OPINION, PAGE 4: ELITE SERIES A BIG SUCCESS
TUESDAY
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13 BRHS wrestlers heading to championships
County accepts deal to house inmates
Agreement will allow city to shut down its jail operations By MITCH SNEED Editor
A jail that once had Hank Williams as an inmate will soon be out of commission as the Tallapoosa County Commissioners approved a resolution and a one-year agreement to house Alexander City inmates
at the Tallapoosa County Jail. Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner had been given the go-ahead to look at alternative plans for inmates. The jail, which is housed in the public safety building, can’t undergo any major renovations or structural changes because it is on the historic registry. “This is something that we have been studying for quite some time,” Turner said. “Since the Southern Poverty Law Center suit, we really don’t house too many people there anyway, three at a time at the most. “That and the fact that the jail is in a historic landmark means we really can’t update our jail. The cost
of having it certified as a holding facility, insurance, meals and personnel, under this agreement it will benefit us to be out of the jail business.” Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett outlined the terms of the deal to the commissioners. “The state auditors require a one-year contract and they will be responsible for the booking fee, meals and all medical costs incurred by their inmates,” Abbett said. “It’s the same deal we have with some of the other towns and because our numbers are down we feel like this is good for us and them as well.” See JAIL • Page 3
Singletary dies at 46
One dead in two-car accident STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
A Montgomery woman was killed Monday morning on Highway 49 south of Dadeville in a twovehicle crash. “Kafara Renae Heard, 36, of Montgomery was killed when the 2003 Nissan Altima she was driving collided with a 2007 Pontiac G6,” ALEA Cpl. Jesse Thornton said in a release. “Heard, who was not using a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.” Thornton said the driver of the Pontiac survived the crash. “Leonard Heard, 50, of Camp Hill was transported to Baptist South Hospital with injuries,” Thornton said. Thornton explained the wreck occurred near mile marker 17 on Alabama Highway 49 about 13 miles south of Dadeville. It was unclear if the two people involved in the accident were related in any way. Traffic was detoured as the road was completely blocked for more than an hour during the investigation. He also said the accident was still under investigation and that no cause had been determined as of Monday afternoon.
Special / The Outlook
‘Return on investment’ Local merchants, officials consider Elite Series a success for Alex City
T
See ELITE • Page 10
Country singer Daryle Singletary dead two days after local concert By MITCH SNEED Editor
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
he true economic impact of the Bassmaster Elite Series’ visit to Lake Martin last week may never be known but from all accounts, local merchants and officials are very pleased. “We loved seeing them here,” Good Ole Boys BBQ’s Alesha Hughley said. “We loved seeing the boats.” Hughley said the fishermen were friendly and talkative, sharing information about where they were from and things they did at home. “One guy said he had his own T.V. show,” Hughley said.
Country legend Daryle Singletary poses for a picture with Kevin Moon, right, Friday night at the World Famous Rodeo Club. Moon said the two talked until 10:07 p.m. Sunday. He was pronounced dead Monday morning.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Top, a crowd of about 2,500 people showed up at Wind Creek State Park despite showers for the final weigh in at the Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Martin Sunday. Tournament and local officials praised the crowds and the community for their support of the tournament. Above, fans had the chance to get advice from factory reps while shopping for lures and fishing gear, like here in the Berkley/Abu Garcia tent at the Bassmaster Elite Expo at Wind Creek State Park.
Country music fans received a jolt of bad news Monday morning. Daryle Singletary, who had performed just Friday night at the World Famous Rodeo Club in Dadeville, has passed away at the age of 46. No official cause of death was released, but local singer and radio personality Kevin Moon, who booked Singletary for shows, said he was told it was a massive heart attack. Singletary was known for hits like “I Let Her Lie,” “Too Much Fun,” “Amen Kind of Love” and “The Note,” that many will remember from his early albums, but recent pieces like “There’s Still A Little Country Left” and See SINGLETARY • Page 3
BUILDING KNOWLEDGE AND MUSCLES: Anatomy students get hands-on experience at gym By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Students from Amanda Fennel’s anatomy classes at Benjamin Russell High School received some hands-on education Monday morning, taking a trip to Anytime Fitness in downtown Alexander City to learn more about various muscles of the body and what workouts can affect them in which ways. For one hour, the students engaged in various exercise competitions designed to work different muscles in the body before getting to experience all of the various
Today’s
items the gym has to offer to its members. Along the way, they were able to ask some of the trainers questions about some of the injuries they see, as well as some of the aspects of being a fitness trainer. “The back is the most common injury we see here,” trainers Michelle West and Shawna Woodruff said. “This mainly comes from using an improper form and bad techniques.” West and Woodruff said there were long hours involved with being a fitness trainer, but they enjoyed the benefits of
Lake Martin
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Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Alyce Crayton, left, and Tayla Stowes get some leg exercises in during anatomy class Monday morning at Anytime Fitness.
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Wife loses lust for husband, but wants to save marriage
Wednesday
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
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Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Katie Wesson Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 katie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 232 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press.
The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box © 2011 Tallapoosa 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
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DEAR ABBY: I’m not attracted to my husband. I love him and don’t want to live without him, but I do not want to be physically intimate with him. I know it is unfair to him, and I have tried everything from antidepressants to meditation to diet, but nothing works. I used to have a high libido, but I haven’t wanted to have sex with him in years. We do it maybe two or three times a month because I force myself to, but it is unpleasant for me. He doesn’t want to guilt me into sex and hates that I force myself, but he has a very high libido. We are in our mid-20s and I know this is killing him -- and us. I am attracted to some (but very few) others -- just not to him. I have always been more emotionally attracted to women than men, but I don’t think that is it. I need help before our marriage starts to crumble. -- AVOIDING IT IN SOUTH
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I moved to a new town last year and are working on settling in and making friends. Our way has been to accept every invitation offered in hopes of building relationships in this small community. We recently had dinner at the home of a neighbor couple who were very welcoming, but we quickly realized the four of us have absolutely nothing in common. Making conversation through the meal and coffee taxed all of our small-talk skills, and there were many painful silences. Any foray into current events, family life -- even gardening -- revealed stark differences that brought conversation to a screeching halt. We made an excuse to go home early and sent a thank-you note the next day. Usually, I think a dinner invitation requires a reciprocal invitation in the future. In this case, I’m wondering if it would
be better to just let it go. Would it be rude to not reciprocate, or must I suck it up? If we must have them over, how do I ensure the second dinner goes better than the first? We hope to live here for a long time. -DIFFERENT IN THE WEST DEAR DIFFERENT: Do the right thing and invite the couple for dinner. It does not have to be in your home -- a nice restaurant would do. If the evening was as uncomfortable as you have described, they may not accept your invitation. But if they do, a way to make conversation flow more easily might be to include another couple.
Smith and Roseola Langley Smith. She was the oldest member of Daviston Baptist Church. Ms. Doris served as the Postmaster at the Daviston Post Office and retired with 25+ years of service. She loved flowers and enjoyed gardening. She was also a great cook and could make the best fried apple pies. She loved her family very much and loved taking care of others. She is survived by her son, Michael Black (JoAnne) of Dadeville; daughter-in-law, Bobbie Black of Daviston; grandchildren, Shannon Black, Damion Black, Candace Arnold (Phillip), Kaylen Thomas (Gregg) and Clifford Black; greatgrandchildren, Brianna Garcia, Hayden Garcia, Brenna Thomas, Gabriel Thomas, Brooklin Thomas,
Phillip Arnold, Hunter Arnold and Mason Black; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clifford Otis Black, Sr.; sons, Clifford Otis Black, Jr, Walter William Black and Thomas Andrew Black; daughterin-law, Joy Black; brothers, Amos Smith, Herman Smith, Houston Smith, William Smith, Truman Smith and Howard Smith; sisters, Ruby Thrower, Mattilean York, Mildred Martin and Edna Ann Holley. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.
