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Schools reassess safety following shooting Horseshoe Bend School Resource Officer Beverly East, left, and Principal James Aulner take a look at footage from the school’s security cameras.
Officials address safety measures for area schools in wake of tragic Parkland, Florida school shooting By MITCH SNEED Editor
When news broke of a deadly school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on Feb. 14, local law enforcement and school officials watched as bits and pieces of information were released, they immediately started to review their own notes, plans and guidelines. Alexander City Schools
Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper said they began reviewing plans and will spend extended time on procedures when the system’s principals meet today. “We have a lot of safety measures in place as anyone who has visited one of our campuses know,” Cooper said. “We have visitors buzzed in and access limited along with other safeguards. But more than anything, we have been reviewing See SAFETY • Page 3
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Police response questioned after Potts fired again
Public safety academy to begin March 6
Camp Hill Town Council discusses concerns, names interim chief
Alexander City Police and Fire Departments seeking applicants
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Patrols by law enforcement have come into question in Camp Hill after Mayor Ezell Smith relieved Police Chief Johnny Potts of his duties Thursday. At Tuesday’s meeting, See POTTS • Page 3
Jacksons Gap hires attorney, seeking council member By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
The Town of Jacksons Gap is seeking someone to serve on the town council after Brady Crocker resigned. “We declared the seat vacant after accepting his resignation,” Mayor Jeff Walker said. “He resigned because he felt he could not give the time needed to the office.” See JACKSONS • Page 9
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Russell Medical visit provides New Site seniors with valuable information By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Russell Medical staffers educated a crowd of nearly 40 New Site senior citizens on the hospital’s special events and new healthcare options Wednesday at the New Site Senior Activity Center. While enjoying a delicious meal of See SENIORS • Page 5
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Top, Tammy Coker with the Russell Medical Center Urgent Care talks to New Site senior citizens about what the Urgent Care Center can offer to its patients. Above, Martha Bryan holds up a handmade quilt she recently finished and is donating to the senior center, which will be selling chances to win the quilt as a fundraiser.
Have a desire to know more about how area first-responders work to help keep Alexander City safe? Here is your opportunity to get an up close and personal look behind the scenes. The Alexander City Police and Fire Departments are accepting applications for the eighth Citizens Public Safety Academy. “It is split between the fire and police departments,” ACPD Capt. James Orr said. “The goal is to give insights to how each department operates.” This academy meets once a week on Tuesday evenings for 10 weeks. The classes will last approximately two hours. While participants aren’t trained to be first-responders, they do get to experience a lot of the same training exercises. “It is not about doing things,” Orr said. “It is about learning the things we do. There will be a lot of hands on.” Some of the classes include See ACADEMY • Page 9
Alexander City Board of Education offers up special recognition Benjamin Russell business technology students Attie Bishop, left and Hailey Helms were recognized during Monday night’s Alexander City Board of Education meeting for finishing in the top three during the Alabama Microsoft Office Specialist Championship.
