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OPINION: GETTING READY FOR A NEW YEAR, PAGE 4

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SPORTS, PAGE 10: BRHS wrestlers advance to state duals.

Lake property sales see big year Over a 12-month period a total of $198.7 million in residential lake home sales were recorded and another $16.7 in lots.

units were sold during November, a 76.9 percent increase from the same period in 2016. Stats show November was a very good that 13 were sold in November month for Lake Martin waterfront 2016. sales and that strong month has Russell Lands Vice President helped fuel a 15 percent increase for Real Estate Sales for Russell in the number of sales over the Lands Steve Arnberg said the last 12 months. numbers for the year have been The University of Alabama’s impressive and have almost Culverhouse College of returned to 2007-2008 peak years Commerce and Alabama Center level. for Real Estate report that 23 “It has been an incredible By MITCH SNEED Editor

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

‘No Show’ use leads to 2 calls, 2 arrests

year, especially when you look at a rolling 12-month period,” Arnberg said. “You can look at one month, but that’s just a small snapshot and there can be events that skew a small sample like that. “But over that 12 months from Dec. 1, 2016 to Nov. 30 2017, we are seeing a healthy market and numbers that are almost back to the level before the crash.” See LAKE • Page 3

IT’S NOW OFFICIAL

Possession, endangerment of a child charges pending By MITCH SNEED Editor

A man and woman are facing multiple charges after police responded to a call reporting erratic behavior at a residence off J Street Thursday morning. According to Sgt. Fred White of the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, when officers arrived they found 20-year-old Morgan Miller of Alexander City inside a vehicle ”seized up” with the car running and her foot on the brake. “She was found there and apparently she was trying to drive away but thankfully that was as far she got,” White said. “We went inside the residence and found a male subject in a similar condition. There was also a baby in the residence in an infant seat of some type.” White said it appears that Patrick Gene Murphy, 24, of Alexander City and Miller had smoked a synthetic marijuana known as “no show” which apparently caused the erratic behavior. White said Murphy is facing probation violation charges, possession of a controlled See CHARGES • Page 3

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Alabama Administrator of Elections Ed Packard, Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State John Merrill were all present with members of the media and other interested observers at the results on the Dec. 12 Special Election for U.S. Senate were certified Thursday.

Despite Moore suit, Jones declared winner in Senate race By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

The Alabama State Canvassing Board met in Montgomery to determine whether or not to officially certify the results of the special election on Dec. 12. At 1:10 p.m., Governor Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State Merrill signed off on the certification, making the results of the race between Democrat Doug Jones and Republican Roy Moore final and official, with Jones set to take office in Washington in early January.

prepared statement Thursday. “As I said on election night, our victory marks a new chapter for our state and the nation. I will be an independent voice and work to find common ground with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get Washington back on track and fight to make our country a better place for all.” Shortly after the certification papers Jones Moore were signed by Ivey, Marshall and Merrill, the final results of the election “I am looking forward to going to were available on the Secretary of State’s work for the people of Alabama in the See OFFICIAL • Page 3 new year,” Senator-Elect Jones said in a

Bill would increase threshold for pot trafficking charge

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Sen. Dick Brewbaker of Montgomery has introduced a bill that would increase the amount of marijuana plant material that results in trafficking charges that carry a mandatory threeyear prison sentence in Alabama. “It’s pretty straight forward,” Brewbaker said Thursday. “The mandatory three-year sentence for trafficking – because it’s without judge’s discretion now, the key word is mandatory – in most southeastern states it takes between eight and 10 pounds, between

four and five kilos, of not salable marijuana, but of marijuana plant parts. They count everything, so we’re not talking about salable marijuana. If they find a marijuana plant in your back yard, they count the roots, the stem – everything – in the weight. In Alabama, it’s one kilo, 2.2 pounds. “The problem is, if it were salable marijuana that would be different, but since it counts everything. I mean, you know how big marijuana plants are? They can be huge. And since it’s the wet weight, not dry, ready-to-sell marijuana, you get caught with one marijuana plant and part of another, it’s a mandatory

three years in prison. And the judge doesn’t have any discretion.” Brewbaker said the reason marijuana’s wet weight is what is used “if they come across a huge marijuana plot that’s already been harvested, (dried out, etc.) they still want to be able to prosecute. So that’s why they don’t do it on just salable marijuana.” He said a bill that would have increased the amount for a person to be charged with marijuana trafficking – some limitation, but far less than what his current bill seeks – passed the Senate last year before See BILL • Page 3

We Care About You

Special / The Outlook

If Sen. Dick Brewbaker has his way, a bill he will push in the upcoming session will require larger amounts of marijuana, like this haul in a recent Tallassee bust, to be found to warrant a trafficking charge.

