SPORTS, PAGE 10
OPINION: ALLEY DECISION SHOULD BE SO HARD, PAGE 4.
THE WHAT’S HAPPENING? See a complete listing of local events, Page 5.
TUESDAY
Several players earn All-State honors.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
December 27, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 259 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Alex City Sonic closes for good By MITCH SNEED Editor
A restaurant that has been a staple of Alexander City’s downtown landscape for more than a decade has closed for good. The fast food drive-in style restaurant located 174 Broad Street in Alexander City closed Saturday, catching some by surprise. Attempts to gain comment from employees or reach owners of the business were
unsuccessful Friday and Saturday. Seeing the business leave the downtown area also surprised Alexander City Chamber of Commerce CEO Ed Collari. “When I first came here I was surprised to see a chain fast-food restaurant downtown,” Collari said. “Typically that isn’t the situation that companies like. They tend to prefer the high-traffic highway locations. Mitch Sneed / The Outlook “But it was good to have it here and it Late Saturday afternoon the menu boards were down and the Sonic was closed for good. See SONIC • Page 3
Local officials report quiet holiday period
Wellborn to auction part of collection
Lee County reports 3 motor vehicle deaths over 24 hours
Local musclecar museum owners to put 11 cars on block
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
By MITCH SNEED Editor
While the holidays are often a busy time for law enforcement due to the high volume of holiday travelers and people leaving homes unattended, this year it appears that trouble also took a holiday here in Tallapoosa County. Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett Monday reported that it was a relatively quiet holiday period for his department. “No major events – it has been a safe holiday weekend so far,” Abbett said Monday afternoon. The official holiday travel period was scheduled to end Monday at midnight. Local law enforcement agencies reported just six arrests since midnight Dec. 23, with two of those resulting from domestic incidents. The same was not true in neighboring Lee County. Lee County Coroner Bill Harris reported three motor vehicle deaths on Christmas day. See SAFE • Page 3
Submitted / The Outlook
THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS
Outlook readers shared their Christmas pictures with us, like Maddox McDaniel’s first Christmas, above, or Lucas Williams’ reaction to his new Lego collection, left, and Ava’s Prices fun with makeup, below. For more pictures see page 9 inside.
Alexander City’s Tim and Pam Wellborn are again preparing to offer a chance for muscle car lovers to own a piece of their prized collection. Two years after the Wellborns had a record-setting day when they put several cars in their collection on the auction block at Mecum’s Auction in Kissimmee, they will offer up 11 more of the cars that have been in the Wellborn Muclecar Museum. Mecum’s John Kraman, who is the director of consignment for Mecum and the host of the auction broadcasts on NBCSN, said for buyers to get a chance at part of the Wellborn collection is a big deal in the world of car collecting. “It’s always a big draw when the Wellborns offer up part of their collection,” Kraman said. “While he’s known primarily for the Mopars and the musclecars, he is known for quality. When people see the chance to get a car that was part of his collection, they know they will get the best of the best. The cars that he See AUCTION • Page 3
New Site’s Smothers returns from two-year mission trip 71 56 Today’s
Weather
High
Low
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
483.56
Reported on 12/26/16 @ 3 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
The Smothers family of New Site had a special reason to celebrate this holiday season. Horseshoe Bend High School graduate Kurtis Smothers was home for Christmas for the first time in two years. Smothers has been on a religious mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ministering to the needs of Tongans who live and work in Hawaii. He said while the experience was rewarding, it was great to be home again. He said that the
people he met through the mission have changed him in many ways. “I have a different accent now,” Smothers said with a smile. “Friends I’ve known for years have trouble understanding me. People ask, ‘Why do you sound so different?’” The change is easy to understand, since Smothers spent the first Christmas of his mission in intensive foreign-language training studying Tongan. Smothers also worked closely with Samoans and Filipinos, even learning some Samoan after he reached Hawaii. See MISSION TRIP • Page 3
Horseshoe Bend High School graduate Kurtis Smothers was home for Christmas for the first time in two years this year. Smothers had been on a religious mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ministering to the needs of Tongans who live and work in Hawaii. He shared memories from his two -year mission and details of the work he did and how they helped others. Submitted / The Outlook
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Theft of prized possessions leaves wife feeling betrayed
Wednesday
68 57
DEAR ABBY: I recently realized that my mother-in-law stole several of my prized possessions. It seems that my husband’s brothers, who helped us move when we lost our home, took the items (obviously at her request and with her approval) instead of placing them in the storage unit as instructed. I am furious at her and my husband’s brothers. How should I deal with this? I want to confront her and let her know that I am aware of her betrayal, but my husband is a great man, and I hate to hurt him in this process. When I told him I was aware that his mother had stolen from us, he said he would make it up to me and that his mother is old (she’s 81) and I should let it go. However, every time I visit her home and see my things it hurts. How should I deal with this? I feel raped. -- FURIOUS IN TENNESSEE DEAR FURIOUS: If the items are replaceable, let your husband do as he promised.
