OPINION: HATS OFF TO THOSE BATTLING TRASH, PAGE 4.
THURSDAY
THE
DECK THE FOUNTAIN, PAGE 6
December 8, 2016
Mrs. Dannewitz (played by Lacey Howell) and her daughter Leah (Anna Claire Stark) are the first villagers to visit Hans Lumpert (Keith Garrett) in his cobbler shop on Christmas Eve Day in the Alexander City Theatre II production of “The Vision” by William Grandgeorge. The play will be broadcast at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow night on local television station WAXC.
Vol. 124, No. 246
Alex City Theatre II to air ‘The Vision’ tonight STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Alexander City’s community theatre tonight will present their first Christmas production, a broadcast of the holiday drama, “The Vision” by William Grandgeorge. The show will air on WAXC TV, the local television station, at 7 p.m. and will re-run tomorrow at 7 p.m., as well as several more times throughout the Christmas season. The play features local actors, Betsy Iler / The Outlook
including 15 area children, in the retelling of an old Bavarian folk tale about a humble shoemaker named Hans Lumpert who has a vision that Christ will come to his shop on Christmas Eve Day. But the entire village knows that Hans Lumpert is the last person Christ would visit if he came to town; Hans hasn’t been to church in years, and he has such a Bah! Humbug! Christmas attitude that last year, he chased the carolers away. Still, Hans, played by Alexander City’s Keith Garrett, persists in
his belief that Christ will come all throughout the day as customers stop at his cobbler shop. Also featured in the Alexander City Theatre II (ACT II) production are Rodney Meadows, Stephanie Childers, Rob Iler, Luke Grier, Lacey Howell, Anna Claire Stark, Jacob Iler, Scott Riley, Betsy Iler, Allie Reams, Stephany Sasser, Alexis Carter, Lily Jones, Olin Childers and Journee Culpepper, along with Lilly Coker, Shae Walls, Lauren Tidwell, Nicole Easterwood, See THEATRE • Page 3
City extends search for finance director
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
See PARK • Page 9
Sports, page 10.
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Christmas in the Park set for Saturday For the second year, kids of all ages can fulfill their dreams of outdoor iceskating as the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department hosts Christmas in the Park Saturday at the Sportplex. This year’s event takes on special meaning. “In memory of the passing of our beloved coworker, Jennifer Jones Baker, we dedicate this year’s Christmas in the Park to her and her loved ones,” Corley Holt said. “We want to embrace all that she stood for: faith, family, community and love.” Baker passed away this past weekend after a courageous battle with cancer. After drawing thousands to the Sportsplex last year, Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson said the department brought back the ice skating rink and
BASKETBALL ROUNDUP
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
CES General Manager Barry Holdridge and co-owner Jay Harris watch sheets of compressed paper roll off the line at the plant in the former Russell Double Knit Building in Alexander City.
OUTSIDE THE BOX Local company thriving in former Russell building By MITCH SNEED Editor
Ever wonder who actually makes the hard, narrow spine inside a three-ring binder? Have you thought about what’s inside the material on the arm and back of a chair or sofa and consider where it came from? Ever buy a piece of furniture that you had to assemble that has the thin bot-
tom, sides and back that fit together to make the drawers? Owners Todd Smith and Jay Harris along with General Manager Barry Holdridge of CES Industries have thought about those things and found ways to make them and make them well right here in our area. CES has been up and running in the former Russell Corp. Double Knit See CES • Page 3
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Alexander City’s search for a permanent finance director has been extended, but city leaders say progress is being made on getting finances in order. City Council President Tommy Spraggins said at Monday’s meeting that the city extended the search until the first of the year in hopes of finding a better pool of candidates. The deadline for submitting applications had been Nov. 25. “We have extended the search for a director of finance in hopes of receiving more quality applicants,” Spraggins said. “In doing so, we have gotten some additional resumes this week that we feel pretty good about. “Finding the right person for the position is vital. So we plan to leave the search open until the end of the year and hopefully move forward at that time.” The city has been without a paid finance director from the time the new council and mayor were sworn in. One of the first acts by the newly installed city See FINANCE • Page 3
Lake Martin
Local high schools to perform Christmas concerts tonight
Lake Levels Hallmark honored 483.37 by state of Israel
Reported on 12/7/16 @ 5:30 p.m.
By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
A number of area schools will hold their annual Christmas concerts Thursday, however anyone wishing to attend one will need to make their choice early because they will not be able to attend them all. The bands and choirs of Benjamin Russell High School and Dadeville High School in Tallapoosa County will gather in their auditoriums tonight to perform a number of holiday favorites and traditional Christmas tunes. BRHS will begin at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium, while DHS principal Chris Hand said their concert See CONCERTS • Page 9
Dr. Gerald Hallmark, retired senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Alexander City, was recognized on Dec. 1, by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism for his long-term commitment to the promotion of the Holy Land. Dr Hallmark was invited to the Ministry of Tourism Headquarters in Jerusalem where he was honored with a reception and received a citation and plague during his 15th pilgrimage to Israel. Minister Yariv Levin stated that Hallmark is, “a true friend of Israel, and we thank you for your support and solidarity which are deeply appreciated. Levin went on to name Dr. Hallmark a Goodwill Ambassador for Israel. A rabbi gave a blessing in Hebrew on Pastor See HALLMARK • Page 3
Submitted / The Outlook
Retired Alexander City pastor Dr. Gerald Hallmark was recognized by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism for his longterm commitment to the promotion of the Holy Land.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
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Girlfriend seeks best way to nudge boy out of dad’s bed
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Directory David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.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
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
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
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
Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Postal
Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
How to Submit Obituaries
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.
DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend and I have been together for two years. I moved in with him about a year ago. He has a 9-year-old son, “Todd,” who stays with us every other week. Todd is a great kid, but he has a genetic disorder and still often wets his bed. When it happens, he changes his pajamas and then climbs into bed with us. I don’t mind, but I have told my boyfriend we need to start the process of his son not getting in bed with us three to four times a week. Because I know it’s going to be a process that is going to take time, I’m trying to get it started now. I really don’t want an 11- or 12-year-old sleeping in our bed. How should I get this process started without nagging my boyfriend? -- GREAT KID, BUT ... DEAR GREAT KID, BUT ...: You have a point. Todd is a little too old to be climbing into bed with the two of you. What needs to be addressed -- with
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DEAR ABBY Advice
the boy’s pediatrician and possibly a urologist -- is the issue of the bedwetting. After that’s been resolved, suggest that your boyfriend have a talk with Todd and explain that he’s old enough to sleep in his own bed. DEAR ABBY: I am a single, 55-year-old man. During the last year, I have felt lost. My mother, my last close relative, passed away. My brother and sister died years ago, as did my father. We were a very close family. Now I am an orphan! I don’t have children and I’m not sure what I need to do. I’m in the process of selling the family home/office where I worked for the last 30 years, but I feel
guilty about it. There’s so much stuff to sort through -- both business and personal -- that I don’t know where to start. I’m overwhelmed and having so many anxiety attacks I can’t get the things done that I need to. When I sell this place, I know I’m going to be devastated. I have been suffering with depression for more than 20 years, but now I seem to have hit bottom. My business is failing. I have a couple of friends, but they have their own families and problems. This is affecting my physical and mental health. How can I get past it? I’m not a religious person. -- ALONE AND SAD DEAR ALONE AND SAD: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your mother. Grief after the death of a loved one is a normal emotion, and you might find comfort by joining a grief support group. This would not only give you a safe place to talk about your feelings, but also help you to feel less isolated. If you haven’t already done
so, schedule an appointment with the physician who has been treating your chronic depression (assuming it has been treated) and ask to have your medications reviewed. If you have not received treatment, tell your doctor what has been going on and ask for a referral to a licensed therapist who works with a psychiatrist who can prescribe something appropriate. And remember that while selling the house/office is closing a chapter in your life, it is also signaling the beginning of a new one. It may give you the renewed energy -- as well as the financial means -- to salvage your business or start one. Please know I wish you a happy future. 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.
Obituaries Mrs. Mary M. McDaniel 1944 - 2016
Mrs. Edna Ruth Wallace Phillips
Graveside Service for Mrs. Mary M. McDaniel, 72, of Alexander City, will be Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Hillview Memorial Park. Randy Anderson will officiate. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. McDaniel passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Chapman Healthcare Center. She was born on July 24, 1944 in Alexander City, Alabama to Tommie L. Moore and Helen L. Moore. She was an active member of Flint Hill United Methodist Church. Mrs. McDaniel loved to ride around looking for deer and turkeys. She also enjoyed going to pancake breakfasts, playing bingo, and watching her grandchildren play ball. She loved her dogs and cats. She is survived by her husband, Arnold L. McDaniel of Alexander City; daughters, Frankie M. (David Sr.) French of Pensacola, FL and Kristen M. (Michael) Stallings of Chelsea; and grandchildren, Chelsea (Eric) Burns, David French, Jr., Jack French, Bella French, Parker Stallings, and Paxton Stallings. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Walter Moore, Charles Moore, and Paul Moore. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
The funeral service for Mrs. Edna Ruth Wallace Phillips, age 73 of Coleta Valley,will be held on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church with Bro. Ronnie Wilburn and Bro. Ken Milner officiating. Burial will follow in the Millerville Community Cemetery. Mrs. Phillips passed away on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Grandview Medical Center. She was born and raised in Talladega but lived most of her life in Clay County. Mrs. Phillips graduated from Clay County High School “Class of 1961” then worked for TriCounty Telephone Company, People’s Bank and SouthTrust Bank, where she retired as Vice President. She was a life-long member of Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church and was an avid Sacred Harp singer. She is survived by two daughters: Shellia Harris (Chuck) of Delta and Pam Anderson (Randy) of Millerville; one son, Daron Phillips of Coleta Valley; two sisters: Myrlene Redmond
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
(Ralph) of Oxford and Mavis Dale (Roy) of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren: Amber, Paige (Chase), Ross, Morgan, Neal, Courtney and Allison and one great-grandson, Cash. Mrs. Phillips was preceded in death by her parents: Marshall Wallace and Elvadie Forbes Wallace; her husband, Julius Phillips; two sisters: Margie Sanders and Audress Gurley and one brother, Mitchell Wallace. Pallbearers will be Ross Cotney, Neal Anderson, Brandon Acton, Jacob Acton, Justin Johnson and Billy Johnson. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 8, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund – 3844 State Lake Rd. Lineville, AL 36266 or Camp ASCCA – P.O. Box 21 Jacksons Gap, AL 36861. Send online condolences to www. benefieldfuneralhome.com. Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland in charge of the arrangements.