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Patient’s romantic feelings for doctor cause confusion

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Friday, December 29, 2017

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Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Grant Peterson Advertising Sales, Ext. 209 grant.peterson@alexcityoutlook.com

DEAR ABBY: I started seeing a new doctor six months ago to be treated for a serious medical condition. I respect his medical opinion and the fact that many doctors treating my condition would be judgmental and lack compassion. He has offered both. While I appreciate his skills as a doctor, I have started to develop romantic feelings for him. I realize telling him would put him in an awkward position and possibly jeopardize our professional relationship because of the ethical implications. I don’t want to move on to another doctor because I value his services. How do I get over it? -- ANONYMOUSLY IN LOVE DEAR IN LOVE: Your romantic feelings for your doctor are not as unusual as you may think. When a person needs ongoing medical care as you do, it’s natural to feel vulnerable and dependent. When that happens, something called “transference” can occur.

DEAR ABBY Advice

The emotions associated with one person -- such as a parent -- become transferred to the doctor. If you keep this in mind, it may help you to better handle your emotions. DEAR ABBY: I was adopted at a year old by loving parents. Through a lifetime of hard work, they have become wealthy. Their generosity allowed my husband and me to buy our first home and start married life debt-free. My problem is, their community and friends, including some of my husband’s and my own, often feel compelled to bring the subject up. I always thought it was rude to ask questions about other people’s

finances, and I don’t know how to respond to their intrusive questions. I’m very aware of our unique situation, and I’m extremely grateful to my parents for the generosity we have received. How do I respond to friends and acquaintances when they bring up such a sensitive subject? -- GRATEFUL IN CALIFORNIA DEAR GRATEFUL: Remember this. You do not have to answer every question that is asked of you. When questions about your home or finances are raised, reply, “That’s very personal. My parents are generous, and my husband and I are grateful.” PERIOD! DEAR ABBY: My husband and I disagree about how to handle taking our children shopping with us. I believe that, especially while our children are small (they are 3 and 5), the adult with them should keep them in sight at all times,

or at least the majority of the time. If a child moves out of eyesight, the adult should find them within a minute. Are there guidelines on what is appropriate by age or developmental stage on this issue? -- HELICOPTER MOM AND FREE RANGE DAD DEAR HELICOPTER MOM: Your husband is an optimist, while you are a realist. Common sense should prevail. When you take your children to a public place, they should remain under your or your husband’s supervision at all times until they are aware enough that they can’t be lured away by a stranger, and big enough to fight off a predator. 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.

Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

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

How to Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by Submit e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more Obituaries or information, call (256) 234-4281.

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MONTGOMERY – Data collected and analyzed by the Alabama Department of Labor’s Labor Market Information Division shows that the most online help wanted ads were for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, registered nurses, and retail salespersons, with 6,971 ads placed for those occupations in November. The Help Wanted Online (HWOL) data is compiled from all online job postings in the state, including those posted on the state’s free online jobs database, www.joblink.alabama. gov, and other sources; such as traditional job boards, corporate boards, and social media sites.

There were 40,241 online ads this month, of those 13,564 were new ads. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earn a mean wage of $19.63 per hour, registered nurses earn a mean wage of $28.01 per hour, and retail salespersons earn a mean wage of $13.42 per hour. “Light Truck or Delivery Service Drivers demand is surging as people find themselves shopping online to avoid those holiday crowds. Overall, Light Truck and Delivery Service Drivers’ ads have increased 32.4 percent over the same month in 2016. These occupations show satisfactory growth through 2024 with average total openings of 250, and an average hourly wage of $14.88,” said Alabama

Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. The top three employers posting ads in November were: UAB Medicine (570), Community Health Systems, Inc. (446), and Compass Group (434). Thirty-five percent of all online ads are less than 30 days old, and 70 percent of all ads are less than 90 days old. “We’d like to encourage anyone who needs a job, or wants a different job, to come into one of our Career Centers for assistance,” said Washington. “Our trained staff can assist you in obtaining the career you want.” A listing of Career Centers can be found at www.joblink. alabama.gov.