Gladys J. Williams 1917 - 2018
remembered by family and friends for his passion for skeet shooting, hunting, and the collection, restoration, and replicacrafting of 19th century rifles and shotguns. A varsity basketball player in high school, Mr. Holley also played softball, tennis, and golf throughout his life; and was an Eagle Scout. A proud father, he is remembered by his children as an outdoorsman and mentor who spent much time with them camping, canoeing, and hunting. Mr. Holley is survived by his sister Nancy Nelson (Mark) of Birmingham, AL, daughter Jill Kieswetter (Mike) of Sterling, VA, son Ken Holley (Celeste) of Athens, GA, and son Dr. Paul Holley (Jacque) of Auburn, AL. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Devin Holley
(Tabitha), Dr. Amanda Holley (Trey), Quinton Holley (Caitlyn), Holley Alexandria Krukowski (Nick), Michael Kieswetter, Yates Holley and Lee Chapman Parks, and three great grandchildren, Vivian Krukowski, Aidan Holley and Emma Kate Holley. He is pre-deceased by his wife of forty-four years, Peggy W. Holley (2001). In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials are recommended for the Bethany House in Auburn, AL, as the family is most grateful for their tireless and compassionate service. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com
DEAR ABBY Advice
CAROLINA DEAR AVOIDING IT: I can’t wave a magic wand and make you more physically attracted to your husband. I can suggest that the most sensitive sexual organ in a woman’s body resides between her ears. However, I am not qualified to diagnose whether your problem may be of a physical nature. That’s why I’m advising you to ask your doctor to perform a thorough physical examination. If he or she finds nothing amiss, ask the doctor -- or your health insurance company -- to refer you to a licensed mental health professional who can help you figure out what’s going on.
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 Ms. Doris Rose Smith Black 1926 - 2018 Funeral Service for Ms. Doris Rose Smith Black, 92, of Daviston, will be Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Bro. Ray Dunn and Rev. Bennie Lee Yates will officiate. Burial will follow in the Daviston Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Ms. Black passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018 at Dadeville Healthcare Center. She was born on January 17, 1926 in Elmore County, Alabama to William T.
Don G. Holley June 8, 1936 February 11, 2018 Visitation for Don G. Holley, age 81 of Alexander City, will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, February 14th, 2018 at Radney Funeral Home in Alexander City. Mr. Holley passed away Sunday, February 11th at Bethany House in Auburn, Alabama. An Alexander City native born to Lucy and Troy Holley, Mr. Holley was a 1954 graduate of Benjamin Russell High School and a 1958 Textile Engineering graduate from Auburn University (then API). He spent his professional career with Avondale Mills, Russell Corporation, and Swift Spinning. An outdoor enthusiast, he is
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Radney Funeral Home in Alexander City, AL is in charge of the arrangements.
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.
Ms. Sandra Burns Ms. Sandra Burns of New Site, Alabama passed away Saturday, February 10, 2018 at NHS Rehab in Anniston, Alabama. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.
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Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Baby Ava Joyce Hollie Graveside service for Baby Ava Joyce Hollie will Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the City Cemetery. Professional service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home.
Michelle Bowden Funeral Service for Michelle Bowden of Huntsville, Alabama will be Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Wright’s Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Hillview Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home.
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Gladys J. Williams, age 100, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2018 in Villa St. Joseph with her family by her side. She was born July 4, 1917 to Mack and Nancy Johnston in Ashland, AL. She was married for 55 years to the late Harlan N. Williams. Gladys and Harlan moved to Alexander City in 1937 and were charter members of the Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Church where she remained an active member for 63 years before moving to Sewickley, PA in 2002 to be with her family. She was a gentle soul whose life was guided by the teachings of the Bible. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Morrisey (Jim), and her granddaughter, Kathryn Slaven (Jeb) of Columbus, OH. Visitation will be at Radney Funeral Home on Sunday, February 18 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Hillview Memorial Park. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.
1001 Tallapoosa Street Alexander City, AL
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
The Outlook
Joyful ‘Joy’ Johns to run in Alabama House District 81 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
After months of speculation, Joyful “Joy” Johns has officially thrown her hat in the Johns Republican Primary for State Representative from House District 81. The district is comprised of parts of Tallapoosa, Coosa, and Chilton Counties. Mrs. Johns on her announcement stated, “It has always been a dream of mine to be elected to an office where I can help people. As an insurance agent, I help people every day with their insurance needs and I want to take my 15 years of experience to Montgomery to help the people of District 81 with their needs.” A home grown product, Mrs. Johns graduated from Benjamin Russell High School and went on to receive a Bachelors of Science degree in Communications with double minor degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration where she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Troy State University. Locals might remember Joy on WZLM, Z-97, as an on air talent and later served as News Director. Joy spoke about her early work experience, “My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me and I put that hard work to use by bringing news and sports to the people
of the region on the radio. I wasn’t afraid of any job. I waited tables and cleaned houses to help put myself through college all while maintaining the highest grade point average in the College of Communications. “ As the next State Representative from House District 81, Mrs. Johns is a conservative who wants to listen to constituents first. She said, “My goal in Montgomery is to shepherd my constituents’ needs through the state legislative process. My campaign is not about promises — it is about listening and giving people a voice. Most politicians spend their time telling people what they think they want as opposed to listening to what they need. I want people to know that they have a choice when it comes to their representative. We can choose to do better together.” Joy Johns is a member of the Hillabee Baptist Church, Tallapoosa County GOP, Tallapoosa County Farmers’ Federation, Dadeville Chamber of Commerce, Camp Fire Mom, and regularly attends mass with her husband at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church. She is married and has one daughter. She is an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoys spending time trading at estate and yard sales giving new life to past treasures.
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256-329-1313 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
BUSINESS LICENSES ARE DUE Business licenses for the City of Alexander City, Alabama are due and payable on or before February 15, 2018. The license obligation may be paid in person at the City Hall on Court Square in the License Department Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, or the payment may be mailed. If mailed the postmark must indicate on or before February 15, 2018. All business licenses paid on or after February 16, 2018 will be subject to a 15% late fee. All mailed payments postmarked February 16, 2018 or after will be subject to the same late fee.
