LOCAL EVENTS, PAGE 5
OPINION: DRUG-RELATED CRIMES NEED OUR ATTENTION, PAGE 4.
FRIDAY
THE
See what’s happening this holiday season
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
December 2, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 242 www.alexcityoutlook.com
SHERIFF TALKS RISE IN OPIOID ABUSE, HEROIN By MITCH SNEED Editor
Tallapoosa County Sheriff said there have been spikes in methamphetamine and pharmaceutical use and spoke about other alarming trends in the county’s crime and what his office was doing to prevent them. Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said drug trends are changing as more opiate based drugs enter into circulation from a number of illegal and legal sources.
Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett spoke at the Dadeville Kiwanis Club Thursday on a variety of TCSO topics, among them the latest trend in illegal drug activity in the county.
However he said the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force still identified marijuana as the “drug of choice,” and Abbett said his office added trafficking charges to the synthetic cannabinoid Spice on Wednesday. “Terrible drug, terrible. Actually it has after effects on down the line that you’re actually dealing with in years to come, we don’t know what it’s actually laced with,” said Abbett. See DRUGS • Page 3
Corey Arwood / The Outlook
Task Force makes five arrests on drug charges
Officials talk holiday fire safety By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
County and city fire officials say the holidays bring an increase in structure fires for a variety of reasons, but they also offer a number of ways to reduce that risk. Although the possibilities are endless, one the Alex City Fire Chief, Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department assistant chief and the county Emergency Management Agency director all agreed on was heating with space heaters. Both Jones and Mathis said fires this time of year mostly originate from space heater elements and an inadequate distance left between it and a flammable object. “A lot of times we don’t want to turn on the actual furnace,” Jones said. She said that was largely a result of the temperature fluctuating rapidly between highs and lows. She encouraged residents who use propane to have their tanks filled in order to avoid the use of space heaters. But Jones and Mathis both said adequate space was crucial, and Jones said at least a minimum of 3 feet clearance was required. EMA Director Moran said, “Heating See SAFETY • Page 3
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
April Neese talks with a student preparing to board a bus at Jim Pearson Wednesday. Neese will leave pearson to become principal at Stephens in January.
FLYING HIGH
New principal aims to educate whole child at Stephens By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A new principal will soon lead the way for third and fourth-graders as well as staff and faculty at a local elementary school after a well-rounded past in the Alexander City School System. April Neese was announced as the new principal at Nathaniel Stephens Elementary School at Tuesday’s Alexander City Board of Education meeting. See PRINCIPAL • Page 3
Today’s
See ARREST • Page 3
Meals on Wheels taking Chick-Fil-A sack lunch orders
Weather
61 41 High
Five people have been arrested and investigators with the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force seized synthetic marijuana, illegal prescription drugs, cash, a vehicle and digital scales after a Wednesday raid in Alexander City. According to Sgt. Fred White, the Wednesday operation was the result of “doing physical surveillance of the suspected distribution site for several weeks.” Arrested in the execution of the warrant were: Demetrius “Dab” Burroughs, 28, of Alexander City on charges of trafficking in spice, trafficking in hydrocodone, possession of marijuana 2nd degree and possession of drug paraphernalia. Olivia Montresa Watts, 19, of Alexander City on charges of trafficking in spice, trafficking in hydrocodone, possession of marijuana 2nd degree and possession of drug paraphernalia. Craig Demonte Herron,
Low
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
483.10 Reported on 11/1/16 @ 6 p.m.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
PAVEMENT READY
Contractors seal cracks in the pavement in the Broad Street Plaza parking lot Thursday to prepare for the start of paving on the project which began in July. The project is being paid for by Transportation Alternative Program funds received from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). Total cost of the project is $544,000 for which the city’s required 20 percent match – plus city engineering and inspection costs – is $125,000.
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Who likes a chicken sandwich? To be more specific, who likes a Chick-fil-A sandwich? With no Chick-fil-A in the area many in the Alexander City area plan trips around meals at a Chick-fil-A. But Alexander City is lucky every once in a while as Meals on Wheels will have Chickfil-A Sack Lunch benefitting the organization. Thursday, Dec. 8 is the day Chick-fil-A addicts can feed their habit. “We are having our sack lunch benefit next week,”
+
Meals on Wheels Sharon Penton said. “We are taking orders through Monday at 2 p.m. and will deliver on Thursday.” The sack lunches include those favorite Chick-fil-A sandwiches with chips and a cookie and cost just $6. Penton said the lunches can be delivered or picked up just let them know when you order at 256-329-7382. Penton said there are others ways you help Meals on Wheels. “We are looking for volunteers to deliver meals,” Penton said. “Just call and let them know you can help.”
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Page 2
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Man drains family savings to fund failing enterprise
Saturday
58 46 Low
High
Mostly cloudy, 30 percent chance of showers
Sunday
55 49 Low
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80 percent chance of showers
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 Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Lonna Upton Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 lonna.upton@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
Friday, December 2, 2016
The Outlook
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Advertising Sales, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com
DEAR ABBY: My husband of 23 years, “Gerald,” quit his job to start his own law firm. He told me about it only after he had quit. I have tried to be supportive, but seven months down the line, he has spent all our “rainy day” cash and earned only one paycheck. We have two teenagers, one who will be going to college in a year. I took a high-paying job a year ago to help pay down our mortgage and fund our son’s college expenses. Gerald claimed the bonus money he received when he quit his old job belonged to him to fund the new venture. He’s now saying that seven months is too little time to make any huge decisions, but we are now going to start liquidating our 401(k)s. This is where I draw the line. He needs to get a job. I have worked every year of our marriage and never quit. I feel like I’m living with a selfish stranger who calls me a “money-hungry stereotypical female” when I ask when
DEAR ABBY Advice
he’ll get paid. Is it time for me to take off the rose-colored glasses and file for divorce? -- STUCK IN HIS MIDLIFE CRISIS DEAR STUCK: Your husband should have discussed his career change with you before he quit the law firm. Do NOT allow him to push you into taking money from your 401(k). Because your husband hasn’t yet reached retirement age, when he liquidates his, there will be a penalty for early withdrawal. Consult an attorney -- other than your husband -- about what your next steps should be to protect yourself and your children because your spouse does not appear to be making rational decisions.