BRHS NJROTC cadets visit Auburn University STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
WHATLEY MONUMENT
Thursday, December 8, 2016
The Outlook
The BRHS Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) recently traveled to Auburn University for an orientation visit to Auburn University and the Auburn-Tuskegee NROTC Consortium. The Navy officers and Midshipmen of the Auburn University NROTC Unit welcomed the BRHS cadets and delivered an informative series of briefings on the execution of ROTC program at the Auburn-Tuskegee ROTC Consortium and also what to expect during a standard semester if selected as a Midshipman. Midshipman Trevor Gravette, a 2016 BRHS graduate and the BHRHS NJROTC Cadet Commander his senior year, assisted with the delivery of the briefs and escorted the BRHS cadets on their tour throughout the day. The cadets at BRHS recently completed a course of instruction on the admission process to local universities, the many scholarships available to deserving
high school graduates, and also the financial aid application process and requirements. Additionally, the cadets were introduced to the application process for NROTC National Scholarships (4-year, 3-year, and 2-year) and the supporting Alternative Scholarship Reservation (ASR) scholarship process coordinated through the Area 8 NJROTC Manager and the Minority Serving Institution Scholarship Reservation (MSISR) program offered at historically minority serving academic institutions nationwide. “This visit to Auburn was a great way to wrap up our curriculum on of the benefits of a college education, the application process to be admitted at colleges and universities, and the administrative requirements necessary to apply for both scholarships and financial aid,” said Captain Matt Leahey, BRHS NJROTC senior naval science instructor. “On behalf of all the BRHS cadets I would like to thank the Auburn University staff along with the officers and midshipmen
Submitted / The Outlook
Members of the Benjamin Russell High School Naval Junior ROTC program visited Auburn University recently to take a tour of the Navy ROTC program and campus.
on the Auburn-Tuskegee ROTC Consortium for their generous dedication of time and effort in showing the BRHS cadets what an Auburn collegiate experience would entail.” Following the NROTC briefing the cadets participated in a walking tour of campus led by a student recruiter who explained the history and development of the campus and the outstanding support of the town of Auburn throughout the university’s history. The highlight of the day was a rooftop tour of the rarely visited ”Eagle’s Nest” and its unique viewpoint into the Jordan Hare
football stadium where the local high school football championship games were being played. All the cadets were impressed with the warm welcome they received from the entire campus. For most of the cadets this was their first college tour, and said they were amazed by the both the many responsibilities and individual freedoms that the NROTC cadets face in their collegiate education. The BRHS cadets plan to continue to explore local colleges and universities with an orientation tour of Tuskegee University in the spring.
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Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Department personnel responded to a report of a structure fire on O Street in Alexander City just after 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. A neighbor reported heavy smoke coming from the roof of the home. Firefighters quickly got water to the hot spot and had the fire out. The owner of the home arrived and said that no one was at home and no one was injured. The home did sustain damage, but details were finalized.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
CES Building after getting its start in a Jackson’s Gap Warehouse in 2006. Through hard work, innovation and the ability to modify and develop machinery to fit the needs of customers, the company is doing well. CES Industries is a maker of compressed wood products like the material used for drawer bottoms and backs in the furniture industry, as well as the material used inside three-ring binders. Now you know the answer to those questions. “I had been in the textile business and Todd had been in the paper business and it just kind of all worked out,” Harris said. “We had the place in Jacksons Gap and he had all sorts of contacts in the paper business. It started small and this is where we are. It was just a matter of finding products that customers needed and making them and making them well.” But how did they ever figure out they that could make money making the spine of a binder? That’s a story in itself. “We were making paper for a company that made the sides of the notebooks for Avery Dennison, but the spine was small and they didn’t want to fool with it,” Harris said. Harris and Holdridge began modifying a piece of equipment that would cut the thick cardboard line to the desired size cleanly and quickly. “We had worked on the equipment forever and had it working pretty good we thought,” Holdridge said. “We even had it where we felt like the speed was what the company was looking for. So they told us they were sending two people down
continued from page 1
here to see what we could do. But on the day of the meeting, Holdridge and Harris has worked on the machinery all night, making sure it would work well when the time came. They literally stopped 15 minutes before the corporate decision-makers arrived so they could clean up a little and greet their guests. “The guys got here and here we were dirty, greasy and the machine was a mess with big rips in the conveyor belt,” Holdridge said. “About all they brought with them was a stop watch to make sure we could make them fast enough to meet their needs. They told us to fire it up and they had their watches in hand. We flipped the switch and pieces started shooting up in the air and flying all over the place.” The guys figured the men would pack up and leave, but they gave them a few minutes to regroup and adjust and 15 minutes later the binder spines starting rolling like a log truck down hill, exceeding the time requirements for the company. A short time later they got the contract. Today, they make a million of the spines per day. “You just never know,” Harris said. Inside their plant is a machine that they literally purchased from a museum and modified to help make compressed wood for the furniture industry. Finding a new home in the abandoned Russell building has been a perfect fit for CES. As the company added product lines they needed more machinery. More machinery meant there was a need for
more space. So the group bought the building from Fruit of the Loom about a year ago. After months of work getting the building back in shape, they have been up and running in the new location for about six months. Local leaders say that seeing local people making such a good use of a former Russell building is gratifying. CES joins screen printer Aprinta, Ambrose Canoe Company, automotive plastics manufacturer C&J Tech, auto EGR valve maker Korens, Fire Truck BBQ and the City of Alexander City as non-Russell companies now operating out of former Russell buildings. Not only does the building afford them plenty of room for current manufacturing needs and future growth, but the 44,000 square-foot facility also has enough room to lease a portion for storage for some of their customers. “It is working out great for us,” Harris said. “It took us a long time and a lot of work to get to this point, but we are happy with it. Plus we have room to grow.” CES supplies thick paper that is infused with water and is used as backer for furniture. They even supply the same product to other companies that have multiple uses for it. Holdridge and Harris even modified equipment that made for more efficient stacking and packaging of the products they make. Holdridge was quick to thank the people who work at CES. “We have a great group of people who work here. They believe in what they are doing and take a lot of pride in what we make here,” Holdridge said. “We believe that if you
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Above, a CES worker catches compressed word used in the furniture industry as it comes off a machine machine that colors it. Below, CES general manager Barry Holdridge talks about some of the products made by the ocmpany.