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The Alabama State Canvassing Board met in Montgomery to determine whether or not to officially certify the results of the special election on Dec. 12. Democrat Doug Jones, right, was declared the winner, despite a 11th hour suit filed by Republican Roy Moore final and official, left. Jones is set to take office in Washington in early January.

Official website, showing that Jones bested Moore at the ballot box 673,896 to 651,972, with 22,852 write-in votes. A county-by-county breakdown of all tallied write-ins were also available, showing a number of Alabama voters opted to instead vote for former Attorney General Luther Strange, independent candidate Lee Busby, former Governor Bob Riley, Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, former Auburn football coaches Pat Dye and Tommy Tuberville, former Alabama Senator and current U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, reality television star Phil Robertson, Jesus Christ, Santa Claus, cartoon characters Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and SpongeBob SquarePants, and even Boo Radley from “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Carol Gowen, the interim chair for the Tallapoosa County Democrats, said she was elated on the night of the election, and felt there was no reason the certification should not have gone forward. “Doug Jones and his supporters worked hard,” she said. “Grassroots

Lake The numbers that Arnberg speaks of prove his point. The gross dollar amount of lake front sales is up 29.5 percent. That comes from a 22.6 percent spike in the sales price of Lake Martin homes. The average price of a single-family detached lake home saw a jump of $99,500 over last year, which represents a 22.6 percent increase. Arnberg said that the “rolling 12-month period from Dec. 1, 2016 to Nov. 30, 2017 showed a total of $198.7 million in residential home sales and another $16.7 million in vacant lake lot sales. Compared to the same 12-month period the previous year when residential sales totaled $153.4 million and lot sales were at $20.2 million The average price for the 12-month period ending Nov. 30, 2017 was $550,000 as opposed to the $488,000 average price for the same 12 months in 2016. “Those prices, both average and median, show the kind of increase that is good news for those who saw the drop when the market declined a

Charges substance and chemical endangerment of a child. Miller, who was initially taken to Russell Medical for treatment, will also be charged with possession of a controlled substance and chemical endangerment of a child. Court records show that Murphy has had several run-ins with the law. There are drug and theft charges in his criminal history and was given probation in September on another drug-related charge. White said the Department of Human Resources was called and the 4-month-old baby boy child was taken from the home and put in the custody of grandparents. Officers were called to a second

continued from page 1

efforts and hard work are what did this. I’m excited to hear the official statement.” In a last-minute move, Moore and his campaign filed a suit late Wednesday night in an effort to stop the certification, alleging widespread voter fraud, namely in Jefferson County. “Three national Election Integrity experts reached the same independent conclusion: ‘with a reasonable degree of statistical and mathematical certainty… election fraud occurred,’” a press release from Moore’s campaign said. “Also provided in the complaint is an affidavit from Judge Roy Moore stating that he successfully completed a polygraph test confirming the representations of misconduct made against him during the campaign are completely false.” Moore’s campaign elaborated further Thursday afternoon following the certification. “Election fraud experts across the country have agreed that this was a fraudulent election. Even the Secretary of State himself was forced to stop fraudulent and intimidating

continued from page 1

number of years ago,” Anberg said. “So people who saw the value of their property fall during the decline are now seeing equity in their homes and that is a sign of a healthy market.” The Lake Martin waterfront housing inventory in November was 189 units, a decrease of 16.4 percent from November 2016 and 64.4 percent below the November peak in 2008 of 531 units. November inventory decreased by 8.2 percent from September. Arnberg said that there are currently 210 active listings, which shows that there is a drop in the inventory. “The residential supply is 17.3 percent lower than last year,” Arnberg said. “For the running 12 months ending Nov. 30, 2016 we had a 10.8 month inventory. “Right now we have an eightmonth supply. The good news is that they are selling. The other side of that is people are holding on to their property and there are not as many listed.”