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
The Alexander City Board of Education spent part of the time during its monthly meeting to give some special recognition to several students for their achievements, while Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper and the principals at each of the city schools took the time to honor the members of the school board for all their hard work and dedication. “It’s a pleasure to work with each and every single one of them,” Cooper said. “They don’t get paid to do this. This is something they
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
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volunteer for.” Along with some comments from each of the principals, all of whom expressed their deepest gratitude to the board and its members, the schools also provided special gifts to each of the board members. Jim Pearson Elementary School gave the board members a special Jim Pearson mug filled with candy and a gift card to The Coffee Corner, along with cards from the students. Stephens Elementary School’s gift was a daily inspirational calendar and thank you cards from the students. Radney Elementary School gave the board members a Radney See BOE • Page 9
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Message left on voicemail embarrasses bulimia patient
Friday
79 60 Low
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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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Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
The Outlook
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 tkatie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 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
DEAR ABBY: My psychiatrist’s office called and left a very sensitive voicemail about my bulimia on a message machine shared with other individuals. Our voicemails are sent transcribed to everyone’s email accounts. Since my complaint (which was an argument during which the nurse who left the private information hung up on me), human resources and the office manager have contacted me to try to alleviate the tension, but I have received no apology from anyone for violating HIPAA or embarrassing me. Should I throw in the towel and find a new doctor or revoke my contact information from their files? I don’t know how to proceed from here. -PERSONAL TO PUBLIC DEAR PERSONAL: If you provided a shared phone number as your point of contact, you should not have blamed the person who left the message for using it. I see no reason to change doctors, but you should definitely alter
DEAR ABBY Advice
your client information so this doesn’t happen in the future. That said, does your psychiatrist know one of his/her employees hung up on you? If not, the doctor should be informed, and you should be offered an apology. DEAR ABBY: As guardians of our 5-year-old grandson, we have been given all rights, no terms. He has a father who is “on again, off again” and makes zero financial contribution. I want to cut him off because consistency and effort are important to me, and he shows none. My husband, on the other hand, says the boy is young, and I should give his father some time because contact
once every other month is better than none at all. Our grandson enjoys him when he is here, but he doesn’t miss him or ask for him once he’s left. Should I allow this inconsistency and instability to continue? -- PARENTS AGAIN IN CALIFORNIA DEAR PARENTS AGAIN: I think your husband is right. While the father’s presence may be sporadic, at least your grandson knows that he is cared about. As he grows older, he may or may not start asking why his dad isn’t around more. Deal with it then. The boy’s stability is coming from the home you and your husband are providing for him, and that should be your focus.
told her I don’t think my sisterin-law would like it if she saw her do that. Since then, Dotty has asked him to do repair work at her house (without pay) and he agreed because he is kindhearted. I told her subtly that I didn’t think that was a good idea. Is her behavior toward married men normal? -- TOO FRIENDLY IN HAWAII DEAR TOO FRIENDLY: It is, for a woman who is friendly, outgoing and on the prowl. You may be dropping hints about what Dotty is doing to the wrong person. The next time you talk to your brother, tell HIM what you think about your friend’s behavior, and ask him what he thinks his wife would think about it.
DEAR ABBY: I’m close to my brother and his wife. My friend “Dotty”-- who is estranged from her husband -- thinks my brother is hot, so when she sees him (without his wife) she greets him with a quick kiss on the lips. I have
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. Deborah Hutcherson Crowe 1951 - 2018 Funeral Service for Ms. Deborah Hutcherson Crowe, 66, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Friday, February 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Pastor Stacy Tuttle will officiate. Burial will follow in the Old Harmony Cemetery in New Site. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 22, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Ms. Crowe passed away on
Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at Grandview Medical Center. She was born on May 22, 1951 in Alexander City, Alabama to Burl Hutcherson and Brozene Parker Hutcherson. She was a member of New Site United Methodist Church and attended the Church of God of Prophecy. She enjoyed camping, watching soaps and westerns, and word search puzzles. She is survived by her daughters, Tammy Lopez (Johnny) of Kellyton and Tanya Branch (Clinton) of New Site; son, Brandon Crowe (Emily) of New Site; grandchildren, Parker Branch, Lydia Branch, Skuylir
Lopez, Starr Lawley (James), Angel Lopez, and Armando Herrera; greatgrandchildren, Sadie Lawley, Kailee Overton, Laynee Cross, and Madisyn Marshall; brothers, Larry Hutcherson and Ricky Hutcherson (Anita) both of New Site; and former husband, Wade Crowe. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
