OPINION: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! SEND US A LETTER, PAGE 4.
THE LOCAL NEWS PAGE 7
VOLUNTEERS BRAVE THE RAIN IN TRASH WALK
SPORTS, PAGE 12
TUESDAY
Rebels upbeat about upcoming season
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
December 6, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 244 www.alexcityoutlook.com
City accepts deal in ‘debtors prison’ suit By MITCH SNEED Editor
The Alexander City City Council voted Monday night to accept a mediation settlement of a class action lawsuit that was filed as a result of a now abandoned city policy that jailed people convicted of some crimes when they didn’t have the ability to pay all of their fines immediately. A federal class action lawsuit filed in September of last year by the Montgomery-based Southern Poverty Law Center alleged that Alexander City “has maintained
a modem-day debtors’ prison” that targets the poor, keeping residents in jail because they are unable to immediately pay fines and court costs. The suit was filed on behalf of plaintiffs D’Angelo Foster and Amanda Underwood. Both claim to have been victims of the practice where if they were unable to pay the entire amount of court costs and fines, they were incarcerated until the money was paid or credited at a rate of $20 per day toward their debt – or $40 per day if appointed as a jail trusty to do jobs such as laundry, cleaning and washing police cars. Underwood is a mother of five who worked at a
pizza restaurant in Alexander City and had borrowed her friend’s car to pick up food for her friend’s children and received a traffic ticket for driving with a suspended license. When she went to court, she didn’t have enough for the fine and court fee. It took her five days to work off the $230 in fines and fees. Attempts to reach Underwood Monday night were unsuccessful. Since that filing, a total of 192 people were identified as a class that fit into the same treatment under that now See SETTLEMENT • Page 3
Statewide outdoor burn ban lifted
Man found guilty in strangling, abduction case By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
A Tallapoosa County jury took 17 minutes to find Eddie Donnell Thomas guilty in a strangulation and abduction case Monday based on two minutes of video and less than 90 minutes of testimony from the state. “The video pretty much spoke for itself,” Fifth Judicial Circuit Assistant District Attorney Jeremy Duerr Thomas said. “There was not much arguing needed.” The first one-minute video showed Thomas busting through a door of a Washington Boulevard home in Tallassee May 3 of this year, moving hastily across the room to a victim known to Thomas before pinning See GUILTY • Page 8
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Residents gather in the alley between 33 and 41 Main Street for Rally in the Alley. A plan is being considered to close the alley to vehicle traffic and have the space used for events like this and public use by pedestrians. A public hearing is set for Dec. 19.
CLOSING THE GAP Public hearing set on downtown alley plan By MITCH SNEED Editor
The Alexander City Council voted Monday night to set a public hearing on Dec. 19 on a plan to close a downtown alleyway to create a pedestrian friendly area that could serve multiple purposes. The idea is to close the alley between the buildings at 33 Main and 41 Main and make it a public walkway that could feature tables, seating where functions and events could be held. It could also serve as a place where citizens could eat lunch or sit and enjoy food from neighboring
businesses. The concept was first introduced as part of the city’s master plan, but has seen similar use with events like Rally In The Alley in recent years. “What we did tonight was set a public hearing,” said Councilman Bobby Tapley. “This will be a time when the public can come and have their voices heard on the idea.” In addition to creating a quaint gathering place, some believe that the closure to vehicle traffic will increase safety. It is difficult to see if you are navigating between See COUNCIL • Page 8
Today’s
See BURN • Page 3
Residents warned of potential scams
Weather
64 45 High
Governor Robert Bentley and Interim State Forester Gary Cole rescinded the statewide Drought Emergency ‘No Burn’ Order Monday, which had been in effect since early November. Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) say the state has received enough rainfall over the last few days to reduce the threat of dangerous wildfires. “In recent days we have seen significant rainfall across our state and the Alabama Forestry Commission now believes the worst of the drought has ended,” Bentley said. “I want to thank the Forestry Commission and the dozens of local fire departments that have worked so hard to ensure the thousands of wildfires didn’t get out of hand. These men and women have worked long hours under intense conditions to prevent as much damage as possible. We will continue to work with stake holders across the state to help everyone recover from the drought.” According to Cole, “Although all counties in the state will return to having burn permits available, we should bear in
Low
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
483.27 Reported on 12/5/16 @ 7 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
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Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend Military Park hosts open house
Luminaries were set up at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Saturday as the park hosted an open house. Hundreds of the luminaries were set up with battery operated lights and greeted guests as they traveled around the park. Guests that entered the park center were able to enjoy refreshments along with coffee or hot coco.
Residents should be on the alert to scammers who are trying to fleece area residents in several different scams, including one being done in the name of the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department. Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said that some residents have received calls from someone saying that the recipient missed jury duty and needed to pay a fine immediately. “The caller is identifying himself as Lieutenant Hayes with our department and telling persons that they missed jury duty and asking for funds,” Abbett said. “Please be aware of these calls and the Tallapoosa See SCAMS • Page 3
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Wednesday
61 44 Low
High Mostly Sunny
Thursday
51 25 Low
High
30 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
Tuesday, December 6, 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 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.
