible. …We want to help create a downtown area where people can safely walk, shop, go and get something to eat and to drink,” Collari said. See what I mean? Different opinions, but still a civil debate that shows that people really do care. Regardless of how you feel about the future of the alley, the debate made people think and realize things they may not have considered before. I lived in Culpeper, Virginia where a similar project was so popular it multiplied. It started with a simple vehicle closure and then morphed into one of the most beautiful spots in town with plants, greenery and brick-lined walkways. Four years later a second alley was transformed and then another soon after that. Like this one, those were ideas started by a small group that was willing to pony up money and sweat to make it happen. It’s amazing what good can come from debate, listening to others and being willing to stand up for something you believe in. Mitch Sneed is the editor of the Alexander City Outlook.
Republicans are the masters of not getting over things
A
nd now a few choice words for all Republicans advising Democrats to “stop whining about the election and get over it.” Oh, really. Get over losing a presidential election to a high-strung petulant flake soon to be in possession of the nuclear codes? Get over a man destined to be leader of the Free World tweeting frivolous 3 am insults at Alec Baldwin? Exactly how does one get over that, pray tell? A fistful of barbiturates? A four-year nap? An eternal tray of mango Margaritas? Love it or leave it? Like it or lump it? The shuffling off of mortal coils? Climb a tower? Couple rounds of Russian roulette? Perhaps an example of how Republicans get over something would help grease the skids here. Pull something out of your vast experience of “getting over it” for us. Like how you got over Barack Hussein Obama’s two election wins crying about his citizenship for eight years like little babies with colic whose diapers needed to be changed? That kind of getting over it? Because, correct me if I’m wrong, but I seem to remember Mitch McConnell boasting that his first order of business as Senate Minority Leader was to deny Obama a second term. Epic fail on that getting over.
WILL DURST Columnist
I also seem to remember the GOP Congress refusing to pass anything that would smack of giving Obama a single legislative victory including obstructing bills they previously proposed. Classic case of cutting-off-your-nose-tospite-your-face getting over it there. I seem to remember Republicans trying to repeal Obama Care over 60 times. You mean that kind of getting over it? Does the term “getting over Benghazi” have any meaning here? Because if that’s the kind of bipartisan hand- holding you’re looking for, you’re about to get your wish. Republicans aren’t just sore losers, they’re lousy winners too. If Hypocritical were an Olympic sport, the GOP would be deemed ineligible, having lost their amateur status right around the middle of Ulysses S. Grant’s first term. Republicans are to “getting over it” what Martha Stewart is to vertical zinc mines and Wayne Newton is to rock & roll. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by 3 million votes after being gang tackled by Wikileaks, an orange clown, the
FBI and Russia. You mean Democrats aren’t supposed to report getting mugged by a foreign power? Isn’t failing to report a felony illegal? Are you advocating aiding and abetting here? But then again, nobody really cares, since the Russians are white. Or is it the oil? Now Donald Trump is griping that nobody ever mentioned the possible hacking of the election until after he won. Wrong! There’s footage of him during the second debate saying maybe the hacking of the DNC’s emails wasn’t done by the Rooskies, but some 400- pound guy on a bed. Did he forget or is he just plain oblivious? The Trumpeteers have perfected whining to such an art form that Kellyanne Conway’s gelatinous platitudes should be part of the permanent collection of New York’s Metropolitan Museum. We all know that if the tables were turned, Trump would be accusing Hillary of not only personally conspiring with Putin, but so deep in bed with him she could suck her comrade’s toes. Which, co- incidentally, are tiny. Will Durst is an awardwinning, nationally acclaimed columnist, comedian and former assistant manager at a Pizza Hut in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Today’s
Quote
“If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they’re yours; if they don’t they never were.” – Richard Bach
Today’s
Scripture
“Do not be afraid, Samuel replied. You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord will all your heart.” – 1 Samuel 12:20
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Tuesday Question: Have you finished your Christmas shopping?
