LOCAL EVENTS, PAGE 6
OPINION: TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT TROUBLE FROM COLD TEMPS, PAGE 4.
FRIDAY
THE
Jacob’s Ladder Christmas Celebration
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
December 9, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 247 www.alexcityoutlook.com
LOCAL WOMAN KILLED IN VIOLENT CRASH By MITCH SNEED Editor
A local woman was killed in a Thursday morning accident near the intersection of Highway 280 and County Road. At about 8 a.m. a small passenger car was struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer that was headed eastbound on Highway 280. According to Detective Commander Lt. James Easterwood, Brandy Hardman, 38, was the
only passenger in the car and was pronounced dead on the scene. Easterwood said that the accident remains under investigation, but did say that the truck was traveling eastbound and struck the vehicle driven by Hardman while it was navigating the intersection. One witness indicated that the truck did not stop at the traffic signal and Hardman was turning onto Highway 280 coming from the direction of Wal-mart. The impact of the crash could be heard from almost
a mile away and at the scene the vehicle was so badly damaged it was hard to ascertain the make and model. While the mother of three perished, the driver of the truck was at the scene and didn’t appear to be seriously injured. It was unclear if he was taken for treatment. “We have an idea of what happened, but we’d rather not speculate until the investigation is complete,” Easterwood said. “It involved a tractor-trailer and a smaller car and it was a very violent crash. Our thoughts See COLLISION • Page 2
Audit finds state grad rates inflated
Pedestrian hit and critically injured Investigators still don’t know identity of victim By MITCH SNEED Editor
A man was critically injured after being struck by a vehicle early Thursday morning, but police officials say they don’t know who the victim is or why he may have been walking along a busy highway after midnight. According to Alexander City Police Department Detective Commander Lt. James Easterwood preliminary information is that the man may have stepped into the path of oncoming traffic on Highway 22 near Fish Pond Road in Alexander City. “All we really know is that he is a black male who was badly injured when he was struck by a vehicle at about midnight,” Easterwood said. “There were reports that he had been walking in the road at some time before the accident. “It’s very dark along that part of Highway 22, but other than we what we See PEDESTRIAN • Page 2
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Lake Levels
483.40 Reported on 12/8/16 @ 6 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
HORSE BUSINESS Study shows equine industry brings major capital to state
By ALETHIA RUSSELL Staff Writer
An Auburn University study revealed Alabama has a quite lucrative industry contributing to the state’s bottom line. The horse industry is reportedly ushering an estimated $2.8 billion into the state’s economy according to the numbers published by graduate research assistant Darcey Richburg. Locally, our equine friends are key players in events and attractions, boarding, recreation use and even trail
By ELLA MACFIGGEN PATH President
Lake Martin
6
Kenneth Boone / The Outlook
Above, Stanley Ingram drives a horse and carriage on a tour at the Stables at Russell Lands. A new study shows the horse industry contributes an estimated $2.08 billion to the state’s economy.
maintenance. According to Stables Special Events Coordinator for Russell Lands, Linda Ingram, most of the horse population in the state and local area is comprised of quarter horses, which are popular because of their relaxing type of ride and are more suitable for recreational use. The Stables offers guided horseback rides, wagon and carriage rides for families and weddings and an all around outdoor experience. See HORSES • Page 3
It was with great fanfare that state school officials announced dramatic improvement in the high school graduation rates over the last four years, but it appears that those numbers may have been inaccurate. Thursday the Alabama State Department of Education announced that a review of recent graduation rates by the Office of Inspector General, which resides within the United States Department of Education, found that the numbers were found to have been elevated. “We are accountable to all people of this state and deeply regret the misstating of our graduation rate,” said Superintendent of Education Michael Sentance. “We are now undergoing a meticulous review to ensure that all monitoring and data collection is performed with fidelity.” In 2013-14, the year that was the primary subject of the audit, the state showed a 6 percent jump in grad rates from 80 to 86 percent. Locally that academic year, the grad rates for Benjamin Russell climbed 6 percent and 12 percent at Dadeville High School. It was unclear what inpact the findings had on local numbers. According to a release issued by ALSDE, two major factors played into the inflated grad rates: See GRAD • Page 3
Community leaders consider Blue Zone Project for area
Today’s
Weather High
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
8
Alexander City took the first step to gauging interest in becoming a Blue Zones Project Wednesday with a meeting of about 60 local community leaders. Tony Buettner, national speaker, world traveler and Blue Zones co-founder, presented documented evidence and best practices that have worked in over 38 communities, nine states and three statewide projects transforming them into healthier communities. Tony presented the history of Blue Zones — five areas in the world where various studies have shown people live the longest. The National Geographic-
sponsored research produced nine characteristics of why these areas have some of the healthiest people, dubbed The Power 9. Those traits include: • Plant Slant — eating a plantbased diet • Moving naturally • Belong — Being active in a faith-based community • Purpose — Having a reason to get up every day • Downshift — Finding time to meditate or reflect • 80 percent rule — Stop eating when 80 percent full • Wine at 5 — Having a libation or two with friends after work • Family First — Nurturing relationships with family • Right Tribe — Spending time See BLUE • Page 3
Now Playing:
Ar rival – PG-13 Moana 3D – PG Fantastic Beast s 3D – PG-13
Submitted / The Outlook
Pictured above at last week’s Blue Zone Kickoff meeting Jim Peace, CEO and president Russell Medical, Ella MacFiggen, president PATH, Sharon Fuller, executive director United Way, Tony Buettner, vice president Blue Zones, Ed Collari, president Alexander City Chamber of Commerce.
