OPINION: EDUCATION SHOULD BE MORE IMPORTANT THAN FOOTBALL
TUESDAY
THE
CHAMBER PULSE
AREA CHAMPIONS
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
Get details on all the latest! Pages 6 - 7.
February 16, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 33
Central-Coosa captures area title. See Sports, page 12.
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City holds line on salaries for future council, mayor ing, no motion or second was made. The lack of action means that there will be no change from the current salaries. Guidelines require that the city set salaries for the positions six months before voters go to the polls and before candidates begin to qualify.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
There will be no pay increases for the next group of council members or the mayor of Alexander City. When the time came for a motion to be made to set new salaries at Monday night’s city council meet-
Members of the Alexander City City Council make $10,500 annually while the mayor is paid a salary of $45,000 and an additional $15,000 for supervising the city’s utilities for an overall compensation of $60,000. According to a 2014 Auburn See COUNCIL • Page 11
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Police vehicles and crime scene tape secure the scene of a store where shots were fired early Sunday morning.
Police probe shooting at downtown store
City Manager: Position gives city added layer of protection
No one wants to press charges after three shots allegedly fired into vehicle By MITCH SNEED Editor
Police are searching for answers after a suspect apparently shot into an occupied vehicle outside a downtown convenience store early Sunday morning. Just after 2 a.m. Sunday morning, Alexander City Police Department officers at a neighboring business heard shots and responded to the Happy Mart, the Petro station at the corner of North Central and Broad Street in downtown Alexander City. A clerk at the store who didn’t give his name said that an altercation between a person inside a vehicle and one outside broke out. After a short, loud verbal exchange, a suspect pulled a small handgun and fired into the vehicle, the clerk said. Officers on the scene said that there were no reported injuries and that no one was in custody as of 4:20 a.m., but said they were still talking to witnesses. Crime scene tape remained up for more than two hours as police collected evidence. Glass from an apparent shattered window of a vehicle was still on the ground near the gas pumps of the store. Lt. James Easterwood said Monday that when officers arrived both individuals were still on the scene, but neither would offer much information. “The individual in the car didn’t want to file charges,” Lt. Easterwood said. “There have been no charges at this time. We are looking at the possibility of discharging a weapon in the city limits charges in the case if nothing else changes.” The store does have surveillance cameras and one is noticeable outside the front door. It was See SHOOTING • Page 3
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Editor’s note: This is the first in a five part series on the city-manager form of government. A petition is now active asking for the people to be allowed to vote on a possible change in Alexander City. The petition can be signed each day at the offices of The Outlook. Tomorrow, we will look at the financial impact of a possible INSIDE change. Chamber’s Jacob
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Henley Brown and her father Wesley pick up trash along the banks of the Tallapoosa River at Fox Creek Saturday at a grassroots cleanup effort.
FOR FOX CREEK More than 50 volunteers show up for cleanup
Meacham answers city manager questions. PAGE 6.
Why do we need a city manager and what would they do anyway? That’s a question that has been repeated by many residents as a possible change to a city manager-council form of government has begun in Alexander City. Consider this tenet from the International City/County Management Association’s code of ethics: A city manager will: See MANAGER • Page 11
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
A group of people who love life on the Tallapoosa River, came together to clean up the area around Fox Creek Saturday. “It just goes to show what a few people and the power of social media can do,” Nick Askew said. “It went excellent. We had over 50 people show up.” Askew grew up coming to the river in the Fox Creek area and started the
effort after he and his wife rode down there in January and were upset at the condition of the area. “I was disgusted at how much trash was there,” Askew said. That grassroots effort is what Lake Martin Resource Association’s John Thompson has been hoping for. “I have been trying to get more of the community involved,” Thompson said. “I have been hoping for some grass roots efforts to help keep the See CLEANUP • Page 3
BRHS fishing team weighs in on first tourney
Severe weather awareness means it’s time to plan By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
On a day that saw 32 of its southern counties placed under a tornado watch and several severe thunderstorms set off warning alarms in the southwest portion of the state, Alabama began its observance of Severe Weather Awareness Week on Monday. “During this special week, Alabamians are encouraged to learn and/or review the proper safety precautions necessary for protecting their lives during severe weather,” the National Weather Service said in a statement. “Advance planning and increased awareness will help See WEATHER • Page 3
It might have been only one, but it was a significant fish. That fish, weighing in just over a pound, was the first for the new Benjamin Russell Fishing team and was caught by Kennedy Benton at the Alabama Student Angler Bass Fishing Association tournament on Lake Martin Saturday. “I am excited that we have a fishing team now,” Benton said moments See FISHING • Page 3
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Kennedy Benton drains the water off her bag of fish as her teammate Will Cush looks on folllowing Saturday’s tournament.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016
The Outlook
Broken car seat sparks feud over who should foot the bill
Wednesday
60 36 Low
High Sunny
Thursday
65 42 Low
High Mostly sunny
Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com
Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com
Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@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
Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com Debbie DeWildt Advertising Sales, Ext. 214 debbie.dewildt@alexcityoutlook.com
Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Lake Martin Living, The Outlook is published five times Kenneth Boone a week, Tuesday through Saturday Photography and mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, a commercial web printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ReproPOSTMASTER: Send address duction of any part of any issue requires changes to Post Office Box 999, written publisher permission. Alexander City, AL 35011.
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Information
How to Submit Obituaries
Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@ alexcityoutlook.com. For more information calt (256) 234-4281.
DEAR ABBY: My sister-inlaw has asked me to pay for repairs to the passenger seat of her car. She was picking up my 9-year-old to stay the night, and when he got inside, he moved the seat forward to better fit his stature. She got upset and said, “The seat was broken. We had it set just right for me when I’m the passenger.” Since he adjusted it she hasn’t been able to reset it. When I asked if there was a note on the dash that read “Do not move seat,” she said no. Then I asked, if this was her best friend’s son, would she be requesting money to repair an already broken seat? Her response was, “No.” Am I wrong to think she was out of line to ask? -- FUMING IN WASHINGTON STATE DEAR FUMING: You’re not wrong. If your sister-in-law had warned your son not to touch the seat before he adjusted it, she might have a leg to stand
DEAR ABBY Advice
on. However, if she’s short of money and was baby-sitting your son as a favor, in the interest of keeping peace in the family, offer to contribute to the cost of the repair. DEAR ABBY: What are the dangers of driving while on strong painkillers? Since codeine is a controlled substance that you have to sign for to receive the prescription, does it impair distance vision and reaction time? My elderly dad says as long as he has taken the pill the night before, it’s all right for him to drive. He takes about 12 different medications every day, and the pain medicine
must stay in his system at all times to work effectively. Are other drivers in danger when he drives under the influence of prescription drugs? Can he be arrested if he hits someone? His car is already dented because he hit something. It would be a shame for him to cause some innocent driver who encounters him on the highway to be crippled or die. What do you think? -- MEDICATED IN RALEIGH, N.C. DEAR MEDICATED: I am not an expert in pharmacology. I suggest you compile a list of all the drugs your father is taking -- both prescription drugs and the over-the-counter variety. Take the list to his pharmacist and ask these questions. He or she can give you the answers you need because some drugs can interact with each other. DEAR ABBY: A friend and I had a falling-out over a
manners thing. When three people eat out together and everyone orders their own dessert, is it rude to not allow someone to take a bite of yours? This friend wanted to taste another one’s dessert and the guy said no. The friend then claimed the refuser was rude because he didn’t want to share. Was the person wrong to have declined? -- JUST ONE BITE DEAR JUST ONE: Whether to share one’s food is a matter of personal preference. No rule of etiquette demands that someone do so just because it has been requested, and it wasn’t rude to refuse. 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 Sherry of Goodwater, Charlie Bagley wife Sharon of Fayetteville and John Funeral service for Paul Bagley wife Cheri Sara E. Bagley, 86, will of Goodwater, daughter, be Monday, February 15, Sue Peoples 2016 at 1:00 p.m. husband Terry at Goodwater of Goodwater, Presbyterian 3 sister, Gladys Church with Rev. Satterfield of Jeff Fuller and Goodwater, Rev. Pete McElrath Mittie Howell of officiating. She Sylacauga and will lie in state Louise Cochran one hour prior to of Goodwater, 15 service. Burial will grandchildren, be in Brownsville and 27 greatBagley Cemetery in grandchildren. Goodwater, AL. Visitation will Mrs. Bagley died be Sunday February 14, Friday, February 12, 2016 at her residence. She was 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Radney-Smith preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Alfred Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Austin Bagley, son, James Jason Bagley, Lane Bagley, daughter, Carolyn Bailey, Tyler Stokes, Chad Stafford and grandson, Lightsey, Karol Bolt, Zack Chris Bagley. She was a member of Hatchett Cheek Mayne and Jon Bailey. Memorial messages Presbyterian Church. She may be sent to the family was a loving mother and grandmother and she loved at www.radneysmith.com. being outdoors with her Radney-Smith Funeral family. Home in Sylacauga, AL will She is survived by 3 direct the services. sons, George Bagley wife
Sara E. Bagley
Mrs. Julia Mckenzie
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Mrs. Julia Mckenzie of Alexander City, Alabama died February 15, 2016 and arrangements will be announced later by Wrights Funeral Home.