How to submit obituaries Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by email at obits@alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
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Special / The Outlook
Kelsi Rogers, a first grader in Stephanie Borgen’s class, at Jim Pearson Elementary School created this weather image. The National Weather Service predicts Thursday’s high to be 80 with a low of 61 under mostly sunny skies. +
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Safety
continued from page 1
our procedures and protocols to make sure that we aren’t getting lax. That can happen, but this is a reminder that we all need to remain vigilant and make sure that we doing all we can to keep our students safe.” Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy David McMichael has attended hours and hours of training, conducted tabletop exercises at county schools, and has been a part of mock disasters and active shooter drills. Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Dr. Joe Windle said that the schools have beefed up security and surveillance and trained staff and students so they can be prepared. But on that day, both McMichael and Windle were giving thanks and again making sure they were doing all they could to make sure that students in area schools were as safe as they possibly could be. “The school system constantly reviews its security measures and the procedures it uses to do all it can to limit the potential of these kinds of incidents,” McMichael said. “We work with them on that and we do
a lot of training on how we respond should something like this occur here in our county. We hold training and tabletop exercises and work to make sure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities should any event should happen, they know the best way to react. “We all know that no matter how much we train, if someone is determined to do harm at a school, or anywhere people gather like hospitals, churches, stadiums or shopping centers, it’s almost impossible to stop them all. We have been blessed so far and we pray every day that remains the case. But that potential is why we work to limit the impact and reduce the potential of injuries and fatalities by being prepared.” Windle said that the system has invested heavily in security. The county schools are outfitted with elaborate door locking systems that are operated from a central location. They have cameras that monitor key areas of each building and every staff member goes through extensive training on what to look for and what their role is if disaster strikes. “Our preparedness concentrates
on three areas,” Windle said. “Surveillance, training and rehearsals. We want to do all we can to limit the potential on any kind of disaster or attack. That’s why we have the cameras that cover the parking lots and all the entrances as well as the central locking system. “We train constantly and continuously update our plans. We recently have been through active shooter training and we have shared pictures and layouts of all of our buildings with law enforcement and have shared that with state officials so that should something happen, every agency has access to that so we can react quickly and properly. “And finally, we rehearse that plan at every school with faculty and staff as well as the students so that they know what to do should something occur. We will do everything in our power to prevent these incidents, but should that not be successful, we want people to know what to do and how they can protect themselves.” McMichael and Windle both pointed to outreach in the schools and monitoring of online outlets to stay as aware as possible to potential threats
of any kind. “We have officers in the schools and we work to make them as approachable as possible and we work across all lines to share information that we may receive,” McMichael said. “We do monitor social media and it could be a comment or a post and we are quick to relay that and check it out as soon as possible. We are fortunate here in our area that we share well with all of the other departments and they do the same. Working together we have a better chance of keeping our schools and our residents safe.” Cooper said the school system has a great relationship with the Alexander City Police Department, utilizing their officers in the schools as resource officers. He said even though at times lockdown drills aren’t popular with parents, that is part of the routine at Alexander City Schools. “We do those regularly because knowing what you can do to be as safe as you possibly can be in that kind of situation has shown it can save lives,” Cooper said. “Safety is always top of mind in everything we do.”
Potts
continued from page 1
Smith informed the council of her move. “I would like to report to the council that I terminated Chief Potts for continued insubordination,” Smith told the council. Potts was given a letter Thursday of Smith’s decision just days before the 6-month probation the council issued for Potts was up following a time frame where Smith had terminated Potts twice before being reinstated by the council and where the council asked to be informed of any problems before any action. “I am writing to advise that you are hereby terminated effective Feb. 15 with pay,” Smith’s letter to Potts stated. “Reason for your suspension is continued insubordination.” Potts was at the meeting and formally requested a hearing before the council on the matter.
Council members questioned the town’s ability to respond to incidents at Tuesday’s council meeting after a Saturday accident left other departments responding to an accident that left two dead. “We were short on police response to that wreck on 280,” Councilman Dean Bonner said. “What kind of scheduling do we have?” Smith responded that the town was covered and response by the Camp Hill Police Department was delayed Saturday by an officer not showing up. “The reason there was no one working Saturday was a part timer called in,” Smith said. Smith once again selected Danny Williams, a former Lafayette Police Officer who had returned to Camp Hill as a lieutenant, to serve as interim police chief.