Low
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Thursday
61 34 Low
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Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom 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 Alethia Russell Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales 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
Obituaries Mr. Johnny Morris Germany 1947 - 2016
Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
Postal
Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
WHATLEY MONUMENT Company
Better Service A Family Tradition 1049 Hillabee Street Alexander City, AL C.M. “Mike” Whatley, Owner
329-1217
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
The Outlook
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
825-9559
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
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Funeral Service for Mr. Johnny Morris Germany, 69, of Daviston, Alabama, will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Zion Hill Baptist Church. Bro. Mark Rasbury will officiate. He will lie instate at the Church for one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Germany Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Germany passed away on Friday, December 23, 2016 at East Alabama Medical Center. He was
Leslie Parker Mr. Leslie Parker died December 25, 2016 at his residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home. Wright’s Funeral Home directing.
DEAR ABBY Advice
If they are heirlooms, you will either have to wait until she dies to reclaim them or go over there and demand that she give them back. DEAR ABBY: I am a senioraged man who swims three times a week at a nearby fitness center. I shower there after each swim. Seldom do I use the shower in my apartment. My son has reprimanded me strongly for not showering daily. He asserted that by not showering every day and by using a public facility when I do, I am practicing “very poor hygiene.” I believe that my hygiene routine is acceptable and in line with common practice, but I’m born on August 25, 1947 in Alexander City, Alabama to Obie Morris Germany and Elsie Shaddix Germany. He attended Zion Hill Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, and woodworking. He was a big Auburn fan and was a very giving person. Mr. Johnny was a people person and loved attending Zion Hill Church. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Betty Germany of Daviston; daughters, Lisa Morgan(Jamie) of Opelika, Donna Duck (Marcus) of Morrice, MI, and Jessica Germany of Smith Station; step-sons, Benjie Thomas (Heather) of Dadeville, Jacob Young, and Tim Young; seven grandchildren; step sister, Rhonda (Jim) Byrd of Lanett; and brother-in-law, James Harry of Daviston. He was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Zion Hill Baptist Church, 1920 County Road, 79 Daviston, AL 36256. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.
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256.825.9830 RESOLUTION NO. 17-38
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Alexander City, Alabama, that the City Council proposes to adopt an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Alexander City, Alabama, to affect the zoning changes described below. The City Clerk is hereby instructed to publish in the Alexander City Outlook a Notice of Public Hearing for the regular scheduled Council Meeting on January 9, 2017, at 5:30 p.m. to hear public comment on the proposed rezoning of certain property at the request of the City of Alexander City Alabama, for property located on Comer Street and Dadeville Road as described: · To rezone from R-2 (Medium Density Residential) to 1-1 (Light) (with all restriction and limitations as provided by the Planning Commission), the following to wit: PARCEL NO: 62-05-07-35-3-002-050.000 62-12-0l-02-2-001-002-004 62-05-08-34-4-001-063.003 62-05-08-34-4-001-063.000 62-12-02-03-1-001-001.002 ADOPTED this 19th day of December, 2016. President of City Council
Graveside Service for Miss Madelyn Sue Abney, of Goodwater, will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hillview Memorial Park. Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Miss Madelyn Sue Abney passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. She was born on December 22, 2016 in Alexander City, Alabama to Kevin Butts and Audra A. Abney. She is survived by her parents; brother, Micah M. Butts; grandparents, Bobby and Jamie Abney of Goodwater and Bill and Cathy Suggs of Ashland; great-grandmothers, Maxine Robinson and Ellie Ree Butts; greatgrandparents, Mike and Eula Tate; aunt, Stephanie Singleton, great uncle and aunt, Wayne and Sheila Schiefelbein; great uncle, Randall Abney; and cousin, Seth McDonald Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
FOR SALE
APPROVED this 19th day of December, 2016. Mayor ATTEST:
LOT 40 NORTH WILLOW WAY, ALEX CITY $395,000
City Clerk CERTIFICATION OF CITY CLERK The Undersigned, as City Clerk of the City of Alexander City, Alabama, hereby certifies that the foregoing is a true, correct and complete copy of Resolution No. 17-38 which was duly adopted by the City Council on this 19th day of December, 2016. WITNESS MY SIGNATURE, as the City Clerk of the City of Alexander City, Alabama, under the seal thereof this 19tth day of December, 2016.
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concerned that in order to visit with him in the future, I will first need to take a shower. Am I wrong here, or is he? -- NOT SHOWERING ENOUGH DEAR NOT SHOWERING: With apologies to William Shakespeare: To shower or not to shower, that is the question: Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of your son’s criticism or to stand up for yourself (in a sea of sniping) is up to you. From where I sit -- far downwind -- if you can pass the smell test, showering three times a week is all that’s necessary for proper hygiene. Do not allow your son to shake your self-confidence.
ter) just couldn’t be here.” Abby, I wasn’t there to see the deceased; I was there to express my sympathy to the family. Why bother to have a viewing? All I wanted to say was how sorry I am for their loss. -- KAREN IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR KAREN: Please have a little less judgment and a little more compassion. Remember that not everyone deals with death in the same way. The viewing was for family members, friends and acquaintances of the deceased who COULD bear to be there. You can still express your sympathy to the grieving family by writing them a condolence letter.
DEAR ABBY: I recently went to a funeral viewing for a friend’s adult child whom I had never met. After entering the funeral home, I saw a computer-generated sign stating, “Please understand that we (mom, dad, brother and daugh-
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.