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
How to Submit Obituaries
Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
HILLABEE TOWERS
DEAR ABBY: You would be doing millions of women a great service by telling them about Knitted Knockers Support Foundation. It has been tirelessly working at inspiring volunteer knitters and crocheters to provide FREE soft, light prostheses for breast cancer survivors. Typically, the traditional prostheses can be hot, heavy, expensive and take quite a while to arrive. Knitted Knockers are made by people who care. Sometimes your request can be filled that very day. All you need to do is ask. These are sent nationwide and all over the world. I learned about this wonderful organization earlier this year, and I am now the Northern California distribution point. The response we’ve had from women who receive them is astounding. Please let breast cancer survivors know about Knitted Knockers at www. KnittedKnockers.org. There they will find an order form to fill out,
Obituaries Mrs. Jennifer Jones Baker 1956 - 2016
Funeral Service for Mrs. Jennifer Jones Baker, 60, of Alexander City, Alabama, was on Monday, December 5, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church. Rev. Steve Arnberg and Rev. Wayne Cowhick officiated. Burial followed in the Hackneyville Cemetery. The family received friends on Monday, December 5, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Mrs. Baker passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at her residence. She was born on January 27, 1956 in Alexander City, Alabama to James Ervin Jones and Robbie Faye Jones. She was a member of First Baptist Church. Mrs. Baker was employed by the City of Alexander City as the event planner for 17 years. She chaired the Lake Martin Area Rodeo and was an avid supporter of cancer charities for many years. Mrs. Baker loved her family and friends dearly. She is survived by her husband, Greg Baker of Alexander City; son, Ross Baker (Donna) of Alexander City; grandchildren, Ella Rose and John Riley Baker; daughter, Katlin Brown (Jacob) of Alexander City; parents; sister, Janet Austin (Wayne); brother, Bart Jones; and a host of nieces and nephews. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma, OK, 73123. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Mrs. Marie Kennedy Jarvis 1926 - 2016
Funeral Service for Mrs. Marie Kennedy Jarvis, 89, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Shane Dismuke and Randy Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Jarvis passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Russell Medical. She was born on December 19, 1926 in Clay County, Alabama to Calvin Kennedy and Mamie Claybrook Kennedy. She was an active member of Wayside Baptist Church. Mrs. Jarvis owned and operated Marie’s Beauty Shop
PERSONAL. PROFESSIONAL . PROMPT. Gu a r a n t e e d
DEAR ABBY Advice
and we will be happy to mail out one or a pair. They give women confidence and comfort at a time when they can really use it. If you know a knitter or crocheter, encourage them to join the cause. Knit and crochet patterns and a list of acceptable yarns are on the website. Abby, thanks for passing the word on! -- CLAIRE G. IN CALIFORNIA DEAR CLAIRE: I know many women will be glad to know about the service you are offering, and grateful for the knitters and crocheters who devote their time so generously to make recovery easier for breast cancer survivors. Thank you for writing. DEAR ABBY: I’m a retired widow and former model. I have dated mostly men my own age for many years. She enjoyed Tuesday outings going to the country. She also enjoyed shopping, fishing, and quilting. Mrs. Jarvis loved her family, especially her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchild. She was an excellent cook and made great pound cake. She is survived by her husband, Robert Coolidge Jarvis of Alexander City; daughter, Patricia Ann Floyd of Alexander City; grandchildren, Alison Bates and Patty Ann Mann (Matt) both of Alexander City; greatgrandchildren, Timothy Robert Vernon (Crystal Brown), Tori Marie Hammock (Chris), Kendall Eliza Mann, and Briley Alice Mann; greatgreat grandchild, Kayden Zane Vernon; brother, Wilburn Kennedy; sisters, Martha Thompson (Oscar) and Betty Jean Martin (Glenn); sisters-in-law, Darnelle Kennedy and Nadine Kennedy; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Elbert Red Kennedy, Melvin Kennedy, Charles Kennedy, Roger Kennedy, and Lamar Kennedy; and sister, Willie Nell Hill. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Sarah Ann Wilson 1928 - 2016
Graveside Service for Mrs. Sarah Ann Wilson, 88, of Homewood, was on Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at the Hillview Memorial Park. Randy Anderson officiated. The family received friends on Sunday, December 4, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Wilson passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Peachtree Assisted Living in Trussville. Mrs. Wilson was born on July 4, 1928 in Elmore County, Alabama to John Malcolm Causey and Bunie Allie Causey. She was a member of Raleigh Avenue Baptist Church of Homewood. She is survived by her daughter, Paula Crowley (Randy) of Trussville; son, Alan Wilson of Homewood; grandchildren, Daniel Crowley, Evan Wilson Keri Wilson and sister, Elizabeth Hawkins. She was preceded in death by parents; husband, William Paul Wilson and granddaughter, Emily Crowley. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
and a little older. I was in a sexless (but affectionate) marriage for nearly 30 years, and I have looked forward to a robust sex life with a new love. But I’m finding that men who are intellectually matched to me are no longer interested in making love. If they are interested, they don’t seem to want a monogamous relationship. Any hints? -- STARVED FOR AFFECTION DEAR STARVED: Just this. Widen your dating profile to include younger men, and if you’re lucky, you may find someone who is not only your intellectual match but also can perform. DEAR ABBY: It’s Santa here, asking if I could address your readers about a couple of things my helpers at the malls are bringing to my attention. First and foremost: When you stand in line with your child, and it’s finally their turn and they start to cry, scream and tremble, please DON’T force them to sit on Santa’s lap. If you do, you
Mary Ruth Jones
The funeral service for Mrs. Mary Ruth Jones, age 80 of Goodwater, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland with Bro. Michael Price officiating. Burial will follow in Greenview Cemetery. Mrs. Jones passed away on Monday, December 5, 2016 at the Goodwater Healthcare Facility. She was a Clay County native but had lived in Goodwater for most of her life. Mrs. Jones was a homemaker and a member of Oak Chapel Baptist Church. She is survived by three daughters: Sue Marcantel and Sheila Lamberth (Rufus “Cap”), both of Goodwater and Teresa Butler (Johnny) of Sylacauga; one son, Emery Joiner (Susie) of Goodwater; one brother, Ralph Lambert (Jean) of Ashland; one sister-in-law, Evelyn Lambert; nine grandchildren, 20 greatgrandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren plus several nieces, nephews and a large extended family. Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by her parents: James Madison Lambert and Elma Iona Heath Lambert; her husband, Paul Jones and six brothers. Pallbearers will be Michael Joiner, Jesse Salters, Todd Butler, Richard Lamberth, Tommy Potts and William Potts. The family will receive friends at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland from 5:30 until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2016. Send online condolences at www.benefieldfuneralhome.com. In addition, the family extends a sincere “Thank You” to the staff of Goodwater Healthcare for their special of Mrs. Jones Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of the arrangements.
Mary Lee Cox
Funeral Service for Mary Lee Cox will be Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at Sardis Baptist Church, Dadeville, Alabama. Burial will be at Dadeville City Cemetery, Dadeville, Alabama. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wright’s Funeral Home directing Wrightsfuneralho@bellsouth. net
Kassius Lamar McCoy
Mr. Kassius Lamar McCoy 29 died on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 at UAB Hospital, Birmingham, AL. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.
are traumatizing your child. Is a picture really worth your child’s well-being? Next, I would discourage new moms from rushing from the hospital with their newborn, 2- or 3-day-old babies. You need to remember how many children sit on Santa’s lap. Babies’ immune systems are fragile, and Santa’s suit can be loaded with germs. Thanks for your time, Abby, and Merry Christmas to all. -SHOPPING MALL SANTA DEAR S.M. SANTA: Thank you for your sensible suggestions. Some parents’ heads become so full of sugarplums at Christmas that they forget their little ones are too young to associate Santa with the goodies he brings with him. I hope readers will take your message to heart. 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.
Bettye J. Odem
Funeral service for Mrs. Bettye J. Odem 70 of Goodwater, AL; Wednesday, December 7, 2016; 1 p.m.; Paradise Mission Full Gospel Church, Goodwater, AL, Burial in Macedonia Memorial Garden, Goodwater, AL. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.