DEAR ABBY: I am writing in response to the letter from “Loving Granddaughter” on July 2, who was asking for ways to prepare for the eventual passing of her grandparents, with whom she is very close. A way to help her cope with her premature grief would be to take time to sit down with her grandparents and video a personal interview with them. This “Interview With a Loved One” provides an opportunity to capture her favorite stories and memories as told by her grandparents in their own words. She might even hear some surprising new stories as well! We started doing this with my grandfather when he was first diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, before he started losing his memory. After he finally succumbed, going back to his interviews was a great way for our family to remember him in the way that he would have wanted to be remembered. -JESSICA IN MISSOURI
DEAR JESSICA: That’s a wonderful suggestion, one that I know will be appreciated by many of my readers. Thank you! DEAR ABBY: How do I introduce my unmarried daughter’s baby daddy? Can’t say “husband,” and can’t say “partner” since gays have claimed that word. So how do you define that new role? -I’D LIKE YOU TO MEET ... DEAR MEET: When you introduce your grandchild’s daddy, use his name and say, “This is ‘John,’ ‘Jessica’s’ partner.” The term is not used exclusively by LGBT people, but by straight couples as well. 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.
Spreading Christmas Cheer
Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
Postal
Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
How to Submit Obituaries
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
Employees of Price Gregory, contractor installing the pipeline, held a toy drive for the Tri-County Advocacy Center. Thursday they made a donation of cash and toys along with the New Site Police Department and the Tallapoosa County Commission. Pictured are Price Gregory Superintendent Thomas Hardwick, left, New Site Police Phillip Weddle, Tri-County CAC Family Advocate Laura Lumpkin, Price Gregory’s Joanne Hardwick and Tallapoosa County Commissioner John McKelvey. “The employees of Price Gregory always try to do something for children every where we work,” Joanne Hardwick said. “We are trying to something in every county that we work in.”
Obituaries Malvin Ray Funeral Service for Malvin Ray will be Friday, December 2, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson’s Gap, with Rev. Jamie Williams officiating. He will lie in state 2 hours before the service. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery. Mr. Ray died at Chapman Healthcare on November 30, 2016. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 1, 2016, from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Wright’s Funeral Home, 131 Mason Street. Mr. Ray was born on March
26, 1927 to Alton and Daisy Norrell Ray. He is survived by; Nephews: Albert Lee (Myra) Pasley and Donnie (Donna) Rodgers. Nieces; Reba (Kenny) Williams, Frances (Dewey) Amerson, Debra Rodgers and Joan (James) Bradford. Several great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death his parents. His sister, Norma Rodgers and Brothers, Joe, Wilson and Alvin Ray. Wright’s Funeral Home directing Wrightsfuneralservice. com
FOR SALE
Mr. George Frank Coley, Sr.
2056 ALTHEA LOOP ALEX CITY $229,000
Funeral service for Mr. George Frank Coley, Sr. of Alexander City, AL; Saturday, December 3, 2016; 3 p.m.; Great Bethel Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL; burial in church cemetery.
3BD/2BA spacious brick home in Parrish Hills. Open Kit/DR/FR w/ vaulted ceilings, FP & travertine tile flooring. Lots of kit cabinets, eat-in bar and granite counter. Master suite with luxury BA. Great back yard w/ covered patio. Ample 3-car garage w/plenty of workspace. Ready for family living!
Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.
Public Meetings Ms. Frances Blankenship 1925 - 2016 Graveside Service for Ms. Frances Blankenship, 90, of Alexander City, will be Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hillview Memorial Park. Bro. Larry Cummings will officiate. The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Ms. Blankenship passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Chapman Healthcare Center. She was born on December 28, 1925 in Tallapoosa County, Alabama to George Walter McDaniel, Sr. and Cola Mae McDaniel. She was a member of Orr Street Baptist Church. Mrs. Blankenship enjoyed spending time with the Southern Tours group traveling and shopping. She was a very loving family oriented woman that loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her son, Rodney Wayne Blankenship (Kathi) of Montgomery; daughter, Peggy Joyce Lang (Rich) of Jacksonville, FL; grandchildren, Gina Holt, Ben Blankenship, Allison Lang; great-grandchildren, Mae Morgan Blankenship, Bennett Blankenship, Ingram Holt, Landry Holt; sister, Dannie Dean Jones; brothers, George and Arnold McDaniel. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Allen McDaniel; sisters, Maxine Baker and Ruth Blankenship. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Dementia Society of America, P O Box 600, Doylestown, PA, 18901. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
SAMANTHA SPURLIN
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 Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville. n Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. n Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday. n Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at
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7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public. n Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a premeeting 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.
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
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WHATLEY MONUMENT Company
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Friday, December 2, 2016
Safety
continued from page 1
is always an issue as far as electric space heaters. They need to consult the manufacturers information as far as the radius.” A less obvious sources for fire both Moran and Jones brought up was the Christmas tree itself. “If they have a real Christmas tree that requires adding water they should do that so it doesn’t dry out and use approved lighting whether inside or outside,” Moran said. Jones said the artificial trees seemed to be more fire resistant but advised not to leave ornamental lights on overnight or unattended. One of the first lines of defense agreed on by ACFD Chief Kem Jones, HVFD Assistant Chief Paul Mathis and EMA Director Jason Moran was a working smoke detector. “Most and foremost make sure you have a working smoke detector and a fire extinguisher,” said Jones. Mathis added to check carbon monoxide detectors as well, and Moran said to use the time of year as a reminder. “Christmas comes once a year but that’s also a good time to change your battery in your smoke alarm,” said Moran. “That’s always a good time to change your batteries.” All three emergency professionals said overwhelming power outlets with too many plugs and cords was also a concern. Each said to refer to the manufacturers instruc-
tions and wattage and voltage specifications. “You can use power strips or circuit testers. Make sure you read on the box,” said Mathis. Moran said make sure the approved extension cord was in use, and suggested using multiple outlets instead of overloading one. Jones said to check for cracked cords and loose connections, and not to use tacks, nails or screws when hanging holiday lights. Vice President of Bill’s Electric Robert Lamborne said, “If they are going to plug multiple items into an outlet we would certainly recommend a heavy cord.” Lamborne said it should be rated for a minimum of 15 amps and at least a 14 gauge, unlike the smaller cords used to power household items. He said the breakers in most homes could handle 15-20 amps however a high voltage item plugged into a low voltage extension cord would likely not trigger the breaker and would become hot. Lamborne also suggested using a ground fault interrupter with the red and yellow test switches for outside lighting to avoid shocks. Moran said drought conditions are also still to be taken into consideration despite recent rains. He said the Alabama Forestry Commission released a statement Wednesday it would revisit the conditions, but for now all burn bans remain in effect.