Mr. John Denny Roberts 1933 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mr. John Denny Roberts, 83, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Tim Harris will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Roberts passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. He was born on December 2, 1933 in Alexander City to James Robert Roberts and Cora Alberta Winslett Roberts. He was an active member of Comer Memorial Baptist Church. He was an avid Alabama Football fan. He enjoyed fellowshipping with his friends. His trips to the Smokey Mountains were always enjoyable. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ruby Gaye Roberts of Alexander City; son, Phillip Randall Roberts (Pam) of Montgomery; grandchild, James Noah Roberts of Montgomery; sisters-in-law, Frances Johns of Alexander City, Wynelle Coker and Valera W. Oliver both of New Site; brother-in-law, Wilbur D. Oliver of Opelika. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Cecil Roberts. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Comer Memorial Baptist Church, 341 East Church Street, Alexander City, AL 35010 or to one’s favorite charity. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Ms. Nora Lee Pemberton 1934 - 2016 Funeral Service for Ms. Nora Lee Pemberton, 82, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillabee Baptist Church. Rev. Josh Sammons will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Ms. Pemberton passed away on Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Russell Medical Center. She was born on June 30, 1934 in Dadeville, Alabama to William A. Hamby and Exa N. Hamby. She was an active member of Hillabee Baptist Church a member of the Fifty plus Club at Sportplex. Mrs. Pemberton loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was a very faithful God loving woman and would read her bible every night. She had a servant’s heart and was a friend to many. She is survived by her daughters, Laura P. Ennis (Danny) of Jacksons Gap and Leanne P. Taunton (Billy) of Ardmore; grandchildren, Julie Woodruff (Dale), Amber Ennis, Malorie Taunton, Shannon McDuffie (Derrick), and Shaun Ennis (Amber); great-grandchildren, Will Story, Caleb Story, Ellen Story, and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, LaRue Cotney and brother, Billy Hamby. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to the Hillabee Baptist Church, 1781 Hialeah Circle, 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.
Public Meetings n 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. 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 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 meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. 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. 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.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Mission Trip “Hawaii is a melting pot for everyone,” he explained. “They are all awesome people.” The people in Hawaii treated Smothers with great generosity. “The people are so loving. It doesn’t matter where you’re from—they let you into their homes and feed you.” This is a special kindness in Hawaii, where food prices are high. “Food is very expensive there. Milk is $5-6 a gallon — on the outer islands it might be $10.” Despite the sacrifice, Tongans insisted on sharing what they had. “There’s not an activity that there’s not food at,” Smothers said. “They have social activities through the week, with food at every one.” Smothers found many ways to help and serve
continued from page 1
the people he met. “We would walk along the roads and look for opportunities,” he said. “We might carry someone’s groceries in for them or offer to help with some yard work.” The single biggest project he helped with was on a welfare farm. “The Kapaka Farm grows things like bananas, coconuts, and sweet potatoes for humanitarian relief. We had to clear out a river so it would flow correctly to the sea,” he said. “Branches were growing in the river, so hundreds of us went to help. We were up to our chests in the water, standing and passing limbs out to the banks, where other people were waiting to pile them up. The chainsaws never turned off for 2 ½ hours. It was 25 yards of nonstop cutting.” Despite the generosity
the people there show, Smothers found that Christmas in Hawaii was almost unrecognizable. “Tongans don’t celebrate Christmas too much.” Smothers said. “They did a lot of dancing during holiday times. Tongans are the biggest in having socials with dances and food. It wasn’t hard to adjust, though. I spent Christmas with local families and Skyped with my family. The Tongans didn’t have a Christmas tree up, but I didn’t really notice. The tree and lights didn’t matter— Christmas is all about family.” Smothers summed up his experience with Matthew 5:16. “Jesus said to ‘let your light so shine.’ Anywhere you go or whatever your circumstances may be, you can be a shining light to others by service or by sharing the gospel of happiness and joy.”
Sonic
Page 3
www.alexcityoutlook.com
The Outlook
Auction has in his collection are coveted and we think that will be shown again at Kissimmee in January.” Following the appearance at the auction in 2015, Tim Wellborn has been a regular on Mecum broadcasts. In October he said that the cars he is planning to sell this year will give him a chance to change things up at the museum. “Naturally there are some cars that we will keep and have on display always, but you want to keep it fresh,” Wellborn said at his Aero Warriors Car Show in October. “This will enable us to change it up a bit and look for some new cars that will add some interest to the collection.” Among the offerings are a classic 1971 Dodge Hemi Charger R/T that has about 9,800 miles and was just one of 63 produced that year.
continued from page 1
Wellborn will also put up two prized Corvettes as well as another 1971 Plymouth GTX and a classic 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Convertible that served as the wellcared-for Wellborn Museum’s Demonstrator, plus many more. Kraman said since the event is a 10-day show it’s hard to say exactly when the Wellborn col-
lection will be on display, but it appears that it will be sometime on Saturday, Jan. 14. In addition to being carried on NBCSN, it is also streamed live on the Mecum website. “We are excited that Tim and Pam chose us to trust with part of their collection,” Kraman said. “We know it will help make for a great event.”