No – 12 Yes – 11
Wednesday’s Question: Should an alley along Main Street be closed to automobile traffic? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016
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The Outlook
‘Small things mean so much’ at Christmas “C
hristmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, please put a penny in the old man’s hat.” The starting lines of an old English Christmas poem about the poor begging for pennies to be able to get some special celebration foods for the approaching big Holiday. If you could picture how poor and without any real pleasures this time in history represents so long ago makes us seem quite rich today. The small things mean so much. My Mum was so impressed with the Christmas card I made especially for her. I even did that in later years because I could say exactly what I meant. Don’t forget those who may be lonely. The offer of a homecooked meal is always very special with a family sharing plenty of kindness. Getting colder and feeling so much like Christmas now with just the right weather for making something special by hand at home. When I was a young girl, I had a book called “1001 Things a Girl Can Make or Do.” It was a handed-down book then and I wish I still had it. This book (and coloring books/pencils) filled my winter days for many years and helped me along with sewing, knitting and crafting skills. Special get-well wishes to Pat Garnett as she came home feeling quite poorly after visiting her Aunt Virginia. We are also thinking about a safe recovery and sending all well wishes to Mrs. Robbie Martin in Equality and Ron’s cousin known in the family as Bubba but really is John Moore living in Alex City with his lovely and special wife Dianne, she’s a good cook too. We have good folks keeping us safe. Let’s be sure to tell the Police and Sheriff just how much we truly appreciate them. This year (2016) 128 Police officers died in this country, without
ROSIE MORGAN Nixburg/ Equality
receiving the deserved medal of Freedom. Sixty of these officers were “intentionally targeted” when they were shot and killed. Such a disgrace for any human being to be killed doing a good and protective job for the public. Please show these workers respect when you share those, “Merry Christmas” wishes. Rev. Mike and Connie Jackson celebrate their wedding anniversary Dec. 28 plus Terry and Debbie Powell’s is Dec. 30. Barbara Brown (of Equality) will be having her birthday as everyone else is bringing in the New Year around the world on Dec. 31. Don’t forget if you would like to give the gift of a rescued pet for Christmas there are plentiful choices at any Humane Shelter. Plus, at the Wetumpka location, you can go now and buy the gift certificate that can be redeemed later for a dog or cat of the adoptive parents’ choosing. I always wished for a small puppy to be inside a pretty Box with a red bow at Christmas. I didn’t get one, but now we have six rescued loving dogs all from shelters. They are happy, love us and each other. Yes, we bought them each a nice real bone for Christmas gifts and are hidden for the time-being. After-all, they are our children and deserve a lasting gift. I will be making the dogs some special oatmeal cookies this week as well as some for us. I am slower on my baking this year, as we’ve enjoyed home-made soup and other special savory concoctions saving the sweet-tooth for Christmas week thinking maybe we’ll eat less of it. Hang your stockings leaving cookies for your Santa and sing your favorite Carols as you go
about your daily chores. Enjoy a warm, joyous and bery merry Christmas of your own special kind and traditions. Traditions are great. You know I will have Christmas crackers on the table for dinner. We will pop them and wear the paper hats inside. This is such a common tradition for almost every Brit that even the men are agreeable. Yes, my Dad wore his Christmas crown through our delicious roasted dinner. And photo’s reveal that story. Until next week, keep smiling; and Merry Christmas to all. Rosie Morgan is a community columnist for The Outlook. She is a resident of Nixburg and writes about the events and people of the Equality and Nixburg areas.
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Page 6
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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Today is
December 21, 2016
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
The Outlook
Today’s Event
MEET SANTA: USAmericaBank will be hosting a Santa meet and great at its main office in Alexander City Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Submit calendar items: Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.
Today’s Birthdays
Alethea Nieves, John Sawyer Lawhorn, Robert Lee Hunt, Blake Bailey, Maxine Baker, Andrew Salinas, Delores Carlisle, Betty Leonard and Janice Thomas are celebrating birthdays today.
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File / The Outlook
USAmericaBank will be hosting a Santa meet and great at its main office on Highway 280 in Alexander City Wednesday, Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Now - December 25
HOLIDAY TREE OF LIGHTS: The Russell Medical Auxiliary is having its annual Holiday Tree of Lights in the lobby of Russell Medical. For $5 anyone can put a car on the Christmas tree in the lobby in honor or memory of a love one. Proceeds go toward student scholarships and items to be donated to much needed departments of the hospital.
Now - December 23
COMMUNITY FEEDING: The Alexander City Schools Nutrition Program is hosting holiday lunches at Stephens Elementary School Cafeteria through Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to noon. Meals are free for children and $3.30 for adults. YES I CAN: Teresa Moten is hosting her Yes I Can mentoring class at Stephens Elementary Cafeteria through Dec. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.
call the
Advertising Dept.