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Vivian J. Langley 1921-2016 Vivian J. Langley was born on June 30, 1921 in Camp Hill Alabama, to proud parents Mr. John Langley and Ernestine (Nee Bruce) Langley. She was preceded in death by two brothers and their wives, John Eldred Langley (Addie Mae Willoughby) and Lemuel Bruce Langley (Mary Wyatt); and one Sister, Miriam, who died at birth. She passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016 at Dadeville Healthcare Center. Two nephews survive her: Mr. John Randolph Langley (Sandra) and Mr. Ernest Wade Langley (Debbie). Ms. Langley as she was commonly called, attended Howard College now known as Sanford University of Birmingham Alabama, where she graduated with a BA, majoring in English and Religious Education. She then went to the SouthWestern Baptist Theological Seminary at Fort Worth Texas with a Th. B Degree. A Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon her by the Virgin Island Baptist Mission. Vivian’s life was one of surrender and service to the Lord from her youth. She accepted the Lord at the tender age of ten at Camp Hill Baptist Church. Without wasting any time, she embarked on her first missionary journey to Nigeria Africa, where she served from 1946 to 1949.
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From 1950-1961, she moved to Natchez Mississippi, where she served with the West Side Baptist Church in such capacities and at different times as Youth Leader, Choir director, Teacher, worked with the visitation team, served as a Music Teacher while she also was part of radio ministry, called “Christ is the answer”. Her love for the foreign Mission field could not keep her in the USA, so in 1962, she headed to the Caribbean, where she served primarily in the United States Virgin Islands. She worked with the Bovoni and Bethel Baptist Churches as Organist. Ms. Langley worked tirelessly as a lecturer and instructor at the Virgin Island Bible Institute. She also served as Secretary to the Virgin Island Baptist Mission. She was an accomplished Musician. She played the Violin, Accordion and Piano with excellence. Above all she was a child of God, who did the work of an evangelist, and maintained her stand as a Kingdom Carrier, to the ends of the earth. Vivian J. Langley: Quote: ‘The ups and downs of my life have to speak for themselves.’ We can safely say that she has fought a good fight, she finished her course, and she kept the faith. Henceforth is laid up for her a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteousness judge shall give to her. Funeral service will be Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Langley Funeral Home. Mr. Chuck Fletcher will officiate. Burial will follow in the Camp Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Langley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Camp Hill Baptist Church for Missions, P.O. Box 543, Camp Hill, AL 36850 or Camp Hill Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 217, Camp Hill, AL 36850. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.langleyfuneralhome. com. Langley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Weather
Fishing
Shooting
continued from page 1
Alabama residents survive these potentially deadly storms. “Severe weather has occurred in Alabaam every month of the year and at all times of the dayn and night. But the spring severe weather season typically is the most active of the year. The spring severe weather season runs runs from March through May. We also endure a fall severe weather season where another peak in activity occurs. This season typically runs fron November through mid December.” Proclaimed by Gov. Robert Bentley, the week is designed to raise Alabamians awareness to the various types of severe weather the state commonly receives and the threats to safety and human life posed by those threats. Each day this week, including yesterday, has its own focus: • Monday: Severe thunderstorms – NWS says a thunderstorm is when it produces hail of 1 inch or greater, winds greater than 58 mph, damage to trees, telephone/utility poles or any structure or a tornado. The threats of lightning, straight-line winds or a tornado or enough to warrant that ny severe thunderstorm warning be taken seriously. • Tuesday: Lightning - Lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times a year. Although most lightning occurs in the summer, people can be struck at any time of year. Lightning kills an average of 49 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured. Since records began being kept in 1959, 110 Alabamians have been killed by
continued from page 1
after weighing in her fish. “I caught it on a Shad Rap in the Elkahatchee Creek area.” Benton’s teammate was Will Cush. “It was our first tournament,” Coach Jeff Hines said. “I think we were nervous and did not know what to expect, but I was still proud. We had five boats and four of them weighed fish in.” Though the team is new, Hines says that no one on the team is new to fishing. “Most of these kids have fished most of their lives,” Hines said. “I have fished quite a bit myself though I sold my boat when I moved to the area from Prattville.” A team from Oak Mountain High School pulled in the big bag of the tournament weighing in over 12 pounds while Glencoe High School took home the team trophy. The Saturday tournament featured 192 boats from across the state. 432 fish weighing a total of 627.21pounds were caught. Dadeville finished 15th out of 38 teams and BRHS finished 27th as a team. Wind Creek will be on deck again this Saturday as it hosts the Alabama Bass Trail. The next stops for the BRHS team are Lake Eufaula Feb. 27 and Pickwick March 26. Hines says the team could use some help from the community. “This can be an expensive sport,” Hines said. “We are openly looking for sponsors to help with fuel and other things.”
lightning, ranked the state 18th in the nation in deaths caused by lightning. • Wednesday: Tornadoes – Tornadoes are the most feared storms that occur regularly in Alabama. The state averages 22 tornadoes per year and those storms cause an average of seven deaths and 104 injuries. In 1988, the state saw 57 twisters, a record for a single year. The deadliest tornado outbreak in the state’s history occurred on March 21, 1932 and took the lives of 286 Alabamians. • Thursday: Flooding and flash flooding – Many in central and south Alabama were reminded in the days just prior to Christmas of the damage and misery that flooding and flash flooding can bring. Some areas are still suffering from the damage. • Friday: Receiving weather alerts – The NWS urges that all Alabamians stayed tuned for updates and emergencies when severe weather is possible. Many communities are equipped with sirens that sound when a severe weather warning has been issued. For those in areas where sirens can’t be heard, a NOAA weather radio can bring any emergency weather notification directly into your home. NOAA weather radios range in price from approximately $35 up. During Severe Weather Awareness Week, Alabamians are encouraged to recall safety precautions they need to save their lives and make plans in case of severe weather if they haven’t already.
Cleanup area clean and this is a great start. I am ecstatic that an individual and the power of social media were able to do this.” One person taking part in Saturday’s clean up said he had littered in the area before. “I am guilty of leaving some of this,” Brian Taunton said. “That is the reason I am here. I will not be leaving things behind again.” Askew hopes that the community will come together again for future clean ups. “We want to do other spots along the river like Timber Gut,” Askew said. “Anywhere people like to swim and fish along the river.” The trash that was picked up was hauled to the county shop where Commissioner John McKelvey made
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unknown if the coverage angle of that camera would shed any light on what happened during the incident, or who was involved. The Happy Mart is the only downtown store open 24 hours, making it a popular stop for commuters who are going to work early or those who are ending a long night. This is not the first incident at the store. The store was the victim of an armed robbery on Sept. 5, 2014, but three suspects were arrested just three weeks later. In that incident Quyntarvis Diandrew Whetstone and Shariskie McKinney entered guilty please to armed robbery charges. Ollion Kentrell Wright was also charged with robbery in the case, but he failed to appear for an April 6, 2015 trial, and according to court records, he remains at large.