continued from page 1
looked as though it did a good business, at least from the outside looking in. But I guess you never know. We hate to lose a business, but that is prime real estate and hopefully it will open a door for someone with a creative mind who can make something special there.” Workers could be seen Friday and Saturday taking down signage and loading store fixtures and equipment into a rental truck. The location is owned by Vestavia Hills-based Boom Foods, which according to its website operated 66 Sonic Drive-ins throughout four states: Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Due to the holiday, calls to several extensions at Boom Foods went unanswered over the last few days. While they asked not to be quoted by name, employees said they weren’t aware of the move until late last week. When news of the clos-
HILLABEE TOWERS
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Equipment and signage from Sonic was loaded up on a moving truck Saturday as the business suddenly closed.
ing broke on the Outlook Facebook page late Friday, reaction was mixed. While many said they will miss the food, others pointed out that long waits and slow service had prompted them to stop eating there. “No, say it isn’t so,” wrote Dariel Oliver in commenting on the news.
“I just moved near downtown and discovered just how great Sonic is. I will be very sad if they close. The No. 1 burger without cheese could be the best fast-food burger in town.” But there were far more comments like this one. “Hate it for a local business,” Denise Stimpson
Safe
Bates wrote. “But really, they had terrible service, wrong orders and bad food. Let them go and let’s put something in there that worth our business.” There was no sign posted advertising the property for sale or what plans ownership may have for the building in the future.
continued from page 1
A 7-year-old girl in the Smiths Station area was killed after having an ATV accident while riding with a family member. The victim was riding on an ATV with an adult family member when she apparently throttled the vehicle too much causing it to rear up and lose control and leave the roadway striking a utility pole. She was wearing a helmet. She was rushed by EAMC EMS to Midtown Medical Center in Columbus but efforts to revive her were unsuccessful and she was pronounced dead in the
emergency room at 1:07 p.m. Sunday evening 52-year-old Susan Debra Hammock of Waverly was killed instantly from a massive head injury and blunt force impact injuries when she apparently turned in front of a pickup truck towing a boat and was struck broadside in the passenger side of her vehicle. Hammock was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:33 p.m. Hammock was traveling west on U.S. Highway 280 when she attempted the turn south onto Alabama Highway
147, according to Harris. The pickup was traveling east on Highway 280. Hammock’s 3-yearold grandson was in a car seat in the rear seat and was not injured but was transported to the emergency room to be examined as a precaution. Just after midnight at approximately 12:40 a.m., 28-year-old Selonzo Cantrell Jackson of Opelika was killed when the vehicle he was driving apparently left the road at a high rate of speed and struck a tree. Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:55 a.m. The accident
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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
Our
Opinion
Service is key to I business success
A
decision was made by ownership to close the Sonic in downtown Alexander
City. We hate to see any local business close, especially one that had been in the area for a number if years. Sonic was the only chain, fast food restaurant in the downtown area. Not only was it convenient for many, but its milkshakes, fountain drinks and other items were favorites of local residents. Many of us had stopped in to order that peanut butter fudge milk shake, chili cheese tots or that Route 44 Limeaid. One less food option is something that none of us are happy about, but we hope that like the old saying says, when one door closes, another opens and that some smart entrepreneur will take advantage of the prime real estate and make something great happen there. The departure of Sonic should not pass with allowing it to serve as a reminder to be thankful of the businesses we do have. We as residents need to patronize our local stores. Not only do they provide tax dollars for services, but they provide jobs that provide an income for many. The closure should remind businesses of another important business fact of life – service matters. While owners have not commented on the closing of Sonic, comments on social media suggest customer service may have been the reason that business had fallen off. Tales of long waits and sub-standard food filled the comments portion of a post about the closure. If you think customer service is not big, just look at the story on local shopping in the Outlook last week. On the other hand, consider this: Alexander City’s Bryant Ladson was shopping for his family and girlfriend at Alabama St. Makers Market. “It’s great, I don’t have to wrap it,” Ladson said. “I know how to duct tape almost anything else. This is a lifesaver.” Those simple things can make or break a business. It’s the little things that can turn a first-time visitor into a repeat customer. Let this be a reminder to all businesses that customer service is as much a part of the product you sell as the product itself.
Know Your
Officials
Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Robert Bentley
Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.
Luther Strange
Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at Mark Tuggle 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Tom Whatley Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Outlook The
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Main Street alley shouldn’t be a big issue
pondered the question recently asked about the alley and must admit that I was somewhat uninformed on the facts of the case at first. Now after research and consideration on the issue, I think I can answer more intelligently. Let me say this upfront, I support economic development and growth of downtown and main street. I do think that any action that will increase traffic in the area should be considered. I also support good/ responsible government that does not infringe on or force itself on the rights of the taxpayers. With that said I have the following response and some words of advice to the council: 1. I still say that the issue is not that big of a deal and that it is not worth the time or effort that is being put into it as a controversial situation. 2. I think that if you vote yes it may have some longterm issues from a legal and ethical situation for the council and that it may bring unnecessary negative
SEAN BLAND Columnist
publicity or attention to the council. 3. I think that based on the fact that the city already allows for things to be done on a temporary basis for events let the process take care of itself. I am not sure that this issue is a council issue since two property owners disagree as to what to do with public access road. 4. The council can table the issue until a legitimate proposal is presented by both property owners that benefits the city without public issues. What I mean by that is if people want to use the alley they just need to go through the proper channels that are already set up in order to do so. As long as there is a dissenting person that is directly related to the issue you have to give them due process and unless it is
a major public safety risk, I don’t think that it would be good to use public power to help private individuals when it affects someone else’s property rights. 5. The bigger issue is where are we on the budget and why has it not been in debate or discussion because it has been due for awhile now and even by firing a finance director we are not any further along than we were. 6. If you vote no, I can see where some of the business owners may hold you accountable for stifling economic development. Not sure if this is the fight for the people that will work. The funny thing is most people don’t know about the alley. Sorry for my rant but felt you would appreciate it this way rather than a long conversation. Keep up the good work and please pass the budget.