256.234.4281
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CANDLELIGHT SERVICE: Comer United Methodist Church will hold its Christmas Candlelight service with Communion on Christmas Eve with services beginning at 5 p.m. CHRISTMAS DINNER: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a Christmas Dinner Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to have a hot meal and fellowship. Tickets can be picked up at the nutrition center and at the Salvation Army. You do not need a ticket. For more information call 256234-7831.
December 31
WATCH NIGHT SERVICE: St. John AME Church is hosting Watch Night Services Dec. 31. Food will be served at 10 p.m. and worship starts at 10:45 p.m.
January 4
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Monthly Luncheon on January 4, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation. There will be no Family Game Night Bingo in December.
January 7
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com We will deliver the Lake Region’s News to your door
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BABY BOOT CAMP: Russell Medical is offering a one-day Baby Boot Camp. This four-hour childbirth course is designed for busy couples to better understand pregnancy and the birthing process and is taught by labor and delivery nurse Jennifer Shurette, R.N. You can register by calling Community Relations at 256-329-7145. ANNUAL FAMILY GATHERING: The 10th Annual Family Gathering of the Norris, Holley and Edwards families will be Jan. 7 from noon to 5 p.m. Bring a dish. For more information contact Linda Norris Nix at 256-786-9279. TRASH WALK: The January PATH Trash Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 7. and will meet at Strand Park at 8:30 a.m. to receive supplies and assignments. Volunteers can pick an area of their choice or be directed to roads where litter is a constant problem. For additional information contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289.
January 8
FASHION, HAIR and COMEDY SHOW: There will be a community talent, fashion, hair and comedy show with guest from as far away as Arkansas Jan. 8 at 3 p.m. at Passion Church on Highway 63 North.
January 17
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
January 20
SPEECH AND HEARING CLINIC: Auburn University NSSLHA and SAA are having a free speech and hearing screening Friday, Jan. 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. All children must be accompanied by parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Services will be provided by the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic Room 1199 Haley Center, Auburn University 36849-5232.
January 21
FLEA MARKET: Sistas for a Cause are hosting a flea market Jan. 21 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cooper Community Center. Vendors are needed. Spaces are $20 and include a table. Please call 256-329-6799 for more information.
January 22
December 24
December 25
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Baptist Church.
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First
HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The Tallapoosee Historical Society will hold its quarterly meeting on Sunday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. The meeting will be held at Beulah Baptist Church, 5891 Lovelady Road, Dadeville, AL. Troy Turner, Editor of Opelika-Auburn News will be the speaker. There is no admission and the public is invited.
February 11
MISS WINTER: The 2017 Miss Winter Pageant will be Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium. Rehearsals will take place Friday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. Applications may be picked up at Little Lambs and Ivy Day School or by emailing Sherri Williams at misswinterpageant@gmail.com. There will be a Baby Miss, Tiny Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss, Miss, Elite Miss and Miss Winter Princess.
Ongoing Events RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7:00 am until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please call 256409-2020 for more information. WOMEN’S MEETING: Victory Temple Holiness Church in Dadeville is hosting a women’s meeting the first Sunday of every month. Men are invited too. AWANA: Wayside Baptist Church hosts Awana Sundays from 4:40 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for ages three to high school. For more information contact George Gardin, student minister, at 864-5800343. VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers. Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256-234-1134 or 256-749-3717 for more information. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a women’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. READY TO WORK: Ready to Work is a FREE jobs skills training program offered at Central Alabama Community College Career Center. Classes meet Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Completion of the program depends on the skill level of the individual. For more information contact Elaine Balint, instructor, at 256215-4496 (leave message) or ebalint@ cacc.edu. OFFICE CAREERS: The Office Careers Technology program is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and was created to help dislocated workers learn new employable skills. To qualify for the programs be a dislocated