Principal
continued from page 1
At the meeting Alexander City School Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper said Neese had been part of the school system for several years, and he commended her on her accomplishments. Neese said she had served as assistant principal at Jim Pearson Elementary for two-and-a-half years. Before that she said she was an instructional coach at Stephens Elementary for two years, and previously taught fifth and sixth-graders at Radney Elementary School. With her experience at every Alexander City elementary school she said she feels like she has a unique perspective into what the students and faculty at Stephens might need. However, she was quick to say that she would have an even better understanding in January after she assumes office on Jan. 3. With her background at the three schools, and their various age groups, Neese said she knew where the Stephens Elementary students were coming from, and where they would be moving next in the system. “I feel like that’s such an important and vital grade for the students,” said Neese. “The reading program and the math instructional program, those are some things we want to continue to work on at that grade level.” Neese said it was from her time at Auburn University that she found her love of teaching. She said she is originally from Gainesville, Georgia and made the move to Alabama after pursuing her aviation management degree. “I was a flight instructor with Auburn,” Neese said. She said she was literally teaching college students how to fly, and from that experience she said developed the interest that drove her to return to school for education and administration degrees. “I fell in love with the teaching side of it,” Neese said. The announcement of her appointment at the school board meeting was the first to the public, but Neese said she had known about the promotion since late October. Neese said she was excited - “excited to make Stephens School even better.” “I have an instructional background I want to focus
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
April Neese supervises the bus load up after school. Neese will be taking the principal position at Stephens starting in January.
on the instructional part,” Neese said. “I also want to educate the whole child.” She said the school was currently in the process of implementing a new reading program and curriculum and said she was excited as well about getting “back over there” and “learning the needs of the students and teachers right now.” In the meantime Neese said she would continue in her assistant principal role at Jim Pearson until January.
Arrest 25, of Alexander City on charges of trafficking in spice, trafficking in hydrocodone, possession of marijuana 2nd degree and possession of drug paraphernalia. Xavies Campbell, 22, of Alexander City on charges of trafficking in spice, trafficking in hydrocodone, possession of marijuana 2nd degree and possession of drug paraphernalia. Seized in the raid were about 101 grams, or roughly 3.5 ounces, of synthetic marijuana, also known as “no show,”
www.alexcityoutlook.com
The Outlook
continued from page 1
Davis
Campbell
hydrocodone pills and digital scales. Also confiscated during the drug raid was a 2002 Mercury Marquis and $285 in cash Earlier Wednesday, the task force had arrested a Dadeville man for an unrelated drug offense. Agents with the Alabama
Herron
Watts
Pardons and Parole Board had done a home visit and recovered what they believed to be synthetic marijuana as well. Alex Tyrel Davis, 24, of Dadeville was arrested and charged with possession of controlled substance, possession of mar-
Burroughs
ijuana 2nd and possession of drug paraphernalia. White said the investigation of the illegal trafficking, distribution and possession of narcotics is ongoing in Tallapoosa County.
Drugs He said before legislation was passed restricting its distribution in 2012 it had been sold in tobacco stores, at times with a fictitious medical evaluation along with the drug. But Spice is low on the list of hardcore substances compared with what Abbett said had emerged in the area. “One of the things, we’ve gotten some heroin that is something, that is something that we’re very fearful of in our county,” said Abbett. He said Jefferson County had 138 deaths of 18-24 year olds last year due to overdose of heroin. Abbett was speaking at the Dadeville Kiwanis Club on Thursday when he delivered the update of the TCSO’s operations and crime in the county. “Probably 80 – 90 percent of our felony crimes are committed with substance abuse of some type,” Abbett said. “One of the things that we’ve seen a spike this year in is methamphetamines and pharmaceuticals.” He said the production of methamphetamine changed as well, with most “meth labs” now being in found in vehicles of some kind. However he said prescription medications and opioids are driving the cycle of addiction. Abbett quoted a statistic from the DEA stating with over 4 million people in Alabama, there were more prescriptions written last
Page 3
continued from page 1
year than the population. He said they called it “doctor shopping” and despite some legislative help the problem was still on the rise. “Those are things that we deal with on a daily basis, the Drug Task Force works drugs every day in this county,” Abbett said. “Without that task force and without their efforts we would be rampant in problem drugs.” He said pain clinics were becoming prominent and through them addiction to substances like suboxone. However he said the trajectory of abuse usually started with a lesser grade oxycodone-type substance and elevated into higher potency drugs like “meth” and fentanil. Abbett described fentanil as “the most dangerous drug to deal with” and said it was being added to heroin to stretch to the drug. “A pin head of fentanil will actually kill you,” Abbett said. He said the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force had a “banner year” from the results of its numerous operations and investigations. He said the agency was formed in 1995 and was a multi-agency task force with all two deputies investigators assigned as Alex City, Dadeville and Tallassee and work hand in hand with Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Drug Enforcement Administration.