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Ex-military couple can’t agree on a continent to call home
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Staff
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
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
Postal
Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
How to Submit Obituaries
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
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.
Pedestrian
continued from page 1
were able to gather from the driver, we really don’t have a lot to go on. We don’t know his name, have an age, address – nothing.” Alexander City Fire Department units also responded, but the injuries were so severe that the victim was flown by helicopter to the University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital for treatment. As of Thursday afternoon, the victim was listed in critical condition with injuries that were described as ”multiple blunt force trauma.” Officials said that if anyone was in the area Thursday night that may have any information about the man or the accident can contact investigators at 256-234-3421.
Collision
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and prayers are with the young lady’s family and loved ones.” Traffic was blocked for more than an hour as officers and first-responders worked the scene and cleared the wreckage. Traffic was rerouted through area neighborhoods to keep traffic away from the scene. Easterwood declined to comment on any possible charges in relation to the accident, but said that all the protocols for fatal accidents including toxicology testing had been ordered.
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The Outlook
329-1217
DEAR ABBY: My husband recently retired from the military. We have four school-aged children. The youngest is starting kindergarten, and I would like to go back to work and finally use my college degree. My husband wants to take a job overseas, but I would likely be unable to work due to the language barrier. I want to settle down in a location I love, doing a job I love. My husband worked hard to get this job and I hate to discourage him. I didn’t realize I would feel so strongly about settling down until very recently. I don’t want to move and he doesn’t want to give up this job. He suggested we live separately. Our marriage is otherwise happy, and due to the military we have had a longdistance marriage many times before, just not for as long as this would be. Should I try moving overseas? -- WANTS TO SETTLE DOWN DEAR WANTS TO SETTLE DOWN: Yes, for the sake of your marriage, I think you should. And when you’re there, explore finding a way to put the
DEAR ABBY Advice
degree you worked so hard to attain to use. The experience of living in a foreign country would be good for your children, and you might enjoy the adventure yourself. If that’s not the case, you can always return to the U.S. and see if a bi-continental marriage works for you. DEAR ABBY: I am writing this as I sit in a hospital at my daughter’s bedside. When staff comes into her room, she asks them to wash their hands in front of her before putting on their gloves. Several doctors took offense at this. We even posted a note on the door, asking the staff to wash up inside the room. Were we wrong? She doesn’t want to increase her risk of infection. I would think that a patient worried about proper hygiene would not
be sneered at by the people trying to get her healthy. -TRYING TO STAY HEALTHY DEAR TRYING TO STAY HEALTHY: Bravo to you for speaking up! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospitalacquired infections have cost the hospital industry $30 billion and resulted in 100,000 patient deaths. A 2013 New York Times article reported that unless pushed to do so, hospital workers wash their hands only as little as 30 percent of the time they interact with patients. The problem is so widespread that some hospitals must monitor workers via video cameras or have them wear electronic badges to “encourage” compliance, while others have resorted to “bribing” workers to do the right thing. You were not wrong to ask staffers at your daughter’s hospital to wash their hands. Nobody should feel reluctant to ask for something that is standard procedure. Because many patients in hospitals and care facilities feel vulnerable and dependent,
they fear that staff will “dislike” them if they ask for too much. For patients to request handwashing is not only in their best interest, but also the hospital’s. Too often, change doesn’t happen in the medical profession until patients speak up and advocate for their own well-being. You would not have been “sneered at” if your request hadn’t made those individuals feel defensive. DEAR ABBY: When dining out with a group, when is the proper time to ask for separate checks? Before ordering or after the dinner is over? -BEFORE OR AFTER DEAR B. OR A.: Because you are with a group, it would make more sense to inform your server before he or she starts taking your orders. 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 Cassie Green
Funeral service for Mrs. Cassie Green, 98, of Alexander City, AL; Friday, December 9, 2016; 1 p.m.; Miracle Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL. Burial in New Elam #1 Church Cemetery, Alexander City, AL. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.
Kassius Lamar McCoy
Funeral service for Mr. Kassius Lamar McCoy, 21, of Goodwater, AL; Saturday, December 10, 2016; 2 p.m.; Paradise Mission Full Gospel Church, Goodwater, AL. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.