Amanda Thomas, City Clerk
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Jail Alexander City will also be responsible for the transport of all inmates to the Tallapoosa County Jail, under the agreement. Turner said they are shooting for March 1 for the switch. He said any personnel who are now considered jailers will be moved to other duties. As many longtime residents may know, it was on Aug. 17, 1952 that Williams was arrested and spent some time in the Alexander City Jail. The original citation was unearthed several years ago as the Alexander City Police Department was going through old files. That citation has been duplicated and a copy now hangs in Turner’s office along with the now famous photo of a bare-chested Williams standing outside of his Alexander City Jail cell. The charges were public drunkenness and disorderly conduct and the paperwork shows an 11:25 p.m. arrest time. After a few hours, reports indicate that Darwin Dobbs, who had been hosting Williams and some friends at his Lake Martin lodge, posted a $25 bond and paid the $10 fine and Williams was on his
continued from page 1
way. “I know there is some history there, but in today’s climate, you have to be able to keep a jail compliant with all sorts of standards and regulations,” Turner said. “All those things come with a cost and for us, this is just much more cost effective.” The commissioners also heard from District 2’s Steve Robinson on the potential renovation of the probate office at the Dadeville Courthouse as well as information about a possible Tallapoosa County Tourism Authority. Robinson said he had met with Probate Court Judge Leon Archer and his staff and they have come up with plans that would allow for a fourth window that would be handicap accessible and a few other modifications that would help the efficiency of the operations. As far as the tourism authority, Robinson gave the commissioners information that he collected from other counties and cities about how they handle their tourism efforts. “The idea would be to have a body that would augment what some of the cities and other
Singletary “Say Hello To Heaven” hit a chord with fans at his live shows. His pure country style made him a favorite with hardcore country fans. “I talked to him until 10:07 and he wasn’t feeling poorly or anything,” Moon said. “He was at home and had played here on Friday night and then was at Cowboy’s in LaFayette, Louisiana Saturday night. He had made it home and was about ready to call it a night. The last thing he said was ‘We killed it in Louisiana last night buddy. We left ‘em wanting more.’ Man was he right. “This has really rocked my world. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Just doesn’t seem possible. My heart and prayers go out to Holly and the kids.” Singletary was as genuine as they come and put on an incredible show Friday at the Rodeo Club. In an interview with the Outlook just a few weeks ago, he talked about how much he loved being able to sing the kind of music he loved and make a living performing. “Every time I get on stage I can’t but help think about how lucky I am to be standing up there doing something that I love the way that I do,” Singletary said in a telephone interview just two weeks ago. “We’ve been very
Page 3
groups are doing,” Robinson said. “We do have a lot to offer and I think it would be a good idea to have a group that could help coordinate our tourism efforts.” Both of those items were information and Robinson said he believed they would be back before the commissioners soon.
In other action, the commissioners voted 5-0 to:
• Approve the minutes of the Jan. 8 meeting. • Approve the warrants and purchase orders. • Approve the declaration of three Mack dump trucks as surplus, clearing the way for their sale. • Approve the county levy for alcohol licensing. • Approve the transfer of the retail beer and table wine license for Poplar Dawgs. • Approve a move to allow County EMA Director Jason Moran to execute a Hazard Mitigation Grant that will make the safe room in the Daviston community possible. It was also announced that the courthouse will be closed on Monday, Feb. 19 for President’s Day.
continued from page 1
File / The Outlook
County music singer Daryle Singletary has passed away suddenly at the age of 46, two days after performing at the local World Famous Rodeo Club.
fortunate to stay on the road, year in, year out – for 22 years now. I continue to work and continue to build a fan base and I’ve done it without a ton of traditional, mainstream radio support for the last 15 to 17 years. “There’s no magic formula. I just go out there and play the music I love and have a good time with it. Thankfully for us, there are still a lot of people out there who want to hear traditional country music and they’ve been finding their way to our shows all over the country.” A native of Cairo, Georgia, Singletary said he grew up singing
gospel music. His parents sang in groups and played all over South Georgia, South Alabama and Northern Florida. Fans still turned out for honesty of his singing and pure country voice, as Singletary delivered real country lyrics Singletary also was known for his modesty, downplaying his accomplishments and lauding his music heroes. On Jan. 31, he played at a memorial service for Mel Tillis at the Ryman Auditorium. Singletary leaves behind a wife, Holly, and four young children. Funeral arrangements hadn’t been announced Monday afternoon.
Opinion
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Page 4
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Outlook The
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Today’s
Our
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“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” —Nido Qubein
Bassmasters Elite a big success
Today’s
Scripture
W
hether you are a fishing fanatic or a person who doesn’t know a buzzbait from Buzz Lightyear, last week’s Bassmaster EliteSeries at Lake Martin had a little something for everyone. For four days some of the best fishermen in the world took to our own Lake Martin and battled for a $100,000 first-place prize. There were exhibits, shopping for gear and opportunities to meet the anglers and learn more about how they catch the big ones. About 110 competitors and about the same number of tournament officials were in town for not only the whole week, but many of them were here earlier to practice fish, spending big bucks here all along the way. There were plenty of impressive sights from the week. Seeing 110 decked out boats taking to the lake at dawn is an impressive sight, but the sight of more than 2,000 people gathered around the stages at Wind Creek State Park for the daily weigh ins was even more impressive. There were tons of local folks there, but we had folks in town from all across the country. As one fan told us: “If you love to fish, this is like the Super Bowl.” Brett Hite was one of the anglers who made it to the final day of action. He camped at Wind Creek for seven days and the Phoenix, Arizona angler said he fell in love with the area all over again “The people here have just been incredible,” Hite said. “Everyone has really gone out of their way to make us feel welcomed. You all are blessed to have a facility like this on such an incredible lake. What an incredible place. Thanks to everyone who made us feel at home.” Despite a few showers here and there, it would be hard pressed to imagine things going any better. That’s why all the folks from B.A.S.S, the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, the fans who turned out, the vendors, the volunteers, the staff at Wind Creek State Park and local officials deserve a standing ovation.
Know Your
Officials Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail. com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Kay Ivey
“Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” —1 Corinthians 13:6-7
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Why the memo matters and scares us to death
W
e have grown an alphabet soup of powerful agencies like the FBI, DHS, NSA, DOJ, IRS, etc. We give them immense powers to arrest and to ruin lives, with scant accountability. We allow them to operate in clubby secrecy because they tell us we have to. Why? When Congress (which supposedly has oversight) subpoenas them, they do not respond. Everyone is afraid to speak critically of them, as the critics might become targets. What have we created? This “memo,” which documents how the Democrats weaponized the FBI for political purposes, is cause for reflection and reform. Thanks to the “Steele Dossier,” a bestselling book about him, and these Intelligence Committee memos, President Trump is riding high. Soon he will take credit for Making America Read Again. My dad was in law enforcement; I have respect for the rank and file. But these abuses were committed by the entrenched political class of swamp-rat leadership at the FBI and DOJ. Most of them were the result of eight years of Democrat influence, padding the appointed management hallways with hyperpolitical bureaucrats, all pandering for the promotion attention of what they thought was a certain Hillary Clinton presidential win. “Watergate and Iran Contra information was good, according to libs. But when today’s Democrat FBI abuses happen, we shouldn’t expose them?” The FBI has 35,000 employees and an $8.4 billion budget. That is $240,000 per employee. They were involved in about 10,000 convictions a year. That cost us $840,000 per conviction — before DOJ prosecution and incarceration costs. We probably spend over $1 million per conviction.