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Opinion
Our View
D
The
Friday, December 2, 2016
It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Drug-related B crimes need our attention
rug addiction and the issues associated with the use of illegal drugs are not breaking news. For generations, people have fallen into the trap of powerful chemical combinations that alter the mind and body of those who take them. Sometimes we as residents need to be reminded of what is out there to help raise awareness. Thursday Sheriff Jimmy Abbett spoke to a local civic group and some of the numbers and trends he touched on were sobering to say the least. Sheriff Abbett said that about 90 percent of crime has some link to drugs. Hard to believe that statistic, isn’t it? From abuse of prescription drugs and the theft of those narcotics, synthetic drugs that have can create long-term health issues, Abbett said it is a battle for law enforcement and lawmakers to keep up with the trends and make sure they have the tools to punish those who are convicted of drug-related crimes. Heroin use across the country is increasing at levels called “epidemic” by the Drug Enforcement Agency and has been the subject of summits and national headlines. One stat shows that heroin claims the lives of 78 people every day. Addiction to heroin may begin with prescription painkillers and when the stream of prescribed opiates ends, users turn to heroin to match that high. More and more, people are being arrested with illegal prescription drugs. Burglars are targeting those drugs in break-ins and they have seen students taking them from home and selling them on the street. See why the war on drugs seems like a tough one for law enforcement to win? We ask that you do your part to curb illegal drugs. If you suspect any kind of illegal drug activity in your area, alert law enforcement. Often a tip leads to bigger arrests. Officials say that if we are all aware of the problem, we can help fight it together.
Outlook
oy, has this been a great week. I received three large Christmas catalogs in the mail from my favorite outdoor adventure stores. There are all kinds of things in there that a fellow just needs. These books have more grown up toys for men than a Sears catalog does for kids. To tell you the truth I’ve been so engrossed in them that I’ve almost forgotten my daily Bible reading. When I was a boy I use to turn the corners of the pages down that had the best toys so that my folks would know that’s what I wanted Santa to bring me. It worked with them so I thought it might work with my sweet wife. I turned down the corners, placed these precious volumes in conspicuous places and waited for her to find them. She did, but I got them back out of garbage can before they go too nasty. Not to be discouraged I tried a new approach by pointing out that if I had a new GPS (Global Position Satellite) system, as printed on page 242 in my magazine, then I could tell where I was within 2 meters anywhere in the world. She simply pointed out that I could be found sitting in my lounge chair most of the time and could be located by the candy wrappers scattered
DR. GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist
2 meters around the chair. As far as getting out into the world, that consisted of the church and my hunting camp. So she thought my old Boy Scout compass was still sufficient. Okay, the first couple of tries weren’t roaring successes, but I didn’t give up. As I casually thumbed through one of my books I suddenly stopped and exclaimed that I couldn’t believe my eyes. Right here on page 87 was a brand spanking new 4-wheeler on sale just for Christmas. It even had a picture of Santa sitting in the seat. She looked at the picture and then remarked that seeing the old fat guy on that 4-wheeler reminded her of another old fat guy on his 4-wheeler, and the old fat guy she knew shouldn’t get his hopes up. Now I wish one of the elves had been sitting on that thing. Finally, I decided a direct manly approach was in order. Summoning up my courage I timidly asked if I could have something for Christmas out of one of my catalogs. She said leave them on the coffee
table and she would look through them later. I sure hoped that she would look at the dog eared pages first. As Christmas approaches it’s too easy to get caught up in things. We all begin to wonder what we’ll be giving and receiving over the holidays. Stores will be crowded, the Internet will be busy and gifts will be the order of the day. The materialism of Christmas is a well documented fact in all our lives. That is why the simple story of the Christ Child in a manger is still so potent. It frees us from the selfabsorption of wanting and allows us to see God’s giving. That is when the true meaning and spirit of Christmas takes over and we really celebrate the Gift of Bethlehem, and this doesn’t come in a catalog. Oh No! I’ve noticed that my precious wife has circled a pair of bedroom shoes on page 52. Bedroom slippers just ain’t going to hack it for Christmas. Whatever happened to toys, gadgets and good stuff? Oh me, this ranks right up there with ties, hankies and underwear. Ho, Ho, Ho another Merry Christmas. Hallmark is a retired minister who resides in Alexander City and writes a weekly column.
John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.
John McKelvey
Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her cell number is 256-3078162 and her evening phone number is 256825-4207. Her address Emma Jean Thweatt is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.
George Carleton Jr.
“Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.” – Nikos Kazantzakis
Today’s
Scripture
“But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me I will come out as pure as gold.” – Job 23:10
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Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Have you made it a point to watch it rain?
Yes – 29 No – 14
Friday’s Question: Do your children still believe in Santa Claus?
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Mission
The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
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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.
Officials
Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His Steve Robinson address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.
Quote
Our
Know Your T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill T.C. Coley community. His phone number is 256-212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.
Today’s
Giving back across East Alabama
T
he Christmas season has begun and folks across the Third District are giving of themselves and their time for their fellow Alabamians. Each year around the holidays, I like to take the opportunity to highlight a few of the great works going on across our area. The following examples are just a sampling of people giving of their time and gifts this year: • On Dec. 10th in Clay County, the Inter Se Club of Lineville and Modern Culture Club of Ashland will host the annual Soup Luncheon for DHR to raise money for local children in need. In Randolph County, the Pilot Club and the Roanoke Police Department both participated in Toys for Tots. In April, Piedmont High School seniors in Calhoun County participated in a community service day called “Seniors Helping Seniors.” They
MIKE ROGERS Guest Columnist
spent the day helping with yard work, household tasks and minor repairs of homes belonging to the elderly in the community. In Tallapoosa County, members of Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama worked weekly throughout the year at the Alexander City Recycling Center, donating every dollar earned from the recyclables to local nonprofit organizations. The physically demanding work created the need for a hydraulic lift, which two Alexander City Councilmen purchased for the recycling center as a thank you to the volunteers for their dedication to the community.
In Macon County, the Tuskegee Housing Authority and Macon County Ministerial Alliance both hosted a food bank. In Chambers County, the Christian Service Center held a food bank and a drive for clothing and toys. These are just a few of many generous acts happening right now across East Alabama. The spirit of giving is definitely alive in our great state. As always, my office and staff are here to serve you. Please contact my office with any concerns or thoughts you may have or take advantage of my Mobile Office Hours in your county each month. For more information visit my website at www. mikerogers.house.gov. Rogers is a U.S. Congressman who represents the third district in Alabama, which includes Tallapoosa County.