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a dumpster available to dispose of the pickedup items. “We filled up a whole roll-off dumpster,” Askew said. “It looks great,” Thompson said of the freshly cleaned area. “Hopefully everyone will appreciate the efforts and keep it clean going forward.” Askew thinks the newly cleaned area will make others think twice about dropping their litter. “I think people will be watching,” Askew said. “Hopefully, it will prevent others from throwing their bottles in the woods knowing that those of us who enjoy it here will be watching.”
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Kenneth Boone Mitch Sneed
Outlook Education should be taken more serious than football The
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Page 4
Our
Opinion
Fishing tournaments can be big business A
W
e’ve known for a while that when the weather warms up and the fish start biting, it’s good news for Alexander City’s economy. Well, recently we’re finding out maybe the warmer weather isn’t even necessary. Our friends with the Bassmaster College Series were here with more than 200 boats the first weekend in February for their Southern Conference Regional – the kind of tournament where half as many boats have been known to bring a $1 million economic boost to host cities. And this coming weekend, fishermen who will man some 165+ boats for an Alabama Bass Trail Tournament will invade the city. The Trail tournaments’ economic impacts are estimated through mandatory forms, completed at registration, on which each angler lists what they anticipate spending while in the community. These forms have measured approximate economic impacts up to $2.5 million in areas around the Trail’s host lakes. “The anglers will buy what you’re selling if they know about it,” said Kay Donaldson, Alabama Bass Trail’s program director. Obviously so. And considering the prize money that’s up for grabs at an ABT event, there’s no wonder. At this weekend’s tournament, the winner is guaranteed $10,000. But there’s more – more than $480,000 was paid out last year, in fact. ABT pays 40 places at each tournament. Additionally, a $5,000 bonus is paid for overall Anglers of the Year, Angler of the Year for each division fishes free the next year, top teams qualify for the Bassmaster Team and someone stands to win a fully-rigged Phoenix 819 Pro valued at more than $43,000 plus an additional $40,000 in cash for the top 25 teams. A Yeti cooler and Hydrowave electronic feeding stimulator are given away at every tournament. Make no mistake: tournament bass fishing is big business, both for the fishermen and the communities lucky enough to be selected to host the tournaments. And Alexander City’s in a prime location to toss its hat into the ring for tournaments on every tour at any time of year. Who knows? Soon Alexander City and Lake Martin may be among the bass tournament hotbeds of the world.
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 Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.
Robert Bentley
Luther Strange
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 Mark Tuggle 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 Tom Whatley at 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
s everyone knows, Montgomery is a magnet for groups when the Legislature is in session. Group after group descends on the Capital City to walk the halls of the Statehouse. And yellow school buses by the dozen unload students to come see how laws are made. Thursday, Feb. 11, was such a day. Among the visitors were this year’s participants in the Leadership Baldwin group. Several principals, along with assistant superintendent for the Baldwin County school system Hope Zeanah, are members of this year’s class. About mid-morning they are gathered on the back steps of the Capitol getting their picture made with Governor Bentley. Suddenly dozens of small voices begin calling out, “Ms. Zeanah, Ms. Zeanah.” Governor Bentley immediately asked, “Who are they?” Without hesitation, Ms. Zeanah tells him that it is the fourth grade from Elberta middle school. “Well, they sure know you,” replied the Governor. “I guess so,” came back Ms. Zeanah, “I was their prin-
LARRY LEE Guest Columnist
cipal.” The students ran to hug their former principal and get an unexpected photo op with the Governor. Here is why this story struck me. Hope Zeanah was principal of Elberta elementary school for 16 years. She did an excellent job and in 2013 was recognized as Alabama Elementary Principal of the Year. Of all the educators I know, she is one of the best. Her peers around the state have known this for some time. She has served on numerous boards and statewide committees. Elberta elementary is one of the best schools I’ve ever been to. But when the legislature sits down and comes up with bills that impact our schools, they ignore Hope Zeanah and dozens and dozens of other expert educators around the stage. I know that Ms. Zeanah has spoken to committee chair-
men and offered her help. She has been basically ignored. And when you peel everything else away, this is the over-riding flaw with the RAISE Act. It was put together without input from the experts within our midst. For reasons I do not understand, we have legislators who apparently think that “education reformers” who couldn’t find Elberta without a GPS know more about education than our own teachers, principals, superintendents, etc. There is little doubt that few college football coaches are the equal of Nick Saban at the University of Alabama. If our legislature was preparing a bill about football, would they listen to coaches from California and ignore Nick Saban? Not likely. Too bad we don’t take education as seriously as football. Larry Lee led the study Lessons Learned from Rural Schools and is a longtime advocate for public education. larrylee133@gmail. com. Read his blog: larryeducation.com
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Today’s
Quote
“Government’s first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives. “ – Ronald Reagan
Today’s
Scripture “A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.” – Luke 6:43
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Reader agrees with need for city manager Dear Editor, There can be no possible doubt that Alexander City desperately and urgently needs to change to the Council-City Manager form of government. Consider the following: One Friday back in September, the Mayor fired the City’s Finance Director, the following Monday the City Council reinstated her; an unknown number of checks, totaling an unknown amount money, made payable to the city’s Lakewinds Golf Course seem to have disappeared and have never cleared the accounts of persons who issued them; the Mystery Of The Missing Checks (what a great title for a new Hardy Boys Book!) is now under forensic audit, so the Mayor assures us; though some of our city’s miserable maintained roads and streets have been repaired, even more have not and their potholes are as unsightly and as injurious to our cars as ever; visitors to our city
often comment about the special talent required to repair one side of Broad Street and not see that the other side needed to be repaired just as desperately; city employees have at least once officially told journalists that our sewer system is in much worse condition than originally believed and will cost far more to repair than originally estimated; yet in the face of all this irrefutable evidence of incompetent, irresponsible, and downright injurious city government that hurts all of our citizens in many ways, our mayor and city council seem to press for greatly increasing their salaries. Who more than those who comprise our present city administration and what more than the present condition of our city could better explain the absolute necessity of our converting to the Council-City Manager form of government as fast as possible? But let us take heart: Our city government is a comedy of errors. Were it not so
injurious to our city and its people in so many ways, it would be worthy of the Bard of Stratford’s heavenly notice. I wish to commend the Editor of the Outlook and his staff for their forthcoming series of articles explaining every aspect and facet of the Council-City Manager form of government and how it works. Only after our citizens have been fully informed about how this form of municipal government works and why it is superior to our present form will they be able to vote intelligently – such is of the essence of participatory democracy in any vote, referendum, or election in democratic republic such as ours. Only well informed citizens can vote intelligently. For citizens not be well informed or not to vote invites, even assures, incompetent government. Bill King Alexander City
Reader concerned about state of local leadership Dear Editor, I am writing to again express my concerns over our city government. Let me start by saying that I do not work for the city, and I cannot vote in city elections because I live outside the city limits. But, everything that the leadership does affects me since I work in Alexander City, and have lived here all my life. The most asked question from a child is “Why?” So I am asking why our mayor and council are in the paper the about every third day because of some DRAMA. If it is not about pay
for their lack of leadership, it is something negative. I respect each member, mayor and council. Some I have known for several years, but the job that they have done is not what I thought and expected them to be capable of doing. My understanding, which may be incorrect, is that a person chooses to run for public office to SERVE THE PEOPLE, not make a living. Salaries are just a token of appreciation to do a job. Based on past performance, the mayor and council do not need a raise. I know this council
would benefit from a raise but at the same time we are paying them on the high side of average for a less than average job. I hope I don’t see any more negative DRAMA about our Mayor, Council, or disgruntled employees when I open the paper in the future. I would like to see positive news, i.e., police officers helping people in need. I pray for our leaders daily. Timothy Marion Blankenship Alexander City
The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Today is
Today’s Anniversary
and Bruce Holley and Michelle and February 16, 2016 Beth Chris Collum are celebrating their anniver-
SERVING LUNCH IN THE CAFÉ
Today’s Events
saries today.
There are no events on today’s calendar.
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Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.
Today’s Birthdays Amy Crawford, Kara Forbus, John Ed Cox, Demetrius Cox, Gauge Daniel and Addie Walker are celebrating their birthdays today.