Mrs. Anne Allen 1930 - 2016
Funeral Service for Mrs. Anne Allen, 86, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Burial will follow in the Alexander City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Allen passed away on Sunday, December 4, 2016. She was born on May 7, 1930 in Leeds, Alabama to Matthew Andrew Farley and Virginia Louise Farley. She was an active member of Alex City Methodist Church and a member of the Silver Sneakers at Anytime Fitness. Mrs. Allen graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1948 and Nunnelly Tech in 1969 as an LPN. She was chosen as LPN of the Year in 1971. She retired from nursing in 1984. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Lawrence Allen of Alexander City; daughters, Nancy Stephens (Randy) and Lori Meadows (Roger) both of Alexander City; son, David Allen (Debbie) of Galloway, OH; grandchildren, Barry Gordon (Lauren), Jared Allen, Andy Gordon (Kerri), Shelby Allen, Nick Hand, Trent Allen (Emily), Tanner Allen, Colby Allen (Nichole), Susie Allen (Enricko); great-grandchildren, Anabelle and Grant Gordon and Alyssa and Asher Allen; brotherin-law, Glyn Allen (Marilyn); sister-in-law, Nell Horsley; nieces, Annette Pickett (Steve), Renay Carroll (Ernie), Jo Lynne White (Mike), and Ginger Allen; and nephew, Scott Allen (Heather). She was preceded in death by her sons, Larry and Richard Allen; and her parents and brother. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Alexander City Methodist Church, PO Box 307, Alexander City, AL 35011 or to the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center, 4525 Dadeville Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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The Outlook
Burn
continued from page 1
mind that Alabama like much of the South is still experiencing extreme drought conditions this fall. The AFC will continue to monitor ground moisture levels throughout the state. If ground fuels become exceptionally dry again, it may be necessary to re-issue a Fire Alert or No Burn Order in affected areas.” The AFC advises anyone conducting any type of outdoor burning to follow safety precautions such as not leaving a fire unattended until it is completely out, having the necessary equipment and personnel to control the fire, and having a garden hose or other water supply on hand for smaller debris burns. Any fire more than a quarter-acre in size or within 25 feet of a forested area requires a permit from the AFC. Burn permits may be obtained by calling 1-800-392-5679. Burning without a permit is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or up to a
$3,000 fine. Alexander CIty Fire Chief Kem Jones said the rain has been welcomed and to see the ban lifted will also ease the load on firefighters. “This rain is a pretty sight,” Jones said. “It has kept us pretty busy not only with fires that have gotten out of hand, but responding to homes where people have spotted someone burning during the period when it was banned. So this is a good thing all the way around.” Jones reminded residents that if you do plan to burn, you must call the fire department to notify them before starting the fire. Jones also reminded residents of some simple safety rules to consider if planning to burn outdoors. •Keep fire a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings. •Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flam-
mable liquid to start the fire. • Do not leave a fire unattended. •Have fire extinguishment materials on hand, including a water supply, shovels and rakes. • Be prepared to extinguish your fire if the winds pick up. • Don’t delay a call for help – call the fire department immediately at the first sign of the fire getting out of control. The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency charged with protecting Alabama citizens and the state’s forest resources from wildfires. To learn more about the services provided by the agency, contact any AFC county office or visit the web page at www.forestry.alabama.gov. (editor Mitch Sneed contributed to this report)
Settlement
continued from page 1
defunct city policy, which was halted even before the suit was filed. Under the mediation agreement, the class will receive roughly $680,000, with the city paying about $242,800 of the total and the insurance carrier being responsible for roughly $437,000. City Attorney Larkin Radney had been instrumental in the handling of the suit and said Monday that the agreement made sense, especially for the city. “It became a three-way issue between the class, the city’s insurance carrier and the city,” Radney said. “The insurance company maintained that the city didn’t have coverage for the issue that was alleged. So it became quite complicated. It would have been an issue that would have taken a long time to resolve and quite
frankly it would have been a difficult case for the city. But all parties agreed to mediation and what you see here is the result of that process.” Radney said the settlement had to be approved by the federal court, but he didn’t anticipate that being an issue. In addition to the city being a party to the suit, Alexander City Police Chief Willie Robinson was also named as a party. Monday night he was visibly relieved to have the issue behind him and the department. “It is a relief to have this done,” Robinson said. “In this job you have things that happen, but through it all we try to stay focused on our job of keeping the city safe. That has always been No. 1 in our mind, but having this settled
removes one more thing that was lingering out there.” Council President Tommy Spraggins commended Radney for his work and said that the city was fortunate to have the suit end the way it did. “We’d like to officially recognize Mr. Radney for the great job he did
on this litigation. It has been going on for a long time,” Spraggins said. “He was working against two parties – the insurance company and the plaintiffs who were represented by the Southern Poverty Law Center. It’s a very good arrangement for Alexander City and we are free of this liability.”
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Our
Opinion
A
The
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Pearl Harbor: the 75th anniversary
Do you have W something you’d like to say letter to the editor or a guest column published in The Outlook is read by a large number of people in the Lake Martin community. Here are some good reasons to speak out: ■ If you see a problem in our community and you’d like to suggest a solution. ■ If you want to thank someone who has gone of their way to help you. ■ If you would like to voice an opinion on a topic that impacts a number of residents. ■ If you want to call attention to someone or some group that has achieved something noteworthy. Whatever you have to say, we’d like to help you say it – for free. Just write us a letter or a guest column. We have a few rules designed to help get your thoughts published effectively. First, we require all letters be signed and include a phone number. We won’t publish your phone number, but if we have a question, we need to be able to get in touch with you. We will not publish any opinion that includes profane, slanderous or libelous statements … and we would encourage you to state your opinion clearly, politely and respectfully. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t say it to your grandmother, don’t say it to the public. The main difference between a letter to the editor and a guest column is the length. Letters are limited to about 250 words. Guest columns can go up to 500 words or so and include a photo of the writer. You can e-mail us at editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. You can write us a hand-written note or a typed message and mail it to Editor, The Outlook, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35010. And if you have an opinion but are having a hard time putting it into words, give us a call at 256234-4281 and we’ll give you a hand. Speak out. Your opinion can make a difference.