Ina Fay Lay
Ina Fay Lay, 81, of Dadeville passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Brown’s Nursing Home in Alexander City, Al. Mrs. Lay was preceded in death by her husband: Fred C. Lay, her parents: WM Andrew and Vivian Carter, her siblings: Dorothy, Richard and Peggy Sue and Daughter: Trudy Lay. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Porter residence, 750 Lakeshore Drive in Jackson’s Gap, Al. A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Tallapoosa Co. Memory Gardens at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jamie Williams
officiating. Mrs. Lay is survived by one son: David (Becky) Lay, one daughter: Dianna (Paul) Porter, six grandchildren: Joshua (Casey) Kight, Kevin ( mber) Hamby, Haley (Ben Shelly) Porter, Marsha (Jake) Carlson, Tamara Niemann, Molly ( Gregg ) Garrison , ten great-grandchildren: Aileigh and Kyleigh, Drew, Wyatt, Dion, Samantha, Cameron, Raymond, Esther and Pachelbel and a great number of nieces and nephews from Mrs. Lay’s home state of Texas and Florida. Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers in Dadeville is handling the arrangements. alabamafuneralhomes@gmail.com
Wadsworth produces centers of the season By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
One might think that this is Frank Wadsworth’s busy season. Wadsworth is a Christmas tree farmer and his operation off Wetumpka’s Dexter Road is a popular destination this time of year. Every day when his selling season begins, families, schoolchildren, businesses and others visit Wadsworth’s farm looking for that perfect tree. So, yes, he is busy from the last few days of November through Christmas. But he’s also busy at times he thought he might not be when he got into the Christmas tree business some 37 years ago. Wadsworth’s late fatherin-law, Ollie Estes, who owned Wetumpka Wood Products at the time, got the young man started with his own Christmas gift of sorts. “Somebody gave him 2,000 Virginia pines,” Wadsworth said. “He’d heard that they were Christmas trees, that you could plant ‘em and grow Christmas trees. Well, he had a little area and he said, ‘You can plant two acres of them.’ So we planted those 2,000 Virginia pines and then I went back about three years later – I thought you’d just go back and there you’d have a Christmas tree. Well, that’s not quite the way it works.” Seeing that there must be more to the Christmas tree business than just planting the trees and walking away, Wadsworth sought a little professional help. “A lot of people were getting into the treeplanting at that time and the only tree we were planting then was the Virginia pine,” said Wadsworth, who currently grows eastern red cedars, Murray cypress and Arizona cypress trees at his farm in addition to Virginia pines. “People were planting acres and acres and acres of them. We may have had 15 growers in Elmore County that were planting trees. Lee County probably had close to 30. “Anyway, I was told
about this meeting at Auburn. Since everybody was getting into it they had some specialists that were telling everybody what to do. They talked about pruning, mowing the grass between the rows and spraying herbicide and the different types of insects you need to control. I didn’t realize, you gotta do all this? Well the fourth year (1979), I think I sold 40-50 trees after I went in and worked real hard that late summer after I realized you gotta prune ‘em. They’d never been pruned. I was working on ‘em real hard and heavy and they turned out okay.” From those humble, hard-working beginnings Wadsworth learned that the Christmas tree business involved more than just the planting and the selling. He learned well, too. Today, he’s grown from those meager 40-50 trees in that initial year to 1,000-1,500 per year. Of course, he needs help with the pruning, spraying and manning the sales operation during the season, so the operation has turned into a family business with his wife Lucie and daughter Carrie, son Jacob and his fiancée Hannah and his son Josh and his wife, Lauren.. “It’s become a family business,” Wadsworth said. “Everybody does a little part.” Wadsworth’s most popular tree is the Murray cypress, one of which will adorn the Alabama Governor’s Mansion this year. “For at least the last 10 years we’ve provided a 12-foot tree for the Governor’s Mansion,” Wadsworth said. “Some years they get an eastern cedar. This year they got a Murray cypress. About a 13-footer. Big tree.” He has other commercial clients that prefer large trees, too – Tuskegee University and Hampstead in Montgomery to name a couple. “We’ve got some trees that are 19 feet,” Wadsworth said. “We had one 20. Some of those we deliver to Montgomery, one to a subdivision in Montgomery, Hampstead. We furnish what I
David Granger / The Outlook
Frank Wadsworth measures a 19-foot Murray cypress on his Dexter Road Christmas tree farm. Wadsworth has been providing Christmas trees to families, businesses and others in the area for 37 years.
guess you would call a community tree for them that we take down and set up for them. We’ve been doing that for three years, probably. They always want the biggest tree we’ve got which is usually in the 19-20-foot range.” This year’s tree for Tuskegee is a 19-footer, too, still awaiting pick-up. But most of Wadsworth’s sales are five- to 10-foot trees sold to families. “Generally, most of our trees are between five and 9 1/2, maybe 10 feet,” Wadsworth said. “We sell to people here in the area, mostly. We have people come out of Auburn, Birmingham, Selma, Prattville, Tallassee. Most of our customers are from fairly nearby. “I’ve had families that have been coming, young families with young kids, and they tell me they started coming with their parents when they were in the first or second grade. That means I’m getting old.” In addition to the family tree-hunters, Wadsworth makes his farm available to schoolchildren who come on field trips. “I think last year we probably had well over 1,500 kids from nine or
10 different schools,” Wadsworth said. “One school may have three classes. What we do is they come up and we give them a hayride, take them around the fields and then come back and they go out and select a tree for their classroom. And then we bring it back to our tree shaker and we shake all the loose needles out and make sure there are not any squirrels in the tree. We always play with that. Then, of course, we take the tree over here to the baler and bale it. They can sit around the bonfire, which we haven’t had yet because of the dry weather. Maybe this weekend if we get some more rain, the ban will be lifted where we can burn and enjoy one.” Wadsworth is a member of the Southern Christmas Tree Growers Association, one of about 15 member growers in the state. He is the only member grower in the area. “We work together,” Wadsworth says of his fellow members. “One of us runs out of trees, we call up another member and see if they can help a customer out. It’s a good relationship.” And all in the spirit of Christmas.