advertisements from an organization known as Highway 31, predominantly funded by the Democratic Senate Majority PAC,” Moore said in the statement. “I’ve had to fight not only the Democrats but also the Republican Senate Leadership Fund and over $50 million in opposition spending from the Washington establishment. I have stood for the truth about God and the Constitution for the people of Alabama. I have no regrets. To God be the glory.” With the official certification of the election results, the suit filed by Moore and his campaign has effectively been tossed out. Merrill found no evidence of endemic fraud, while Judge Johnny Hardwick of the Montgomery County Circuit Court, where the suit was filed, refused to grant a temporary restraining order to halt the certification. Hardwick said his court did not have the jurisdiction to continue pursuing the matter, according to an article from The Montgomery Advertiser. Following the certification, Merrill held a news conference regarding the election and certification process.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt in anyone’s mind that has followed this election objectively that this election has been conducted with the utmost integrity, that it’s been safe, secure, it’s been credible,” he said. “The results have the kind of integrity and credibility that the people of Alabama expect and demand and that the people of the United States of America know has occurred in our state.” Gowen also weighed in on the suit, stating that Moore was fighting a losing battle and that he should do the proper thing and concede. “Doug Jones was the clear winner and the people have spoken,” she said. “It’s not really fair to Alabama taxpayers and voters to continue this fight.” With Moore’s suit having been effectively rejected and the final vote tally officially certified by the top government officials of the state of Alabama, there is essentially nothing left standing in the way of Doug Jones taking the oath of office on Jan. 3, becoming the newest member of the United States Senate.

Bill

continued from page 1

bogging down in the House. “When we were doing all the sentencing reform, well, we passed a bill out of the Senate last year as part of the heroin and fentanyl bill to bring Alabama more into line with all of the rest of the Southeast on the way we sentence people on marijuana convictions. It didn’t decriminalize it. “It left possession just like it is now, it left intent to distribute just like it is now. The only thing it changed was it raised the trafficking limit to six pounds, still stricter than the other states but not quite as tight as we are now. In light of all the sentencing reform we were trying to do, it seemed to make sense. “It passed in the Senate, but it got caught in that logjam in the last week and it just never came to the floor.” Brewbaker said his proposal is all about meeting what he believes are the state’s public policy goals. “Let’s put it this way: I just

want people to decide whether …It seems to me the public policy goals of South Carolina and Georgia and Tennessee and Florida are to have trafficking start at about eight pounds of plant material. It doesn’t meet Alabama’s public policy goals to have us start it at two pounds. Especially if you’re going to have a mandatory, no judge’s discretion, three-year prison sentence.” But Brewbaker admits that he doesn’t expect his measure to pass – especially in the coming session with an election in the offing. “In an election year, (the chances of the measure passing the Legislature are) almost zero,” Brewbaker said. “I just don’t want people to forget about it and come back. I mean there are so many people that are afraid of being accused of being soft on crime. So we’ll just keep on doing what we’ve been doing, whether it makes any sense or not.”

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incident in the same general neighborhood at about 3:30 p.m. where another man was spotted outside acting strange. “The call came in that a man had wigged out after smoking the same kind of thing,” White said. “People at the scene said the man was in his yard trying to do a back flip and nearly broke his neck. “That’s the thing with this synthetic marijuana, it is like rolling the dice. You never know what you are putting into your body and it can be extremely dangerous. That’s what we saw today.” White said the second incident remains under investigation and there was no word on charges in that case.

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Page 4

Opinion

Our View

Jones officially wins, so let’s get back to normal

oug Jones will be the next U.S. Senator from the state of Alabama. That became official Thursday at 1:10 p.m. when a panel including Gov. Kay Ivey, Attorney General Steve Marshall and Secretary of State John Merrill certified the vote, showing that the Democrat had beaten Roy Moore by 21,924 votes out of more than 1.3 million cast. That turnout was a record for the state in a special election. Regardless of how you feel about the outcome, it’s time to move forward and hopefully Jones will get on with the business of doing what’s best for our state and the nation while serving us in Washington. We hope that Alabamians can give Jones a chance and let his actions show us what he’s all about, even if Moore can’t take his loss like a man and go home. Moore filed suit Wednesday night attempting to stop the certification from happening. The suit claimed that there was evidence of election fraud and that the process should be stopped to avoid “irreparable damage.” A judge denied that motion. A released statement from the Moore camp announcing the suit claimed: “Three national Election Integrity experts reached the same independent conclusion: ‘with a reasonable degree of statistical and mathematical certainty…election fraud occurred.’” Experts? The Washington Post did a little research of its own about the people who Moore rounded up to make his case According to the Post: “The experts came to the case with baggage of their own. James Condit Jr., one of the election analysts who signed an affidavit on behalf of Moore’s campaign, has written and spoken about ‘Zionist’ control of world politics, and alleged an Israeli role in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Richard Charnin, who provided the court with an argument that there was just enough possible fraud to swing the election, claimed to have ‘mathematically’ proven a conspiracy behind the assassination of John F. Kennedy.” It’s time for the sideshow craziness to end and maybe our state can regain a little bit of its dignity and late night talk show hosts can move on to the next train wreck in waiting. Dignity, normalcy and common sense aren’t bad things.