find good people and treat them like family you can keep them. We have been fortunate to have great people along the way.” Now you may not find posters with inspirational quotes from late and Apple CEO Steve Jobs
Finance
continued from page 1
Brenda Ramos, Jah’lese Oliver, Jared Glenn, Jaleel Whatley, Jalen Hutchins and Jakoby McKinney. The play is directed by ACT II President Betsy Iler and produced by Brad Easterwood. Sponsors for the production include Chapman Healthcare Center Inc., Eugene and Elaine Gwaltney, Larry and Beverly Morris, Barnes and Radney, P.C., Koon’s Korner, Radney’s Funeral Home, Inc., Russell Medical, Radney, Radney and Jackson, LLC, USAmeriBank, River Bank and Trust, George W. Hardy, The Home Depot and Robinson Iron Corporation. ACT II received special permission from the playwright to produce the play for broadcast. The question on everyone’s mind at the end of the day will be “Did Christ really come?” Tune in to find out!
Hallmark
or other corporate leaders hanging on the walls at CES Industries, but you will find the people who work there following a quote made famous by Jobs. It was Jobs who said, “What I do all day is meet
with teams of people and work on ideas that solve people’s problems by making new products, whatever it is.” That sounds like what CES does every day.
continued from page 1
council on Nov. 7 was a 6-0 vote against reappointing Sandra Machen as the city’s finance director. Under Mayor Charles Shaw, Machen had been dismissed on Sept. 18, 2015 and again on July 22, but on each occasion she was reinstated when the city council was deadlocked at 3-3. Then she was sent home by Shaw again on Aug. 16, but was allowed to come back to work when Shaw said that he hadn’t terminated her, but had put her on administrative leave. She returned to work on Sept. 9. The city had its share of financial issues over the last three years, with budgets not passed on time, funds that were not properly accounted for, delayed audits and even a criminal investigation into missing city golf course funds. During her tenure, Machen had reported to council that her computer access had been limited, that she didn’t have access to some aspects of the financial
Theatre
Page 3
continued from page 1
Gerald, for the nations of Israel and America and all the pilgrims that worship in the Land. “This recognition is humbling and appreciated,” Hallmark said. “I accept it on behalf of all the pilgrims that have traveled with me to celebrate our shared heritage of faith.” Dr Hallmark calls himself a faith facilitator for those desiring a religious experience of the Holy Land. His travels are highlighted with devotions at the sacred sites, baptism in the Jordan River and a communion service at the Garden Tomb.
software used by the city, that she didn’t have keys to city hall and for a time had her phone calls forwarded elsewhere. Mayor Jim Nabors has called on some people he has worked with in the past and they have been helping out on a volunteer basis at no cost to the city. “We are making progress,” Nabors said Monday. “They have made a great deal of progress on not only FY 16, but on 14 and 15 at the same time. So we feel good about that.” Spraggins agreed. “Progress is being made in getting our financial house in order,” said Spraggins, who chairs the council’s finance committee. “We aren’t there yet, but we are making progress and hope to have things finalized soon. We are grateful to have had some people, quality people with a lot of knowledge, who have been willing to help us in the interim.”
No mention was made of when a budget could be presented to the council. The city has been operating on last year’s budget since the fiscal year ended on Sept 30. Last year the council didn’t pass a new budget until Dec. 7, so this year the budget will be put in place at the latest point in six years. The city is also exploring options for its payroll. Currently, the city’s entire payroll process is manual with much of the recording of time being entered by hand. “Human Resources Director Tammy Walker and I met with the people from ADP just to explore some of our options as far as automation of our payroll practices,” Spraggins said. “We are not ready to move forward yet, but they do offer some very nice features that would increase efficiency from what we are doing now. Right now it’s just something we are evaluating.”
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Our
View
Hats off to those L battling trash
Y
ou have to smile when people see a problem and then work to do something to correct the issue. That seems to be happening a lot here in Tallapoosa County as citizens, volunteers and governmental agencies are working together to address lingering issues that have become eyesores in our community. Last weekend, 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, led the effort that saw 25 bags of trash, four automobile tires, three televisions and a toilet taken from the sides of area roads. Speaking of tires, we have to give a big shout out to the Tallapoosa County Commissioners and Sabrina Wood of Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership. Illegally dumped tires are a huge problem across the county with county workers and volunteers constantly having to deal with their removal. But thanks to money made available by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Tallapoosa County Commissioners are finalizing a plan to help eliminate the illegal dumping of tires. Commission Chairman John McKelvey said contracts have been signed and logistics are being worked out on a plan that will give residents an option for proper disposal of unwanted tires. The way the program works is that the county will receive reimbursement from ADEM for removal and disposal of tires collected from roadways and roadsides. The program will provide up to $125,000 annually. Details on when and where the tires can be taken will be announced soon. In another big announcement, a second Throw Away Day Event has been set for Monday and Tuesday, January 9-10. Great time considering it is right after the holidays. Last year’s event was a big success getting massive amounts of trash off area roads. Details will be coming in the weeks to come of where and when people can bring unwanted items for disposal. It’s great to see these efforts in helping keep Tallapoosa County as beautiful as we all know it can be.
Know Your
Officials
Jim Nabors is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256329-1320 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 1695 Magnolia Street Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Jim Nabors
Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256392-0344. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
Bobby Tapley
Buffy Colvin represents District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663. Her address is 786 I Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.
Buffy Colvin
Scott Hardy represents District 3. His phone number is 256-4962450. His address is 549 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
Scott Hardy
Eric Brown represents District 4. His phone number is 256-3972011. His address is 1421 Parrish Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.