Friday, December 9, 2016
Grad
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1. The counting of the Alabama Occupational Diploma (AOD) - This diploma was not anchored to the standards required for graduation and students who received the AOD could not be counted by the USDE as a graduate in the USDE Four-Year Cohort graduation rate. 2. Low Oversight of Local School Systems’ Awarding of Credits - The ALSDE did not increase oversight as needed of local school systems’ awarding of earned class credits. In some cases, local school systems misstated student records and awarded class credit, resulting in diplomas that were not honestly earned. The ALSDE did not monitor local systems with the necessary scrutiny, according to the released statement. The incorrect data was called an “internal, administrative oversight and the ALSDE is now in the process of addressing all related areas.” The ALSDE has reviewed related protocols, increased
training of staff, and is organizationally restructuring. “We will be establishing an internal audit unit to ensure protocols and procedures are followed. We will also continue to work within the USDE,” Sentance said in the release. While state education officials did acknowledge the inaccurate information, ALSDE spokesperson Malissa Valdes-Hubert said there is currently no plan to recalculate accurate rates and was unsure of how long the improper standards may have been use to determine the state’s graduation rates. One of the reasons that graduation rates are important is that federal funds are often tied to achievement and benchmarks like the graduation rate. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley released a statement about the overstated grad rates. “This week Superintendent of Education Michael Sentance briefed me on the findings from the State
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But even that funnels into the local economy. “It’s really making an impact when you have people that bring horses with them to stay and eat at local restaurants, filling up fuel, etc.” Ingram said. “Wind Creek State Park has started allowing people to camp overnight with their horses in the last 3-4 years.” “I feel like it’s something really good because it gets young people out into the woods and scenery and they get a respect of nature that they would’ve never had if they didn’t have that love of horses,” she said. “ Not only that but some of the trail the only accessible way is through horseback or hiking so we use them to control and maintain trails.” The study also takes into account several other factors including the industry’s impact directly and indirectly on nearly 24,000 jobs and $706 million in labor income. That includes boarders, feed and seed stores, equipment sales
Department of Education’s internal audit of Alabama’s graduation rate,” Bentley said. “I was alarmed and disappointed to learn the numbers have been reported incorrectly to the U.S. Department of Education, to parents, to Legislators and my Office,” Governor Bentley said. “When Superintendent Sentance was chosen to lead the State Department of Education, he committed to increasing student achievement in Alabama. I appreciate the efforts of Superintendent Sentance and the members of the Alabama State Board of Education in working to identify problems, as well as solutions, on state and local levels. “Our Alabama children need and deserve the best education our leaders can offer. I am confident Superintendent Sentance and members of the Board of Education will see to it that happens.”
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with friends who have healthy habits and support you in good times and bad. In partnership with Healthways, Blue Zones officials are bringing those traits to U.S. communities in an effort dubbed the Blue Zones Project. More than 1,000 communities are interested in the project, according to Buettner. “Initially, we go through a community,” he said. “There’s an assessment piece and a discovery phase. We look at the challenges and opportunities; what is working well in the community; and how to leverage those things. We want to understand where the challenges are in the community and get the leadership on board. Without leadership, we can’t be successful. “What we’re about is change,” Buettner said. “Changing the environment and making the healthiest choice the easiest choice. The reality is, 80 percent of how long we live is tied to our lifestyles and to our environment.” “The premise for Blue Zones is if we could find those right lifestyles, we could have the de facto recipe for longevity. Researchers think, in America, we should live to healthy age 90. We are, on average, living to age 78. We are leaving 12 good years on the table.” Once a community buys in, Blue Zones does an assessment using Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University and Gallup to make health projections 10 years into the future if nothing is done to change a community’s trajectory. Buettner indicated there are over 600 evidence-based suggestions from which a community can choose, for individuals or organizations to adopt. “There is no silver bullet,” he said. “The 600 evidence-based strategies and nudges are silver buckshot.” Just a few of the results in recent Blue Zones Project communities include:
Horse
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The Outlook
• $400,000 increase in revenue +$1.2M in property tax • Rose 23 spots in just one year in the County Health Ranking • National Media attracted global recognition with over 3 billion media impressions to date Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Redondo Beach, CA • five-year savings of $21 million savings in direct medical costs • Five-year savings of $21 million resulting in reductions of lost productivity • Projected $125 million total savings by 2020 The results from a survey conducted at the Alexander City community meeting revealed the following: Should our community consider an inclusive and systems approach to population health? Yes - 89.7 percent Should we consider Blue Zones project for a partner for this effort? Yes - 79.5 percent Would you be willing to volunteer for a committee for this project? Yes - 87.2 percent Dr. Darrell Cooper, Alexander City Superintendent of Education said, “Considering the related research, the idea of establishing a Blue Zone in the Alexander City/ Lake Martin area is very intriguing. I am certainly open to further studying the possibilities.” “Blue Cross and Blue Shield is committed to improving the health, wellness and education of Alabamians, and we look forward to seeing Alexander City’s plans for building a healthier community. “ said The Caring Foundation BCBS Alabama Manager Tim King. United Way Executive Director Sharon Fuller said, “The United Way is extremely honored to be a partner with PATH and supporting the Blue Zone concept. It’s with all the agencies and mission to help all people in our Lake Martin Area to provide resources and a chance for better living for all.”