worker (layoff) or a low-income family. Anyone interested in the classes should contact the Alexander City Career Center @ 256-215-4494 and ask about the WIA program. Most all dislocated workers automatically qualify for financial assistance. The program is 52 weeks and is open entry/open exit. Students learn at their own pace in a non-traditional classroom setting. Classes begin when students are approved and they may leave when they receive any or all of the certificates offered. Classes are Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. (with a lunch break). All textbooks and class materials are supplied. Certificates available are receptionist, inventory clerk, data entry clerk, administrative assistant, accounting office clerk, medical office clerk, legal office clerk. COMPUTER LAB: The new and improved computer lab at Cooper Community Center is now open to the community Monday thru Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. LaBrawnski Salter is the new lab facilitator. You can check email, browse the internet, build a resume, complete a project or homework, research, job search and some social media. CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered ministry designed to help hurting people. It is made up of regular folks who are on a journey toward wholeness; seeking recovery from life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. We meet every Monday at Vertical Point Church, 860 Airport Drive, Alex City. We begin with dinner at 5:45, followed by large group at 6:15 & small groups at 7:15. Childcare is provided. Everyone is welcome. For more info, call Mike at 256-496-4664. CCTS ALUMNI MEETING: The Coosa County Train School and J.D. Thompson alumni association hold monthly meetings the third Saturday of each month. BEYOND TRANSFORMATIONS: Meetings every second Saturday. Have you been wanting to give back, work with youth, or be a part of a group that makes a difference? Please email iamtransforms@gmail.com or Call at 334440-6539. Donations of clothes, food, books, computers, school supplies. A building and donations are needed. AMERICAN LEGION: Post 339 in Cottage Grove is open every Friday night from 8 p.m. until with fried chicken and fish. Music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. SCV MEETING:The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets every third Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at J.R.’s Sports Bar & Grill. Visitors are welcome. AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: The Lake Martin Amateur Radio Club meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Airport Terminal Building with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Amateur radio license exams are available after the meeting by prior arrangement. The club also meets on the air (Alabama Emergency Net Victor) on the first, third, fourth and fifth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on the club sponsored K4YWE repeater at 145.33 mhz with the 146.96 repeater as backup. All interested can attend our meetings or contact Tim Mayfield K4CWL at 256-329-1172 or John Phillips WI4P at 256-212-4063 CAR SHOW: Lake Martin Street Rods and Classic Cars meets every third Saturday at Buck’s Dairy Quick in Alexander City from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call Danny at (256) 496-0024 for more information. TALLAPOOSA PATRIOTS: The Tallapoosa Patriots meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Professional Commons. For more information contact Sherry Sellers at thyra899@gmail.com or at 256-2342528.
•Alexander City Outlook •Dadeville Record •Wetumpka Herald •Eclectic Observer •Tallassee Tribune
256.234.4281
The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org
How to add a calendar item: Participate in your
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Page 7
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The Outlook
ACPR 50+ looking forward to Christmas Brunch today T
he Alexander City Parks and Recreation 50+ Active Living group has been enjoying several holiday fun filled activities. We are looking forward to our last member’s gathering event this Wednesday at the Christmas Brunch. After Christmas, we’ll be ending this month with Group A and B outings on the 29th and the 30th. As always, regular scheduled day activities will continue throughout the month. This week we
G
CORLEY HOLT
Senior Moments
wanted to share some helpful tips for ways to cope during the holiday season and start 2017 off on the right foot: • 1. Don’t isolate yourself. If you can’t be with family, invite some close friends over to share the holidays.Limit your time in front of the TV and seeing all of the
holiday ads – read a good book or volunteer your time. Helping others is a great way to forget your own troubles • 2. Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness. Very often just being able to share your feelings with someone can help. • 3. To help cope with post holiday letdown, spend some time organizing and mounting photographs taken during the holiday. Take time to relive the fun and friendship.
• 4. While the holidays may not be the same as they were in the past, there can still be plenty of reasons to celebrate. One of the most important things to remember is that it’s okay to enjoy the holidays as they are now. Memories hold a special place in your heart, but the heart has enough room to add new memories. Condolences to the McDaniel family for their recent loss, Mary will truly be missed. Remember to renew
your waiver form for 2017. The Activity Center will be closed on Dec. 26 and 27. We want to thank all of the 50+ Volunteers during the Christmas in the Park event. Couldn’t have done it without your help and support. You truly are Golden! Until next time, keep a smile on your face and love in your heart. Holt writes about the events and people of the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s 50+ Club.
Submitted / The Outlook
ACPR 50+ member, Stanley Sharpe as Frosty at Christmas in the Park.