RON HART Columnist In a nation with the highest percent of its citizens in jail, maybe we ought to rethink this. We are 4.4 percent of the world’s population and we have 22 percent of the world’s prisoners. If you give government this many agencies, money, and vast and unaccountable powers, more of us will be arrested. It shouldn’t, but it scares me to write that last paragraph. The stock market cratered soon after the memo about the FBI and DOJ trying to fix the election came out. It makes us seem, ironically, like Russia or maybe Uganda when entrenched government actors employ dishonest tactics to stay in power. The hypocrisy of the left saying this memo should not have been released is astounding. Leftists pat themselves on the back with a movie like “The Post,” which is about the heroic release of the Pentagon Papers detailing the lies of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations that led us into Vietnam. Lefties also hated it when J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI surveilled Martin Luther King’s affairs and Judge Roy Moore’s intimidation of women as a DA. Watergate and Iran Contra information was good, according to libs. But when today’s Democrat FBI abuses happen, we shouldn’t expose them? According to an analysis by The Hill, of the 14 major federal agencies whose employees personally donated to presidential politics, “By the end of September 2016, about $1.9 million, or 95 percent, went to the Democratic nominee’s campaign.” Ninety-four percent of
DOJ employee donations were to Hillary. Mueller’s lawyers gave entirely to Hillary and Democrats; one gave $33,000. If you don’t think legal outcomes are based on biases or payback, ask the O.J. jury. A witness at the Mueller grand jury in Washington D.C. said it looked like a Bernie Sanders rally. These are the people rubber-stamping these indictments. The reality is that, if you give Ex-FBI Director Mueller $15 million, a big Democrat donor staff, and all our laws-layered-uponlaws in America, he will get 90 percent of us if he wants to. It is like a police officer tailing your car for 1,000 miles: He will eventually find a reason to arrest you. Neither Hillary nor any political enemy needs to be harassed as a blood sport by this government morass. The delusional James Comey keeps tweeting, trying to defend himself. He said, “Not a lot of schools or streets named for Joe McCarthy,” trying somehow to tie Trump to McCarthyism. Weird, because Joe McCarthy ruined countless lives with a witch-hunt about Russia collusion. Who then is really the McCarthy? How could our ex-FBI director be so wrong? Without 35,000 FBI employees covering for him, reality prevails. Even liberal lawyer Alan Dershowitz says, “Criminalizing political differences hurts democracy.” And GOP congressmen are mute as this governmental blunt object is swung. We must stand up to politically motivated prosecutions. Should America die next week, it would be a shame if the FBI investigation said, “There were no signs of struggle.” Ron Hart is a libertarian op-ed humorist and awardwinning author. Contact him at Ron@RonaldHart. com or @RonaldHart on Twitter.
Daily Poll Weekend question: Have you ever seen a bald eagle fly over Lake Martin?
Yes — 42 No — 19
Tuesday Question: Have you watched any of the winter Olympics?
To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www. alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
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Happy Valentine’s Day!
Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on February 14. It is a holiday that was named in honor of Saint Valentine. It is sometimes referred to as the Day of Love. Generally, it is a romantic holiday, but many people now consider it to be a fun holiday for everyone. Kids tell their friends and family members how much they mean to them. Cards and gifts are given to loved ones to show love and appreciation for them. School children often bring small cards to hand out to all their classmates on Valentine’s Day. Hearts and the colors red and pink often symbolize the holiday. Red roses are the most popular ÀRZHU JLYHQ RQ WKLV GD\ +HDUW VKDSHG ER[HV IXOO RI VPDOO FKRFRODWH FDQGLHV DUH DOVR SRSXODU $QRWKHU QRWDEOH 9DOHQWLQH¶V 'D\ FDQG\ LV &RQYHUVDWLRQ &DQGLHV 7KHVH VPDOO FDQG\ KHDUWV KDYH GLႇHUHQW VD\LQJV RQ WKHP WKDW KDYH FKDQJHG RYHU WKH \HDUV WR ¿W WKH WLPHV *UHHWLQJ FDUGV DUH SHUKDSV WKH PRVW common gift given to the one you love or even to friends. Many plan special meals on this day as a way to spend time with someone they love. While Valentine’s Day is a fun day, remember that it is important to show everyone love and kindness each and every day.
Gift Word Find
Heart Maze
Valentine Tic-Tac-Toe
Bracelet, Candies, Card, Carnations, Chocolates, Cookies, Dinner, Earrings, Jellybeans, Movie Tickets, Necklace, Ring, Roses, Teddy Bear, Theater Tickets
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Sweetie Sudoku
Using the numbers 1-6, complete the puzzle. You are to have one of each number (1-6) in each vertical and horizontal row, as well as only one of each of the numbers LQ HDFK RI WKH VL[ EROG ER[ DUHDV
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Today’s Birthdays
Today is February 13, 2018
Diane Stowes, Gail Worthy, Retha Anderson, Randy Moe Jr.Diane Lyons, Jaida Russell, Justin Russell and Linda Foster are celebrating their birthdays today.
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Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
Kinsley Montgomery, the daughter of Blacksburg, South Carolina Bassmasters Elite pro Andy Montgomery, catches a glimpse of herself on the jumbotron while her dad is on stage for weigh ins Sunday. Montgomery finished seventh and took home $13,000 for the weekend.
Friday, February 16
PAGEANT: God’s Beautiful Creations Pageant will be Friday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville. The event is sponsored by the music ministry. There will be five categories and all ages are welcome to participate. There will also be an outstanding couple category. To participate, please contact any of the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church choir members. MOTOWN MAGIC: Alexander City Arts is hosting Motown Magic Friday, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at the BRHS Auditorium. The show celebrates 50 years of number hits and moves through the decades of Motown chart topping hit artists and groups like The Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Suprmes, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson, Tami Terrell, The Marvelettes and Gladys Knight.
Saturday, February 17
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Dadeville Kiwanis Club will be holding its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 7 until 11 a.m. at the Dadeville Elementary School Cafeteria. Tickets are $6 per person and include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, ham, coffee, juice and milk. For tickets, see any member of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club, or contact Tony Johnson at 256-825-6364 or Peggy Bullard at 256-825-9415. POLAR LEAP: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a Polar Leap Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. to leap into the icy waters of Wind Creek State Park. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided for participants. The event is weather permitting and there is a park entry fee for non-campers. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on Feb. 17 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available.
Sunday, February 18
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GOSPEL SINGING: The Kempters will be in concert at Hillabee Baptist Church Sunday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome. FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: Haven United Methodist Church is hosting Family and Friends Day Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. Bobby Hargrove III. Percy Nolan is pastor of Haven United Methodist. BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM: Friendship Baptist Church is hosting a Black History Month program Sunday, Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be District 23 Senator Hank Sanders.
Thursday, February 22
SENIORX: Deborah Jones of SenioRx will be at the Alexander City Chamber Thursday, Feb. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help seniors determine if they are eligible for assistance with diabetic supplies, liquid supplements and medications. This event is sponsored by the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (Area Agency on Aging).
For more information, contact Jones at 1-800-361-1636 or 256-7613575.
Saturday, February 24
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: There will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 6 to 11 a.m. at Faith Temple Church Gym located at 425 Franklin Street. Tickets are $6 for all-you-can-eat pancakes in house and sausage, juice and coffee. Carry out is also available. This is a fundraiser for the Faith Christian Academy’s Robotics team, which will compete in the National WWII Museum’s Robotics Challenge in New Orleans in May. Tickets are available from FCA students and at the door.
March 13 at 7 p.m. at the BRHS Auditorium. It is a hilarious comedy about Texas’ third smallest town where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.
March 16-17
SPORTING CLAY SHOOT: The 12th annual Ronald Koon Sporting Clay Classic benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area will be held March 16 and 17. Friday night there will be a calcutta and steak dinner at the Alexander City Elks Lodge and the shoot will be Saturday at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club. If you would like to participate or sponsor a sign please contact Stacey Jeffcoat by calling 256-234-4757 or emailing at staceyj1229@gmail.com.
Monday, February 26
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. James Hansen will present “Neil Armstrong” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 26 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter began Jan. 8. ROOK TOURNAMENT: The New Site Senior Activity Center will be holding a rook tournament Feb. 26 beginning at 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers, and a luncheon will be provided. All participants must register by Feb. 22. The registration fee is $5, and players must bring their own partner. For more information or to register, contact Senior Activity Center Director Jan Kennedy at 256794-1333.
February 28 - March 2
CHURCH REVIVAL: The Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street is hosting revival services Feb. 28, March 1 and March 2 at 6:30 p.m. with Evangelist Apostle W.T. Traylor. Everyone is welcome.