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reps, marketing and other care aspects of horse ownership. About 70 percent of the state’s horse owners spend upwards of $5,000 per horse over the course of a year, and more if the horse is high use in competitions and showing events. President of the Alex City Horse Riding Club Jimmy Avery said he agreed with the study’s findings about the statewide impact, and within the city limits the arena aims to resource from local vendors. “At the Alex City Horse Riding club we have seven shows a year in our arena. We have full show bills with gated classes, timed events and things like that,” Avery said. “We usually have probably 250-300 entries at each show. I would say probably all together maybe 100 horses there. Everything that we do over there as far as our awards and everything we try to buy it all local – food for our concessions, anything we buy, we buy local.”
“I hope that we move forward and continue to talk about this and put things into play for our community,”, Willow Point Golf and Country Club Wellness and Recreation Director Karen Kison said. These responses and comments and questions from the leaders in attendance, indicated a strong desire for this community to move forward with the Blue Zones Project. The next step is to gain financial support and leadership positions from the community. Additional supporters and in attendance included Mayor Jim Nabors; Jim Peace, President and CEO Russell Medical; Ed Collari, President and CEO Alexander City Chamber of Commerce; Don McClellan, Economic Development Council; Tom Lamberth, President and CEO Russell Lands; Roger Holiday, Vice President Russell Lands; David Boleware, Community Action Director; Tallapoosa County Commissioner TC Coley; Dr. Susan Burrow, President CACC; and many others. For more information on Blue Zones Project, visit www.bluezones.com or contact Ella MacFiggen, PATH President at pathlakemartin2@gmail.com.
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Opinion
Our View
Take steps to prevent trouble from cold temps
I
t doesn’t take a meteorologist or a rocket scientist to figure out that it is getting colder in a hurry. It was downright nippy at times Thursday as stiff winds produced a chill that forced some to go hunting for that heavy jacket in the back of the closet. If you thought it was cool Thursday and colder this morning when you went out, the real cold is yet to come. The low is expected to be in the high 20s tonight and as low as 23 Saturday evening. That means it will be the coldest it has been in our area since Feb. 16 if the U.S. Weather Service data is correct. Being cold is one thing, but no one needs to add household disaster on top of that. Pipes are the most important thing to protect in the home because repair for pipes can be the costliest. You may try insulating exposed copper pipes from the cold and even put faucet covers on outdoor faucets. It may also be a good idea to remove hoses from any outdoor faucets as well. Also allow the faucets inside of your home to drip slowly during nights with subfreezing temperatures. In addition a homeowner might want to open cabinet doors under sinks to help expose pipes running along outside walls. Potted plants have a tough time surviving subfreezing temperatures, so anything that needs warmer temperatures, bring them inside or cover them to protect from the extreme cold. For the ones in the ground, the truth is, they will either make it or they won’t. Pets aren’t like that. Pets should be brought inside when the temperature drops below freezing. If a pet must stay outside, a shelter should be available stocked with old blankets, hay or wheat straw. So let’s all plan ahead to avoid potential problems as Mother Natures gives us the cold shoulder this weekend.
A
Friday, December 9, 2016
What I want for Christmas
s Christmas nears I thought I had better get a little face time in with ole Santa, so off to the mall I went. After all, I had a long list of things I need for Christmas and maybe the big guy can deliver this year. The hardest part about seeing the Jolly Old Elf was pushing all those pesky kids out of the way. For some reason the little ankle biters thought Santa was just for kids. Go figure. Anyway, I finally got on Santa’s lap and pulled out my computer generated list and read him my first request. Just once I wanted every member to actually come to church on the same Sunday. He just laughed his “Ho Ho Ho” laugh and told me he didn’t do miracles, so what was my next request? I guess that was a lot to ask because if they won’t come for the Lord, why would they come for Santa? I read my next wish that I wanted all the Christians in the church to start tithing. This time the old guy just didn’t do his belly laugh, he actually bounced up and down in merriment. Then he called all the elves over and said, “Did you hear what this Baptist preacher just asked for?” When he told them they started laughing and rolling around on the floor holding their sides. I
DR. GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist
gathered from this reaction that it’s going to be another lean year ministering for the Lord. After these first two items I was getting a little paranoid about asking for anything else, but Santa assured me it was okay to continue. So I read my third request of wanting everyone in the church to get along and support each other. This time he didn’t laugh, instead he just looked at me like I had been dropped on my head as a baby. He then told me he could bring peace to the Middle East faster than he could make some church folks get along. As a matter of fact, he confided that most of the folks doing the fussing always got coal and ashes every Christmas when they were kids because they were always on the naughty list. I told him that as far as I was concerned they’re still on that list. My final request was a little more personable. I asked him to make me a better Christian and preacher. Wouldn’t you know it that
fat old elf started “Ho Ho Hoing” again. He had the audacity to say I had to start reading my Bible everyday, keep up a diligent prayer life, live a life of service to others and be faithful to God’s will. What I wanted was some quick fix in a gift box that didn’t require any work. Man, even Old Saint Nick expects discipline and commitment. I bet its tough being one of his elves. Most people never think of the church as a place that needs them. Their presence, God’s tithe, their fellowship and spiritual discipline are all necessary to make the church what it needs to be. These things are not given to be taken lightly, but are the qualities that define a Godly congregation of believers. These attributes can’t be unwrapped as a present, but must be achieved through disciplined living for Christ. I would have asked for a few more things but the little kids started crying and their mothers started yelling at me. So I left old Santa to the children and fantasy and returned to the real task of being all that I can be for the Lord. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired pastor from Alexander City whose column appears here each Friday.