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 Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334-242-7100. Her office is located at the State Kay Ivey Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama. Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Steve Marshall Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Mark Tuggle Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Tom Whatley Drive, Auburn.

Outlook The

Human resolutions are tough to keep

ell, my annual New Year’s resolution to go on a diet has already gone down the tubes and it’s still three days to New Year’s Day. It was destroyed by a cream filled, chocolate covered donut. This really doesn’t surprise me because I normally last until about the middle of January before I fall off the wagon. This dieting business is a curse on all us plumper folks. I knew it was going to be difficult because I am always just a biscuit away from going over to the dark side and never coming back. If that ever happens then my eating habits would resemble a swarm of locusts. After all, I think of M&M’s as one of the four major food groups. The other three are ketchup, steak and cookies. I can already tell that this weight thing is gaining on me. I thought some of my holiday pictures were group shots until I realized I was the only one in the photo. At this rate they will have to take an aerial photo to get all of me in the picture and I believe my passport picture weighs two pounds because of this extra weight. That next biscuit looms ever larger in my lifestyle. When I went to the store and bought those donuts I should have known better. While I was ambling toward the pastries I passed a set

extra biscuit and give up. Resolutions are good for all of us. They help us focus on doing better and growing as a person. However, the best of DR. GERALD resolutions are never enough HALLMARK without repentance over past Columnist deeds. Many people resolve to do better, but continually fall short. This is because they of scales and stepped up on have attached their spiritual them just to check the old weight. When the message on lives to their own abilities to control their passions. the scales said, “One person Jesus said, “Except ye at a time, please!” I should have left right then and there. repent, ye shall like wise Another reason I know I must perish.” He never said to resolve to do better, but said get back on my diet is an turn completely around in incident that happened while Him and surrender yourself I was in the donut line. I was standing there when my phone totally. Falling off the spiritual wagon will always be the went off and little boy in the back shouted, “Look out! He’s pattern of those that resolved instead of repented of their about to back up!” It made me so mad that I nearly threw sin. Maybe it’s time to make a New Year’s repentance instead my sack of peanut brittle of resolution. at him. However, because I My doctor told me I had to wanted to be a good Christian get out and walk more if I was and not cause trouble I just ever going to get this weight ate another Double Stuffed Oreo and ignored him. A real under control. Thanks to that advice I’ve found the perfect man has to rise above these solution to my dieting and circumstances. In all of this weight gaining eating. I’ve started walking to the store to buy my cream I didn’t realize that my truck filled, chocolate covered was reflecting it. The pride donuts. I have in my truck has been diminished when my wife Dr. Gerald Hallmark is pointed at that it is an XLT. a retired minister who lives Everything I own has XL in in Alexander City. He is the collar or waistband and currently serving as interim now my truck has it printed pastor at First Baptist Church on the side! It’s discouraging of Dadeville. His column enough to make me want to appears here each Friday. just go ahead and eat that

Friday, December 29, 2017

Today’s

Quote

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

Today’s

Scripture “No one has ever seen God, but God the One and only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.” – John 1:18

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Friday’s Question: Do you think Roy Moore’s refusal to accept the election results is hurting Alabama? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www. alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

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

How to

Getting ready for the new year T he week between Christmas and New Year’s Day has always been a strange week to me. Contributing to the strangeness is the fact that from the third week in November until year’s end, I have consumed more carbs and sugar than I eat the rest of the year. But it is more than just physical. There is a tension I feel every year that is both stressful and healing. I have heard many try to describe this pressure. This last week of the year is a time that causes me some sadness. I think of people who have died, and dreams that have not come to pass. Each year, I find myself feeling sad. I performed a wedding this year for a great young couple. The father of the groom got sick shortly before the wedding and could not attend. All through the wedding festivities, the bridal party would speak to the father over the internet where they had arranged to make sure he had the live feed of the service. The day after the wedding the couple and many members of the wedding party went to see the dad in the hospital. While they were there, he passed away. Five days after their