Sunday, March 4
PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Style Baptist Church on Coosa County Road 20 in Equality is celebrating Pastor Richard Ellis Taylor’s third anniversary Sunday, March 4. Rev. Yeasive Ware of Opelika is the featured speaker at 11 a.m. and Pastor Robert L. Harbrove III of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Alexander City is the featured speaker at 2 p.m. PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Corinth Baptist Church in Kellyton is hosting the 26th Pastorial Celebration for Pastor Jimmy Brooks Jr. and wife Patricia March 4 at 11 a.m. The guest speaker will be Pastor Jeffrey Wilson of First Baptist Church in South Pell City.
Saturday, March 10
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting a pancake and Conecuh sausage breakfast March 10 from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School cafeteria. Tickets are $6 and include all you can eat. Carry out is also available.
Tuesday, March 13
GREAT TUNA: Alexander City Arts is hosting “Greater Tuna,” Tuesday,
The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd, and Weekend Shifts for Direct Care. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org
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Saturday, March 17
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Saturday, March 17 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is eat in or carry and is $6 a plate.
Saturday, March 24
EASTER EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. Most eggs will have small prizes and prize eggs will be hidden for each age division. The age divisions are 0-2 years old, 2-4 years old, 5-8 years old and 9-12 years old. The event will take place in the north picnic area across from the beach. There is a park entry fee for non-campers.
Wednesday, March 29
VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston. Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards. Visit auburnveteransproect. weebly.com/east-alabama-vietnamveterans-welcome-home-cermony. html. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance by either emailing Blake Busbin at wbbusbin@auburnschools. org or by calling Auburn High School at 334-887-2120.
Saturday, March 31
FULL MOON HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a full moon hike Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m. The hike will begin at dark in the north picnic pavilion. There is a fee for noncampers.
April 9-10
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days April 9-10. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
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Tuesday, February 13, 2018
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Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Gym getting to help people improve themselves through working out and adding to a healthy lifestyle. The first competition was squat jumping, in which the students started in a squatting position on the floor before jumping up, bringing their feet off the floor and their hands above their heads. With a total of 70 squat jumps, Matthew Jackson was declared the winner in the first competition. This was followed up with a plank contest, where the students had to hold themselves off the ground in a flat position with only their feet and elbows, and a wall sit competition, in which they had to put their backs against the wall and hold themselves in a sitting position with knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Judson Wall was the winner in the plank competition, while Jayde Trapp was the last student left in the wall sit. After the three competitions, the students were allowed “free gym” time, in which they could move around and work out on some of the various machines and weight stations. Some took the treadmills, a handful made their way up the climbing rope and others dished some licks out on the punching bag. As the students engaged in the “free gym” period, several shared their thoughts on what they had learned and things they could take with them going forward in both class and life. “It feels good knowing what I need to work on,” Tayla Stowes said. “I didn’t know as much about the muscles, but I can really relate it a lot more now.” “Today was very helpful,” Kaitlyn Henderson said. “This lets us apply what we’ve learned to the real world and daily living. We have a PBL (Project Based Learning) coming up on specific muscle jobs, injuries and fatigue. This helps us with different information we can add to it.” “Real world experience is important,” Chase Dean said. “Things like this are going to stick with you, learning about all these different muscles and getting to see them in action.” “I really want to be a physical trainer, so this helped me know more about what to tell people the things they need to work on,” Alyce Crayton said. “Knowing what exercises to use if you want to build certain kinds of muscles is important.” “With working out, you’ve never done enough until you’re fully satisfied with yourself,” Jackson said. “The more you work out, the higher amount of oxygen your blood can transfer to the muscles in your body.” All of the students thought Monday’s session at Anytime Fitness had been a success, giving them the chance to build on lessons in the classroom with interactive experience working out the many muscles in the human body in a variety of ways, all of which can contribute to a healthier and more active lifestyle. “You can’t just work hard once, you have to keep working,” Dean said.
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Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Top, students from Amanda Fennel’s second-period anatomy class pose with Anytime Fitness instructors Michelle West and Shawna Woodruff outside the gym Monday morning. The students received a hands-on lesson about muscles in the body and how different workouts affect different muscles. Left, student Matthew Jackson makes his way up the climbing rope. Above, students take part in the wall sit competition. Below left, JaTori Leonard gives the punching bag a go. Below right, students get their muscles moving with a squat jump competition.
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The Outlook
Plenty of stories to tell from Bassmaster Elite By MITCH SNEED Editor
There were plenty of fishing tales being told last week at the Bassmasters Elite at Lake Martin. South Carolina angler Andy Montgomery had an unusual run of marshals in his boat over the weekend. On Thursday he had a man who was a funeral home owner and Friday his marshal was a coroner. “If I had come out here Saturday and the marshal would have told me they were a florist, I wasn’t going,” Montgomery said. Montgomery, a Clemson fan, said he started out his day finding out who his marshal went for – Auburn or Alabama. “I wanted to make sure I didn’t say something that might get me killed right off the bat,” Montgomery said. Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Chad Pipkens, above, lands a two pounder near Wind Creek Friday. Below, Russ Lane flips at a tree in Elkahatachee Creek.
GOOD AND LUCKY:
While fishing Saturday’s semifinal round of the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge, Champion Takahiro Omori caught a bass that had two lures in its mouth. One was a chartreuse plug that Omori had lost on an underwater tree branch Friday, and the other was the red bait he fished with most of the day Saturday. In 287 events with B.A.S.S., Omori said he’s never had anything like that happen before. But it’s been a charmed tournament for the Japanese-born angler turned Texas resident. “That crankbait is just a once-in-a-lifetime story,” Omori said. “I think maybe what happened is that it got hung up and the fish ate it before. Then it ate the other bait today. I have never had anything like that happen before and probably never will again.” Omori was the runaway winner of the tournament.
BABY WATCH:
Kalamazoo pro Jonathon VanDam had an anxious week as he and his wife Arika are expecting their first child at anytime. VanDam said the baby
was actually due Wednesday. But the two made the decision for him to fish in the first Bassmaster Elite Tournament of the year and hope for the best. “We had a plan in place in case she went into labor while I was gone, but luckily we didn’t have to use it,” VanDam said. “It has been one of the most stressful weeks I’ve been through, just out there trying to fish and halfway waiting for the phone to ring. We made it through the week, fished on Sunday and got a pretty nice paycheck. But now I’m ready to get home and be there with her.” VanDam made the cut, fished Saturday and Sunday and completed the tournament with 47 pounds, 9 ounces, good enough for ninth place and a $12,000 check. As soon as he was off stage, VanDam hit the road for the 790-mile journey home.
NO LOCAL LUCK: It wasn’t a great week for competitors with Lake Martin ties. None of the local anglers made the cut or finished in the money Steve Kennedy finished 54th with 20 pounds, 10 ounces, Greg Vinson was 67th with a two-day total 19 pounds, 13 ounces and Kelley Jaye finished 100th with 15 pounds, 8 ounces. “I think in my case I was fishing too many memories that first day instead of fishing like I know how to fish with the conditions we had,” Vinson said. “I spent a lot of time running and hitting spots where I have had success on Thursday especially and that really put me in a hole. But it was good to be home and sleep in my own bed to get the season started.” Some Alabama fishermen did get paid in the tournament. Guntersville’s Justin Lucas was the highest placing Alabama angler with 50 pounds, 5 ounces, which was good enough for sixth place and a check of $13,500. Clanton’s Dustin Connell finished 12th with 44 pounds, 14 ounces. He took home $10,500 for his four day-effort.