Outlook
hen I was a preschooler, I lived across the road from Rufus Foster. I still attend church with his widow. One of many memorable things about Mr. Foster was that, as a 19-year-old from the hills of Tennessee, he was at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese sneak attack. December 7 marks threequarters of a century since that attack, and I have to wonder if we truly remember the lessons of the tragedy. We pay lip service to military preparedness and diplomatic solutions; but in a million ways large and small, America remains an accident waiting to happen. In a world of widely shared personal data, porous borders, massive power grids and the Internet of Things, there is no room for complacency. Young and old, public and private sector, management and labor – we’re all flirting with disaster. We hear of product recalls with mind-numbing frequency. High government officials are accused of “extreme carelessness” with state secrets. Restaurants are at the center of epidemic outbreaks. Suicide prevention hotlines for veterans go unmanned. Anthrax samples are shipped to labs haphazardly. Economic bubbles are treated as if they’ll never burst. People giving off warning signs are allowed to “go postal” in the workplace. Yes, “stuff happens.” But lightning strikes, earthquakes and other so-called “acts of
DANNY TYREE Columnist
God” are only part of the problem we face. Negligence, incompetence, laziness, denial, unpreparedness and other factors exacerbate potential crises. Kicking the can down the road, passing the buck, taking shortcuts, engaging in juvenile jurisdictional wrangling, administering wrist-slap punishments and carrying on Ol’ Boy Network shenanigans all make our infrastructure, food supply and identities a little more vulnerable. The 21st century is fraught with danger because of a network of human shortcomings: employees who goof off when mixing a batch or tightening a nut; workers who ignore the rules-breaking of teammates; supervisors and CEOs who ignore metaphorical “check engine soon” lights while counting their bonus before it hatches. Sometimes we’re so concerned about “rocking the boat” that we wind up sinking the ship Did the “Greatest Generation” really risk life and limb during World War II so their great-grandchildren could (a) get molested by an authority figure who fell between the cracks, (b) sink to a watery grave because a bridge inspec-
tor didn’t really, you know, INSPECT THE BRIDGE, (c) get sick from tainted water because someone was too cheap to clean it up, (d) get beaten up by a police officer whose history of violence was whitewashed, (e) lose their life savings because of lax security at a financial institution or retailer or (f) get slaughtered because someone was too politically correct to investigate a terrorist? Eternal vigilance is not something reserved for the commander-in-chief or the top brass at the Pentagon. For America to survive and thrive, we must all contribute. Individual citizens must be conscientious enough to do their own jobs right and remain politically well-informed. Workers must be willing to “see something, say something” when co-workers or management do questionable things. Managers must enforce “topdown” quality control, placing the proper protocols in place and not merely assuming that procedures are followed out. September 11, 2001 joined December 7, 1941 as a day of mourning. Another “date which will live in infamy” may be lurking out there. In honor of those who were killed or injured at Pearl Harbor, make sure you’re not a contributor to it. Danny Tyree is a syndicated columnist distributed by Cagle Cartoons. He can be reached at tyreetyrades@aol.com.
Officials
Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Robert Bentley
Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.
Luther Strange
Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at Mark Tuggle 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Tom Whatley Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Quote
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon and the truth.” – Buddha
Today’s
Scripture
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” – James 5:16
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Weekend Question: Do your children still believe in Santa Claus?
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Tuesday Question: Do you think closing the alley on Main Street to vehicle traffic is a good idea? 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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If Virginia O’Hanlon had asked Fidel Castro about Santa Know Your
Today’s
I am 8 years old. Some of my friends say there IS a Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in the Communist Party paper Granma, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, El Presidente. Is there a Santa Claus? — Virginia O’Hanlon
D
ear Virginia: Your little friends are wrong. Of course there is no Santa Claus. Did your papa not tell you that I banned all likenesses of Santa, a symbol of Yankee capitalist greed, in 1959? Did your papa not read the 1959 Time article that explained how I required all Christmas decorations to be made of Cuban materials, with traditional Cuban scenes — that American-style Christmas trees had to be replaced with Cuban palms? Does he not remember that I, the world’s most successful Scrooge, canceled Christmas altogether in 1969 — that millions of Cuban children grew up without any sense of a Christmas tradition — and that I only eased the ban in 1998 when Pope John Paul II visited our country? Believe in Santa Claus, Virginia? You might as well believe that freedom exists — as foolhardy American pigs do. Their freedom opens the floodgates to everything that is bad in the human heart — greed and vanity and dishonesty. Only a benevolent dictator like Fidel can stop such free-
TOM PURCELL Columnist
dom. Only I can open the floodgates to everything good in the human heart, such as generosity and selflessness and integrity. Those who refuse to embrace these traits will be beaten, jailed or sent to the firing squad! I laugh when I read the various estimates of the political opponents I sent to their deaths — between 4,000 and 33,000. Even Fidel has lost count. But I had to whack these troublemakers. They stood in the way of the revolution. They didn’t know that only with absolute power could I help my people, in particular the poor. All the world knows I am a great champion of the poor. I love poor people so much, in fact, that I created millions of new ones. I gave them education — I’m proud to say my country has the best educated janitors, maids and garbage collectors in Latin America! I gave them free health care — albeit not very good health care. It’s not my fault most of our doctors, in their greed, fled to other countries to enrich themselves with the livable salaries our communist country can never pay them. My intentions are good and — as the progressive left in
America will tell you — isn’t that all that matters? It’s true that as my people have suffered — the average income in my country is $20 per month — I have lived a lavish life. Forbes estimated my net worth at just short of $1 billion. Had I been a ruthless capitalist pig like America’s presidentelect, I, too, would be a billionaire many times over. But Fidel didn’t do too badly as the dictator of a small communist island. But getting back to your question, Virginia, of course there is no Santa Claus. Look, Virginia, the most real things in the world are only those things that Fidel sees. Did Fidel ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not. Fidel only sees the good life that the revolution has brought to Cuba — including the finest fleet of rundown ‘58 Studebakers in all the world! Alas! There is no Santa Claus, Virginia. And now that I have answered your question, Fidel has a question for you: What are the names of these little friends who have been telling you lies about this Santa Claus? — Fidel Castro Tom Purcell is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Send comments to Tom at Tom@TomPurcell.com.
The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Today is
December 6, 2016 Today’s Events
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 compari-
son, 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. CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The
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Submit calendar items:
Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/. BRHS Choral Department will present it’s annual Christmas Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the BRHS Auditorium. The Concert will feature holiday favorites and will showcase the BRHS Concert Choir, Show Choir, and Gospel Choir. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and canned goods will be collected at the door to help the area food banks.
Today’s Birthdays
J.S. Morgan, Rachel de Broise, Teresa Clancy, John “Boy” Browning, T.J. Gamble , Leanne Mildner and Steven Thomas are celebrating their birthday.
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Daily, Weekly or Monthly Submitted / The Outlook Brown Nursing Faith Christian Academy’s 4th-9th grades visited the American Village recently. They learned how to load a and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
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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musket, learned about the three branches of government, helped “adopt the constitution” and went to Mt. Vernon to learn how to do a proper bow and curtsy. 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 25
HOLIDAY TREE OF LIGHTS: The Russell Medical Auxiliary is having its annual Holiday Tree of Lights in the lobby of Russell Medical. For $5 anyone can put a car on the Christmas tree in the lobby in honor or memory of a love one. Proceeds go toward student scholarships and items to be donated to much needed departments of the hospital.
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 8
TOWN HALL MEETING: Alexander City Councilwoman Buffy Colvin will be meeting with residents Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Springhill Youth and Adults Services building on County Road to discuss key issues facing the district.