Officials
Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His Steve Robinson address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City. John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.
John McKelvey
Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her cell number is 256-3078162 and her evening phone number is 256825-4207. Her address Emma Jean Thweatt is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.
George Carleton Jr.
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“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” – Alexander the Great
Today’s
Scripture
“But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” – 1 Timothy 5:8
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Know Your T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill T.C. Coley community. His phone number is 256-212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.
Today’s
Youth Advisory Board aims to make difference
E
ntertainment, media, and advertisements convey that most adolescents are involved in underage drinking, but in reality there are adolescents that are not involved and want to aid in the prevention of underage drinking. Youth have the opportunity to make their voices heard and participate in the prevention of underage drinking by participating in Tallapoosa County CARES Youth Advisory Board (YAB). The Youth Advisory Board meets once a month with East Alabama Mental Health Prevention Services. Prevention Services educate the youth regarding the negative impact underage drinking has on the youth and the community. Through this coalition with the youth, we can change the perception the youth and community members have towards this issue. The Youth Advisory Board consists of youth; thus, they have the unique capability of reaching out to their peers in ways adults cannot. The Prevention Services staff serves the members, while the youth plan and implement their ideas to prevent underage drinking. Members have the opportunity to work on PSAs and other media campaigns,
HANNAH MARXEN Guest Columnist
sit in on town meetings, and participate in compliance checks. The members are encouraged to initiate new methods of preventing underage drinking. They have the power and potential to make an impact on their community We are proud to announce the newly elected President, Jessica Messer, and Secretary, Marlo White. They have both been members of YAB for over a year now. They have demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to YAB’s mission. Currently, the Youth Advisory Board is planning recruitment drives in the community and in schools. Jessica Messer shared why she is passionate about the youth’s role in the prevention of underage drinking. “Our mission is to lower the percent of underage drinking in Tallapoosa County. So many people are unaware of how many minors actually do drink regularly, whether it is at parties or at home when mom and dad aren’t looking. We have
so much potential to see more people actively participating in YAB. With more minds working together in this group, we can really get information out there to the public and hopefully see big changes made.” Marlo White is currently working on designing a campaign palm card to relay information quickly to the youth regarding underage drinking. She is also planning to participate in compliance checks with ALEA. Marlo shared why she decided to participate in YAB. “I joined this board because it will help ensure the safety of others while also making great friendships!” We are thankful for their participation and commitment to YAB. If you are interested or may know someone who may be interested in joining Tallapoosa County CARES Youth Advisory Board, please contact Chelsea Neighbors, Prevention Services Supervisor, at (334)742-2112 for more information. Like Tallapoosa County CARES on Facebook to receive updates about YAB. Hannah Marxen is a prevention specialist with East Alabama Mental Health Center.
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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Friday, December 9, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Today is
December 9, 2016 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.
Today’s Anniversary
Linda and James Blanset are celebrating their anniversary.
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Today’s Birthday
Eric Cassiano, Sandra Thompson, Archie Causey, Donnie Sherum, Beth Price, Sandra Thompson, Kathra B. Mattox, Brenda J. Foster, Summer Magouyrk, Brittany McVey and Jason Gilchrist are celebrating their birthday.
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
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The Lake Martin Young Professionals donated the proceeds from their Halloween Party to the Russell Medical Foundation to pass on to the Russell Medical Cancer Center to purchase art.
Now - December 17
Once in the round-a-bout, the parade will turn east onto AL 22 (Tallapoosa Street) and proceed to the bottom of the hill to the official end of the parade.
Now - December 25
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.
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. 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- December 11
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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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.
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. CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK: Alexander City Parks and Recreaction Department will host Christmas in the Park Saturday, Dec. 10 at the sportplex from 2 p.m to 9 p.m.
December 11
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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 12
HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE: Join us as we light up the night, when Alexander City’s Annual Hometown Christmas Parade winds its way through the streets of town on MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 starting at 6:00 pm. Spectators are invited to line the parade route to watch bands and dancers perform, see the festively decorated floats, and wait for the much anticipated arrival of Jolly Old St. Nick himself. Parade Route: The parade will line up on Comer Street. It will proceed down Cherokee towards Benjamin Russell High School. Once past BRHS, the parade will turn up Church Street and head for the round-a-bout.
December 15
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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The Outlook
ALL ABOARD THE POLAR EXPRESS Jacobs Ladder Christmas Celebration gives attendees an early Christmas to remember.
Photos by Mitch Sneed and Audra Spears
Friday, December 9, 2016
The toddlers at Jacobs Ladder participated in a festive Christmas Celebration Thursday morning. The students were treated to a seat on the Polar Express, arts and crafts, artificial snow and an audience to hear their musical selection. The most notable guest in attendence was Saint Nicholas himself, who spoke with the children.