The 12 sites of Social Security
athering with family and friends during the holiday season reminds us we’re part of a strong community. And sometimes, in the spirit of the season, we break into song. Our take on “The Twelve Days of Christmas” — a holiday favorite since 1780 — highlights the national community we care for all year long. We call it “The Twelve Sites of Social Security.” For the first site of Social Security, we give to you: our home page, www.socialsecurity.gov. It’s the place to go for all things Social Security. Everything you could want — from online services and benefit screening tools to publications and frequently asked questions — you can find all these and more on this site. For the second site of Social Security, we give to you: our hub for Social Security news and updates at our blog, Social Security Matters at
KYLLE’ D. MCKINNEY Social Security Specialist
blog.socialsecurity.gov. For the third site of Social Security, we give to you: an easy way to learn how to replace your Social Security card at www.socialsecurity.gov/ ssnumber. And in some states, you can replace it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount! For the fourth site of Social Security, we give to you: an online application for retirement benefits that you can complete and submit in as little as 15 minutes at www. socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire. For the fifth site of Social Security, we give to you: five estimates of your future Social Security benefits! Or as many estimates as you would like using different scenarios. Get instant,
Library Huff explained that the Chilton Library and the Merck Manuals are available at home through the libraries website amrlibrary.net. “Both the Chilton Library and the Merck Manuals are available to patrons through our website,” Huff said. “While Ancestry Library Edition requires you to be in the library as does ABCmouse.com.” The Chilton Library gives uses access to manuals used by many to repair cars. The Chilton Library service provides reliable automotive repair information for 100+ years. It covers most makes, models, and years and can help save time and money. With continuously updated data from manufacturers one can look up recalls and service bulletins. You can also prepare for ASE mechanic certification. The Merck Manuals give patrons access to medical manuals. “The Merck Manuals were just added,” Huff said. “It is good for all patrons who might be wanting to look up how to control a runny nose. They can also be used by the medical student. There is both a consumer and professional edition. It can even be used by vets.” Huff explained that with Ancestry Library Edition users can create accounts and view information at home but for research and saving the information has to be done at the library. Ancestry Library Edition allows patrons to search through literally millions of records, including census data, military records, court documents, and immigra-
personalized estimates of your future benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/ estimator. For the sixth site of Social Security, we give to you: a convenient way to apply for disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. For the seventh site of Social Security, we give to you: fun and informative videos on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/ socialsecurityonline For the eighth site of Social Security, we give to you: Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. You can learn more and apply for a subsidy online at www. socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. For the ninth site of Social Security, we give to you: our convenient publication library with online booklets and pamphlets on numerous subjects, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs. For the tenth site of
Social Security, we give to you: one of our most popular social media outlets, our Facebook page. This is where we engage thousands of customers and you can join the conversation at www.facebook.com/socialsecurity. For the eleventh site of Social Security, we give to you: answers to your Social Security related questions at our Frequently Asked Questions page at www. socialsecurity.gov/faq. On the twelfth site of Social Security (and we saved the best for last): open your own personal my Social Security account, which will enable you to verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, obtain benefit verification letters, update your Social Security information, and more at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. And a partridge in a pear tree! Find all of this and more (except the partridge and pear tree) at www.socialsecurity.gov.
continued from page 1
tion lists to find out more about their own family histories and how they became Alabamians. As the 2019 Bicentennial for the State of Alabama approaches, this service provides the perfect vehicle to help celebrate our sense of place, our people, and our town stories. She also explained how ABCmouse.com works. “Parents can bring their children to the Mamie’s Place,” Huff said. “There we have two computers that can be used to access ABCmouse.com.” Huff thinks parents of toddlers will find this useful. “If parents are wanting to help their children in preschool and such get ahead learning, ABCmouse.com is a great tool.” ABC Mouse is a free service available at Mamie’s Place. With more than 5000 learning activities and 650 lessons for preschool through early primary, ABCmouse.com is the most comprehensive online early learning curriculum available. Huff thinks the additions are great tools for patrons. “I think these additions are great for patrons,” Huff said. “The new tools go to show that the library is still a great source of information for the community.” A REFUGE FOR THE HOMELESS
Happy Howlidays from all off us here at
Rescue K911! Save your Purina weight circles and drop them off or mail them to Rescue K911 P.O. Box 862 Auburn, AL 36831. They all help & add up fast. Thank you for helping the dogs & cats without a home of their own. This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900. Spay/neuter assistance is available from RESCUE K9-1-1, Wayside Animal Hospital 256-329-9900 or Lake Martin Humane Society 256-234-5533.
Like us on facebook This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900.
Rescue K9-1-1, Inc.