knew left this world for the next. But I also realize many beautiful things also happened. Some died, but RAY many lived. That is what this WATERS week between Christmas and Columnist New Year’s always reminds me. In 2018, I look forward to spending many joy-filled wedding, this young couple days with family and friends. buried the groom’s father. We all will die, but not yet. On Christmas Eve, the lady who teaches the children And I want to enjoy the people in my life as long as at our church had set out I can. I also am grateful for Christmas presents with her the dream of a better year, husband, and as they were getting ready to go to bed, he of new experiences, of new had a massive heart attack and opportunities that are possible for those who are willing to died. They have a 17-yearseize them. Every goal won’t old son and a 10-year-old daughter. Christmas will never work out, but many will. And be the same for them. People that is what makes the journey so incredible. die, and that is sad. And I This last week of the year think about the losses families is sad for it reminds me of experience every year. loss. But it also is exhilarating I also think about dreams because it reminds me of how that have died for others and beautiful this life can be if we me. I love when people have an idea that excites them. But, are willing to make the most inevitably some of these ideas of every moment. I want 2018 to be the best yet. That gives don’t take root and end up in the dream trash bin. When this me hope. I am ready for the happens, it makes me sad for new year. I hope you are too. Let’s go and crush it. Let’s others but it is also sad when make it a truly happy New it happens to me. Year. Juxtaposed with some of the losses of the last year is Ray Waters is a minister, the promise of beauty and a motivational speaker and grace in the year ahead. I a regular columnist for am sad about some of 2017. Tallapoosa Publishers. Some precious people I

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.

Friday, December 29, 2017

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Today’s Anniversaries

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Jeffery and Celia Holley

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Today’s Birthdays

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Harriet Hayes Dodd, Clara Baker, Carrie Leigh Smith and Yvonne Hunter are celebrating their birthdays today.

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Nashville recording artist Daryle SIngletary will be in concert at the World Famous Rodeo Club near Dadeville on Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and can be picked up a Kowaliga Country. For more information call 256-825-7503

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Saturday, December 30

FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5:00 until 8:00 Saturday, Dec. 30. There will be hot dogs, pizza, chips, and soft drinks.

Wednesday, January 3

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MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday Jan 3 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.

Monday, January 8

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Craigger Browne will present “Tribute to Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 8 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

January 8-9

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Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days January 8-9. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

Saturday, January 13

BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale on the lower level of the Dadeville Library Saturday, Jan. 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fill a grocery bag for $5 or three bags for just $15. MLK PRAYER BREAKFAST: The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer breakfast will be Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Stephens Elementary Gym at 8 a.m. Tickets are $10.

Monday, January 15

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MLK CELEBRATION: The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be Monday, Jan. 15. It will start with a parade at 9 a.m. beginning at Stephens Elementary School and a program at the Stephens Elementary School gym at 11 a.m.

Tuesday, January 16

BEEKEEPING COURSE: The 2018 Beginner Beekeeping Course will start Jan. 16 and will be on Tuesdays through Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Recreation Center. Cost is $45 for adults and $35 for students Call the Extension Office at 256-825-1050 and the deadline for registration is Jan. 11. COMPUTER CLASSES: The Adelia M. Russell Library is offering computer classes in 2018. One program is for beginners, with a separate advanced program for individuals seeking to move beyond the basics. The advanced class is aimed at anyone wanting to improve their skill set and/or enhance their employment opportunities. The basic classes will begin January 16, 2018, and the advanced classes will begin January 18, 2018; each session will last approximately one hour (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and will meet for four straight weeks. Classes will be small and the atmosphere will be relaxed. To sign up simply come by the Adelia M. Russell Library. For more information, call 256-329- 6796. There is no cost to attend.

Sunday, January 21

HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING: The Tallapoosee Historical Society will meet at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 2 p.m. Dr. Charles Mitchell will be the speaker. He will present “A Pictorial History of Alabama Agriculture.” While working at Auburn, Dr. Mitchell accumulated lots of old photographs related to Alabama agriculture. Several years ago, he began organizing them and realized that these old pictures could actually tell the chronological story of Alabama’s agriculture from the Creek Indians to modern production. He will share these photographs with the Tallapoosee Historical Society Please make plans to attend. The meeting is open to the public, there is no admission fee and free refreshments will be served.

Monday, Janurary 22

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: E. Paul Jones will present “Reverend Maxwell” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 22 starting at 1:30 p.m.at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

Monday, January 29

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Marilee Tankersley will present “Wetumpka Impact Crater” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 29 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

Monday, February 5

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Glen Willis will present “Forgotten Alabama” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 5 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

Wednesday, February 7

SITE REVIEW: Central Alabama Community College will host a site review for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree in Nursing program by the ACEN on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. in Building J of the Childersburg Campus. For further information go to the CACC homepage at www.cacc.edu

Monday, February 12

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Peggy Shores will present “Songs from the Heart” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 12 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

Monday, February 26

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. James Hansen will present “Neil Armstrong” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 26 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.