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.
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.
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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. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: The Faith Temple choir and music ministries will present “Let Us Adore” Sunday, Dec. 11 at 10:30 a.m.
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. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School in Millerville will have the monthly trade day Saturday, Dec. 17 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
December 18
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: New 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 25
CHRISTMAS DINNER: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a Christmas Dinner Dec. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to have a hot meal and fellowship. Tickets can be picked up at the nutrition center and at the Salvation Army. For more information call 256-2347831.
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.
January 20
SPEECH AND HEARING CLINIC: Auburn University NSSLHA and SAA are having a free speech and hearing screening Friday, Jan. 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. All children must be accompanied by parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Services will be provided by the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic Room 1199 Haley Center, Auburn University 36849-5232.
February 11
MISS WINTER: The 2017 Miss Winter Pageant will be Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium. Rehearsals will take place Friday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. Applications may be picked up at Little Lambs and Ivy Day School or by emailing Sherri Williams at misswinterpageant@gmail. com. There will be a Baby Miss, Tiny Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss, Miss, Elite Miss and Miss Winter Princess.
Ongoing Events RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7:00 am until 3:30
p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please call 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. OFFICE CAREERS: The Office Careers Technology program is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and was created to help dislocated workers learn new employable skills. To qualify for the programs be a dislocated worker (layoff) or a low-income family. Anyone interested in the classes should contact the Alexander City Career Center @ 256-215-4494 and ask about the WIA program. Most all dislocated workers automatically qualify for financial assistance. The program is 52 weeks and is open entry/open exit. Students learn at their own pace in a non-traditional classroom setting. Classes begin when students are approved and they may leave when they receive any or all of the certificates offered. Classes are Monday--Thursday, 8:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. (with a lunch break). All textbooks and class materials are supplied. Certificates available are receptionist, inventory clerk, data entry clerk, administrative assistant, accounting office clerk, medical office clerk, legal office clerk. COMPUTER LAB: The new and improved computer lab at Cooper Community Center is now open to the community Monday thru Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. LaBrawnski Salter is the new lab facilitator. You can check email, browse the internet, build a resume, complete a project or homework, research, job search and some social media. CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered ministry designed to help hurting people. It is made up of regular folks who are on a journey toward wholeness; seeking recovery from life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. We meet every Monday at Vertical Point Church, 860 Airport Drive, Alex City. We begin with dinner at 5:45, followed by large group at 6:15 & small groups at 7:15. Childcare is provided. Everyone is welcome. For more info, call Mike at 256-496-4664.
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016
The Outlook
WINTER RECIPES Cooking a new recipe is a fun, indoor activity that you can do during the cold Winter months. A recipe is a set of instructions that teaches you how to make a type of food. A good recipe tells you what ingredients you need, what tools you will need to prepare and cook it, and how long each step should take. Always UHDG WKH HQWLUH UHFLSH ¿UVW WR PDNH VXUH that you have all the necessary tools and ingredients before you begin. It is also absolutely necessary to always have an adult’s permission before using the kitchen. Ask an adult for any help that you may need when using kitchen tools, NQLYHV DQG DSSOLDQFHV 6DIHW\ ¿UVW LV WKH most important rule of all! Have a great time cooking!
H OMEMADE HOT COCOA There is nothing like a warm mug of hot cocoa on a cold Winter day. Here’s how to make a single cup. You will need: one large microwave-safe coffee mug, 2 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1 cup of milk, and three drops of vanilla. Step One: Place the sugar and cocoa in the mug and mix them together. Step Two: Add a small amount of milk and mix it with the sugar and cocoa. When it is well-blended, add the rest of the milk and stir until well-mixed. Step Three: Microwave on high for one minute. Ask an adult to remove it and stir. Then microwave for 30 more seconds. Allow it to cool some before enjoying!
MELTED SNOWMAN COOKIES
To make your very own melted snowman cookies, you will need round sugar cookies, marshmallows (one per sugar cookie), one can white frosting, and decorating pens or food coloring. Step One: Take one (pre-baked or cooled) round sugar cookie and place a small amout of frosting in the middle. This is the melted portion of your snowman. Step Two: Place one marshmallow on a paper plate and microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Watch the marshmallow and remove it from the microwave as soon as it begins to puff up. While it is still warm, ask your adult supervisor to place it on the edge of the cookie. It should rest on part of the frosting. Repeat Steps One and Two for each cookie. Step Three: Allow the marshmallow to cool and the icing to harden. You can let them cool on the counter or place them in the IULGJH IRU DURXQG ¿YH PLQXWHV Step Four: Now you may decorate your snowmen with eyes and noses. Use the decorating pens to add their features. If these are not available, you can use leftover icing and food coloring to do the job. Add the small details to the snowmen using a toothpick.
RECIPE WORD FIND Hidden Words: Bowl, Flour, Fork, Glass, Knife, Measuring Cups, Microwave, Milk, Oven, Pan, Pepper, Plate, Pot, Rolling Pin, Salt, Spatula, Spoon, Stove, Sugar, Timer
Always have an adult helper!
EASY LUNCH PIZZAS
Get creative in making your own lunch pizzas. This UHFLSH FDOOV IRU \RX WR ¿QG ZKDW \RX KDYH LQ \RXU kitchen to make them. You will need: A crust, a sauce, and toppings. Step One: Find a crust. You could use bread, half a bagel, or even a can of biscuits. Step Two: Create a sauce. Most pizzas have a tomato-based sauce. You can use pre-made pizza
You can make one with tomato sauce by adding herbs such as oregano. CONNECT sauce. You could also use spaghetti sauce, alfredo sauce, or even a barbeque sauce. Step Three: Add some healthy toppings like lowfat cheese and vegetables. THE Step Four: Have an adult help you bake or toast your creation and enjoy! DOTS A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS!
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016
The Outlook
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Local News 13 volunteers brave rain for Trash Walk By MITCH SNEED Editor
Despite a steady drizzle, 13 volunteers took part in Saturday’s Prosperity Again Through Health Trash Walk and helped remove trash from area roadsides. John Thompson, Lake Martin Resource Association president and PATH member, said that the volunteers met near Elkahatchee Creek then fanned out to various areas. “We had a very good group who really worked hard on Saturday,” Thompson said. “The weather wasn’t the best and that may have held down the turnout a little. But the ones we had really worked hard. “They cleaned the major portion of Highway 63 from 280 to Our Town, which was a great effort.” According to Thompson, the volunteers removed 25 bags of trash and four automobile tires. He said with each walk, he never is surprised by some of the unusual things retrieved by the participants in the event. “We had one of these volunteers concentrating on Madwind Road and he picked up three bags, three televisions and a toilet,” Thompson said. “You just never know what they will find out there. You wonder what some people are thinking to throw something like that on the side of the road.” Saturday’s Trash Walk was the final one for 2016 and the group will release a schedule for the 2017 in the next few weeks.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
John Thompson and Mary Wood Perry, top sort out supplies for volunteers at Saturday’s PATH Trash Walk that was held along Highway 63 Saturday. Tom Lamberth works on the litter on Highway 63, below left. Below right (submitted photo) volunteers pose with part of the load of trash they picked up Saturday morning. Pictured from left are Crystal Pemberton along with Ken and Tonya Holland along Highway 63.