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We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
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Friday, December 2, 2016
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Today’s Birthdays
Today’s Anniversary
Amanda and George Long are celebrating their anniversary.
Patricia Livingston, Megan Holt, Doris Harry, Donna Presley, Lester Pearson, Pearl Rhodes, Marvin Hutto and Shirleen Harvey are celebrating their birthday.
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
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Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Congratulations to Ruby Locke, the Week 2 winner of the Tallapoosa Publishers’ Christmas Cash Giveaway! Locke was presented a check Thursday afternoon by TPI’s Donna Jones. Check the weekend or Wednesday edition of the Outlook for more details on how you can win.
Now - December 17
FOOD FOR FINES: The Adelia M. Russell Library and Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is accepting nonperishable food items in lieu of library fines.
Now - December 2
ACMS FUNDRAISER: The Alexander City Middle School is having a linen fundraiser through Dec. 2. For sale will be Egyptian cotton twin, full, queen and king sheet sets for $35. See any student, parent or teacher at ACMS. Proceeds benefit ACMS. PEANUT FUNDRAISER: The Alex City Kiwanis is holding a peanut fundraiser. 2.5 pound bags of raw shelled peanuts can be purchased for $5 from Kiwanis members or at River Bank and Trust, Jay Hare CPA, Anytime Fitness, Tapley Appliance, Sixth Street Baptist Church, Caldwell Electronics, Alex City Board of Education and Cloud Nine.
Now - December 25
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
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256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
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HOLIDAY TREE OF LIGHTS: The Russell Medical Auxiliary is having its annual Holiday Tree of Lights in the lobby of Russell Medical. For $5 anyone can put a car on the Christmas tree in the lobby in honor or memory of a love one. Proceeds go toward student scholarships and items to be donated to much needed departments of the hospital.
December 3
TRASH WALK: The monthly PATH Trash walk will resume Saturday, Dec. 3 It will start at the Elkahatchee Bridge on Highway 63 at 8:30 a.m. where assignment and supplies will be issued. For more information contact John Thompson at 334-3993289.
December 4
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Zion East Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its 151st Church Anniversary Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. M. A. Moss of Reeltown Baptist Church. Rev. Jimmy Thomas is pastor of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Red Ridge United Methodist Church will present its Christmas cantata “Christmas Music” at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4 under the direction of Dr. Kim Walls. The choir composed of church members will sing some of their old favorite selections accompanied by a full orchestra composed of professional, amateur and student musicians from the local area. Featured vocalists will be H.D Price, Toni and Phil Adcock, Diane Miller, P. J. Armour and Susan Grace. Dramatization will feature the Manager Scene, the 3 Wise Men, The Angel Gabriel and the Shepherd Boy. Refreshments and coffee will be served following the concert. Make your plans to attend. Red Ridge is located at 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville, 256-825-9820,redridgeumc.org CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its 153rd Church Anniversary Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Rev. G.H. Pulliam is pastor. Guest minister is Rev. C.L. Daniel, pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Notasulga. Dinner will be served.
December 5
CHRISTMAS PARADE: The Alexander City Hometown Christmas Parade will be Dec. 5 and start at 6 p.m. Lineup will start on Comer
Street before coming up Cherokee Road to the Round-About and down Tallapoosa Street.
December 6
DRUG PLAN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE: Tallapoosa County and The East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Area Agency on Aging will host a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan enrollment assistance event on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sportplex Cabin. To help develop a plan comparison, Medicare recipients will need to bring their Medicare card,along with a complete list of medications they are taking and the dosages. Volunteers will guide them through the selection process and help them get information on the cost of each plan. People interested in getting a plan comparison will be assisted on a first come, first served basis. Each counseling sessions will last about 40 minutes. There may be a wait time. Contact East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission at (800) 243-5463 ext. 150 with questions.
December 7
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: The Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bring a covered dish and a small donation.
December 7-11
PASTORAL APPRECIATION: The House of Prayer A.C.O.P. is hosting its 23rd Annual pastoral Appreciation for Overseer Emma and Deacon Earnest House Dec. 7-9 at 7 p.m. with Climax Sunday Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.
Popular Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville is hosting “Oh Come Let Us Adore Him” Christmas Pageant Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome and there will be fruit bags for everyone.
December 10
CHRISTMAS PARADE: The town of Camp Hill will have a Christmas Parade at noon Dec. 10. CHRISTMAS GALA: New Style Baptist Church is hosting its annual Christmas Gala at the New Style Fellowship Hall Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes dinner. For more information call 256-4964244 or 256-496-4067.
December 11
CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Liberty United Methodist Church Choir is presenting a Christmas Cantata “The First Noel” Sunday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. A fellowship meal will follow. The church is located at 1630 Liberty Road 2.5 miles north of Hackneyville. CHRISTMAS PARADE: The Dadeville Christmas Parade will start at 3 p.m. Dec. 11 and follow travel Lafayette Street before making its way to the courthouse square.
December 17
COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Darian Missionary Baptist Church family and prayer teams are offering prayer to the community the third Saturday of each month through December from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Laurel and E Streets across from Stephens Elementary School.
December 18
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: New
Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
Small Space Advertising Works.
January 8
FASHION, HAIR and COMEDY SHOW: There will be a community talent, fashion, hair and comedy show with guest from as far away as Arkansas Jan. 8 at 3 p.m. at Passion Church on Highway 63 North.
January 17
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.
For Consistent Advertising
January 20
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 368495232.
at Low Rates...
call the Advertising Department
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.
December 9
HOLIDAY BAKE SALE: The Russell Medical Auxiliary is hosting a holiday bake sale Dec. 9 in the Community Room beginning at 7 a.m. until all items are gone. There will also be poinsettias for sale for $12.
Come Visit Us!
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 256-409-2020 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 864-580-0343. 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 256-215-4496 (leave message) or ebalint@cacc. edu.
The FANS HEAR You!