Eric Brown
Tommy Spraggins represents District 5. His phone number is 256-234-3609. His address is 1539 College Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.
Tommy Spraggins
Tim Funderburk represents District 6. His phone number is 256-825-2993. His address is 1431 River Oaks, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
Tim Funderburk
Thursday, December 8, 2016
The 'manification' of Jody Fuller
ast week, I drank my water from a straw. Don’t judge me. We all slip up from time to time, so let me explain. Wild at Heart was released in 2001, but I just recently got around to reading it. It’s an awesome book and very enlightening, in a manly kind of way, of course. The book has motivated me to do different things, whether it’s something I haven’t done since I was a boy, something I’ve longed to do, or something I never thought about doing. I’m calling this stage of my life “The Manification of Jody Fuller.” Make no mistake about it; I’m a man—a real man. I have a big dog, a beer fridge, and an electric drill. I like my steaks rare, go to a barbershop, and can sling a football with the best of them. Shoot, I’ve even been to war three times. Still, Wild at Heart showed me that I was lacking in some areas. Most nights, I eat my homegrown vegetables with store-bought meat and fish, while some nights I eat them with meat and fish shot and caught by some of my friends. Something about the latter just tastes better. Before reading the book, I’d already decided to start hunting and fishing. I’ve caught hundreds of fish in my life, but a couple of weeks ago, I went crappie fishing for the first time. You say “croppie.” I say “crappy.” Why? Because it rhymes with “happy.” I was
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
up at 4 a.m. and on Lake Martin by 5:25. By 5:40, they were jumping into the boat. Later, I was on the pier cleaning fish with an electric knife, which was the first time I’d ever used one. I hadn’t cleaned a fish since I was a kid. It just felt right, and when a beautiful bald eagle flew roughly 20 feet above my head, it became one of those perfect moments. All was right in the world. Years ago, I bought a beer can chicken holder but had never used it. If you’ve never eaten a drunk chicken, then you are definitely missing out. Basically, a can of beer is inserted into the cavity of a whole chicken and set up on the grill. It’s simply delicious. It’s actually the first time I’d ever bought a whole chicken. After all these years, I finally discovered what giblets are, and, quite frankly, I’m not sure I wanted to know. The other day, I picked up some wood for my fire pit. Once I got home, I realized that no grown, able-bodied man should ever buy wood from a grocery store, so I went to mama’s place way out in the country and cut my own. I’d never once used a chainsaw, but my stepfather showed me how to use
his. A hickory had fallen in the pasture amongst the donkeys, and in no time, I had a truck full of wood. I even used some of it to cook my drunk chicken. Finally, I felt like a man—a real man. Later that night, my forearm muscles were hurting. My dear friend Fred, referred to them as my “cow-milking muscles.” I reckon I’d never used those muscles before. My arms were almost useless. The next day, I was eating lunch in downtown Opelika and had trouble holding onto my glass of water. Ultimately, I had no choice but to use the straw. It’s hard to be a real man and use a straw at the same time. I grimaced each time I drank from the straw. I was humbled. Of course, being a real man is way more than simply doing “manly” things. It’s being, knowing, and doing things within the home, at work, and on the frontier. Somehow many, if not most, modern men have gotten away from their wild and adventurous side. Wild at Heart captures the passion that most of us lack, and my “manification” continues one day at a time. By the way, does anyone have a cow that needs milking? Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.
Should Democrats become the Party of No?
B
arack Obama had just beaten John McCain by a margin of 10 million votes and 7.2 percentage points - the biggest Democratic win since 1964. Democrats also won both congressional chambers. And yet, despite this decisive pro-Democratic mandate to govern, congressional Republicans resolved, at a private dinner on day one, not to offer a scintilla of cooperation. They resolved to thwart Obama’s efforts to fix the Great Recession, hoping that his failures would grease a Republican comeback in the 2012 race. Newt Gingrich, a dinner guest, reportedly told his former colleagues, “You will remember this day. You’ll remember this as the day the seeds of 2012 were sown.” Here’s where we are today: Trump has lost the popular vote (as of Wednesday) by a whopping 2.66 million. His losing share of the popular vote (46.2 percent) is the worst for an Electoral College winner since John Quincy Adams in 1824. Even his winning electoral vote margin (74) is a pittance compared to Obama’s winning 2808 margin (192). So why should Democrats on Capitol Hill give Trump the cooperative deference that Republicans denied to Obama? As Michael Corleone said in “The Godfather II” movie, “My offer is this: Nothing.” Cooperating with Trump, behaving as if he were just another Republican, would lend legitimacy to his authoritarian bent. Cooperating with Trump would “normalize” his racist populism and his serial lies. Such a strategy — tantamount to surrender — would be disastrous for a Democratic Party that has spent decades fighting for tolerance and diversity. Democrats have buckled in the past. Even though
DICK POLMAN Columnist
George W. Bush lost the popular vote in 2000, they acted as if the guy had a mandate to govern. Lots of Democrats voted for Bush’s deficit-cratering tax cuts. They voted for his Iraq war resolution, despite the dearth of evidence that Saddam had WMDs. They supplied enough votes to put John Roberts in charge of the Supreme Court. Republicans reciprocated by foiling Obama on a regular basis, blocking everything from his 2011 American Jobs Act (which could’ve put as many as two million people back to work) to his last Supreme Court nominee (the radical refusal to even hold hearings on Merrick Garland was unprecedented). David Faris, a political science prof at Roosevelt University, said it well in a column the other day: “[Cooperation] is the first instinct of the Democratic Party even after a crushing, incomprehensible defeat ... The urge to minimize the damage in defense of the public interest is broadly shared, and understandable. It must make many Democrats proud to support a party that truly believes in the public good, even at the expense of winning. “On the other hand, no. It’s time for Democrats to say no. To everything ... “It helps that the Republicans — led by a man who rage-tweets fake news in the middle of the night — are about to embark on a long voyage of turning every single thing they touch into garbage. There should be no Democratic fingerprints whatsoever on the coming catastrophe ... Hand Trump