Today’s
Quote
“Faith has to do with things that are not seen and hope with things that are not at hand.” – Thomas Aquinas
Today’s
Scripture
“Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.” – 1 Peter 1:21
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Weekend Question: Have you decided on your New Years Resolutions yet?
Sean Bland is a guest columnist and Alexander City resident. No – 21 Yes – 6
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There’s a good reason the South is GOP country Dear Editor, Reading and watching the reactions and responses of the left to their “Behind Whipping” in the recent presidential election is humorous. Sadly, it is often mean spirited and just plain false. Case in point is “Steve Flowers” editorial in Wednesdays Outlook in which he claims; Barry Goldwater and the Republicans became the party of Segregation in the 1964 presidential election. Really? Barry Goldwater was racist and a Segregationist? Really? The Republican Party became racist and Segregationist? Was Nixon a Segregationist? Reagan? Maybe Flowers needs to go back and see which party in the 60’s overwhelmingly supported
Civil Rights Legislation and which one did not. Perhaps Flowers should try to understand that a lot of us “Southern White Boys” moved to the Republican Party because we could not accept the Socialist agenda of Johnson’s “Great Society,” nor his entangling us in a NO-WIN situation in Southeast Asia. The folks on the left need to learn that voters who believe in economic common sense, law and order, border control and limited government are not a pack of bigots. Perhaps Flowers needs to look at the results of the Democrat Party’s illogical actions to understand why Southerners with common sense have moved to the
Republican Party. Just wondering Steve; Did George Wallace become a Republican? Lester Maddox? William Fulbright? Robert Byrd? Did the State Legislatures in the South, while fighting integration, suddenly become Republican? Your assertion is mean spirited and puerile and you really need to GET OVER IT! The Democratic Party in the U.S.A. has become nothing less than the Socialist Party U.S.A. and they have been soundly defeated! Good! They deserved to be defeated! Bill A. Myers Alexander City
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.
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Tuesday, December 27, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Today’s Anniversary
Today is
December 27, 2016
Garfield and Verna Harris are celebrating their anniversary.
Page 5
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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
Clay Claybrook, Brett Strickland and Gail McDaniel are celebrating their birthdays.
America Lives Here
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Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
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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
Submitted / The Outlook
As a way to help those who are less fortunate, 11-year-old Malia Belyeu felt lead to give back to those in need and organized a toy drive at her church, Mt. Sinai Baptist. She dropped off a huge box of toys to the Lake Martin Area United Way last week and told her story. The toys were distributed to children in the area. Belyeu began doing this a few years ago and said she hopes to continue it each year. 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 3
USHER MEETING: The Early Rose District Usher meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 5 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center.
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
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 14
MLK PRAYER BREAKFAST: The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Prayer breakfast will be Jan. 14 at 8 a.m. at Stephen’s Elementary School Gym Tickets are $10.
January 16
Small Space Advertising Works.
MLK PARADE AND PROGRAM: The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration parade and program will be Jan. 16 with the parade at 9 a.m. and program at 11 a.m. at Stephens Elementary School Gym.
January 17
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
January 20
For Consistent Advertising
at Low Rates...
call the Advertising Department
256.234.4281
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
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.
January 28
PASTORS MEETING: Take the City Lake Martin is providing a meal to all local pastors, ministry leaders and city leaders Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the cabin in the Sportsplex. For more information call 256-307-8099.
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.
February 18
CLAY CLASSIC: The Ronald E Koon Sporting Clay Classic is in its 11th year of providing a fun filled day for avid shooters to help support our local Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area. The event will be held at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Club in Montgomery, Alabama starting at9 a.m. on Feb. 18, 2017. Team of four is $600. Team of two is $300 and a oneman team $100. Lunch, shells, goodie bags and door prizes given to each participant Call 256-234-4757 to sign up today or email bgcreynolds@gmail.com
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.