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We’ve all heard the expression herding cats, but here is a cat that was spotted Friday morning herding chickens out of a yard along Sixth Avenue Extension. The cat, whose name is Binx, seemed be intent on moving the chickens to their appropriate place and proceeded to head ‘em up and move ‘em out.
February 18 Need FREEDMEN’S BUREAU The Adelia M. Russell Insurance? PROJECT: Memorial Library will be hosting a
Call me.
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
project on the Freedmen’s Bureau Project Feb. 18 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Call or stop by the library for more information and to register. Learn how to index rare Freedmen’s Bureau records from 1865-1868. These records, which include the names of millions of freed slaves, will be available to the public for the first time when the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture opens this fall in Washington DC. The records will be online and free for everyone to learn about their family histories.
Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
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February 29
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Jerry Armor will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 29 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
March 5
February 19-20
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Faith Christian Academy will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday, February 27 from 6:00 a.m. til 11:00 a.m. in the Faith Temple Gym on the corner of Franklin and Gorgas Streets. The proceeds will benefit the FCA Robotics Team who will go to New Orleans for Competition. All you can eat (in house) or take out is available. Price is $6. Plates include Pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. Tickets are available from FCA students or at the door.
MINGLING OF SOULS: A simulcast will be shown at the First Baptist Church Chapel called The Mingling of Souls Simulcast with Matt and Laren Chandler. It will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $10 per couple and focuses on building healthy relationships in marriage. Contact Bill Stinson at bill @fbc-ac.org for more information.
February 20
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual pancake breakfast Feb. 20 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the BRHS Lunchroom. The breakfast is all you can eat and there will be Conecuh Sausage. Tickets are $6 each. TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves School will hosts a trade day Feb. 20 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: There will be a pancake breakfast at the New Site Town Hall Feb. 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. with proceeds going to the New Site Volunteer Fire and Ambulance.
BOSTON BUTT SALE: There is a Boston Butt sale to benefit Carley Blankenship and family with pick up March 5 at Alex City Methodist Church from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased by calling or texting Kristi at 256-5962171 or Celia at 256-496-2745 and at JR’s Sports Bar and Grill or see Ashley Barker at City Hall. Cash or check only. RUMMAGE SALE: The Pine Ridge Mission team of the Alexander City Methodist Church will hold its annual Rummage Sale on Saturday March 5 6 a.m.- 10 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. We will have furniture, household items, clothes, toys and much more. The proceeds will benefit our annual mission trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation this summer.
March 6
PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Corinth Baptist Church in Kellyton will honor the 24th anniversary of Pastor of Jimmy and Sister Patricia Brooks Sunday, March 6 at 11 a.m. Guest Minister will be Pastor Billy Simmons of Freewill Worship Center.
March 7
February 21
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
The FANS HEAR You!
ANNUAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY: Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its annual friends and family day Sunday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m. Special guest and church is Rev. Wayne Cowhick, pastor of Alexander City Methodist Church. SPIRITUAL GROWTH SUNDAY: Trinity United Methodist Church is hosting spiritual growth Sunday, Feb. 21 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guest speaker will be Melinda Blair, author of Treasures of the Heart. Dinner will be served and donations for dinner will be appreciated.
February 22
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Julie Williams will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 22 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
February 27
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FAMILY BINGO NIGHT: The Bibb Graves School is hosting a family bingo night Feb. 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. POLAR PLUNGE: Wind Creek State Park will host its Polar Bear Leap for Leap Year Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. Participates should meet at the beach. Park entrance fees apply to non-campers. For more information call 256-3290845.
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Susan Webb will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited March 7 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
March 12
CLASS MEETING: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 is meeting Sat. March 12 at 10 a.m. at Cooper Recreation Center. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast March 12 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Plates include pancakes, bacon and or sausage for $6. It is all you can eat dine only with to go plates available.
March 15
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
March 17
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wines in Alexander City welcomes Patrick Sizemore from Grassroots Wines. Sizemore will host a tasting comparing Old World wines to New World wine from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 256-212-9463.
March 18-20
WIZARD OF OZ: The Dadeville
High School Drama program is presenting the Wizard of Oz March 18 at 7 p.m., March 19 at 7 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium.
March 19
EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park will host an Easter Egg Hunt March 19 at 10 a.m. in the North Picnic area. There will be prize eggs. For ages under 2, 2 to 4 5 to 8 and 9 to 12. For more information call 256-3290845.
April 16
THREE ON A STRING: The Dadeville First United Methodist Church presents Three on a String, Saturday, April 16 at White Acres in Camp Hill. Dinner of beef filet or chicken will start at 6 p.m. and Three on a Sting will play immediately after. Tickets are $50 per person and $100 a couple. For tickets call 256-825-7408 or 256-825-3985 and all proceeds will go towards local missions and support organizations such as Camp ASCCA and the Girls Ranch.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
FOOT Specialties
Dr. Douglas Stewart Alexander City, AL
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How to add a calendar item: Participate in your
April 19
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
May 12 - May 28
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: I Hate Hamlet will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players May 12 - May 28. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com
May 17
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
June 21
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet June 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
July 14 - July 30
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Calendar Girls will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players July 14 - July 30. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
September 20
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
September 29 - October 15
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Young Frankenstein will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players September 29 - October 15. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
October 18
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• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune
Season Speaks
MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
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MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet Nov. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room.
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Page 6
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016
The Outlook
PULSE
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
ABT brings more anglers to area
sured economic impacts up to $2.5 million in areas around the Trail’s lakes. Right now, 165 boats are registered to roll into town and compete in the opening tournament for the Trail’s Here they come again! Boats will likely be everysouth division. Sanctioned by BASS (Bass Anglers where this weekend as the chamber positions itself to host the first Alabama Bass Trail tournament. In doing Sportsman Society), the Trail is divided into two divisions and requires the angler to fish all five tournaso, we would like to ask any business that has a marments in the division of their choice. Entry fee per quee to place a welcome message on their board letdivision is $1250 per team, which includes registration ting these fishermen know we are glad they are here. Kay Donaldson, ABT Program Director, confirmed for all five tournaments. Lake Martin will kick the south division off this that “the anglers will buy what you’re selling if they weekend with the championship tournament on Oct. know about it.” The Trail’s economic impact is mea8 at Lake Eufaula. Other lakes included in the south sured by a mandatory recap from each angler listing what they anticipate spending while in the community. are Lay Lake, Mobile Delta, Millers Ferry, and Lake Jordan. This form is completed at registration and has meaBy ANN RYE Chamber President & CEO