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Big changes made at Lyman Ward, more on the way By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
The commandant of Lyman Ward Military Academy announced some major changes to come to the school’s administration and other changes made recently that helped bring the school’s technologically up-to-date. About 20 LWMA cadets accompanied Commandant Joseph Jones and other members from its commandant staff as he spoke about recent news from the academy on the verge of its three-week Christmas break. He announced a new dean at the academy who he said was a local man, retired Lt. Col. Doug Reynolds. Jones said Reynolds had completely renovated the technology at the school for both faculty and students. “He is a great asset to our school, he’s big into technology and he has totally upgraded our school and now we are what is considered an Apple School so all of the teachers have the Apple iPads, you’ve got the Apple Smart TV’s,” said Jones. “And we’ve gone through and brought technology where there literally was none just a couple years ago … so we are definitely moving forward.” Another major change in administration Jones announced was the approaching retirement of the LWMA president Dr. Roy Berwick. “He’s actually looking at retirement so this is going to be his last year with any military school, he’s actually proudly retiring from Lyman Ward,” Jones said current vice president retired Lt. Col. Jared Norrell would step in and assume the role as president at the academy. Jones made the announcements at the last Dadeville Kiwanis Club meeting on
Thursday. Other announcements regarding upgrades and renovations to the school Jones spoke about involved a change to a food service provider, opposed to their previous on campus food preparations. He said they had moved to the same food service provider as Alex City School System. Jones also announced another recent upgrade to the LWMA facilities. “We had a special project last year the kids are really happy about, air conditioned one of the dormitories and are now in the process of another,” Jones said. “We’re trying to go through and do some renovations, bring up the quality of life for the kids as well as employees.” Kiwanis club members asked Jones a number of questions about the academy. Representative Mark Tuggle was at the meeting and spoke about the hurdles he said he faced in the House of Representatives trying to get more funding for the academy, which he said State Legislature currently funds at $360,000. One Kiwanian asked whether the students would return over the holidays. Jones said during the break the academy would be on a mandatory shutdown, and the students or cadets who usually live on the premises would go home. For some of the cadets at the meeting home was in states all across the country and even overseas. One cadet said he was from Los Angeles, another San Diego, another New York and also Colorado, with a number from neighboring states like Florida. Jones said there was even a strong international presence at the academy. Of the cadets there Thursday he said one was from Dubai of the United Arab Emirates, while others at the academy were from China, Mexico and Germany.
Corey Arwood / The Outlook
Commandant Joseph Jones, Deputy Commandant Retired 1st Sgt. Steven Flagg, Executive Assistant Vicki Wade and Anne Pitts in accounts payable along with 20 LWMA cadets met with Dadeville Kiwanis Club Thursday.
Jones was asked a number of questions about the military academy, including how it got its national presence. A number of Kiwanis members asked about its sports programs. A state runner up on their track team spoke about the new track program. He said they competed with independent and private schools. “We actually had pretty good success, that’s something about Lyman Ward we don’t have a track but that doesn’t mean, you know, we can’t compete we don’t have the heart to, so we got started. We showed we had heart to compete and I couldn’t be happier that we had a successful track team and we’re looking to be better this year,” said the cadet. Jones said they are constantly
expanding, and are considering a lacrosse team. He also said they were doing well in their basketball seasonwith a 5-2 record so far, and had won a state championship title last year in soccer. Kiwanian and Stillwaters’ golf-pro Rob Witherington asked about golf at LWMA. Jones introduced the cadet from Los Angeles who spoke about their golf program. “Last year was our first year having a golf team. It was started by one of our seniors and we go to Stillwaters and we work. In turn we get to play and practice for free,” the cadet said. Commandant Jones said, “And this is all natural talent, we don’t have a large coaching staff … this is all natural talent.”
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Sports Calendar Friday, Dec. 9 • Central Coosa Middle basketball boys/girls game at Eclectic Middle, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 6:30 p.m. • Dadeville varsity basketball home game against Benjamin Russell, girls 6 p.m., boys 7:30 p.m. • Horseshoe Bend JV boys/girls, junior boys, varsity boys/girls basketball home game against Wadley, 3 p.m. • BRHS varsity wrestling at Swede Umbach in Auburn, time TBA. • Reeltown varsity basketball home game against Beauregard, girls 6 p.m., boys 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 10 • Horseshoe Bend JV boys/girls basketball at Wadley Junior High Invitational, time TBA. • BRHS varsity wrestling at Swede Umbach in Auburn, time TBA. • Reeltown JV girls/junior high boys basketball home game against Loachapoka, time TBA. • Tournament Chaos all-state youth wrestling tournament, 9 a.m.-5p.m. at 349 McClellan Industrial Drive in Kellyton. For more information, call Mason Marvel at 256-596-1145.
Monday, Dec. 12 • Reeltown varsity basketball home game against Elmore County, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 13 • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling tri-match at Beulah, 5 p.m. • Dadeville Middle basketball at Elmore County, girls 4:30 p.m. • Dadeville varsity basketball home game against Auburn, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 7 p.m. • Reeltown varsity basketball at Horseshoe Bend, girls 5 p.m., boys 6 p.m. • Reeltown junior high boys basketball at Pike Road, 6 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 15 • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling home match against Benjamin Russell, 2 p.m. • Dadeville varsity basketball at Elmore County, girls 5:30 p.m., boys 7 p.m. • Reeltown junior high basketball at Eclectic, girls 5 p.m., boys 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 16 • Reeltown varsity boys/girls, JV boys/girls basketball at LaFayette, 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17 • Alexander City Middle wrestling at Benjamin Russell for Dwight Buzbee Invitational, time TBA.
Monday, Dec. 19 • BRHS varsity wrestling home match against Stanhope Elmore, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 28-Friday, Dec. 30 • Reeltown varsity boys basketball at Lake Martin Slam Fest, time TBA.