P.O. Box 862 • Auburn, AL 36831 • www.rescueK911.com
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
ANDY GRAHAM Columnist
Underrated bowl games for your consideration
T
is’ the season to go Bowling and 80 (yes, that’s right 80) FBS college football teams have made plans to do that very thing. Some have said that 40 bowl games is entirely too many to the point of being absurd, but I don’t have a problem with it. I’m all for any plan that prolongs the season and puts competitive (in a loose sense of the word) football on TV nearly every day of the week. Obviously, some of the matchups are far better than others, but I’d sooner watch an awful game than five minutes of some cookie-cutter, sappy Hallmark Christmas movie. Don’t get me wrong, I love the classics like White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story, but every one of those Hallmark movies I’ve been forced to watch by the females in my family are exactly the same. Am I the only one that has noticed that? Oh well, I digress. Sifting through the litany of bowl games and deciding which ones to watch can be tricky. Clearly, the Sugar Bowl, Playoff semifinals and National Championship game are no-brainers, but here are some under the radar games that should be a lot of fun. You’re welcome and Merry Christmas! Dec. 22 6 p.m. ESPN (Famous Idaho Potato Bowl) Idaho vs. Colorado State This game is interesting because Idaho is actually dropping down a level to FCS status beginning in 2018. The decision was made because the program has not been competitive in 21 seasons at the FBS level. It’s ironic that they became competitive after they decided they couldn’t compete. This is only the third bowl game in program history. I don’t know about you, but I’m rooting for the Vandals. Dec. 23 noon ESPN (Bahamas Bowl) Eastern Michigan vs. Old Dominion First of all, this bowl is only two years old, but it’s been a very exciting shootout both years with each team averaging over 40 points. Eastern Michigan hasn’t played in a bowl game since 1987 and Old Dominion has never played in a bowl game before. Needless to say, these two programs are extremely excited to be there and will be giving maximum effort. Dec. 26 4 p.m. ESPN2 (Independence Bowl) NC State vs. Vanderbilt Raise your hand if you thought the Commodores were destined for postseason of any kind this year? Me neither. I give Derek Mason a tremendous amount of credit. This game is worth watching just to see the Vanderbilt players get rewarded for their hard work. They were actually playing extremely well at the end of the season. I don’t necessarily think they’ll win, but it’s still a great story. Dec. 27 11 a.m. ESPN (Heart of Dallas Bowl) Army vs. North Texas Do you really need any other reason to watch this game? Army is actually playing in a bowl game! It’s not like this happens every year. The Black Knights defeated Navy a couple of weeks ago for the first time in 14 years. Go Army! Dec. 28 1 p.m. ESPN (New Era Pinstripe Bowl) Pittsburgh vs. Northwestern The Panthers defeated Clemson and Penn State this season averaging 42.3 points a game. Their offensive coordinator did such a good job, LSU hired him. Northwestern is the kind of team you hate to play in a bowl game. This matchup should definitely provide some fireworks. Andy Graham writes a regular sports column for Tallapoosa Publishers.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Michael Parker, above, lifts Opelika’s Re’Quan Hooks as Parker scores a reversal. Parker won with a technical fall 15-0 at the beginning of the third period. As a team BRHS defeated Opelika 60-15. Below, the Wildcats’ Jy Harvey ties up Holtville’s Cameron McCormick. Harvey won by pin in the first period as the Wildcats defeated Holtville 51-25.