“I did respond once I got a call from the sheriff’s department to the scene,” Williams said. Both Smith and Williams said the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department was helping with calls in the town while police department staffing was short. “The sheriff’s department is helping cover,” Williams said. Bonner informed the council he would be inquiring with the Alabama State Department of Transportation about putting flashing lights up at the intersection of Highway 280 and County Road 89 where the fatal accident occurred over the weekend. Bonner commended the fire department for helping get 200 to 300 gallons of water to a train that needed the water to keep cool and from blocking the tracks and crossings in the area for a great length of time if
the train overheated. “I want to recognize the fire department for something that probably hasn’t happened in a hundred years and probably won’t happen for another 100 years,” Bonner said. “They filled up a train with water last week.” The Camp Hill Town Council also: • heard from Johnny Ford who is seeking the House of Representative District 82 seat. • approved the gas operating and maintenance manual. • approved the minutes from the Feb. 5 meeting. • approved the payment of bills. • heard from Smith that a firm has been selected for an audit that will allow a payment schedule for services. The next meeting of the Camp Hill Town Council is March 5 at 6 p.m.
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ADOPTION IS THE BEST OPTION. PUPPY UPDATE When we last left you, through the kindness of a neighbor, all the puppies had been found back in the woods on that cold rainy December day, and were reunited with a very happy Mama. Thank you Dr. Michelle & Dadeville Animal Clinic for giving these pups another chance at life. What could be more wonderful!
The pups are now being adopted and 2 of the 5 are still available.Sweet as can be. Visit the website rescuek911.com for more information and to see all the pooches up for adoption
Please save the weight circles on the bags of dry dog and cat food and mail to Rescue K911. Moist and Meaty dog food also has weight circles. Drop them off or mail them to Rescue K911 P.O. Box 862 Auburn, AL 36831. They all help & add up fast. Thank you on behalf of the dogs and cats that will benefit from them. This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900. Spay/neuter assistance is available from RESCUE K9-1-1, Wayside Animal Hospital 256-329-9900 or Lake Martin Humane Society 256-234-5533.
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Opinion
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
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Outlook The
Politics rears head after Parkland tragedy
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re you looking for a way to voice your opinion? Are you tired of only being able to air it with friends? Why not try the public? The Outlook is looking for well thought out letters of opinion, and it does not matter if anyone agrees with you. Get involved and make your opinion known. We will even let you do that through our newspaper. What do you think about the recent tragedy in Parkland, Florida? Has it changed your views on gun laws and the way the National Rifle Association works? Do you think our area schools are safe enough and prepared in case the worst were to happen? What do you think about Alexander City City Council making a deal to let the Tallapoosa County Jail house its inmates? How about the upcoming primary election in June? Do you have any thoughts or insight on the candidates running? Do you have anything to say about the way our local or national government is being run? Maybe you just want to praise someone in our community, or thank someone for a good deed. You might even have bone to pick with a story in this newspaper, what about that? If you have something to say to any of these or something else, then the answer is a letter to the editor or a guest column. This newspaper’s editorial page is an open forum for our community and we encourage you to write us and make your opinion known. It’s free. If you need help writing, our editors will be happy to help you craft a letter. Our rules are simple: no cussin’, no libel, no slander. Basically, if you’d say it around the dinner table with your grandmother, it’s probably acceptable as a letter to the editor. So let’s get the conversation started. What’s on your mind? Write us at editor@alexcityoutlook. com or Editor, The Alexander City Outlook, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 25011.