Saturday, Jan. 7 • Trojan Baseball/Softball Camp at Central Alabama Community College Baseball Field. Led by current and former MLB players and coaches. Ages 4-12 8:30 a.m.noon. Ages 13-18 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Cost is $10 with checks to be made payable to Central Alabama CC Baseball Fund. For more information, call Larry Thomas at 251533-4059.
Monday, Jan. 16 • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling at AHSAA 1A-5A Regional 2 Duals, location TBA, 8 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 17 • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling tri-match at Beulah in Russell County, 5 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 21 • Dadeville High Varsity Wrestling at State Dual Quarter Finals, location TBA, 7 a.m.
Dadeville varsity boys defeat A.C.A. Lady Tigers fall in first home game By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Although the Tigers led the night throughout their first home game Thursday, it was the last few seconds of the night that made all the difference between victory and tragedy. Fortunately, Dadeville came away with a win over region foe Alabama Christian Academy with a final score of 58-57. That narrow win came by the skin of the Tigers’ teeth. As the clock wound down Dadeville looked to have secured it with a 56-55 lead. But with 11.2 seconds left, A.C.A. junior Colby Rives made one final shot for the Eagles, shifting the lead to 57-55. Then with even less time left in the game, Dadeville took back the winning lead when junior Donquavious Tucker made the final shot of the night and secured the Tigers’ second region win of the season. “It was a little more exciting than I wanted it to be,” said Dadeville varsity basketball coach Rodney Taylor. “We had some opportunities for layups but didn’t covert. But we found a way to win the game.” The first half of the game Dadeville led the Eagles by a point — 16-15 in the first quarter and 32-31 at the half. That lead expanded slightly for the Tigers in the third quarter by 44-41. But A.C.A fought back by adding 16 more points while Dadeville added 14. In the end, Dadeville’s fight was stronger for a homecourt win. “I’m glad we put a W on this one,” Taylor said. Leading Dadeville in the win were Tucker, senior JaMichael Moss and senior Devin JohnsonMoss with 10 points each. The win brings Dadeville to 2-0 overall and in the region. The Lady Tigers didn’t have as good a night Thursday as the Dadeville varsity girls lost to the Lady Eagles 41-33. In their first game at home, the Lady Tigers never got control of the game and instead trailed from the start. In the first quarter they were only behind by a point with the score 9-0. However, the second quarter secured the loss when Dadeville failed to add points while A.C.A. added 15 more. “I thought that we came out focused and ready to play at the beginning of the game,” said Dadeville varsity girls basketball head coach Pamela Holloway.
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Dadeville freshman Jamauri Chisolm makes a layup Thursday as Alabama Christian Academy senior James Dodson and sophomore Colby Rives look on. The Tigers won at home 58-57.
“We made some simple errors and did not adjust.” The Lady Tigers rallied in the second half by adding 13 and 12 points the third and fourth quarters. But that wasn’t enough to stop the Lady Eagles, who added eight and night more points of their own. “We made an attempt to change our work ethic after halftime,” Holloway said. “But we
did not remain positive, nor did we play together as a team for the remainder of the game. “However, I must give A.C.A. credit for their relentless effort throughout the entire game,” she added. “We have to have more heart and intensity as well as better communication in order to be a more competitive team.” Despite the loss, Dadeville junior Quanesha Presley led the
Lady Tigers in scoring with 13 points. We made an attempt to change our work ethic after halftime The loss brings the Lady Tigers’ season to 1-1 overall and in the region. Dadeville’s next home game is today as the varsity boys and girls host Benjamin Russell. The girls tip off at 6 p.m. and the boys at 7:30 p.m.
Dadeville varsity wrestling team starts season with losses By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
The Dadeville varsity wrestling team is still in search of a win as the Tigers lost to Elmore County 64-12, Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind 48-18, Weaver 60-12, and Prattville Christian 54-10, all on Saturday. On Tuesday Dadeville also lost to Beauregard 66-18 and to Beulah 57-18. “I have been extremely proud of the work ethic and effort of my wrestlers,” said Dadeville varsity wrestling head coach George Richardson. “We are a small team, but the wrestlers that we do have give their all. “Senior Kenneth ‘AB’ Abernathy, and sophomore RJ Ford have started off real fast this season,” Richardson said. “Both are 7-2 this season. Ford started the season 0-2, and since then, he has six straight pins in the first period and one in the second period.” Richardson is also encour-
Dadeville youth basketball registration extendeded By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Submitted / The Outlook
Dadeville sophomore R.J. Ford works for his seventh straight pin against Blaine Hines of Beulah Tuesday.
aged by his athletes’ dedication to the sport. “One particular characteristic about this team is that they never give up,” he said. “You can’t necessarily teach that. That just shows the character and heart of these young men. I am really excited to
see them grow as the season progresses.” The Tigers varsity team heads to Beulah Tuesday with matches beginning at 5 p.m. Dadeville’s first home match is Thursday, Dec. 15 as the Tigers host Benjamin Russell at 2 p.m.
Registration for the Dadeville Youth Basketball League has been extended through Tuesday, Dec. 13. The league is open to boys and girls ages 5-12. Tryouts for the league begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Dadeville Elementary School gymnasium. For more information, call Cedrick Buckner at 334-2020263 or Shawn Childers at 334614-9142.