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Guilty
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her to the couch, telling he was going to take her and kill her and then taking the victim from the residence by the neck with her feet dangling in the air. The victim, who was regular sitter for an elderly woman, only learned of the camera in the living room of the home she worked in after the incident. The victim testified that she was working sitting with an elderly woman when she was abducted. “He pinned me to the couch and told me he was going to take me away and kill me,” the victim testified. “He carried me out by my throat. I blacked out. I came to in a car. He backed into a place and raped me. “I begged him to let me go. I begged him to let me go back to (the elderly woman). He then took me back, dropped me off and drove off.” The second one-minute video showed the victim returning to the residence wearing only a t-shirt, checking on damage to the door before sitting on the couch and calling law enforcement.
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
The Outlook
A total of five witnesses testified before the jury in Judge Tom Young’s courtroom. Thomas was arrested by U.S. Marshals two days later in Centreville and transported to the Bibb County Jail near Tuscaloosa without incident but did ask U.S. Marshal Glen Heritage about one charge – domestic violence strangulation. “He asked me what it was,” Heritage testified. “I told him and he stated ‘I should have killed the bitch.’” Thomas was convicted of burglary first degree, kidnapping second degree and domestic violence strangulation. Thomas also has numerous prior convictions for theft, burglary domestic violence and assault. Sentencing is set for Dec. 19 at 9 a.m. “We have already informed the court and defendant of asking for sentencing under the habitual offender status,” Duerr said. “With a class A felony under that, he could be sentenced to life.”
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the buildings and pedestrians using the sidewalks face the hazard of cars that are often obstructed as they approach the alley, proponents of the project said in a request to the council. The council also approved a resolution allowing the mayor to seek a grant under the Alabama Department of Transportation’s 2017 Transportation Alternative Program that would help fund reconstruction and installation of sidewalks and other streetscape features along Alabama Street, State Street and Tallapoosa Street. The TAP grants typically provide up to 80 percent of the funding, while the city would provide a 20 percent match and pick up the entire expense of engineering for the project. The council also approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with Engineering Environmental and Forestry Service Company to perform the construction engineering and inspection services for the reconstruction and resurfacing projects along Washington and Lee
Scams
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County does not participate in any solicitation by telephone and refrain from giving the caller any personal information.” Abbett said that anyone who receives any of the calls should immediately report it to the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department or your local law enforcement. But the scams aren’t limited to local agencies. Monday Attorney General Luther Strange also issued a statement warning citizens of several scams currently being reported across the state. Strange said that the holiday season brings out more people trying to pull a fast one. Strange offered the following tips and reminders to protect consumers during this special time. Scammers posing as family or friends needing help: During this time of heavy travel, some scammers may contact you by phone or email posing as a family member who is away from home and in need of money. They might tell you they’ve lost their wallet, or experienced some kind of emergency in order to deceive you. The scammers will instruct you to wire cash or provide them with a prepaid card number. As a general rule you should never send money to anyone +
streets. EEFS was recommended by the Alabama Department of Transportation and their fee is expected to be an amount of no more than $288,063. By 6-0 votes, the council: • Rescinded a vote to rezone property on Comer Street so that the zoning for the entire area can be addressed at the same time. • Approved a resolution that changes in pay grades to meet the Department of Labor standards when and if a federal injunction blocking the move that will raise the minimum salary for salaried personnel to $47,500. The move impacts three positions in the city currently. • Approved a request from Father Peter Reddy of St. John the Apostle Church to hold annual procession in celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. • Approved a request from Sonny Wilson, Parks and Recreation Department to wave business license for vendors for Christmas in the Park.
if you cannot verify their identity. If you are unsure, check the whereabouts of the person reportedly needing assistance with other family members. Additionally, ask the person calling or emailing to verify details that only family would know, such as location of last family gathering, where they went to high school or college, etc. Fake charity scams: The Christmas holiday season is also a popular time for fake charity scams. These scammers often use phishing emails, spoofed telephone numbers or door-to-door visits. Scammers may act as if they are working for an established charity or may even create a fake charity. Be safe and directly contact the charity of your choice and donate to them instead. If you suspect a door-to-door solicitor isn’t honest, contact your local law enforcement agency. The following online data is available to assist with verifying charities: Consumers may go to the Internal Revenue Service at https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/ search-for-charities to look up tax exempt organizations, and may also use the Better Business Bureau’s www.give.org for more information. Holiday gift card Scam: Unfortunately, Christmas gift cards can also be manipulated by thieves. Scammers sometimes
rub off the security codes from gift cards while they are still on store shelves and wait until they think the gift card has been sold and activated. They will then spend the money, leaving the recipient with no money left on the card. To avoid this scam, make sure the gift card you are buying is intact before you buy it. Compare it to other gift cards of the same variety. Be sure to keep your gift card receipt. Buyer beware: Beware of websites that feature pop-up advertising promising a hard-to-find item or items at a too-goodto-be-true price. Always remember, if an online offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Holiday Shopping Safety Tips Lastly, shoppers should be extra vigilant this time of year for crimes of opportunity. It is always best to keep the following in mind: · Always park in a well-lit area. · Do not leave your purse, presents, or other purchases in plain view in your vehicle. · Do not leave your purse unattended in your shopping cart. · If possible, always shop with a friend or family member. There is safety in numbers.
· If meeting someone to purchase something bought online, such as from Craigslist or Facebook, meet in a heavily trafficked and well-lit area. If possible, meet in the parking lot of your local police department or sheriff’s office. “The best protection against scams and crimes of opportunity is not to be caught by surprise by scammers and thieves,” said Attorney General Strange. “Use your judgment and take time to verify questionable contacts. Look for the signs of a scam: They contact you, ask for your personal information and demand that you pay them by wire or prepaid card to collect a prize or pay a supposed debt. Be wary and don’t be afraid to demand proof. Don’t be a victim of consumer fraud.” To report suspected consumer fraud, Alabamians can call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-5658. You can also visit the Attorney General’s website at www. ago.alabama.gov and click on “Consumer Protection.” To file an on-line complaint, use the link: http://www.ago.alabama. gov/Page-Consumer-Protection-File-aComplaint-01.