Elite But chatting was not the only thing the fishermen and those in town were doing at the restaurant. “We were busy the whole week,” Hughley said. “It was a high volume week. We sold a lot of food.” Another local business that benefited was North Lake Crafted where sisters Stephan Tomlin and Robin Simms created hand-pressed water inspired t-shirts hats and other screenprinted items. The sisters set up at the expo held in conjunction with weigh-in to the tournament on Saturday and Sunday. “It was really good for us,” Tomlin said. “For a small vendor like us, it was great. We need more things like this.” Tomlin said they almost missed out on the expo. “We didn’t realize how big a deal it was,” Tomlin said. “Ed at the chamber helped us out and we got started a little late with designs. We normally do lake designs but we came up with some bass designs on shirts and hats and did well.” Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President Ed Collari was happy with the event. “We had great feedback from the fishermen, their families, B.A.S.S. and other guests,” Collari said. Collari said B.A.S.S. made things simple. “They were so easy to work with,” Collari said. “I would do anything to get them here again.” Collari explained the city’s investment was returned. “We paid $85,000,” Collari said. “When we looked at other places that hosted the Elite Series and did surveys with MBA students, they were seeing economic impacts of $1.5 million, $2 million and even $3 million. I think we got a 10-fold return on our investment.” Collari went on to say that almost all of the over 300 hotel rooms in town were sold for the
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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Visitors check in with local vendors like the folks at Realty South at the Bassmasters Expo at Wind Creek State Park last weekend.
week. “Just Bassmaster and ESPN had 180 room nights at Hampton Inn last week,” Collari said. “These guys spend about $40 a day eating out or getting food. Then there is the fuel. Their boats hold 60-68 gallons of gas and they are filling up everyday. They use a lot of gas. They are here for five to seven days around the tournament. Then most of these guys were here for about a week in December for practice.” While actual dollars spent can’t be figured for the week of the tournament, it is harder to determine what effect the tournament can have down the road but it can only be good. “We are lucky that it is the
first stop for the tour this year,” Collari said. “We will be the first on ESPN and with all the push B.A.S.S. had on social media, I see more people coming to visit the area. It all speaks well of our community.” Lake Martin and Alexander City was mentioned in stories and other media 3,261 times according to a Google searches. One would expect Wind Creek State Park bode well too, but the park waived day entry fees for those attending the weigh-in. The park did well for the week of the Elite tournament especially with camping, however. “Things went well,” Wind Creek’s Alex Mason said. “We had double the number of
campers we normally have.” Even the weather did not hamper the good vibes. Mason said they estimated some 8,000 people passed through park on Saturday and Sunday creating a good problem to have. “Parking, parking was a bit of an issue,” Mason said. “It was tough for parking, but it was not unlike other events we host like at Halloween.” About 30 of the 110 fishermen stayed at the park. Mason and Tomlin said everyone they talked to was pleased with the community’s efforts. “A lot of the fishermen stopped to thank us for the hospitality,” Mason said. “A
lot of people commented on how clean the bath house was despite serving so many people. A lot of people offered to pay the day use fee despite it being waived for the tournament.” “We were worried about the weather but it was a good turnout,” Tomlin said. “We thanked everyone we saw for coming here.” The Bassmaster Elite Series is not the only fishing tournament coming to town this year and this should prove to have a positive effect on the local economy as well. “The FLW is this coming up weekend,” Collari said. “They are sold out as well as the Alabama Bass Trail that returns next month with 220 boats.”
LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Sports Outlook The
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Page 11
LUCKY THIRTEEN
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Takahiro Omori lifts his trophy after winning the Bassmaster Elite Series at Lake Martin on Sunday afternoon.
Omori holds on to win Bassmaster Elite Series By BRYAN BARNES B.A.S.S. Writer
BRHS puts 13 on podium, takes 2nd at sectionals By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Benjamin Russell had an extremely strong showing at the Class 6A South Super Sectional wrestling tournament at the Garrett Coliseum this weekend. Not only did the Wildcats take second overall in the team standings, they also put all but one on the podium and advanced 13 to this week’s state championships. “I feel great about that,” BRHS coach Michael Ransaw said. “We had a great tournament. Our guys really stepped up and performed; they went in focused. They knew they had a mission at hand and went in and did what they needed to do. All I asked was they give me 100 percent, and every single one of them did.”
Before this week, it had been more than 15 years since Takahiro Omori fished a major professional bass tournament on Lake Martin. But history — both recent and distant — says he should find ways to come back as often as he can. Omori went into Sunday’s final round of the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Martin presented by Econo Lodge with a 4-pound, 2-ounce lead. He managed a final-day catch of 14 pounds to claim the victory with a four-day total of 59-8. It was Omori’s seventh career victory with B.A.S.S. and his second B.A.S.S. win in three years in the state of Alabama after a triumph on Wheeler Lake in 2016. He also won a FLW Tour event on Lake Martin in 2001. “This time of year, I like to fish shallow — especially during the prespawn,” Omori said. “Usually when we schedule a tournament for early February, it’s in Florida and the fish have already spawned. But schedule-wise, coming to this lake this time of year is very good for me.” Omori didn’t exactly have a wealth of options for putting together good limits during the four-day event. During a mostly subpar practice, he identified one small area up the lake Tuesday where current was flowing behind a small island. “I caught two keepers and maybe one nonkeeper in back-to-back casts there in practice,” Omori said. “I never had anything big, so I didn’t really know what I had there. I was taking a chance because if I had gone up that far and then not caught anything, I would have been in trouble.” The water on the outside of the island was so shallow that Omori had to trim up his outboard and churn mud off the bottom just to reach the right spot. Once he was in place, he dropped his Power-Pole shallowwater anchors and made repeated casts into the current with a 1.5 TO Craw Lucky Craft squarebill crankbait. “I think not many people go up that far,” he said. “So, the fish are less pressured. There was also some current coming through there, which really helped.” Omori estimates he caught 50 keepers off the spot during the course of the tournament. But on Sunday, he managed only four and was forced to go looking elsewhere to fill out his limit. Fortunately, one of his four fish from the area Sunday weighed over 4 pounds — his second biggest bass of the week — and his cushion over the rest of the field was enough to lift him to victory, even without a stellar final day. Cliff Prince was awarded $1,500 dollars as the winner of the Phoenix Boats Big Bass award. He had the largest bass of the tournament with a 6-11 on Day 1. Day 4 results are as follows:
By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
1. T. Omori 5 / 18-2 5 / 14-9 5 / 12-13 5 / 14-0 20 / 59-8 2. Roy Hawk 5 / 11-11 5 / 17-1 5 / 12-10 5 / 11-2 20 / 52-8 3. A. Avena 5 / 10-0 5 / 16-5 5 / 12-14 5 / 11-10 20 / 50-13 4. J. Lintner 5 / 13-15 5 / 12-14 5 / 11-4 5 / 12-9 20 / 50-10 5. L. Clausen 5 / 12-12 5 / 15-4 5 / 13-3 5 / 9-4 20 / 50-7 6. J. Lucas 5 / 13-9 5 / 11-11 5 / 12-11 5 / 12-6 20 / 50-5 7. Andy Montgomery 5 / 11-12 5 / 14-9 5 / 13-11 5 / 10-2 20 / 50-2 8. M. Menendez 5 / 17-9 5 / 7-1 5 / 13-4 5 / 11-3 20 / 49-1 9. Jonathon VanDam 5 / 13-8 5 / 10-10 5 / 11-12 5 / 11-11 20 / 47-9 10. D. Rojas 5 / 13-10 5 / 11-15 5 / 10-4 5 / 11-7 20 / 47-4 11. Brett Hite 5 / 10-12 5 / 13-0 5 / 11-14 5 / 9-5 20 / 44-15 12. Dustin Connell 5 / 10-15 5 / 12-10 5 / 11-15 5 / 9-6 20 / 44-14
Some of the best players from last year’s Benjamin Russell girls soccer team are returning this season, and coach Lee Wagoner is hoping they’ll fuel a relatively young roster. The Wildcats boast only six upperclassmen — four seniors and two juniors — on this year’s