t’s easy to tell this is an election year in Alabama by the way some politicians are trying to capitalize on another school shooting. Right on cue, Rep. Will Ainsworth of Guntersville, who is running for Lt. Governor, is touting a bill to allow trained, certified teachers to carry weapons on a school campus. Ainsworth claims that educators in his district asked for such legislation. However, 24 hours ago I sent an email to every school superintendent in the state, plus nearly 200 principals, asking what they thought about arming teachers. Response was large and immediate and the message was starkly different from the one Ainsworth claims he has heard. While some went into great detail, the majority just simply said “No.” From a superintendent: “I can’t help but ask, what’s next? Are we going to ask teachers to confront someone in body armor with an AK-47 with only a handgun. Even law enforcement is not asked to do this. I suppose the next step is to authorize by legislative action teachers to sling AKs over their shoulder while teaching. Maybe we can let them teach in body armor to even the odds. If teachers wanted to be police officers or join the military, they would have done that. What is going to happen when a teacher is killed in an exchange of gunfire or they shoot by accident an innocent student caught in the crossfire? “Maybe the legislature should do something that will make a difference. Let’s try funding for school
to lock the classroom door before leaving at night.” LARRY A principal: “I asked a group of students about this. LEE One hit it on the head by sayColumnist ing, ‘Teachers are by nature loving and nurturing. How are they going to be able to pull resource officers instead of the trigger if the shooter hapasking teachers to do this. pens to be one of their kids?’” Remember, they are trying to A superintendent: “If we get kids ready for the TEST want to arm schools, let’s arm in an effort to make sure their them with enough counselors school is not tagged with to deal with mental health some label. I expect they will issues; let’s arm them with not do this because it will cost enough nurses to handle all money and besides, teachers the medical and psychological can do it.” issues we have; let’s arm our From an administrator: schools with enough resource “If we have to even consider officers to deal with security whether or not teachers should and prevention; let’s have our be armed, we have a serifacilities upgraded to the point ous problem that will not be that they are safe of every solved by having more guns student with proper doors and in schools. Understand this locking mechanisms.” clearly–many of the perpetraA principal: “No. We are tors of these shooting have educators – not the SWAT been current or recent stuteam.” dents. If we talk about arming A superintendent: “Can you teachers, we are talking about imagine breaking up a fight asking teachers to shoot stuwhile trying to protect your dents.” sidearm from being grabbed. A rural superintendent: Jumping into action in the “I have a small, country middle of your history lesson K6 school with 12 certified to take out a shooter. Seems employees and seven classisome folks watched way too fied employees–all females. much Miami Vice in their I’m not saying that none of younger days.” them would want to receive This afternoon I sat in this responsibility, but I can’t a principal’s office and we say that I could readily identalked about how educators tify one or two right now as are expected to solve all of “that person” that would want society’s ills. this responsibility.” But hey, all that really mat“I have many friends in ters these days are headlines law enforcement who indicate for someone running for to me that the last thing we office it seems. need in a ‘frantic’ situation are teachers with high adrenalin Larry Lee is a publicand guns. And we are trusting school advocate and all teachers to keep their guns co-author of the study, secured properly? Hey, some Lessons Learned From Rural teachers struggle to keep their Schools. Larrylee133@gmail. lesson plans up-to-date and com
Know Your
Officials
Jim Nabors is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256329-1320 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 1695 Magnolia Street Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Buffy Colvin represents District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663. Her address is 786 I Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.
Scott Hardy represents District 3. His phone number is 256-4962450. His address is 549 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
Scott Hardy
Eric Brown represents District 4. His phone number is 256-3972011. His address is 1421 Parrish Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.
Eric Brown
Letters to the Editor
Misdirected targets after Florida school shooting
Are you growing tired of the non-stop media rhetoric subsequent to the Florida school shooting? It would be inhuman not to be saddened and upset about the 17 who died so tragically in the Parkland school shooting. Yet, as to be expected, the media and liberal left are loudly demanding retribution against the National Rifle Association (NRA) So, just how accurate are these attacks? As is the most common scenario, not even close! The NRA is always portrayed by the media as having bankrolled Congress. Again, not so! For the years 1989 thru 2012 the top ten political contributors are as follows ActBlue, A Democratic
Tommy Spraggins represents District 5. His phone number is 256-234-3609. His address is 1539 College Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee. represents District 6. His phone number is 256-825-2993. His address is 1431 River Oaks, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
PAC, $97 million, Federation of State, County & Federal Employees, a union, $60 million, AT&T (serving 300 million Americans) $56 million; National Education Assn., a union, $56 million; Goldman Sachs, Investment Banking, $45 million; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a union, $44 million; United Auto Workers, a union, $42 million Carpenters Union, $39 million; Service Employees Union, $38 million. Notice the obvious trend? Unions dominate donation to the tune of $277 million! Of course, the vast majority going to the Democrats. Did you notice the NRA is not on this list? Statistics clearly show that since 1998, the organization has donated a total of $3.5 million total to ALL congressional members!