Wildcat grapplers sweep Holtville and Opelika By CLIFF WILLIAMS Outlook Staff Writer
Kraig Abercrumbie, Jy Harvey, Kyle Mattox and Jamie Whitehead lead the Benjamin Russell wrestling team Tuesday in a tri-match with visiting Holtville and Opelika with two pins each. Not be out done, BRHS wrestler Michael Parker score a technical fall against Opelika’s Re’Quan Brooks and Wildcat Conner Buck held out from being pinned in the last thirty seconds of his match with Holtville’s Evan Headley to hold onto a 10-6 decision. “Conner is a fighter,” Head Coach D.C. Hall said. “One thing I know about him is anytime he goes out on the mat is he is going to fight and give all he has got.” Hall was happy as most of his grapplers came out with wins Tuesday as his team defeated Holtville 51-25 and Opelika 60-15. “We wrestled really well today,” Hall said. “We stayed in good positions for the most part and didn’t get into bad positions much.” Hall credits some extra work on basics for much of Tuesday’s success. “We worked on
fundamentals, that is what won it today,” Hall said. “I am proud of the guys and their effort.” Abercrumbie pinned Holtville’s James Hayes and Opelika’s Wanya Boler. Harvey scored pins against Holtville’s Cameron McCormick and Opelika’s Timothy Tolbert. Mattox at 106-pounds scored pins against Holtville’s Ethan Headley and Opelika’s Brayden Thomas. While Whitehead scored pins against Holtville’s Miles Broom and Roberto Martinez. Others scoring pins were Tuesday were Curtis Norris, Braxton Ray, Saxton Coker and Isaiha Holloway. The grapplers at BRHS are fighting through some tough times. Not only are they competing during the holidays but they fighting off the mat issues as well. “We are working through a lot of adversity. We have a lot of sick guys, a lot of guys banged up,” Hall said. “But they are working to get better.” Another factor for the Wildcats is getting to weight for upcoming state meets. “He (Conner Burk) like many of the guys is a little sucked out as they are trying
to cut weight,” Hall said. “That was evident today.” Next up for the Wildcat grapplers is Battlefield Duals in Huntsville starting Dec. 29 where they will be competing against Spain Park, Grissom, Madison County, Austin, Buckhorn, Columbia,
Sparkman, Mae Jemison, Bob Jones Huntsville, Florence and Decatur high schools. The Wildcat then turn around and face Chelsea on their mat Jan. 5 starting at 5:30 p.m. all as they try to qualify for Super Sections in February.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Above left, BRHS’s Conner Burk tries to roll Holtville’s Evan Headley in Tuesday’s tri-match. Burk was able to hold off a pin in the last thirty seconds of the match to win on points 10-6. Above, BRHS’s Kraig Abercrumbie chutes on Holtville’s James Hayes. Abercrumbie won by pin the first period. Left, BRHS’s Kyle Mattox shoots on Opelika’s Brayden Thomas. Mattox won by pin in the first period.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
The Outlook
Study
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– bottom line,” Spraggins said. “They’ve had a reorganization in their group and that’s why the project has been delayed for several months. They’ve lost a person or two which has caused the delay.” The study was commissioned after issues with employee pay were uncovered. In the previous administration, unauthorized pay increases, missed step increases and inconsistent awarding of pay increases as levels of certification were attained were all stumbling blocks as the city’s finances were called into question. When the study was first commissioned the
Finances statements,” Nabors said. “It’s a long process, but they have worked very hard to get it done. “It’s hard to move forward until you know exactly where you are and the past years are reconciled and closed out. That’s what we have been doing and we are getting close.” Nabors said that staff is working on the previous years consulting with the two accounting firms that had been working with the city. “Billy Paul Austin and others are working with Wally Farr from Opelika and the folks in Birmingham (Carr, Riggs and Ingram) to get that done. I have personally been working on the 2017 budget. It’s a tedious
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target date was July or August so the previous council could use the data for budgeting purposes. When that deadline passed, then council president Jim Spann was told that the first draft of job descriptions would be available Oct. 10. Now it appears that the first portion of the information will not come until the first quarter of next year. “They are telling us that they have reorganized and they are back moving on the project they should be completed with the city’s needs for fiscal years 2017-18,” Spraggins said. “In my mind that means it will spring or summer before they
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process, but I’m satisfied with the progress we’ve made.” For now, the city is operating on the previous year’s budget until a new one can be submitted and approved. Delays in passing a budget on schedule is nothing new in Alexander City. Last year, the council didn’t pass a budget until Dec. 7. In 2014, the passage was even later, passing the new budget on Dec. 28. In 2013, the council was only slightly past the deadline, approving a budget on Oct. 7. State guidelines mandate that a new, balanced budget be passed and in place by Oct. 1 each year. The previous council
did not get a proposed budget from former Mayor Charles Shaw and opted to leave it to the newly elected group to set a budget they could live with. The city paid a total of $369,342.03 to two accounting firms for work performed in Fiscal Year 2016 as they struggled to get to the bottom of the city’s financial woes. No new figures are known on what has been paid since the end of the budget year.
have the completed information to us. They did say that they expect it to be after the first of the year to get the draft of the job descriptions and that’s the first thing we will see. “That’s what we know right now. There have been a lot of folks asking, so that’s where we are.” The study was expected to be useful in retention, evaluation and making sure that employees are treated equitably. The previous council had put pay raises on hold and had at one time had a hiring freeze in place pending the results of the study to guard against more issues involving pay.
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Wednesday, December 21, 2016
The Outlook
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