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Page 6
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Tuesday, December 27, 2016
The Outlook
NEW YEAR WORD FIND
1HZ <HDU¶V 'D\ LV WKH ¿UVW KROLGD\ FHOHEUDWHG HDFK \HDU LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV People welcome in the New Year with friends and family by following traditions and making resolutions to improve their health and lifestyles. Many people stay XS XQWLO DP WR ULQJ LQ WKH 1HZ <HDU -DQXDU\ ZDV ¿UVW GHFODUHG WKH ¿UVW day of the year during the Roman Empire with the creation of the Julian calendar. Many traditions, such as resolutions, surround New Year’s. A resolution is a decision you make in order to improve yourself. The most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. Others may resolve to eat healthier, keep their home or RI¿FH FOHDQHU RU WR GR PRUH FKDULWDEOH DFWV 2WKHU 1HZ <HDU¶V WUDGLWLRQV LQFOXGH eating special foods for good luck, e.g., black-eyed peas and collard greens in America and doughnuts in the Netherlands. Parades are also a common New <HDU¶V WUDGLWLRQ 7KH ¿UVW 7RXUQDPHQW RI 5RVHV 3DUDGH RFFXUUHG LQ &DOLIRUQLD LQ 1886 to celebrate the orange crops. The Rose Bowl was added to this tradition in 1902 and is still a popular New Year’s celebration. The famous Waterford Crystal Ball drop in New York’s Times Square is televised each year on New Year’s Eve and is watched by people around the World. A smaller, but similar, festivity is the Peach Drop in Atlanta, Georgia.
Words: HAPPY Cake NEW YEAR Clocks CROSSWORD Confetti Solve the puzzle Countdown using the clues Ball provided. Each clue Drink gives a hint to a New Year’s resolution. Family Food Friends Hats Kisses Midnight Music Noise Makers Clues: FINISH THE SONG 4. Try toAcross Radio spend less what? The popular song, Auld Lang Syne, is ofStreamers ten 7. Help the Earth by starting sung at the stroke of midnight on New to do what? Television Year’s Eve. Complete the song.
2017
8. To move your body more. 9. Eat healthier foods. Down Clues: 1. To put things in order. 2. To treat other people with more ___________. 3. To not be late or tardy. 5. Lose excess _______. 6. To ____ your car, home, RU RI¿FH
Crossword Ans: Across4)money 7) recycle 8) exercise 9) diet Down-1) organize 2) kindness 3) timely 5) weight 6)clean
Connect the dots to see the 2017 animal of the year.
(1) Should old ___________ be forgot and never brought to mind? (2) acquaintance be forgot Should ____ and days of Auld Lang Syne. (3) For Auld Lang Syne, my _____, for Auld Lang Syne, (4) we’ll take a cup of ___________ yet (5) for _______ Lang Syne. And surely you’ll buy your pint cup! (6) and surely I’ll buy ______! And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, (7) Syne. for Auld _____
Song :1) acquaintance 2)old 3)dear 4)kindness 5) Auld 6)mine 7)Lang
CHINESE NEW YEAR ANIMAL
Did you know that the Chinese calendar assigns an animal to each Chinese Year? The 12 animals are Horse, Rat, Ox, Monkey, Snake, Rooster, Dog, Tiger, Dragon, Rabbit, Pig, and Goat (or Sheep). People born within a year of a particular animal are said to have characteristics like that animal. This year, 2017, is the year of the Rooster.
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Tuesday, December 27, 2016
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 9
CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Outlook readers share some of their precious memories from Christmas 2016
Submitted / The Outlook
Was he napping? Above, Laylan, Kellan and Ross Barnes enjoy unwrapping presents Christmas morning. Below, How about this snapshot from Lola Popov. Surely it turned a few heads.
Clockwise from top left, Debbie Gill Gilliland submitted this special Christmas snapshot, this picture of Laci Browning was submitted by Elaine Reeves, Amanda Martinez and Cooper Davis pose on Christmas morning, Emma Walls, Cohen Lewis and Callie Ray do some Christmas decorating, Nathaniel got his first bike on what was his third Christmas, Wendy Wright Hathcock submitted this picture of a seasonally clad Linus, Jordan Lindsey, age 11, was very surprised to get Bella, the English Bulldog he had hoped for, Michelle Montgomery, Carolyn Fuller, Earl Stalls, Ryder, Railyn and Anthony Fuller pose for a photograph, Janet Wright submitted this picture of Collier at Christmas, Coley Mims and Laken Harris enjoying the new ball pit, Slade Wesley enjoys his new Christmas ride and a lollipop, Ashley McClure submitted this picture of Maggie the mini Zebu under the Christmas tree, Colton Adams smiles with his new Mickey Mouse and McKenzie’s second Christmasas submitted by Allyson Garrett.