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016
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Benjamin Russell FFA chapter shines at district competition STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Benjamin Russell FFA Chapter competed at the Central District FFA Fall Eliminations in Wedowee in November. The Central District consists of 86 schools and 27 counties. The three teams that attended the eliminations were the Forestry, Land and Livestock judging competition teams. “Thanks to these students who have spent many afternoons to represent their school and community well,” said FFA Sponsor Josh Williams. “In the upcoming months we will be conducting several community service projects to help out local citizens, business, and services. “We are currently conducting a fruit sale to raise money to preform these community service projects and to raise money for our chapter to attend the state competition and other various events.” The Land Judging team involves land recommendation treatment practices for pastureland, cropland, forestland, and homesite. These students provide insight to the homeowner as to what to do to maximize their land for its intended use. This team placed third out of the Central District and qualified to compete at the State FFA Competition. “The Benjamin Russell FFA chapter was brought back last year towards the spring but really got it going this year,” team member Connor Adair said. “Many people are confused when you say you are on the Land Judging team, so it is divided up into four section of crop land, forest land, pasture land, and homesite, which you find soil textures, depth of soil, erosion and many more. We couldn’t have made it without Mr. Williams giving up all his time to teach us all the things we know.” The Livestock team judged and placed cattle, swine, sheep, and goats and gave a professional set of reasons explaining their placing. This team placed fifth in the entire district. The Forestry team explored the concepts of timber cruising, tree identification, and use of a compass. “Our team is extremely happy to finish in the top four and qualify to advance to the state competition in the spring,” Jordan Bunch said. “I am really excited and confident in our chances at the state competition this year. This is the first banner won for BRHS FFA but its only one down and many more to go. “ FFA is the largest youth lead leadership organization in the nation with over 650,000 members in the U.S. and over 15,000 members in our state alone. The mission statement is that - FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. - FFAs three main focus points are student, school, and community.
Submitted / The Outlook
The BRHS FFA Land Evaluation Team consists of from left Judson Wall, Clayton Boone, Connor Adair, Jordan Bunch, and Drake Bulin.
Submitted / The Outlook
The BRHS FFA Forestry Team consists of from left Logan Wall, Dawson Trapp, Jayde Trapp, Aaron Milstead, Shane Fuller and Kylee Reeder.
Submitted / The Outlook
The Benjamin Russell High School FFA Livestock Judging Team consists of from left, Katelyn Baker, Lamarious Howard, Addison Broom, and Skylar Taunton
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016
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LUKE ROBINSON Columnist
No matter the sport, each game makes a difference
F
ace it: There is no perfect system. The NFL Playoffs annually allow mediocre teams get a shot the game’s biggest prize. The NCAA basketball tourney lets teams with losing records have an opportunity at a national title. Major League Baseball, a sport built on the long series format, has a single game playoff in round one. Look at high school. The AHSAA football playoffs routinely leave out great teams in favor of bad ones because they only take the top four teams of each region (and those alone). Heck, I guess by winning the electoral college but losing the popular vote, you could even say Donald Trump won the national championship without winning his conference. No system is gets it exactly right. They are all flawed to a degree. And just like the old bowl system and the BCS, this new College Football Playoff format as issues too. There is a winding pretzel logic that permeates the whole selection process (run-on sentence in 3…2…1…): Ohio State has the tougher schedule and better record but Penn State beat OSU and won the conference and their only nonconference loss was to Pitt (who beat Clemson, by the way) BUT the Nittany Lions lost to Michigan by 39 and UM- who also lost to an average Iowa team- dropped a heartbreaker to Ohio State but Ohio State did beat eventual Big 12 champ Oklahoma on the road and should get credit for playing a tough out-of-conference game unlike Washington who played three sacks of grits for their non-conference slate even though the Huskies did win their conference and only had one loss … Whew. The only sure bet in the playoffs was Alabama. After the Tide, I could make a case for Ohio State, Washington, Clemson, Oklahoma, Michigan and Penn State. I know what you are thinking: “See Luke, his is why we need eight teams in the playoffs.” Wrong, wrong, wrong. Quit trying to ruin this sport. College football is built on debate. Not all teams need a chance. My advice to Penn State: Don’t lose to Pittsburgh. Michigan? Just… Beat… Iowa. Oklahoma? Don’t get embarrassed at home by Ohio State. None of the teams left out were robbed. None were “hosed.” They needed to do just a little more. Granted, I personally would have Penn State in over Ohio State. I get the reasoning to include the Buckeyes, I just would have counted the head-to-head win and conference championship more than the extra loss in the Lions’ ledger. Plus, I truly believe the atmospheres in Atlanta and Scottsdale would have been much more electric if ‘Bama played Penn State (whose desperate fan base would travel well) and Clemson took on Washington (who followers would have a easier trip to Arizona vs Georgia). Before you argue otherwise, this situation is not reminiscent of the ‘Bama/ LSU rematch of 2011. In that season, it wasn’t about whether the Tide went ahead of LSU. If it were, clearly LSU would have gone in the game over ‘Bama. It was more of an eyeball contest between UA and Oklahoma State. All in all, the match ups are about as good a could be. It should be a fun New Year’s Eve. As far as the selection process itself goes, it goes back to what makes college football God’s sport: Every game is important. Don’t slip up or you might slip out. Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native and president of the LAKE MARTIN BAMA CLUB who also writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook.
Lady Rebels upbeat about season At left, Reeltown Lady Rebels junior forward Sage Hammonds and Rebels junior guard Cole Flurry chat while getting into their new basketball shoes during varsity basketball practice last week.
By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
When the Reeltown varsity girls basketball team opens its season tonight, it will be with a young, yet cohesive team. While Reeltown has no seniors this season, the Lady Rebels are anchored by the team’s five juniors. That includes guard/point guard Mya Coleman, guard/point guard Ashlynn Thomas and forwards Sage Hammonds, Marsheka Shaw and Ayriana Stonebeck. “These are my leaders,” Reeltown varsity girls basketball head coach Will Solomon said. Last season these juniors helped take the Lady Rebels all the way to the first week of postseason playoffs. Now they plan to go even further by not only leading in scoring but leading the team in a positive direction. “We just want to work together and help the team improve,” Thomas said. That work is being done with a healthy team, too. For these juniors, being leaders who help the team improve includes mentoring younger members of the Lady Rebels, which includes six freshmen, and two sophomores. “We try to make sure everybody stays motivated and has a good time,” Thomas said. Working together and remaining focused will be key to
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
of Reeltown’s tough season is the Rebels varsity boys basketball team. The Rebels starts the season tonight with a more seasoned team that includes two seniors five juniors two sophomores and one freshman. “We’ve got a good team,” said Reeltown head varsity basketball coach Jonathan Gardner. That team is looking to greatly improve on last season’s record of 6-13. To help do that, Gardner is depending on senior guard Cole Flurry to help lead the Rebels both on and off the court. “He’s a real leader and knows how to motivate the team,” the coach said. Flurry knows his way around Rebels rev up for varsity boys the hardwood too. In the 17 games he played last year, the basketball season Facing the male counterparts 5-foot, 11-inch athlete had 4
Reeltown’s success this season as the Lady Rebels will play eight road games and seven home contests between now and the end of January. That season will have Reeltown facing tonight’s season opener against Loachapoka, which already has a season record of 3-1 and has been undefeated at home so far this season. The Rebels will also face 2016 area champion Lanett and area rival Horseshoe Bend, which is 2-0 since starting its season last week. “It’s a tough schedule and we’re a young team,” Solomon said. “But these girls are working hard and improving. We’re looking forward to the season.”