Wednesday, March 29

VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam

veterans March 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School Auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston. Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards. Visit auburnveteransproect. weebly.com/east-alabama-vietnamveterans-welcome-home-cermony. html. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance by either emailing Blake Busbin at wbbusbin@auburnschools. org or by calling Auburn High School at 334-887-2120.

April 9-10

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days April 9-10. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

July 16-17

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days July 16-17. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd, and Weekend Shifts for 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

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

October 15-16

THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days October 15-16. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.

Ongoing Events

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville hosts an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting every Sunday at 6 p.m. DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS: The Bill Nichols Chapter 13 meets every third Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the Charles T. “Bud” Porch Center in Alexander City. Chapter Service Officers are available every second and fourth Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. for claims assistance. 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 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please call 256-409-2020 for more information. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Every second and fourth Sunday at 5 p.m. the Trinity campus of First United Methodist Church will be a caregiver support group. Call 256-786-1685 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.

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Friday, December 29, 2017

ONTO THE NEXT ROUND

Submitted / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s wrestling team poses with its second-place tournament at the Class 6A Region 2 Duals on Thurday. The Wildcats went 2-1.

Benjamin Russell takes 2nd at Region 2 duals By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

With a second-place finish at the Class 6A Region 2 wrestling duals tournament, the Benjamin Russell Wildcats are moving on to the sub-regionals. After missing the chance to advance by a hair last season — the first time Alabama hosted duals regional and state championships — this runner-up trophy feels especially sweet.

“For our team, it’s a great tournament to finish second in,” BRHS coach Michael Ransaw said. “Last year, they came down here and didn’t move on to the second round. We came up short of first place, but all I asked them at the beginning of the year is to do one finish better than last year, and I think we’re doing over and above that.” The Wildcats (21-8) started the day with another narrow loss to Oxford, 36-33, but rebounded

well and dominated both Opelika and Pell City, 50-18 and 60-9, respectively. Four BRHS wrestlers earned spots on the all-regional tournament team. Bobby Charsha at 106, Saxon Coker at 145 and Conner Burk at 182 all went undefeated on the day, while Damian Lawry went 2-1 at 220 pounds. Burk had the most dominating performance, picking up three victories by pin. His fastest

came against Pell City, when he flattened his opponent in 1:26. Coker also had all three of his wins on the mat; he earned a 19-4 tech fall against Opelika and a pair of pins versus Oxford and Pell City. Although Charsha got a win via forfeit, he also had two pins — one against Oxford in 3:09 and one versus Pell City in 1:03. Lawry had one loss, but also had two hard-fought wins, including an 8-6 overtime win

against Oxford and a 7-2 decision against Pell City. Several other Wildcats went 2-1, including Nyshad Hannon (120 pounds, 1 pin); Robert Graham (132, 1 pin); Ryan Spradley (138); Michael Parker (152, 1 pin); Jy Harvey (160, 1 pin); Hezekiah Hunter (170, 1 pin); and Isaiah Holloway (195, 2 pins). Benjamin Russell will travel to the Gulf Shores area for its subregional on Jan. 19.

Peach Bowl doesn’t have to be the pits

he Peach Bowl. Ugh. Central Florida. Eye roll. What is Auburn’s motivation for playing in what once was nothing more than a mid-major bowl game against an upstart from a less-thanprestigious conference in a game just 90 miles from home? Why not the Fiesta Bowl against Penn State? Why not the Orange Bowl against Mark Richt and the U? The Peach Bowl … really? That’s precisely what could be going through the minds of Auburn fans as the Tigers prepare to play Central Florida next Monday at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For a team that was three quarters away from making the college football playoff, an invitation to the Peach Bowl might come as a punch in the gut. For what it’s worth, the Peach Bowl is a rising star among bowl games. It simply hasn’t had a long history of prestige. So how in the world can Auburn get fired up for another trip to Atlanta? There are plenty of reasons. End on a high note: Considering the high this program was riding heading into the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 2, the Tigers don’t need to exit the season with the thud of a two-game losing skid. Losing to UCF will tarnish an otherwise very good season that included wins over Georgia and Alabama. This season should be remembered for what happened in November and how a strong second half nearly propelled Auburn into the playoffs. Losing to UCF erases that, sort of. Beat the undefeated: Georgia was 9-0 when it first played Auburn, and lost. Alabama was 11-0 when it played Auburn, and lost. Central Florida is 12-0. Beating three unbeaten teams late in the season is special. The Golden Knights bring a powerful offense into the postseason, leading the nation with an average of 49 points per game. That alone should be enough motivation for Jeff Holland, Marlon Davidson, Carlton Davis and company. Home grown: Twenty-six Auburn players are originally from