The winner is guaranteed $10K for first place but there is more. Over $480,000 was paid out last year. ABT pays 40 places at each tournament. Additionally, a $5K bonus is paid for Overall Anglers of the Year, Angler of the Year for each division fishes free the next year, top teams qualify for the Bassmaster Team, and someone stands to win a fully-rigged Phoenix 819 Pro valued at over $43K plus an additional $40K in cash for the top 25 teams. A YETI cooler and Hydrowave are given away at every tournament. If you would like to welcome these anglers to Alexander City and Lake Martin, please stop by the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center Friday from 4:30-7 p.m. or come to the blast off at Wind Creek State Park at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Just a thought . . . 90) shop because they want to feel good about themselves. Contrary to some people’s belief that people actually shop because they need something, it resonated with me that we’re all looking for acceptance … love. I can take one look at my closet and tell you ANN RYE that the statistic is true. Very few of us Chamber President NEED anything. & CEO I also recalled those difficult situations where the person across the table started thinking Sunday afternoon had a real bone to pick with me. Maybe about Valentine’s Day. It’s an obvithey were the minority that didn’t ous business driver, as most holidays benefit from a decision that positively are, especially if you are in the flower, impacted a larger group. Or they were candy, perfume, card or jewelry business. I suppose it reaches other markets upset that some rule of retail didn’t swing their way on a return or exchange. as well since some Valentines are more creative than others, offering all kinds of I found that the best way to defuse the situation was to accept it. “You’re excursions, trips and experiences. right!” are the words every customer What I mainly reflected on was not the obvious but the underlying message wants to hear. After all, the customer’s of expressing your love, whether roman- perception of a situation is the business tic or plutonic, and it dawned on me that owner’s reality. Accept it, dig deep, and find some love for your customer. if we as a business community could Another lesson learned in Big Box share that kind of unconditional love to our customers … well, I just don’t know retail, the angriest of customers can be calmed when you accept their comhow a business couldn’t be successful. plaint, own it, and ask them how you Imagine if every customer contact can make it better. Oh, and follow started with you, the business owner, extending yourself in a helpful, kind and that up with how important they are to loving way to your patron. Don’t people you … because they are. They will tell shop where they are made to feel good? everyone how you met their demands and gain you more business by sharing Don’t we sometimes pay a higher price how you responded. or substitute a product just because the My event for Valentine’s Day was person we do business with is so stinkto attend church. There I was reminded ing nice to us? that God loved us long before we were When I was with Dillard’s lovable. Imagine how your business Department Stores I learned an alarmwould grow if you adopted the mindset ing statistic. Approximately (because I … because I first loved you. can’t remember the exact number) 90 Try it! percent of people (I do remember being astounded by the report so we’ll go with
I
Chamber partners with Google to host free workshop Feb. 23, 2016 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Betty Carol Graham Technology Center People in Alexander City are lookHelp more customers connect with ing for what you offer - and they’re your business on the web. It’s free and looking online. That’s why we’re easy to get started. We hope you’ll join teaming up with Google to host a free workshop to help you and your fellow us to learn more. To RSVP call the Alexander City businesses get online and on the map. Join us, and invite anyone you think Chamber of Commerce at (256) 2343461 or email jacob.meacham@alexwould benefit. Let’s Put Alexander City on the Map andercitychamber.com. STAFF REPORT Alexander City Chamber of Commerce
Questions and answers regarding the petition for a city manager elected at large by all voters and then three council members elected by district. Q: Is there still a mayor? A: Yes, all Alexander City voters will still elect a State of Alabama law gives all Class 2 through 8 municipalities the authority to adopt a council-manager mayor. The main difference is that the mayor doesn’t form of government by following procedures set forth have the administrative duties as outlined under the current form of government. He or she will serve on by the Council Manager Act of 1982. Under that act, the city council as council president and the ceremovoters have the power to initiate the process by filing nial head of government. a petition with the probate judge requesting an elecQ: So we will be paying a mayor AND a city mantion to determine whether their city should adopt the ager? council-manager form of government. A: Yes, but the mayor’s salary would be signifiOn Feb. 4, the Alexander City Outlook announced that a petition would be available for voters to sign and cantly reduced to reflect the reduction of responsibilexpress support for this change. Since that time, we’ve ity. Since the mayor in the proposed new form would be a city council member and the ceremonial head of heard from a lot of Chamber members and Alexander government, he or she would be paid more in line with City residents who have questions about the petition, what a city council member is paid. City council memthe process for change, and what it would mean for bers in Alexander City are currently paid $10,500. Alexander City if the change occurs. Q: Who does the city manager answer to? With that in mind, we decided it would be a good A: The city manager reports directly to the city idea to use some space in this month’s Chamber Pulse council, and the city council is responsible for hirto address some of those questions in a neutral, eduing and dismissing the city manager. Although city cational and informative way. This isn’t meant to be manager isn’t an elected position, he or she ultimately an endorsement for the change, nor is it an argument against it, but instead a way to use our platform to help answers to the voters who elect the city council. Q: How is the city manager’s performance evaluanswer some questions that we’ve been hearing. Although you might have some lingering questions ated? A: City managers serve at the pleasure of their city after reading this article, we hope this provides a founcouncils, so the only assurance of continued employdation for helping to address some of the key issues. ment is their effectiveness in office. It would be the Q: What does signing the petition do? responsibility of the city council to outline how that A: Signing the petition voices your support for the effectiveness is evaluated. people of Alexander City having the chance to vote Q: Where is the separation of the duties between “Yes” or “No” on whether or not to transition to a mayor and city manager? council-manager form of government. A: The separation of duties is outlined in the law Q: How many people have to sign the petition? A: 10 percent of the number of qualified voters who that sets up this form of government, the Council Manager Act of 1982. Under that law the council voted in the last municipal election. According to the city’s election records, 391 valid signatures are needed members, including the mayor, are prohibited from giving direct orders to subordinates of the city manfor a vote to be called. ager. A violation of these provisions of the Act is conQ: What is considered a valid signature? sidered a Class C misdemeanor. A: A valid signature is that of anyone who is registered to vote in Alexander City municipal elections. Q: What is the relationship between the city council Q: When would the issue be voted on? A: According to state law, once the petition is certi- and city manager? A: The council-manager relationship calls for a profied as valid by the judge of probate, the mayor would call an election in no less than 40 days or no more than fessional city manager chosen by the legislative body 90 days unless a general election is already scheduled (the council) based on his or her experience, education and professional capacity to manage the affairs of the to be held within 120 days. city. The council acts as a legislative body with speQ: What would the new form of government look cific responsibility to create policy through the passage like? of ordinances and resolutions, while the city manager A: Cities operating under the proposed councilis responsible for the implementation of that policy manager form of government operate with a five-perthrough management of the day-to-day operation of son city council and a city manager. The five-person council includes a mayor and another council member the city’s various departments. By JACOB MEACHAM VP Business Development
Q: What are the specific duties of the city manager: A: The Council Manager Act of 1982 details all of the specific duties of a city manager. In the eight cities in Alabama currently employing a city manager, their city managers are responsible for: (1) supervising the daily work of department heads, (2) developing and implementing the annual budget, (2) presenting the annual budget to the council, (3) advising the city council directly on policy matters, and (4) developing a capital improvement program. That should be considered a snapshot of the responsibilities with the understanding that it could vary from city to city. Q: What type of work history/resume would make someone qualified to be a city manager? A: Traditionally, city managers are hired based on their education, qualifications and experiences in running a municipality and serving in a lead administrative role. Most city managers in Alabama have earned a masters’ degree in fields related to government management. Nationally, seventy percent of city managers have masters’ degrees. Q: What other places in Alabama have a councilmanager form of government? A: In recent years, the number of council-manager cities has doubled in Alabama. The form of government developed at the beginning of the 20th century in Virginia and South Carolina and has since grown to become one of the most popular forms of government in the United States. Cities in Alabama that employ a city manager include Anniston, Auburn, Mountain Brook, Talladega, Tuskegee, Dothan, Phenix City, Pell City and Vestavia Hills. Q: What is the main difference between our current form of government and the proposed new form? A: The council-manager form entails an elected mayor and council serving as the legislative body, which then employs a professional city manager to serve as the chief administrative officer of the city government. The mayor serves as head of the council and has no administrative responsibility. In short, mayor-council government (our current form) is considered a political approach to local government management, while the council-manager government is considered a managerial or professional approach. Information contained in this article was primarily researched through a study conducted by Dr. Douglas J. Watson at the Center for Leadership and Public Policy at Alabama State University. Dr. Watson’s findings are detailed in an article titled A Slow Journey for Local Government Reform in Alabama: City Managers and City Administrators.
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
The Outlook
PULSE
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
Cease the Grease campaign aims to keep sewers clean By PAIGE PATTERSON Leadership Lake Martin Member
Have you ever thought about why the pig went into the kitchen? Most likely he felt like bacon. Or, why was the meat packer arrested? For bringing home the bacon. This year our team from Leadership Lake Martin is bringing awareness to Alexander City’s sewer system. We are excited about raising awareness around preventing sewer backups and clogs. Our main focus is to educate our community on how to properly dispose of fats, oils, and grease. Take time to reflect on how many times you’ve cooked bacon or hamburger meat and drained the fat in a colander over the sink and the grease went straight down the drain. This is main cause of sewer backups in our city. Greasy clogs cause sewage to overflow into the streets and lakes in our area. A better way to dispose of the grease would be to pour the grease or any other drippings into an empty soup or vegetable
Contributed / The Outlook
From left to right pictured are: Paige Patterson, Angie Richardson, Laura Lacey, Kathleen Thompson, Keon Nettles, Adam Fowler
can; let it cool and throw it in the trash. By taking three simple steps you will be able to save the city costly damages. Grease that is trapped in the sewer system is costly and
can cause damage to the pipes and sewer treatment equipment. So the next time you think of bacon, think; cool it, can it, trash it.