Small Space Advertising Works! call the
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256.234.2007 256.749.8804
Page 6
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The Outlook
Friday, December 2, 2016
HAND BELLS RINGING Volunteers for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign man their stations for the cause. Alexander City’s Salvation Army is preparing for what was called its “busiest time of year” and is on the hunt for volunteers to ring the bell and help generate funds for the charity’s numerous services for local people. The campaign ends Christmas Eve with time slots open between 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays and weekends from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Right, Mike Thaxton volunteered to ring the bell again this year for the Salvation Army. Thursday he welcomed shoppers and thanked them for donations as they entered and exited Wal-mart. Even though he has volunteered before, he said helping the Salvation Army never gets old. Bottom right, John Kelly makes a donation to the Salvation Army Red Kettle manned by Goodwater’s Lizzy Simpson Thursday morning outside the Alexander City Walmart store. Simpson, pictured upper right as well, worked a two-hour shift and said it was the first time she had volunteered. If you would like to volunteer as a bell ringer use the text message sign up system 256 537 3595, or call 256 215 3730.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
ROAD TO BE CLOSED FOR REPAIR Midway Estate Road will be closed to traffic through Friday as county road crews replace a pipe under the roadway. The old pipe had been problematic for quite some time and the repairs were intiated while the water was down. This week’s rain sped up the need for an immediate repair, according to Tallapoosa County Commissioner John McKelvey.
Submitted / The Outlook
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Page 9
Goodbye to an Era… War Eagle, Charlie Davis! Broadcasting legend, BRHS grad, remembered for love of life Editor’s note: This column by Lyn Scarbrough was originally published Wednesday by www.lindysports.com and pays tribute to his Scarbrough’s father-in-law Charlie Davis, the former Auburn play-by-play man and Benjamin Russell grad.
T
here was a wooden cabinet in the corner of my mother’s kitchen in Rock Creek. It was about six-feet high and my dad had painted it with some kind of shiny lacquer. It had doors on the bottom that opened to the space where mother kept some antique dishes that had belonged to her grandmother. Above those doors were three shelves that held assorted things – a napkin holder, salt and pepper shakers, an electric clock … and a portable radio. I only remember things about the radio. It was hard plastic, bright red with a black antenna on top, the kind that would swivel in any direction to hunt a better signal. It was a Motorola, significant because my wife later worked for that communications giant for about 20 years. My mother was the registrar/ secretary at the local grammar school in the late 1950s, so she got up early to leave in time to open the school every day. Since she had to get up early, I did, too. Every weekday morning, I sat at the kitchen table, back to the corner cabinet, eating a bowl of oatmeal. Behind me that red plastic radio would be playing big band music and blaring out the most irritating greeting, something like this … “Rise and shine. It’s the Early Risers Club and it’s a great day in Birmingham!” It was still dark; my eyes were half open; I was listening to Tommy Dorsey and eating oatmeal. What was so great about that, you may ask? Well, that voice was the show’s host Charlie Davis, a World War II veteran who served with honor in the South Pacific, a young man who contracted polio after the war, and the color analyst and network coordinator for Auburn football. Of course, I didn’t know all that back then. He was just the guy who ruined my mornings while mother gave me oatmeal. Charlie Davis died Monday and when he did, we lost a radio and television icon, a dedicated civic leader, and one of the most loyal and longtime members of the Auburn family. Charlie was born in Birmingham and raised in Alexander City, a small town down Highway 280 between Sylacauga and Opelika. He was a student at Benjamin Russell High School when Japanese warplanes attacked the American fleet in Pearl Harbor plunging the United States into World War II. After high school graduation, he became a member of the U.S. Army. That started Charlie on a life that was … by any measure … diverse, interesting, meaningful, rewarding, successful. During the war, he served in New Caledonia in the South Pacific, stormed the beaches at Bougainville, and was among American soldiers training for a possible invasion of Japan. He earned the Bronze Star. He enrolled at the University of Alabama after the war, majored in Radio, joined a fraternity and was a drummer in the Cavaliers big band
LYN SCARBROUGH Guest Columnist
orchestra. After college days, he started a radio station in Greenville, Ala., and worked in the industry around the Southeast. In 1954, he was hired by WAPI radio and television in Birmingham as their mid-day disc jockey. Before he left the station in 1970, he had served as program director, news director and news anchor, as well as host of that morning radio show. After a brief stint in Dothan as a television station general manager, he moved back to the Birmingham area permanently, where he owned an advertising agency and a restaurant and served for a decade as public relations director for Carraway Hospitals. He served on the Vestavia Hills City Council, elected six times, serving 24 years, the longest tenure in city history. He was an objective journalist who reported on some of the most tumultuous events in Birmingham history in the 1950s and 1960s, interviewing civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. and Birmingham public safety commissioner Bull Connor, covering the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and the political campaigns of George Wallace. He was a dedicated, conservative civic leader, willing to sacrifice his talents, time and connections to help the city of Vestavia, the Birmingham community and his beloved home state. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend. But, more than anything else, Charlie Davis was known for being Auburn. That came naturally for Charlie having grown up in Alexander City, not far from Auburn, the team that he pulled for as a young man. But, some people couldn’t understand it. How could an Alabama graduate become the Auburn football broadcaster? “Right after I was hired, a lot of Auburn people would challenge me,” he recalled not long ago. “They would ask ‘How did you get this job? You went to Alabama.’ One day in the Field House, I ran into Coach Jordan and told him what had happened. He said, ‘Charlie, you just tell them that I chose you for this job, then see what they say.’ That’s what I did and that’s when all that stopped.” Over the years, Charlie more than proved his devotion to Auburn. He had a close personal and working relationship with legendary head coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan and iconic athletic director Jeff Beard. Auburn football was escaping from postwar mediocrity, quickly becoming a national power, heading toward the program’s first national championship since 1913 and as a young journalist, a graduate from “that other school,” he had been invited to be part of the experience. He never lost appreciation for the opportunity he was given. His on-air career was with four Auburn play-by-play announcers … Dan Daniels, Tom Hamlin, Buddy Rutledge and Gary Sanders. They told Auburn listeners about Heisman and Outland Award winners, classic games,