The effort gave Benjamin Russell six second-place finishes, including silver medals for Bobby Charsha (106 pounds), Saxon Coker (145), Jy Harvey (160), Zae Hunter (170), Isaiah Holloway (195) and Damien Lawry (220). After receiving two byes to begin the day, Charsha dominated his way to the semifinals with a pair of pins. He then grabbed a 9-5 decision over Hykeem McBride before ultimately falling in the championship bout. Coker didn’t get any byes, but did receive a victory by forfeit to kick off the day. He then had a pair of decisions, 9-1 and 5-2, to make his way to the final bout before losing, 6-1, to Justin Ingram, who is undefeated. At 160 pounds, Harvey started with a bye then flattened Caleb Jack Carey
in 4:00 to get to the semifinals. He dominated the semis to the tune of 15-4 before being pinned by Wetumpka’s Mason Blackwell in the final round. Hunter had one of the quickest pins of the day on his way to the final bout at 170. He started with a bye then defeated Myles Ross in just 25 seconds. He had another victory by fall before being given a forfeit in the semifinals and falling in the championship. After a forfeit to start the day, Holloway eked out a 3-0 decision over Dennis Carlton before putting on an 18-3 tech fall in the semifinals. He then lost to Oxford’s Matthew Muncher in the final bout. As just a freshman, Lawry had one of the toughest days of all the Wildcats. He See WRESTLING • Page 12
Cougars, Tigers hit the courts today By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
And then there were two. With Central Coosa winning its area championship and Dadeville taking the runner up spot in its tournament, the two teams are the only locals left standing in the hunt for a boys basketball championship. That journey continues today with subregional games. By virtue of winning the Class 3A Area 6 title, the Cougars (17-4) will host
Southside Selma tonight at 7 p.m., while Dadeville (9-7) is forced to hit the road for a matchup with Holt at 6 p.m. The Ironmen have a lot more to fight for than just a simple basketball game, as one of their own, Jalen Merriweather, was shot and killed Friday night. Merriweather was an all-area selection from the Class 4A Area 7 tournament, which Holt won the night prior to his death. “We got some sad news that one of their players got
killed last night,” Dadeville coach Jesse Foster said Saturday. “I sure hate that.” Dadeville will have to put emotions aside, though, as it attempts to rebound from a loss to Tallassee in Area 5 championship. “I told them that we’ve still got our goals in our sight,” Foster said. “We just have to keep winning. The only thing different now is we’ve gotta go on the road.” The Tigers will need to do a better job of playing four complete quarters, as
they looked good for the first, second and fourth frames against Tallassee, but struggled in between. They also have to watch their turnovers. With playing a full-court press, Dadeville sometimes has trouble slowing down and can get lackadaisical with the ball. “We’ve got to take care of the ball late in the game,” Foster said. “At halftime (against Tallasee), we had about five turnovers, then we had another five just in the See HOOPS • Page 12
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Left: Makenzie Davis, left, is pursued by Camryn Benefield during Benjamin Russell’s soccer practice last week. Right: Benjamin Russell’s Lucas Roberts works a drill during last week’s soccer practice. The Wildcats begin the season today.
Wildcat soccer kicks off spring season Nine returning starters to BRHS girls team to work with young roster fuel Wildcat boys squad squad, which kicks off action today at Montgomery Academy. “We’re going to be a relatively young team this year,” Wagoner said. “I’m looking for some good leadership with (the upperclassmen) and for them to contribute on the field as well.” Goalkeeper Jayde Trapp, who represented BRHS See GIRLS • Page 12
By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
With nine returning starters plus a bad taste in its mouth from last year, Benjamin Russell’s boys soccer team has high expectations for this season, which begins today at Montgomery Academy. “I think the team is ready and I think they’re hungry,” BRHS coach Austin Teel
said. “We had a so-so season last year, and they knew we should’ve been better. I think they’re out for redemption, and they’re ready to play.” Benjamin Russell’s most notable returner is senior Eddie Naranjo, who is back for his fifth year as a varsity starter. Although Naranjo has been a key piece for the Wildcats throughout the past See BOYS • Page 12
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Tuesday, February 13, 2018
The Outlook
Dadeville falls short in area championship By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
For the first time since 2001, Tallassee got a chance to hoist the area boys basketball trophy with a 53-46 victory over Dadeville in Class 4A Area 5 action. “It’s exciting, especially for the players,” Tallassee coach Keiven Mixson said. “They’re the ones that have worked so hard for this, and they deserve it.” Everything about Saturday night’s game was a dogfight as the pair of Tiger teams went mano-a-mano every step of the way. The game had countless ties and lead changes throughout the first half, but Tallassee finally started to pull away in the third quarter. It led by as many as nine points in third quarter and held a 37-32 edge heading into the fourth. Tallassee came out in the final frame on fire with baskets from Travon Skipper, Jaleel Dumas and Tyrek Turner to push its lead out to double figures. But the battle wasn’t over
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Dadeville’s Qua Tucker, left, pressures Tallasee’s Kalvin Levett during the Class 4A Area 5 championship on Saturday.
yet. Trailing 46-36 with four minutes remaining, Dadeville finally put the foot on the gas. Qua Tucker drained a clutch 3-pointer and hit the back end
of a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to 4. Freshman P.J. Eason added a three-point play and three straight free throws to tie the game, 46-46 with 1:23 left.
And Tallassee took a timeout. “I just told them we had to take care of the ball,” Mixson said. “They were going to try to pressure us, so we had to take care of the ball, move to the open spot, give your teammate somebody to pass to and penetrate to the basket.” The strategy worked, as Tallassee started to force a few turnovers of its own. It scored the game’s last seven points to set the final score. “I knew it was going to take all four quarters because we’re very evenly matched athlete to athlete,” Dadeville coach Jesse Foster said “I knew it was going to come down the stretch, and they hit theirs. We fought back all night and finally tied it up. We had a couple chances but we turned it over. I’m just proud of them, though.” Tallassee guard Skipper hit the eventual game winner, laying in a shot with 56 seconds left to make it 48-46. He then reeled off four straight free throws to ice the game. “It feels good,” Skipper said. “We’ve been working
hard. I’m just happy for my team to pull out the win. We had to play smart. They got a real strong defense, so we had to keep playing hard and fight through it.” After forcing Tallassee into 14 turnovers through the first three quarters, Dadeville caused only two miscues in the final eight minutes. One of Tallassee’s main goals was breaking down Dadeville’s high-pressure defense. “I watched them a lot on tape and saw how some other teams break it, so we tried to mimic that,” Mixson said. Tallassee did a nice job spreading its offense and putting three in double figures. Skipper led the way with 15 points, Kalvin Levett had 11 and Turner added 12. On the boards, Dumas grabbed 12 rebounds, while Levett and Turner split 16 evenly. For Dadeville, Eason led the way with 16 points and 10 rebounds; he also contributed three steals and three blocks. Jamauri Chisolm had 11 points and eight boards, and Jamarion Wilkerson and Tucker each had six rebounds.
Trojans drop Wrestling five straight in weekend action STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Central Alabama Community College’s baseball team couldn’t keep up with the offensive prowess of Florida Southwestern College, dropping four in a row over the weekend. Florida Southwestern outscored the Trojans 29-14. The closest contest was Sunday’s morning affair, when CACC lost just 8-7, as Florida Southwestern came back from a 7-5 deficit to score three runs in the bottom of the ninth and escaped with a one-run win. Central Alabama racked up nine hits in the game with two apiece from Tanner Barnett (Benjamin Russell) and Turner Banks. Banks drove in four runs. Other highlights from the weekend include a three-hit performance from Griffin Fenn in the series opener and two hits apiece by Pryce Fletcher and Luis Deleon during Saturday’s games.