Selling Lake Martin at Alabama Lifestyles Expo By ANN RYE Chamber President & CEO
ing up to a wooded shoreline and drinking your coffee while warming your face from the sun At first glance, the Alabama reflecting off the water which is Lifestyles Expo, designed to over 44,000 acres and at points educate “snowbirds” of the opporresembles the bay of the ocean. tunities to distract them from the After a few hours of relaxing, you mounds of snow up north, looked can get outdoors for all kinds of like a pretty hard sell. We’d have recreation or take a trip into downto lure these travelers off the coast and back north a bit to Lake town. What you might not realize is how convenient it is to the Martin. However, several hours history of Alabama. Stay at Lake into what has become known as Martin and travel to Birmingham, the retiree’s trick-or-treat event and after multiple bowls of candy, Montgomery, and Auburn; trips all under an hour and totally doable in stacks of brochures and LAKE a day. (They love history… some magazines lifted with the explawere excited about the future. nation, “one for me, one for my Trump had a campaign booth right friend who couldn’t make it this year, and one for my daughter who across the aisle from us.) We can stayed in the condo this morning,” hook you up with a short or longI met a man who changed my way term rental but, I’m warning you, once you’ve experienced Lake of thinking. Martin, you’ll likely want to buy Fully intending to cut this expense from our budget for 2017, your own place. We would LOVE I’m happy I shook one more hand. to have you! From there you have to explain A gentleman from Wisconsin how to get to Lake Martin. shared with me that he had visited Repetitively we’re asked if we are our booth at the expo each year off of I-65, the obvious route to the and finally took us up on our sales Snowbird states (Ohio, Indiana, pitch regarding “waking up on Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Lake Martin.” even some from Canada). Many… The pitch goes something actually more than many, say, “No like this: Wouldn’t you enjoy the Way Hosea! We can’t venture off serene beauty of a pristine body our route.” of water located four hours closer But then there was the one! He to you but resembling the same had booked a long-term rental this mild temperatures? Imagine wakyear and stayed at Lake Martin
Contributed / The Outlook
Membership Director Carla Culligan shared real estate information with snowbirds at AL Expo.
November through January. Sharing that he loved his stay, several on-lookers joined in the conversation and he began to sell the lake a little harder than I did. I sat back and watched the dialogue unfold between the Lake Martin newbie and the interested, bored-with-the-same-old-beach-trip new guy and realized this is how Lake Martin is built – one experi-
ence at a time. And you can’t help but share how much you love it. So, Alabama Expo is back in the budget. We have to keep telling our story. If we get one snowbird, well … doesn’t one bird tell another and another and … I think you get the picture. Never quit telling your story!
A great addition to downtown therefore, not only are owners Stephanie Smith and Elizabeth Roberts contributing The chamber welcomed to the success of Alexander Alabama Street Makers City and the downtown disMarket to our community trict, they are also helping with a big Red Ribbon celAlabamians create jobs and ebration this month. During build their brands. this well-attended event, many We extend a huge thank couldn’t resist the beautiful you to Alabama Street Makers selection of merchandise and Market for their commitment pride their purchases brought to our business community by knowing they were supand for being one of our newporting a local or state busiest chamber members! ness. Every product in the store is made in Alabama;
By ANN RYE Chamber President & CEO
Page 7
On Your Radar • Feb. 16: Gateway Scholarship Application Deadline-BRHS students who are projected to graduate with a 2.25 GPA or higher should complete the Gateway to Education Scholarship Application and have it turned into the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce by 4:30 p.m. today! Don’t let this great opportunity pass you by even if you have another plan A…use this as your back-up plan. If you don’t apply by this deadline, you cannot be considered to receive the scholarship should your plans change. Seniors, plan for your future: APPLY! • Feb. 17: Start the morning with your chamber on Good Morning Lake Martin at 7 a.m.! • Feb. 19: Extended deadline for submitting a nomination for Tallapoosa County Woman of the Year and Coosa County Woman of the Year. This award is recognized at the Lead Forward Women’s Conference and Business Expo. Call the chamber for further information and to get a nomination form. • Feb. 23: Get Your Business on the Map with Google! Sign up for this Bonus Lunch opportunity to learn how you can claim your space on Google and boost your business’s bottom line. • March 11: Lead Forward Women’s Conference and Business Expo! Tickets are selling fast to this historically sold-out event so don’t hesitate. Purchase a table for eight and bring your friends along. Tickets are $20 and include your lunch, program, and a T-SHIRT! This year’s keynote speaker is Patricia Barnes. You might know her as Sister Schubert. Call the chamber for more information on the conference and available exhibitor space. 256-234-3461 • March 24: Sun Festival Art Contest Deadline! This t-shirt can be seen all over the south. Actually, we received Facebook pictures from as far away as Oregon last year with our “Post your Sun Festival t-shirt picture” contest. If you are an artist, what better way to get your art out and about? Last year we sold approximately 500 t-shirts. You don’t have to be from the Lake Martin area to enter, so tell your artist friends. Winner receives “Official Sun Festival 2016 Artist” title, article in the newspaper and $200 cash. Call the chamber for the official rules. 256-2343461
LMYP presents Polar Plunge proceeds to Lake Martin Resource Association
By JACOB MEACHAM VP Business Development
LMYP Presents Polar Plunge Proceeds to LMRA Members of Lake Martin Young Professionals gathered at Kowaliga Restaurant on Friday, Feb. 12, to present the Lake Martin Resource Association with a check from proceeds raised at the YP Polar Plunge on Jan. 23. With over 250 people estimated to have attended the group’s inaugural plunge, LMYP was able to raise $3,325
to donate to LMRA. According to LMRA President John Thompson, that money will be used to add more lighted buoys at various locations around Lake Martin, helping to make nighttime navigation safer and easier for boaters. On behalf of LMYP, we’d like to again thank all of our sponsors: (Gold) Brian Dix, M.D., Russell Lands On Lake Martin, Tallapoosa County Commissioner Steve Robinson, USAmeriBank, (Silver) Dark Insurance Agency, Lake Martin Realty, Lee Marketing Group, Robinson Iron, TowBoatUS Lake Martin and Watsons’ Backyard
Living, (Bronze) Lake Martin Dock Co., Madison House Restorations, Price Landscaping, River Bank & Trust, Russell Do-It Center, Russell Medical Center and Southern Star Farm. The success of this event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of these awesome sponsors! Also, thank you to the great staff, service and hospitality provided by Kowaliga Restaurant. And lastly, thank you to everyone who came for a great time in support of LMRA. We look forward to taking the plunge with everyone again next year!
Page 8
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016
The Outlook
ALL ABOUT FROGS!
FROGGY WORD FIND
Frogs are vertebrate animals (meaning they have a backbone) called amphibians. An amphibian is an animal that lives in the water during one phase of its life and on land during another. Frogs and toads belong to the same family. A frog is smaller, has smooth skin, and lives in the water. Toads are larger, have bumpy skin and live mainly on land. Frogs are found in all parts of the World, except Antarctica. They live in many different types of environments, such as water, trees, and burrows. There are many varieties of colors of frog skin. Some frogs have poisonous venom in their skin; these are usually brightly colored frogs. The male in most frog species is smaller than the female. The largest frog on Earth is the African Goliath frog which weighs in at around seven pounds and is over a foot in length. The smallest frog known today was discovered in Cuba in 1996. It is commonly referred to as the Monte Iberia Eleuth and measures to be only 8.5 millimeters long! Adult frogs go through a process called spawning where females lay their eggs, and a male fertilizes them once they are in the water. When the eggs hatch, the frogs begin their life in the water as a tadpole. A tad¬pole looks similar to D ¿VK EXW LW LV DFWXDOO\ D EDE\ IURJ $ WDGSROH RQO\ KDV D ERG\ PRXWK WDLO DQG JLOOV $V WKH WDGSROH JHWV ROGHU LW develops its body, tongue, and legs, and its tail falls off. When this process of metamorphosis is complete (after about 16 weeks), the tadpole leaves the water as a fully grown frog. Frogs are carnivores which means they eat meat, mainly insects, worms and sometimes other frogs. Fully grown frogs do not have to drink water in order to survive; they can absorb it through their skin. Label the life cycles below: tadpole, egg, Match the frogs to their shadows. adult, froglet, and tadpole with legs.