heartbreaking losses and historic wins. Fob James, Lloyd Nix, Zeke Smith, Tucker Frederickson, Pat Sullivan, Terry Beasley and so many others all played games called by Charlie Davis. His years with Buddy Rutledge were especially unique. Charlie was stricken with polio in the early 1950s, damaging his right leg, impacting his mobility the rest of his life. Rutledge, a former Georgia football player, was paralyzed with polio, confined to a wheelchair. In those days, stadiums didn’t have press box elevators, so Charlie had to help with moving Buddy and freshman players would carry Rutledge up to the press box. “We had to be the only broadcast team ever where both guys were polio victims,” he said. “What were the chances of that?” Slim chances, for sure. But neither of them ever allowed the handicap to affect their job. Most Auburn fans never even knew it. That’s how Charlie was. His foremost obligation was to professionalism and accuracy, making sure that his audience was informed and entertained. He appreciated loyalty to other teams, but he was an Auburn man, proud to be an Auburn man, and you weren’t around him long before you knew it. Charlie became my father-in-law … actually my stepfather-in-law … 23 years ago when he married my wife’s mother, Dodie Phillips. Her first husband had died in 1989 and Charlie’s first wife passed away two years later. Over the years, we talked many times about games that we both had attended and covered, athletes that we had interviewed, people in sports media that were mutual friends. He talked about his steadfast faith in God, belief in country, love for family, and passion for Auburn. And, I never let Charlie forget about how I was first introduced to him, back in my mother’s kitchen, eating oatmeal. I let him know that I never developed an appreciation for oatmeal. But, that I did develop the greatest appreciation for Charlie’s life and for the privilege to know him. Countless people who never actually got to know Charlie Davis felt like they did. He made a difference in lives, informed and entertained them, and made it a “great day” for so many. They’ll all remember him and miss him. We all will. Thank you for everything, Charlie. Rest in peace … and War Eagle!
Charles Earl “Charlie” Davis
Charles Earl “Charlie” Davis, age 92, of Birmingham passed away on Monday, November 28 after a brief illness. He was born in Birmingham, son of the late Thomas Moore Davis and Norene Lumpkin Davis. He grew up in Alexander City and was a 1942 graduate of Benjamin Russell High School. In 1943, he enlisted in the Americal Division of the U.S. Army serving in New Caledonia, served in the Pacific theatre during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. He enrolled at the University of Alabama in 1946 where he majored in Radio, was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and a drummer in the Cavaliers big band orchestra. In his first job in 1948, Charlie Davis, from the 1967 Auburn Charlie opened a radio football program, left, and at right a station in Greenville, Alabama. He later photo of Davis from 2001. worked at stations in Montgomery, Tuscaloosa and Charlotte, NC. In 1954, he joined the staff of WAPI radio as mid-day disc jockey. He became the color analyst for Auburn football broadcasts that same year and served in that position through the 1970 season. He was responsible for establishing and expanding the Auburn sports radio network, and also worked one season on the Auburn basketball broadcast team. While at WAPI, he served as television program director, news director and news anchor during some of the area’s most tumultuous times in the 1950s and 1960s. He was also host of the Early Risers Club radio show for many years. He moved to Dothan in 1970 as general manager of a television station, then returned to Birmingham in 1973 where he was part owner of an advertising agency and owner of The Oyster Bar restaurant. He was named Public Relations Director for Carraway Hospitals in 1979 and served in that position until his retirement a decade later. He had one of the most recognizable voices in the Alabama market and was well-known as an advertising spokesman and voice-over announcer. Charlie was a civic and community leader serving for 24 years on the Vestavia Hills City Council. He was president of the Cahaba Heights Civitan Club and emcee of the Miss Alabama Pageant for five years. At the time of his death, he was a member of Lakeside Baptist Church. He had also attended Green Valley Baptist Church, Shades Mountain Baptist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church. Throughout his life, Charlie was an avid golfer and traveler. He was preceded in death by wife, Lucy Jean Holcombe Davis, and sister, Madeline Davis Swift. He is survived by wife, Dodie Phillips Davis; daughter Lera Jean Roddam (Ronnie) and son Charles Earl Davis, Jr. (Henrietta), both of Birmingham; son, Thomas Jay Davis, of Columbus, Ga.; stepdaughter Cindy Phillips Scarbrough (Lyn) and stepson Hilary Kent Phillips (Leigh), both of Birmingham; seven grandchildren, Charles Edwin Davis, Melissa Roddam Wood (Jared), Joseph Ryan Roddam (Trinity), Forrest Lee Davis, Lucy Elizabeth Davis, Thomas Andrew Davis and Charles Connor Davis; five stepgrandchildren, Bradley Lyn Scarbrough, Shannon Lane Scarbrough (Michelle), Christopher Lee Poole (Shannon), Hilary Phillips Hill (Stephen) and John Britton Phillips. Services were held at Elmwood Chapel Funeral Home on Thursday, December 1. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor.
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 10
Friday, December 2, 2016
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Sports Calendar Friday, Dec. 2 •Horseshoe Bend basketball at B. B. Comer, JV boys, varsity boys, varsity girls 5 p.m. • Benjamin Russell varsity boys werestling home match against Tallassee, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3 • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling match at Tallasee, 9 a.m. • Horseshoe Bend JV boys/girls host Dadeville, 11 a.m. • Benjamin Russell varsity wrestling at Phenix City for Red Devil Duals, time TBA
Monday, Dec. 5 • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling match at Prattville Christian Academy, 5 p.m. • Horseshoe Bend varsity boys/ junior high girls/junior high boys/ varsity girls basketball at Woodland, 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 6 • Alexander City Middle girls basketball home game against Dadeville, 4:30 p.m. • Central Coosa Middle basketball boys/girls home game against Childersburg, 4:30 p.m. • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling match at Beauregard in Beulah, 5 p.m. • Dadeville varsity basketball home game against Alabama Christian Academy, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 7 p.m. • Horseshoe Bend varsity boys/ girls basketball at Lanett, 4 p.m. • Reeltown jv/junior high boys, varsity girls basketball at Loachapoka, 4:30 p.m., varsity boys 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 • Dadeville Middle basketball home game against Beulah, girls 4 p.m., boys 5:30 p.m. • Reeltown junior high girls/boys basketball at John P. Powell Middle, 4:30 p.m. • BRHS varsity wrestling at Dadeville, 2 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 8 • Central Coosa Middle basketball boys/girls game at Eclectic Middle, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 6:30 p.m. • Horseshoe Bend varsity boys/ girls basketball at LaFayette, 5 p.m. • BRHS varsity wrestling at Stanhope Elmore, time TBA.