the keys and let him drive into a tree.” That sounds harsh. But, lest we forget, Republicans paid virtually no political price for their eight years of anti-Obama obstruction. Voters didn’t seem to care that Republicans thwarted a president who twice won elections with a majority of the popular vote. Why would they punish Democrats for standing in steadfast opposition to an unqualified poseur who was rejected last month by 53.8 percent of all voters? Chuck Schumer, the new Senate minority leader, is indeed warning that when Trump gets too extreme, “we’ll go after him with everything we’ve got.” Senate Democrats can set the tone by putting Trump’s Cabinet picks through the wringer, because a number of them deserve to be seriously slowwalked — most notably, attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions (rejected for a federal judgeship 30 years ago, due to his racist remarks), Treasury nominee Steve Mnuchin (who made piles of money foreclosing on homeowners during the Great Recession), and Health and Human Services nominee Tom Price (who wants to kill Obamacare, a move that would nix coverage for 20 million people). And what remotely qualifies Ben Carson to be housing secretary, beyond the fact that he lives in a house? Fortunately, Democrats are indeed vowing to combat those nominees. Hey, it’s a start. My unsolicited advice is simple: Grow a pair. Dick Polman is the national political columnist at NewsWorks/WHYY in Philadelphia (newsworks. org/polman) and a “Writer in Residence” at the University of Pennsylvania. Email him at dickpolman7@ gmail.com.
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“Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm.” – Proverbs 12:7
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Thursday, December 8, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Season Johnson
Today is
December 8, 2016 Today’s Events
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.
Today’s Anniversaries
Kenny and Sheila Hughes, Dian and James Long and Melinda and
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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/. Charlie Luker celebrate their anniversary today.
Today’s Birthdays
Samuel Brown, David Crayton, Holly Hawkins, Juwaun “Tiger” McClain, Robert Cotney and Johnny Leonard celebrate their birthdays today.
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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
...with the right kind of advertising. Cliff Williams / The Outlook
USAmeriaBank’s Robin Adair recently dropped off a donation from the bank to the Searcy Unit of the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area. 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
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
HOLIDAY TREE OF LIGHTS: The Russell Medical Auxiliary is having its annual Holiday Tree of Lights in the lobby of Russell Medical. For $5 anyone can put a car on the Christmas tree in the lobby in honor or memory of a love one. Proceeds go toward student scholarships and items to be donated to much needed departments of the hospital.
Now-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
America Lives Here
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.
December 10
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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 15
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
CHRISTMAS DINNER: Victory Temple Holiness Church is hosting its Annual Christmas Dinner on Dec. 15 at the American Legion in Dadeville across from the football field.
December 17
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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. Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
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. CCTS ALUMNI MEETING: The Coosa County Train School and J.D. Thompson alumni association hold monthly meetings the third Saturday of each month. BEYOND TRANSFORMATIONS: Meetings every second Saturday. Have you been wanting to give back, work with youth, or be a part of a group that makes a difference? Please email iamtransforms@gmail.com or Call at 334-440-6539. Donations of clothes, food, books, computers, school supplies. A building and donations are needed. AMERICAN LEGION: Post 339 in Cottage Grove is open every Friday night from 8 p.m. until with fried chicken and fish. Music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. SCV MEETING:The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets every third Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at J.R.’s Sports Bar & Grill. Visitors are welcome. AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: The Lake Martin Amateur Radio Club meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Airport Terminal Building with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Amateur radio license exams are available after the meeting by prior arrangement. The club also meets on the air (Alabama Emergency Net Victor) on the first, third, fourth and fifth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on the club sponsored K4YWE repeater at 145.33 mhz with the 146.96 repeater as backup. All interested can attend our meetings or contact Tim Mayfield K4CWL at 256-329-1172 or John Phillips WI4P at 256-212-4063 CAR SHOW: Lake Martin Street Rods and Classic Cars meets every third Saturday at Buck’s Dairy Quick in Alexander City from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call Danny at (256) 496-0024 for more information. TALLAPOOSA PATRIOTS: The Tallapoosa Patriots meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Professional Commons. For more information contact Sherry Sellers at thyra899@gmail.com or at 256-2342528.