CACC softball goes 0-4
After winning four straight to start the season, Central Alabama Community College’s softball team had a rough weekend, dropping four consecutive games. The Trojans lost to Walters State, 5-1, and Gulf Coast State College, 6-0, on Friday, then fell 16-6 against the CF Patriots and 3-2 versus Northwest Florida State College on Saturday. The Trojans offense struggled throughout the weekend until its final game. Courtney Ray did have a shining moment against the CF Patriots with two hits, including a home run, and four RBIs. Against Northwest Florida State, Shatima Smith, Sierra Easterwood and Loren Bishop each had two hits apiece. Smith had a strong weekend with hits in three of the four outings. Despite the loss, Amber Parker had a fine performance against Northwest Florida State, allowing only four runs and three hits over seven innings and striking out seven.
SPORTS CALENDAR Tuesday, Feb. 13 High school boys basketball Class 4A Central Sub-Regional Dadeville at Holt, 6 p.m. Class 3A Central Sub-Regional Southside Selma at Central Coosa, 7 p.m. High school boys soccer Benjamin Russell at Montgomery Academy, 7 p.m. High school girls soccer Benjamin Russell at Montgomery Academy, 5:30 p.m. College baseball Pensacola State at Central Alabama, 1 p.m. College softball Central Alabama at Chattahoochee Valley, noon Wednesday, Feb 14 College softball Andrew College at Central Alabama, 2 p.m.
had a couple of narrow victories, including a 2-1 decision in the opener and a 1-0 decision in the semifinals, en route to the championship, during which he was edged, 4-3. “We had six to finish second, and it wasn’t a surprise but when you look at the brackets, we had three guys that had to beat the No. 1 seed to get into the final,” Ransaw said. “They didn’t surprise me, but I knew we had to wrestle their best matches to get them into the finals.”
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Carmen Rodgers / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Ryan Spradley, top, earns back points against Pell City’s Dylan Thomas during the first round of sectionals.
At 132 pounds, Ryan Spradley fought hard in all of
his matches, starting with 7-5 and 6-4 decision before falling
Hoops fourth quarter. We got a little tired ourselves; that’s why we backed out of the press.” Dadeville will need a big game out of freshman P.J. Eason as well as Qua Tucker, who recently returned from injury. The Tigers also got an explosion from Jamauri Chisolm, who had one of his best games of the season Saturday night. “He’s the most improved player I’ve got on my team,” Foster said. “He’s working like a bulldog down there, and he needs to just keep it up. We’ve got one more shot at it.” For Central Coosa, the Cougars will have their work cut out for them against the length of Southside Selma, which boasts 6-foot-6 forward Je’Aubrey Perkins. “They have two guards who are pretty dangerous, too,” Coosa coach Jeremy Freeman
Girls in the North-South All-Star game last year, returns for her senior season, and the Wildcats also return top goal scorers Gabbi Watson and Makenzie Davis. “I’m looking for those two to produce the bulk of our offense,” Wagoner said. “But with some of the younger players, we’re going to be forced to use them quick and often. Those young girls are going to have to step into a scoring role.” Two players Wagoner expects to have a breakout season are freshmen Abigale Sims and Kylee Stark, both of whom got some varsity playing experience last season. Sims played center back last year, but is hoping to move into a midfield role this year. Stark will take over at centerback. Some other top returners include senior midfielders Nia Jones and Salina Berhane and senior Payton Powell, who Wagoner said will be used in a versatile role at either outside back, center back or midfield. Benjamin Russell will also be undergoing a formation change, as Wagoner hopes to use a diamond four with four in the backfield, four in the midfield and two strikers. “Offense was one of our big-
to Wetumpka’s Cole Blackwell and dropping to the consolation bracket. He battled his way back with a 10-0 decision before ultimately losing in the consolation final. Spradley placed fourth overall to advance to state. Other Wildcats who advanced were fifth-place finishers Kyle Mattox (113 pounds), Robert Graham (132) and Brooks Parker (152) and seventh-place finishers Ny’Shaad Hannon (120), Connor Burk (182) and Curtis Norris (285).
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said. “They like to shoot it from the outside, and (Keshawn Arrington) can light it up from anywhere. They don’t have a small rotation, so they send people in and out real quick and try to wear you out.” Some keys to the game, according to Freeman, will be limiting turnovers, taking quality shots and closing out on the Panthers’ shooters without fouling. Central Coosa’s biggest offensive contributors this season have been Noel Jones, Jovon Richardson and Omar Gaddis, but Freeman said it’s going to take everyone on the roster to make a run at a potential state title. “We just need a team effort from here on out,” Freeman said. “Whoever shows out, I’m willing and happy to have you aboard. Like I tell them, at this
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gest areas of concerns coming into this season,” Wagoner said. “We didn’t produce as many goals and even goal-scoring opportunities last year as we would like to see. We’ll have two strikers but also be attacking with my outside mids, so it would turn into four attacking. “With that being said, that’s keeping a high press up the field so if possession is lost, we’re immediately on the ball and trying to regain possession further up the field than playing conservatively like we have and just bunkering down and playing defense.” Benjamin Russell split with Opelika last year in section play, but the Wildcats lost the top seed on the tiebreaker of overall goals scores. One goal for the team this season is winning the section. “One thing we’ve focused on the first few weeks of practice is doing the little things right every day, and that starts with showing up to practice and working on technical skills,” Wagoner said. “We want to make every touch count and every decision matter. If we do the little things right, hopefully through that hard work, we’ll see the fruits of our reward at the end of the season.”
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Central Coosa’s Quinn Brooks (35) makes a pass in front of Randolph County’s Jacob Ryden during Thursday’s area championship.
juncture, you’ll be surprised that it’s not always the one you’re counting on. It can be someone
Boys four seasons, his role this year will be changing. Teel is moving Naranjo to the forward position in hopes he can help with the scoring. Other top offensive producers should be Anderson Radney, Luke Harvey and Lucas Roberts. “We’re happy to have all those guys back who were able to put goals in the back of the net,” Teel said. The biggest question mark at this point is the goalkeeper. Benjamin Russell graduated three-year starter Brian Barnes, and now has two youngsters competing for the role. As of late last week, freshman Campbell Woods and sophomore Andrew Caldwell were still potential starters. “I’ve got two guys that’ve never played varsity before, so it’s going to take a little learning,” Teel said. “But they’ve been competitive during practice, and both of them are battling hard.” Teel said he expects the Wildcats to be wellrounded, having strength on both offense and defense as well as in the midfield. The biggest thing they have going for them, Teel said, is
who’s under the radar, and at this point in the year, you can get on the radar real quickly.”
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chemistry. “Normally as a coach, you see teams battling chemistry,” he said. “Some of them like each other and some of them just play with each other This team, they always hang out outside of soccer, so that’s been an awesome thing to see and I think that’s going to help us in the long run.” With Wetumpka and Opelika in sectional play, Teel said he once again expects the Bulldogs to be the Wildcats’ biggest competition. Benjamin Russell was No. 2 in the sectional last year after losing on a tiebreaker to Opelika. But once again, wanting that revenge plus the combination of a group of players who know each other’s strengths and weaknesses should bode well for the Wildcats this year. “A lot of coaches don’t get the option of nine returning starters,” Teel said. “Last year was a lot of growing and learning curves, so I think the experience they got last year is only going to help us build going forward.”