Friday, Dec. 9 • Central Coosa Middle basketball boys/girls game at Eclectic Middle, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 6:30 p.m. • Dadeville varsity basketball home game against Benjamin Russell, girls 6 p.m., boys 7:30 p.m. • Horseshoe Bend JV boys/girls, junior boys, varsity boys/girls basketball home game against Wadley, 3 p.m. • BRHS varsity wrestling at Swede Umbach in Auburn, time TBA. • Reeltown varsity basketball home game against Beauregard, girls 6 p.m., boys 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 10 • Horseshoe Bend JV boys/girls basketball at Wadley Junior High Invitational, time TBA. • BRHS varsity wrestling at Swede Umbach in Auburn, time TBA. • Reeltown JV girls/junior high boys basketball home game against Loachapoka, time TBA.
Monday, Dec. 12 • Reeltown varsity basketball home game against Elmore County, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 13 • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling tri-match at Beulah, 5 p.m. • Dadeville Middle basketball at Elmore County, girls 4:30 p.m. • Dadeville varsity basketball home game against Auburn, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 7 p.m. • Reeltown varsity basketball at Horseshoe Bend, girls 5 p.m., boys 6 p.m. • Reeltown junior high boys basketball at Pike Road, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 15 • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling home match against Benjamin Russell, 2 p.m.
BRHS varsity boys fall to Central Clay Lady Wildcats vanquish Lady Vols on the home court By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
In their third home game of the season Thursday, the Benjamin Russell varsity boys basketball team was narrowly edged out by Clay Central 76-73. As the clock wound down in a contest tied 73-73, Clay Central junior Damian Williamson made the deciding shot from the outside in sync with the sound of the buzzer. “That was tough but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” said Benjamin Russell varsity boys basketball head coach Jeff Hines. The Wildcats and Vols jockeyed for the lead all night with Clay Central starting off with a narrow 20-18 lead at the end of the first quarter. Power then shifted to Benjamin Russell as the Wildcats ended the first half with a 38-37 lead. However, Clay Central came back in the second half claiming a 61-57 lead in the first quarter before ending the night with a 76-73 win. Benjamin Russell senior Shannon Woody led the Wildcats Thursday with 27 points and 10 rebounds. “He had a double-double,” Hines said. Woody had help from seniors Quentavious Reese with 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists, and Timmy Lawson with 13 points and three assists. But that wasn’t enough to help the Wildcats get their first win of the season. “I’m disappointed for our boys but I’m not disappointed in our boys,” Hines said. “We had 10 turnovers, which is a far cry from the 28 we started with against Smith Station. We didn’t make some plays but we’re going to bounce back.” The loss brings the Wildcats’ season to 0-4.
BRHS varsity girls triumph over Lady Vols
The Lady Wildcats defeated Clay Central at home Thursday by a score of 66-33. Benjamin Russell set the tone for the night right from the start by establishing a 20-12 lead in the first quarter. That lead only expanded as within each remaining quarter the Lady Wildcats scored
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell sophomore Aaliya Thomas fights to maintain possession of the basketball during the Lady Wildcats’ home game against Clay Central. Benjamin Russell won 66-33.
17, 15 and 14 more points. Although Clay Central tried by adding 8, 7 and 6 additional points each respective quarter, the night clearly belonged to Ben Russell. The driving force behind the Lady Wildcats’ win was Benjamin Russell sophomore LaHope Westbrooks with 15
points. She had help from freshman Breanna Smith, who had 12 points — all with shots made from the outside. Thursday’s win brings the Lady Wildcats’ season to 4-2. “I think we played together as a team because we’ve been through a rough spell the last three games,” said Benjamin
Russell head varsity girls basketball coach Latreisha Moon. “But the people who haven’t been playing had to step up and they did a very good job.” Benjamin Russell next heads to Tallassee on Tuesday. Tip off for varsity girls is 6 p.m. and varsity boys is 7 p.m.
Horseshoe Bend varsity boys, girls start season with wins over Fayetteville By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
The Lady Generals charged into the season on a high note as Horseshoe Bend defeated Fayetteville at home 52-48. According to Horseshoe Bend varsity girls basketball head coach Erica Meigs, the team’s lead should have been even higher than it was. “It was not pretty but it is a win,” she said. “We had a lot of turnovers and missed easy shots.” Helping Horseshoe Bend to the win was senior guard Zakkiah Lyons who had an amazing 29 points. She had help from sophomore center Ivy Vickers with 9 points. The season opening win brings Horseshoe Bend to 1-0. The Horseshoe Bend varsity boys had an equally good outcome Wednesday as the Generals beat Fayetteville 75-43 at home. Horseshoe Bend head varsity basketball coach Chad Kison was proud of how his team started the season. “It was a great all around game by my boys,” he said. The team’s win was led in scoring by three players, junior Nalijah Heard with 22 points, junior Cade Worthy with 15 and senior Tyus Ford who had 12. “I was impressed with the unselfish-
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend freshman guard Ashley Clanton moves the ball down the court with senior Brooke Robinson and sophomore Leigh McWhorter on the defense during a varsity girls basketball practice earlier this season.
ness, great passing,” Kison said. “They were solid on the defensive side and very active. I am a very pleased coach.” As with their female counterparts, Wednesday’s win brings the Generals to
1-0 for the season. Horseshoe Bend’s varsity basketball teams next head to Sylacauga today to take on B.B. Comer with the first game starting at 5 p.m.