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The Outlook
DECK THE FOUNTAINS! Five Points Garden Club continues decades-long tradition of decorating downtown fountains
Photos by Cliff Williams
Thursday, December 8, 2016
The ladies of the Five Points Garden Club spent about an hour Wednesday morning decorating the fountains in the roundabout and in the Broad Street Plaza with blue spruce, magnolia and holly. The club has been doing this longer than they can remember as some recall their grandmothers taking part in the annual holiday tradition.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
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Thursday, December 8, 2016
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Park people are already calling about it. “They seemed to enjoy it last,” Wilson said. “It did well. We have been getting calls from people out of town already asking if we are doing it again.” Christmas in the Park will not just have ice skating. “We have the live reindeer,” Wilson said. “It will be like a petting zoo.” Other activities for Christmas in the Park are a story telling with Ms. Claus, cookies, carnival rides like tea-cups and swings. Firetruck BBQ and the Polar Express will be there as will some arts and crafts vendors. Wilson is letting everyone in on a small secret. “We will have snow on the ground Saturday,” Wilson said. “We will have a snow machine.” The Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area are hosting a Reindeer Chariot Race at 1 p.m. before the start of Christmas in the Park. Local businesses have been invited to take part and add a bit of wildness to the Christmas season. Christmas in the Park will run from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ice skating will cost $5 and that includes skate rental. Wilson says you can schedule parties at the ice rink through Dec. 17 by calling 256-329-6736. Ice skating will also be available to anyone from Sunday, Dec. 11 through Saturday, Dec. 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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continued from page 1
SCHEDULE • Continuous 2-8 p.m. shuttle, skate, swings, teacups, Snow, hot chocolate, Letters to Santa, Paint the Tree, concessions and market. • 2-3:30 p.m. Santa, Mrs Claus, Winter Princess, Frosty and the Grinch. • 2-4 p.m. Train Ride • 4-5:30 p.m. Carriage Rides • 4-5:30 p.m. Santa, Mrs Claus, Winter Princess, Frosty and the Grinch • 4:30-6 p.m. Train Ride • 6-8 p.m. Santa, Mrs Claus, Winter Princess, Frosty and the Grinch • 6-8 p.m. Carriage Ride, last ride at 7:45 p.m. • 6:30-8 p.m. Train, last ride 7:45 p.m.
Concerts would begin around 6:30 p.m. Both concerts would bring something new for the year. Hand said this would be the first year DHS would incorporate a choir into its performance. BRHS Head Band Director Dale Bloodworth said it would be the band’s first performance at home for the year. He said last year the school had no choir, but tonight choir members from grades 6-12 would sing alongside middle and high school band members in holiday themed songs. Bloodworth and BRHS’ Robert Childers will conduct the Pride of Alexander City Marching Band. Bloodworth said it would be his roughly 19th Christmas concert, over his 23 years at BRHS. “It’s all traditional fare and arrangements, seasonal and tra-
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ditional Christmas and holiday music from around the world,” said Bloodworth. There are four bands expected to perform Thursday night at BRHS: the percussion ensemble, the freshman band, the concert band and the symphonic band. Bloodworth said there would also be piano duets along with the percussion ensemble. He said there was no charge, and the program would only last for roughly an hour. Bloodworth said the bands stayed busy around town, and recently the symphonic band performed a Halloween concert at the Lake Martin Amphitheater. He said Thursday’s performance would consist of “just some fun arrangements” but would contain “a lot of memories” from the Christmas tradition.
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
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Thursday, December 8, 2016
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VARSITY BASKETBALL ROUNDUP JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
Saban vs Bear debate reveals eye-popping records
T
here was a time early in Saturday’s SEC Championship Game where Alabama had 16 points on the scoreboard but negative seven offensive yards on the stat sheet. “Just imagine how bad this game will get when the Tide starts moving the football,” I thought. They did, and Florida’s 54-16 Atlanta blowout was complete. Funny thing … like the Iron Bowl, it could have been worse. Then I couldn’t help but wonder, and justifiably so, is Nick Saban a better football coach than Bear Bryant? Whether he is or isn’t, Saban’s consistent, dominant track record over 10 seasons eclipses what Bryant did over decades. Saban is 113-18 (.863) at Alabama, is about to win his fifth national championship the last eight seasons and hasn’t lost more than one conference game in a season since 2010. Bryant was 232-46-9 (.825) from 1958-1982 and won six national championships. Saban’s run since 2008 can be comparable to Bryant’s from 1971 to 1981, when the Tide lost more than two games only once and went a remarkable 69-4. For what it’s worth, I’m not sure the SEC was as strong then as it has been in the past few years, but still, that’s amazing. Since 2008, Saban’s teams are 69-9 in conference games that featured a Kick Six, Johnny Football, Tim Tebow, the rise of Ole Miss, and the rise and fall of Les Miles. I have a hard time thinking of a consistent SEC powerhouse in the 1970s other than Alabama. I can’t say that Bryant wasn’t a better field general. Different eras. Different athletes. Different situations. I don’t recall Bear Bryant allowing a 24-0 lead slip out of his hands like Saban did in 2010. But he did lead Auburn 16-0 in the fourth quarter once. Nationally, Bryant had to compete with the likes of Southern Cal, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas for supremacy. They were Alabama’s peers on the national stage. In Saban’s era, Alabama has no peers. The Tide reigns supreme and all others follow, or it might be a good idea to simply stay out of the way. Saban vs. Bear is a fun debate. Who’s the best ever? I don’t know. The fact that they’ve coached at the same university is even more amazing. Despite record, Auburn deserves Sugar: If you would have told me after Auburn began the season 1-2 and would later score one touchdown in losses at Georgia and Alabama that the Tigers would be invited to the Sugar Bowl, I seriously would have questioned your ability to hold a football conversation. Apparently, 8-4 is good enough for Sugar these days. In a ho-hum SEC, the Tigers are the second-highest ranked team behind Alabama. That qualifies Auburn for the New Orleans trip. Florida has issues, obviously. Auburn beat LSU in September. Texas A&M fell apart down the stretch. For what it’s worth, if the Tigers are truly healed by Jan. 2 and return to pre-injured October form, Auburn might beat Oklahoma. Playoff is a joke: The playoff committee was formed to eliminate controversy and make sure a champion was crowned on the field. Instead, we have debate. Alabama and Clemson were no-brainers. I suppose Washington is too. Maybe. Ohio State didn’t win its division. Whatever. Somewhere, BCS guru Roy Kramer is shaking his head. Joe McAdory is the communications editor at the Auburn University Harbert College of Business and is the former sports editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.