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 10
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
LUKE ROBINSON Columnist
It will all come down to the Tide and the Buckeyes
2016 ASWA All-State Football Team inductees Margarius Buchanan
Blake Baker
Raymond Graham
T
his year’s College Football Playoff games come right in the ol’ sweet spot, don’t they? That special time of year after your kids have opened the overpriced toys you gave them and before the credit card companies have sent you the heartbreaking financial damage Christmas causes. But for two teams Saturday, the games won’t be special when the gigantic clocks tick to zeroes. Those teams will go home knowing they finished no better than third or fourth in the country. Those teams will be Washington and Clemson. Tackling the later game first, I have no “x’s and o’s” rationale for predicting an Ohio State win over Clemson. Call it a gut feeling. Call it gas. Call it a terrible shot in the dark. For no plausible reason, I foresee Urban Meyer out-coaching Dabo Swinney in this game. Clemson has the better QB and probably better team overall. I just can’t put the Tigers back in the championship game. Maybe another reason for my picking Ohio State: I subconsciously want to see “Bama and Ohio State meet again. So, yes. I just gave away my other prediction: the Tide rolls over the Huskies. I am going to use the old “sandwich” technique when breaking this info to U-Dub. Some good news, followed by really terrible news and then a slice of good news at the end: Washington has been fantastic this season. Especially when you consider it was just nine seasons ago that the Huskies went 0-12. They literally lost to urryone. The closest that team got to a W was standing on the actual W painted at midfield on their stadium turf. Now? That Washington program is arguably the strongest in the PAC12. Just an unbelievable turnaround that the entire state should be proud of. As a reward, they will essentially represent the entire West Coast in college football’s final four. However, the Huskies play Alabama. A very good Alabama team. Maybe Saban’s best team ever. A team so focused it should be sponsored by Nikon. A team so driven it needs a chauffeur. A team so big the bus has to stop at weigh stations. A team so fast it already finished reading this article. I typically do not believe in excessively hyping the team I follow. Trash-talking generally draws the ire of the football gods or, at the very least, can have some sort of poor man’s butterfly effect on the outcome in a negative way. It can’t be helped in this instance though. I just don’t see Washington’s having the ability to match the Tide man for man. Alabama’s last four recruiting rankings were No. 1, No. 1, No. 1 and— you guessed it- No. 1. Washington’s read more like No. 29, No. 27, No. 18 and No. 39. UA just has more horses. But don’t despair, Washington. For one thing I am wrong a lot more than I am right. For another, your program has a young team (wait… I am sorry… I think Auburn trademarked the phrase “young team” as Gus Malzahn says this at every press conference ever…. I will instead say Washington is “lacking in age”). UW also has a tremendous coach in Chris Peterson. The Huskies will be a viable threat to be playoff bound again in 2017-18. This season though, it’ll be the Tide and the Buckeyes in Tampa playing for that golden phallic symbol college football calls a trophy. Feel free to tell me how wrong I am post- New Year’s. Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native and president of the LAKE MARTIN BAMA CLUB who also writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook.
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff Brandon Heard
Seven athletes from four area schools have been named to the 2016 Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State Football Team.
CLASS 4A FIRST TEAM ATH – Margarius Buchanan (Sr.) Dadeville – In just nine games this human highlight reel had 161 rushes for 1,886 yards with 29 touchdowns. He also passed for 894 yards and six touchdowns. He was also a deadly defender and was one of the top kick returners in the state.
CLASS 3A TEAM HONORABLE MENTION QB – Raymond Graham (Sr.) Coosa – The numbers are unreal: 95 of 185 passing for 1,352 yards and 17 touchdowns. Graham ran the ball 215 times for 1,626 yards and 24 TDs. He also had 48 kick returns and 34 punt returns. His total offense amounted to 3,399 yards.
CLASS 2A SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
RB – Drew Hill (Sr.) Horseshoe Bend – Hill had another stellar season with 174 carries for 1,705 yards with 20 touchdowns. He averaged 9.8 yards per carry with a long run of 85 yards. OL – Blake Baker (Sr.) Reeltown – A four-year starter at tackle for the Rebels, Baker is a vocal leader who created holes for Rebel runners and was the team’s best at protecting the passer. OL — Torran Smith (Sr.) Reeltown — A starter and captain for the Rebels, Smith was a valuable leader for Matt Johnson’s squad, as well as a dogged guard.
CLASS 2A SECOND TEAM DEFENSE LB – Brandon Heard (Sr.) Horseshoe Bend – Recorded 102 solo tackles, 30 assists with two tackles for a loss, three sacks and one broken up pass. P – Chad Stinson (Jr.) Horseshoe Bend – A weapon for the Generals with 30 punts for a 38.7 average. His longest was a 75-yarder and 13 of his punts were downed inside the 20-yardline.
Torran Smith
Drew Hill
2016 ASWA ALL-STATE FOOTBALL TEAM Editor’s note: Below is a partial listing of the 2016 ASWA All-State Football Team. Find the full list at AlexCityOutlook.com.