LABEL THE LIFE CYCLE SHADOW MATCH
1.__________
2._______ 5.__________ 3.__________
4.__________
CONNECT THE DOTS
Shadow Ans: 1-6, 5-7, 4-10, 8-3, 9-2
Hidden Words: Amphibian, Common Toad, Dart Frog, Frog, Horned, Insects, Land, Metamorphosis, Natterchat Toad, Poisonous, Tadpole, Toad, Tree Frog, Vertebrate, Water, Wood
Life cycle ans: 1)Adult, 2)Eggs, 3)Tadpole 4) Tadpole with Legs, 5)Froglet
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DADEVILLE HEALTHCARE CENTER Kim Russell, Administrator 385 E. LaFayette St., Dadeville 256.825.9244
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Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Manager
Council University study done for the Alabama League of Municipalities, the average salary for a mayor of a city with more than 13,000 residents and less than 22,000 residents is $53,419. The same study shows that council members in cities of similar size to Alexander City average $8,300 annually in salary. That means the current salaries are slightly higher the state average, according to the study. “A lack of a motion or a second means that the salaries will stay as is,” Council President Jim Spann said. The council also heard a presentation from former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Walter Lewis, who now represents the investment bank and asset management firm of Piper Jaffray. Lewis educated the city leaders on the potential options on municipal bonds and potential funding for several infrastructure projects that the council has been struggling to fund. The council has been weighing bond options for more than a year, but Lewis pointed out that being current on city audits is essential to get the best possible rates and performance if they do seek bonds. Currently, the city is two audits behind, but the 2014 auditis in process. An executive session was held with city leaders and Ann Rye of the Alexander City Chamber of
continued from page 1
WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL CITY MANAGER? Consider this description from the Alabama City/County Management Association. “First, and foremost, professional managers are just people. Their primary responsibility is to keep cities, towns, and counties running smoothly. They are highly trained and experienced men and women who are committed to meeting the challenges set before them. “Professional managers provide supervision of department heads, administration of personnel, management of public funds and annual budgets, implementation of programs and policies, and coordination of day-to-day services and operations. “Professional managers work closely with elected officials to strengthen the quality of local government through professional management. “Above all, professional managers bring to their communities a commitment to maintaining the public trust and confidence in local government.”
feel like the city manager-council form of government is the most effective because it gives you leadership in the day-to-day operation of the city that is trained specifically for that purpose,” Duggan said. “By that I mean, through college, grad school, certification and professional development and experience – this is what we are trained specifically for. “Operating a municipal government is unlike any other business that I know of. So having someone who is specifically trained in all of the specifics of what city management entails, makes the likelihood of success greater, in my opinion.” That training includes a code of ethics, that demands that city managers be “apolitical.” They don’t attend fundraisers or take a stance on political races. They show no favoritism. Instead, they concentrate on running the city as efficiently and fairly as possible, Duggan said. Why is running a city different than operating a business, like many
of today’s mayors have done before seeking office? Duggan said the demands of governmental operations are a set of standards that are unlike any in the private business world. “In private business, if you have a customer that is difficult, you have the option to move on, and just tell them this isn’t working out,” Duggan said. “In government, you have to treat every situation, every resident, exactly the same, regardless of other factors. No, we are not elected so people don’t express their approval at the ballot box. That doesn’t mean we are any less accountable. In addition to being accountable for making sure that every person is treated fairly, we are accountable to the mayor and the city council. ” Duggan said the accountability required by a city is also more than
most private sector businesses would demand. “You are bound by local ordinances, practices and law, state law and guidelines and in some cases the federal government has requirements, particularly when it comes to environmental issues and utilities,” Duggan said. “It would be unrealistic to think that someone who does not have extensive experience in all of those areas would be able to step in and immediately know all of the ins and outs overnight. “When you think about it, that is exactly what you are expecting a mayor to do as soon as they are elected and take office. Obviously, they can pull from a lot of resources, training, department heads and so forth, but even then, it is only a fraction of the training and knowledge you would have with a certified city manager.” Duggan said he has seen several cities with the mayor-council form of government that are very successful. But with changes in leadership that can occur with each new election, a city manager can be the constant that makes sure that there is no drop off in knowledge or service. “I have seen some incredible mayors and have seen very effective mayorcouncil governments, but just like with anything, you are only as good as your people,” Duggan said. “The form of government doesn’t matter if you don’t have good people involved. But by having a good city manager, it lessens of the potential for gaps and issues. It also lessens the potential damage that one election could cause.”
continued from page 1
Commerce to share information on economic development for a retail development. Sources close to the situation said the session included talk about potential funding to complete Central Boulevard through the former Russell Complex. In other business, the council: • Approved a resolution calling for a public hearing to correct the zoning on certain property located on Cherokee Road from R-3/B-2 to R-3 for the City of Alexander City. The resolution is to clear the way for land across from Caldwell Electronics to be the possible site of some senior adult apartment units. The vote was 5-0 and the hearing will be held March 21. Bob Howard was absent from the meeting. • Approved a resolution calling for a public hearing to rezone certain property located at 1701 Smith Drive from R-3 to R-3M at the request of Benny F. Stevens. The move would allow the property to be used as a mobile home park. The vote was 6-0 and the hearing will be held March 21. • Approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute a grant agreement with East Alabama Planning and Development Commission for an Aging Service Grant. The grant of $13,848 would be used to support the local Senior Citizen’s Nutrition Program at the Charles T. Porch Center.
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“Submit policy proposals to elected officials; provide them with facts and advice on matters of policy as a basis for making decisions and setting community goals; and uphold and implement local government policies adopted by elected officials.” The public discussion of a possible change has been limited in meetings by current elected officials in Alexander City. But recently council members Bob Howard and Tony Goss have both said the idea has merit. After several embarrassing missteps that have detracted from the progress and advancement the city has made, some say professional help is at least worth considering. Look at the job description for the city manager of Auburn, a city that many state residents point to as a model of efficiency. “The City Manager, appointed by the city council, is responsible for the overall operation and supervision of city government within the policy directives of the city council. As the administrative head of city government, the city manager is responsible for the hiring and dismissal of all employees. The city manager advises the council on policy matters and presents the city’s annual budget, including long-range goals and the Capital Improvement Program, to the council. The city manager is also responsible for the administration of the budget after adoption.” That outline touches on many of the very issues that have again made a possible change in Alexander City a hot topic. Why is a city manager-council form of government more effective? Auburn City Manager Charlie Duggan said it can give elected officials an added layer of support, protection and knowledge that is often needed to make decisions that are in the best interest of the city. “Obviously, I am a little partial, but I
Page 11
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The Outlook
Small Towns,
BIG IDEAS.
A high-quality, coffee table magazine focused on Growing Beyond the Ordinary, Taking Care of Business and Improving Community life!
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THE BEST OF WHO WE ARE
Innovative plans to further economic development.
COLLABORATION Partnerships marked for extended growth.
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Leadership across all generations
Don’t miss this great opportunity to advertise your business to more than 10,000 readers for 12+ Months. To become a part of this publication, call your TPI Sales Representative at 256-234-4281 DISTRIBUTION: All Alexander City Outlook and Dadeville Record subscribers, with additional copies available all year to area Chambers, Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance, city and state governments, and other industries and organizations in the area to aid in their individual recruitment packages.
ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 12
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
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COOSA WINS AREA CHAMPIONSHIP Cougars to host American Christian in Sub-Regional Playoff tonight
By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
The Central-Coosa Cougars are Class 3A-Area 5 Champions after defeating Montgomery Academy 75-69 on Saturday in Montgomery. Shane Smith, head coach of the Cougars (18-9), said the win was monumental for Coosa, as it was their sixth-straight victory. “This is a huge win for Coosa and Coosa County fans. I’m really proud of the kids for just playing their tails off in the two games against the No. 2 seed and No. 1 seed in the area,” Smith said. “I just couldn’t be more proud of them. I told them after the game, though, we’re not finished and they all believe that, and that’s a good thing. They stayed humble after the win and they’re ready for the next challenge on Tuesday night.” David McKinney had 24 points for Coosa and was named Tournament MVP, Tyus Maxwell had 19 points and was named All-Tournament Team, and Javon McKinney was also named All-Tournament Team and had 12 points in Saturday’s win. Smith said the Cougars have been dedicated and giving their all late in the season. “Really, the difference is how hard we’re playing. The kids are doing everything that we tell them to do and they are handling the ball and putting the
LUKE ROBINSON Sports Columnist
Johnson brings excitement back to Tide hoops
D
Submitted Photo / The Outlook
The Central-Coosa Cougars celebrate after Saturday’s 75-69 area tournament win at Montgomery Academy. The Cougars will host a Sub-Regional Playoff tonight at 7 p.m.
ball in the right person’s hands at the right time,” Smith said. “They’re rebounding and blocking out like they’re supposed to and they’re just hustling 100 percent.” Smith said another big difference down the stretch this season has been Coosa’s play in crunch time. “Another big difference is how we’ve played in the fourth quarter these last few games ever since the Benjamin Russell game where we outscored them 39-21 in the fourth,” Smith said.
“Against Prattville Christian we outscored them in the fourth quarter, and even against Montgomery Academy we outscored them 33-16 in the fourth. We’re doing a really good job in the second half of every game we’re playing.” With Saturday’s win, Coosa will host American Christian Academy tonight at 7 p.m. in a Class 3A Central Sub-Regional Playoff game. With experience against similar opponents late in the season, Smith said he likes the Cougars’
chances of moving on to the Central Regional Tournament. “The good thing is American Christian has two really good players and that’s what we’ve seen in the last two weeks. They have a big kid inside just like we’ve seen in these last two weeks,” Smith said. “They play similar to Montgomery Academy, so what we’re going to do is just keep doing what we’re doing. If we play hard and get after it and do all of the little things right, I think we’ll be in the ballgame.”
‘Cats finish fourth, Dadeville’s Pearson going to state
Submitted Photo / The Outlook
The Benjamin Russell High School Wrestling Team celebrates after finishing fourth in the Class 6A South Super Sectional on Saturday in Montgomery at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
This weekend was filled with milestones for a pair of Tallapoosa County schools. Benjamin Russell’s Tae Robinson and Daniel Bland were crowned sectional champions in the 220 pound and 285 pound weight classes, respectively. The Wildcats finished fourth overall in Class 6A and will take nine wrestlers to the state competition in Huntsville on Thursday through Saturday. Benjamin Russell Coach Jeremy Stanford said the Wildcats are looking for a strong performance at state. “We did well overall and ended up fourth. We had a chance to win it coming into Saturday – we were in second place – but things didn’t go our way and we didn’t get the points we needed,” Stanford said. “We’ve got nine guys qualified for state and had two champions in sectionals. We had five overall that finished in the top three, so not a bad weekend. We’re looking to do a little better at state and maybe have some guys that finish high and have some state champions.” Benjamin Russell wrestlers who advanced to the state competition are Brooks Parker, who finished in fourth place at 126 pounds, 120-pound third-place finisher Saxon Coker, second-place finisher at 132 pounds Andrew Queen, 170-pound seventh-place finisher
Trevor Gravette, 160pound sixth-place finisher Thomas Coley, 145-pound second-place finisher Jamarez Hall, 138-pound seventh-place finisher Jytarious Harvey, and the aforementioned Robinson and Bland. “I feel pretty good about Pearson the nine that we’re taking and out of those nine, we feel like we’ve got a good shot of landing some in the top three,” Stanford said. “We’re just looking forward to going up there and competing not only against some guys that we’ve already wrestled, but maybe with some guys that we haven’t wrestled against.” In the Class 1A-5A South Super Sectional, Dadeville’s DJ Pearson made school history. In Dadeville’s first year having a wrestling program, Pearson finished in the top eight at 182 pounds and became the first Tiger to advance to the state competition. Dadeville Coach Ben Gross said it was a great accomplishment for a great kid. “For a first-year program to send somebody to state is a huge accomplishment, especially since we started later than we anticipated. We were already three weeks into the wrestling season before we had our first practice,” Gross said. “I’m extremely proud of DJ and what he’s done, not to mention the fact that his match that he had to win to be able to qualify went all three rounds.
They were tied up and were going to go into overtime, but DJ scored in the last ten seconds to win.” Pearson said the match that clinched his spot in the state competition was emotional. “It was really exciting. I won in the last seconds of the match and I just couldn’t believe it at the end of it. I kind of started tearing up,” Pearson said with a laugh. “Everything else hadn’t really gave me that feeling before as far as sports.” Pearson said he is fully aware of the significance of his accomplishment, and he hopes it will lead to better things for the Dadeville program. “These past few days I’ve been thinking about being the first one to do it (advance to state). I think it helps set goals for people who are already in the program and hopefully it will get more people to come out next year and cause the program to blow up,” Pearson said. “I’m just looking to go up there and give it my all. It’s my first year, so I’m going to put it all on the line and see what happens.” Pearson added he is thankful for his coaches, teammates and fan support at Dadeville. “I just want to thank my coach, Ben Gross, and my teammates for helping me achieve this goal for our school,” Pearson said. “I also want to thank all the fans that supported us and everyone who came out to help us during the season and caused us to do our best.”
octor! ….Doctor! …. Come quick! (Doctor rushes into room) What is it nurse? The patient…. He’s blinking…. Even moving his fingers! Could he be coming out of it???? After alllllll of this time?!? Is it possible???? Yes…. Yes, Nurse Naismith…. As dire as the outlook was after seven years of below-mediocrity, It appears Luke Robinson has finally been revived from his Anthony Grant-induced basketball coma! It’s true people; my love for college hoops is beginning to show itself again. What former Alabama coach Anthony Grant- the Dr. Kervorkian of basketball passiontook away, new Alabama coach Avery Johnson has re-instilled. Johnson’s undeniable enthusiasm, charisma and experience have flowed over to this current team of hard-working overachievers. I am not booking Final Four tickets just yet, but the game is certainly back on my mental radar. Especially following ‘Bama’s big week of wins in improbable fashions (and once even in an improbable location). Just look at what Alabama has overcome since Johnson took the reins. Lose their best player around game number seven? No problem. Start the conference season with what should be a soul-crushing 2-6 SEC record? They got this. Have two seniors foul out thanks to Ronnie Millsap-like officiating with five minutes to go in a gym you haven’t had success in since 1995? All good, bro. However, there was probably no greater example of how Avery Johnson’s will has turned the tide than last Wednesday against Texas A&M. With two seconds left on the clock and a one point lead, ‘Bama fouls an Aggie player who shoots a remarkable 93 percent from the charity stripe. In previous years under Grant, a foul like that would spell certain doom as the player would hit both free throws and then Alabama would probably turnover the inbounds pass. Of course, under Grant’s lead the Tide would have probably never been in the lead to begin with, but for the sake of this story bear with me. Anyhoo, of course the unimaginable happens as the Aggie misses both and ‘Bama goes on to defeat A&M in a game that put the Tide on the NCAA Tournament bubble. That’s really cool. So was the win at Florida Saturday which made the Tournament seem within grasp instead of a pipe dream. But the most awesome aspect of Saturday happened post-game when Johnson forced star player Shannon Hale to apologize to a section of the Florida fans known as Rowdy Reptiles. Seems those students were directing said rowdiness towards Hale during the contest and Hale took exception. He expressed said exception verbally. Johnson would have none of it. After the game, instead of celebrating immediately, Johnson had Hale walk to that section and apologize. He then put his arm around the star’s neck and they walked happily to the jubilant locker room together. Johnson wins, but he wins with class first. He wants his players to do the same. I don’t know if ‘Bama will make the Big Dance this year. There are still many obstacles and they are still short-handed. Regardless, Tide fans should be thrilled with the program’s direction. And even happier that instead of falling into a coma-like sleep each February, they need to see if March Madness is covered under Obamacare. Robinson is a sports columnist for The Outlook and is president of the Lake Martin Area Bama Club.