JOE MCADORY Columnist

Georgia, many of which from the metro Atlanta area. Playing a bowl game in this beautiful stadium so close to home should be enough to inspire a player. Who’s from Georgia? Tray Matthews, Derrick Brown, Dontavius Russell and Darius Slayton, just to name a few. “They don’t have a lot of speed”: Central Florida running back Adrian Killins told a reporter from the Orlando Sentinel that Auburn “hasn’t seen any speed like we have here.” Auburn hasn’t faced Central Florida’s speed? Maybe. Maybe not. But something tells me Alabama, Georgia and LSU have plenty of speed. So does Clemson. If Auburn wasn’t fired up for the game, Killins didn’t help the Knights’ cause. Peach: If the Auburn team that showed up for much of the second half of the season brings itself to Atlanta, then Central Florida will suffer its first loss. Logic calls for the Tigers to pound the Central Florida defense, which probably hasn’t seen power like Auburn has. Wouldn’t it be wild if kicker/ holder combo Daniel Carlson and Tyler Stovall went out with a bang? Perhaps a trick play? Auburn 36, Central Florida 27. Rose: Georgia has not seen a quarterback like Baker Mayfield. Then again, Baker Mayfield has not seen a defense like Georgia’s. Something tells me Roquan Smith will plant the Heisman winner at midfield. Georgia 31, Oklahoma 24. Sugar: I’m not sold that Clemson is as good as its ranking. If true, and if Alabama plays up to its potential, we could see an all-SEC championship game. Alabama 21, Clemson 10. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Jakoibee Gamble (23) goes up for a layup against a pair of Loachapoka players Thursday.

Wildcats stay alive in Slam Fest Beauregard at 2 p.m. today. For the second day in a row, the Wildcats came out in a fullWith the threat of being court press, and Stowes and DJ knocked out of its own Hunter got steal after steal and tournament early, Benjamin helped turned them into easy Russell’s boys basketball buckets. Before Loachapoka team put on a show against could put a single point on the Loachapoka on Day 2 of the board, the Wildcats led by 20. BRHS Slam Fest on Thursday “We hang our hats on afternoon. playing good defense, Defensively, the Wildcats regardless of who we’re absolutely stifled the Indians, playing,” Daniel said. “That’s not allowing them to get on the where it starts with us. We just board until six minutes were knew where our strengths were gone in the game. They kept the today against our opponent, pedal to the metal all game and and we played to that. We did a earned their most convincing better job crashing the boards. win of the season, 57-31. I stayed in a zone more today “Coach (Lewis Daniel) just than I have the last couple of told us that we had to get after games, and that helped us on them early,” Benjamin Russell the boards.” point guard Za Stowes said. Benjamin Russell out“We needed to execute, and rebounded the Indians, 30-23, that’s what we did. That pretty and also forced 27 turnovers, much set the tone for the rest of including nine steals. Stowes the game.” grabbed four of those steals, With the win, Benjamin and Hunter had three. Leading Russell (3-7) advances to the way on the boards was Cam the consolation final against Morris, who had seven boards By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

and was tantalizingly close to a triple-double with eight points and seven blocks. The Wildcats had a nice point spread with no one scoring in double figures, but five with at least eight points. Stowes led the scoring with nine points, and, in addition to Morris, Nick McGhee, Quin Burroughs and Alex Doss all had eight apiece. Turnovers still presented a problem for BRHS, as they finished with 22 miscues. “I was pleased that we shot the ball better today and we executed a little bit more in the paint today, but that ghost of turnovers, I’m still trying to figure out,” Daniel said. “They’re usually not forced turnovers, we generally do it to ourselves. We’re trying to do too many fancy things instead of just being simple.” Benjamin Russell will be looking to finish its holiday tournament on a high note when it takes on Beauregard today.