points per game, at least one assist per game, six rebounds each game and at least one steal in each game. As Flurry heads into the season, he is among a healthy lineup of Rebels readying to hit the hardwood. “Everybody’s doing well,” Gardner said. That’s no small feat as quite a few are either on the Reeltown football or baseball team, too. “About half my team plays another sport,” Gardener said. The boys varsity team joins the Lady Rebels in facing a difficult schedule, which also includes LaFayette, who beat the Rebels in last season’s area playoffs. But it’s a schedule that Gardener and his team look forward to. “It should be a good schedule,” the coach said. The Reeltown varsity boys and girls start their season today at Loachapoka with a 5:30 p.m. tipoff for the girls and 7 p.m. for the boys. The teams’ first home games are Friday against Beauregard.
VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL ROSTER REELTOWN VARSITY BASKETBALL SCHEDULE Date Day of Week Opponent Time 12/6 Tuesday @ Loachapoka 5:30 p.m. girls, 7 p.m. boys 12/9 Friday vs Beauregard 5:30 p.m. girls, 7 p.m. boys 12/12 Monday vs Elmore County 5:30 p.m. girls, 7 p.m. boys 12/13 Tuesday @ Horseshoe B. 5 p.m. girls, 6:30 p.m. boys 12/16 Friday @ LaFayette 5:30 p.m. girls, 7 p.m. boys 12/28-30 Wed.-Friday @ Lake Martin Slam Fest, boys time TBA. 1/6 Friday vs Horseshoe B. 5 p.m. girls, 6:30 p.m. boys 1/IO Tuesday @ Lanett 5 p.m. girls, 6 p.m. boys 1/13 Friday vs Lafayette 5 p.m. girls, 6:30 p.m. boys 1/14 Saturday vs Beula 3 p.m. girls, 4:30 p.m. boys 1/17 Tuesday vs Loachapoka 5:30 p.m. girls, 7 p.m. boys 1/19 Thursday vs Lanett 5 p.m. girls, 6:30 p.m. boys 1/20 Friday @ Beulah 5:30 p.m. girls, 7 p.m. boys 1/26 Thursday @ Beauregard 5:30 girls, 7 p.m. boys 1/31 Tuesday @ Elmore Co. 5:30 girls, 7 p.m. boys 2/4-10 Sat.-Friday Area Girls Playoffs time and location TBA 2/4-11 Sat.-Saturday Area Boys Playoffs time and location TBA 2/13 Monday Girls Subregionals time and location TBA 2/14 Tuesday Boys Subregionals time and location TBA 2/15-23 Wed.-Thursday Regionals (Montgomery) time TBA 2/27-3/4 Mon.-Saturday State Finals (Birmingham) time TBA
No. 2 3 10 14 15 22 23 24 25 33 42 44 45
Name Mikaya Jones Taniya Haynes Gabby Williams Eryn Wells Mya Coleman Ashlynn Thomas Chasity Pace Diyanna Newton Sage Hammonds Marsheka Shaw Ayriana Stoneback Nyla Hayden Hailey Cowart
No. 5 10 12 15 20 21 23 24 25 41 42
Name Position Height Randy Woodyard G 6’0” Makevon Hughley G 54” Latrevien O’neal G, F 6’0” Drew Favors G Lance Cole G Hayden Solomon G 6-1 Eric Shaw F 6-3 Cole Flurry G, F 6-0 Liotez Lewis F 5-10 Rajerrian Wright F 5-9 Cody Argo F 6-2
By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
In a Horseshoe Bend varsity girls basketball practice earlier in the season, senior guard Brooke Robinson prepares to make a pass to fellow senior guard Zakkiah Lyons while junior guard Savannah Gillespie plays defense.
male counterparts, the Lady Generals also won at B.B. Comer Friday by a score of 42-36. Horseshoe Bend varsity girls basketball head coach Erica Meigs thought her girls already showed improvement since the season opening win against Fayetteville. “It looked a little better than Wednesday night,” she said. “But we still need to work on passing and cut down on turnovers.” Leading the Lady Generals
Grade So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Fr. So.
VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL ROSTER
Generals charge into first road game with win over B.B. Comer The Horseshoe Bend varsity boys basketball team remains undefeated as the Generals defeated B.B. Comer 74-67 in Friday’s road game. Leading Horseshoe Bend in the win was senior Nalija Heard with an astounding 32 points. He had help from fellow senior Brandon Heard with a dozen rebounds. The Generals’ head coach Chad Kison was understandably pleased with how the entire team performed. “It was a good all around effort,” he said. As evidenced by the close score, B.B. Comer didn’t make the win easy for Horseshoe Bend. “It was a back and forth effort the whole night,” said Generals head coach Chad Kison. “We made plays when we had to with big stops on defense and clutch baskets. I’m very happy with the effort.” Friday’s win brings Horseshoe Bend’s season to 2-0. HB girls varsity basketball continues winning streak Not to be outdone by their
Position G PG F F G, PG G, PG G G, PG F F F F G
in the win was Horseshoe Bend senior Zakkiah Lyons with 21 points. She had help from eighth grader Carly Carlisle and senior Ivy Vickers with six points each and senior Kearra Birmingham with five points. Friday’s game brings the Lady Generals’ season to 2-0. The Horseshoe Bend varsity boys and girls basketball teams next head to Lanett today, with the first game starting at 4 p.m., and then to LaFayette Thursday with the first tipoff at 5 p.m.
Grade 12 10 10 12 11 11 9 12 12 11 11
UPCOMING EVENTS Tuesday, Dec. 6 • Alexander City Middle girls basketball home game against Dadeville, 4:30 p.m. • BRHS basketball at Tallassee, JV boys 4:30 p.m., varsity girls 6 p.m., varsity boys 7 p.m. • Central Coosa Middle basketball boys/girls home game against Childersburg, 4:30 p.m. • Central Coosa basketball at Sylacauga, JV boys 4:30 p.m., varsity girls 6 p.m., varsity boys 7:30 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. • BRHS freshman basketball home game against Handley, 6 p.m.