Wildcats varsity teams triumph at Tallassee By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
The Benjamin Russell varsity girls defeated Tallassee 55-35 in Tuesday’s road game. Despite the triumph, Lady Wildcats head coach Latreisha Moon believes there’s room for improvement. “I think that we didn’t play hard in the first half,” she said. “But we stepped up and played really well the second half. We played together as a team the second half and I was really proud of the girls.” Leading Ben Russell in the win was LaHope Westbrooks with 15 points. She had help from Breanna Smith with 13 points and Shay Johnson, who had seven. The win brings the Lady Wildcats’ season to 5-3. The Benjamin Russell varsity boys also came away with a victory Tuesday — their first of the season — as the Wildcats defeated Tallassee by a score of 78-53. The win brings the Wildcats’ season to 1-4. The Benjamin Russell varsity basketball teams next head to Dadeville Friday. Tipoff for the girls is 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. for the boys.
Horseshoe Bend varsity teams lose at Lanett
The Horseshoe Bend varsity girls suffered their first loss of the season in Tuesday’s road game as the Lady Generals fell to Lanett 69-32. According to Horseshoe Bend varsity girls basketball head coach Erica Meigs, the loss boiled down to possession. “We had 35 turnovers,” she said. Leading the Lady Generals in scoring was senior guard Zakkiah Lyons with nine points. She had help from sophomore center Ivy Vickers with eight points, along with senior guard Heather Clanton and senior center Kearra Birmingham with six points each. Tuesday’s loss brings the Lady Generals’ season to 3-1. The Horseshoe Bend varsity boys also fell at Lanett Tuesday as the Generals lost by a score of 81-27. “We did not play well,” said Generals head varsity basketball coach Chad Kison. “We just didn’t match up with their size. They are real good and we did not shoot very well.” Kison looks to use Tuesday’s loss as a building tool for the rest of the season. “Hopefully we can learn from this and get better at doing the things we can do to make us improve,” he said. Despite the loss, Horseshoe Bend senior Tyus Ford led the Generals in scoring with 10 points. The loss brings the Generals’ season record to 2-2. Horseshoe Bend heads to LaFayette today with the first tipoff at 5 p.m. The Generals’ next home game is Friday against Wadley and inclues JV boys/
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell sophomore Jaaliyah Caldwell goes for a shot while trying to evade a block from Jeff Davis senior Khadijah Joseph earlier in the season.
girls and junior boys with the first p.m. for varsity boys. tipoff at 3 p.m.
Reeltown varsity teams lose basketball season openers
The Reeltown varsity girls basketball team faltered in its season opening road game Tuesday as the Lady Rebels lost to Loachapoka 57-20. Reeltown freshman Taniya Haynes led the Rebels in scoring with four points and an assist. She had help from sophomore Mikaya Jones with three points and four rebounds. Freshman Nyla Hayden also had three points, as well as eight rebounds. Despite Reeltown’s loss, head varsity girls basketball coach Will Solomon was proud of his team’s performance. “We played an excellent first half of basketball,” he said. “But we turned the ball over too much in the second half and didn’t shoot well enough to overcome our mistakes. “I saw a lot of positives,” Solomon said of the season opener. The coach plans to use the loss as a learning experience for the rest of the season. “We will get back to practice and work to improve game by game,” Solomon said. The Reeltown boys basketball team also lost to Loachapoka, by a score of 49-44. Tuesday’s losses brings both varsity teams’ records to 0-1. The Rebels hold their first home game Friday as Reeltown hosts Beauregard. Tipoff for varsity girls is 6 p.m. and 7:30
Central Coosa varsity teams suffer losses at Sylacauga
The Central Coosa varsity boys came back from Tuesday’s road game at 5A Sylacauga still in search of its first win with a 67-59 loss. Leading the Cougars in scoring was Noel Jones with 14 points. However, Central Coosa varsity boys basketball head coach Shane Smith touted his entire team’s performance Tuesday. “We played a very good Sylacauga team to the end,” he said.. “Both teams rode waves of momentum during the game. They just came out on top. “However, I am very proud of my team for the way we have been playing,” Smith added. “We have been playing our tails off against all these 5A, 6A and 7A teams. It has really made us better. We can’t wait to start playing other 3A teams. This is going to be fun.” The loss brings Central Coosa’s season to 2-5 overall and 0-0 in the region. The Lady Cougars also fell at Sylacauga Tuesday as Central Coosa lost by a score of 66-29. The loss brings the Lady Cougars’ season to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the region. Central Coosa next hosts B.B. Comer Friday in a region game. The first tipoff is 5 p.m.
Alex City Youth Wrestling League to host all-state tournament Saturday By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Things will be quite “chaotic” this weekend as Alota Chaos — aka the Alexander City Youth Wrestling League — hosts Tournament Chaos Saturday. The event is set for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lake Martin Industrial Park, located at 349 McClellan Industrial Drive in Kellyton. According to Alota Chaos President Mason Marvel, the all-state tourney will draw more than 200 male and female wresters ages 5-13 from throughout Alabama, as well as Louisiana, to Alex City. “The day will be split into two sessions,” he said. “The morning will include matches for 5 to 9-year-olds. Then at 1 p.m. we’ll begin the matches for ages 10 to 13.” Marvel added that the event was made possible with help from the Alex City Recreation Department, donation of the building for the event by Amtech and donation of lights by United Rental.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Pictured is the Alexander City Youth Wrestling League, deemed Alota Chaos. The league is hosting this weekend’s all-state tournament.
Even though the tournament ends Saturday evening, boys and girls will still have the chance to wrestle in Alex City. “We’ve moved into a year-round
sport,” Marvel said. “Registration is open all year long.” For more information about or to register for Alex City Youth Wrestling League, call Marvel at 256-596-1145.