Defense DB: Kordell Jackson, Ramsay, Sr., 5-10, 175 DB: Owen Lovell, Cullman, Sr., 6-4, 225 DB: De’Marquis Russell, Carver-Montgomery, Jr., 5-10, 175 DB: J’marick Woods, Florence, Sr., 6-4, 205 LB: KJ Britt, Oxford, Sr., 6-1, 230 LB: Thomas Johnston, Spanish Fort, Sr., 6-2, 220 LB: Josh Marsh, Decatur, Jr., 6-3, 215 LB: T.D. Moultry, Jackson-Olin, Sr., 6-2, 225 DL: Marese McBride, Daphne, Jr., 6-2, 240 DL: Marquel Shelton, Bessemer City, Sr., 6-1, 241 DL: Alfred Thomas, Sidney Lanier, Jr., 6-2, 260 DL: Stacy Willis, Minor, Sr., 6-0, 210 P: Braden Galowitch, Muscle Shoals, Sr., 6-1, 170
CLASS 6A FIRST TEAM Offense QB: Malik Cunningham, Park Crossing, Sr., 6-1, 185 RB: Weldrin Ford, Opelika, Sr., 5-8, 205 RB: Zalon Reynolds, Chelsea, Sr., 5-7, 190 RB: LaDarius Woods, Decatur, Sr., 5-10, 211 REC: Jaylond Adams, Minor, Sr., 5-10, 176 REC: Nico Collins, ClayChalkville, Sr., 6-5, 210 REC: Jaleel Heard, Opelika, Sr., 6-0, 190 OL: Jonathan Bishop, Ramsay, Sr., 6-2, 305 OL: RaKavius Chambers, Opelika, Sr., 6-4, 300 OL: Marcus Jenkins, Park Crossing, Jr., 6-4, 328 OL: Marquice Athlete Robinson, Austin, Jr., 6-4, Malcolm Askew, 305 McAdory, Sr., 6-0, 195 OL: Clay Webb, Oxford, Baniko Harley, Ramsay, So., 6-3, 310 Sr., 6-2, 175 K: Jake Lane, Park Kadarius Toney, Blount, Crossing, Sr., 6-1, 155 Sr., 6-0, 185 Seth Williams, Paul
Bryant, Jr., 6-3, 203 SECOND TEAM Offense QB: Cole Frederick, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr., 6-0, 190 RB: Antonio Robinson, Austin, Sr., 5-10, 170 RB: Brian Robinson, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr., 6-1, 213 RB: Alaric Williams, Southside-Gadsden, Sr., 6-1, 213 REC: Joshua Horn, Ramsay, Sr., 6-1, 180 REC: Marques Mason, Bessemer City, So., 6-2, 191 REC: Collins Woods III, Blount, Jr., 6-3, 190 OL: Jake Andrews, Stanhope Elmore, Jr., 6-2, 280 OL: Hunter Brannon, Cullman, Sr., 6-3, 275 OL: Kent Foster, Pell City, Sr., 6-3, 310 OL: Brett Houston, Oxford, Sr., 6-4, 350 OL: Matt Trehern, Saraland, Sr., 6-3, 290 K: Kaleb Mosley, Carver-Montgomery, Jr., 5-9, 180 Defense DB: Desmond James,
Spanish Fort, So., 6-0, 165 DB: Jordyn Peters, Muscle Shoals, Sr., 6-3, 185 DB: Tyrese Swoopes, Austin, Sr., 5-9, 165 DB: Carson Williams, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr., 6-0, 175 LB: Cameron Bright, Park Crossing, Sr., 6-1, 210 LB: Jamal Brooks, Bessemer City, Sr., 6-1, 227 LB: Steven Crowder, Gardendale, Sr., 6-1, 220 LB: Zack Yancey, Opelika, Sr., 5-10, 215 DL: Jale’N Gladney, Ramsay, Sr., 6-0, 290 DL: DeNadio Madison, Blount, Sr., 6-0, 240 DL: Justin Thomas, Spanish Fort, Sr., 6-5, 260 DL: Jamal Woods, Hueytown, Sr., 6-3, 248 P: Jack Peavey, Oxford, Sr., 5-10, 190 Athlete Dwan James, LeFlore, Sr., 5-9, 190 Reyard Ellis, Shades Valley, Sr., 6-1, 215 Kavosiey Smoke, Wetumpka, Jr., 6-0, 210 John David Worth, Opelika, Sr., 5-10, 195
HONORABLE MENTION QB: JaCure’ Jackson, Minor, Sr.; Matt Marquet, Chelsea, Sr. RB: Carlos Davis, Muscle Shoals, Jr.; Tyetus Smith-Lindsey, Oxford, So. REC: Torin Mayhew, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa, Sr.; Malieq Senior, Austin, Sr. OL: Dawson Cazola, Gardendale, Sr.; Tyler Jernigan, Baldwin Co., Jr. K: Tristin Skinner, Cullman, Sr.; Tyler Thomas, Chelsea, Sr. DB: Will Boler, Opelika, Sr.; Mackell Pippen, Jackson-Olin, Sr. LB: Hunter Oltmer, Muscle Shoals, Sr.; Brody Syer, Oxford, Jr. Dl: Keiland Clayton, Clay-Chalkville, Sr.; Jia Langford, Park Crossing, Jr. P: Nathan Cobb, Florence, Jr.; Diego Guajardo, Daphne, So. Athlete: Myles Henderson, Daphne, Sr.; Coynis Miller, JacksonOlin, Jr. COACH OF THE YEAR Reuben Nelson, Ramsay
UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS Tuesday, Dec. 27 • Central Coosa varsity boys basketball at Chuck Miller Arena in Talladega for Talladega Round-Robin Tournament, vs Shelby County, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 28 • Central Coosa varsity boys basketball
at Chuck Miller Arena in Talladega for Talladega Round-Robin Tournament, vs Talladega, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 29 • BRHS varsity wrestling at Smiths Station, 9 a.m.-noon.
Wednesday, Dec. 28-Friday, Dec. 30 • Lake Martin Slam Fest at Benjamin Russell gymnasium with varsity boys basketball teams from Reeltown, Tallassee, Dadeville, Stanhope Elmore, Alma Bryant, Elmore County, BRHS and Jackson, times TBA.