Yet, the liberals claim that the NRA OWNS our politicians! Couldn’t be further from the truth. The NRA was formed in 1871 to further shooting education by the public. Even today the vast majority of the association’s $433 million annual budget is focused toward gun training and shooting education. This information was taken from both the New York Times, written by Bret Stephens; and the Washington Post, published in October, 2017! The NRA is powerful not because of donated money, but because they represent such a popular cause to so many Americans: the right to own and keep guns. James W. Anderson Talladega
Lighting outside Cooper Rec needs to be addressed Dear Editor, Tommy Spraggins
Tim Funderburk
Tim Funderburk
“Ideas shape the course of history.” —John Maynard Keynes
Today’s
Scripture
“The commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not covet,’ and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” —Romans 13:9-10
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Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Did you go to the prayer vigil at Strand Park Tuesday evening?
No — 96%, 27 votes Yes — 4%, 1 vote
Thursday Question: Do you think our area schools are safe enough? 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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The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
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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 75 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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Today’s
How to
Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256392-0344. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
I recently attended a youth basketball game at the Cooper Rec center. When I arrived, I was shocked to find there was no lighting in the parking lot. Upon entering the center, I questioned the lady at the entrance about the lack of lighting. She told me the
former director had been trying for five years to get lights for the parking lot. I know Alexander City is a great supporter of youth sporting activities, but this a safety issue. I myself almost tripped and fell over the curb when I left the building. I noticed the rec center is adjacent to the elementary school, so why is
there a problem with getting lights for the parking lot? If youth sports games are going to be scheduled here, I think the city needs to address this problem for the safety of our children, parents, and visitors. Randy Camp Jacksons Gap
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Thursday, February 22, 2018
The Outlook
Gas prices see nationwide drop STAFF REPORT GasBuddy.com
Average retail gasoline prices in the Montgomery area, including Tallapoosa and Coosa counties, have fallen 7.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.22 per gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 205 gas outlets. This compares with the national average that has fallen 5.4 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.51 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy. com. “For the second straight week, average gasoline prices fell, with nearly every state declining weekover-week as retail gas prices saw more catching up to the previous decline in crude oil prices,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. “The trend may not be over just yet, but oil prices have rebounded from their lows and are again strengthening, which may cut the party at the pump short in the weeks ahead. Worth watching is U.S. shale oil production values which continue to increase, which may limit oil’s rally moving forward. But dead ahead on the calendar is still turnaround season at the nation’s refiners which promises at least some short-term pain for long-term gain.” Including the change in gas prices in the Montgomery area during the past week, prices yesterday were 16.8 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 7.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 2.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 23.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. According to GasBuddy histori-
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Social Security collaborates with America Saves Week
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America Saves Week at www. americasaves. org. Share what retirement is you’re saving for created from using the hashtag a lifetime #ImSavingFor. of planning Social and saving. KYLLE’ D. Security’s Each year, MCKINNEY “People Like American Alabama Social Me” website Savings Security Public has tailor-made Education Affairs Specialist information for Council and preparing for America your future. Saves coordinate Our richly diverse America Saves country is made up of Week. The week is countless backgrounds, an opportunity for ethnicities, and organizations to promote good savings nationalities, yet we all behavior and a chance want the same thing — a secure future. for individuals to You can see many assess their own of the diverse people saving status. we serve at www. For years, socialsecurity.gov/ Social Security has people. collaborated with Younger people America Saves Week to promote our shared need to know that the earlier you start mission of helping saving, the more your millions of people money can grow. Our prepare for their website for young future. This year, the week workers at www. is celebrated from Feb. socialsecurity.gov/ people/earlycareer has 26 through March 3. resources that can help Knowing this, it’s you secure today and never too early to start planning for your tomorrow. future. Set a goal, Kylle’ D. McKinney make a plan, and is a Alabama Social save automatically. Security Public Savers with a plan Affairs Specialist with are twice as likely the Alabama Social to save successfully. Security Office. Pledge to save for secure
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Average gas prices in the Montgomery and surrounding areas, including Tallapoosa and Coosa counties, have fallen 7.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.22 per gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 205 gas outlets. Prices at the Cherokee Quick Stop in Alexander City were $2.16 Tuesday.
cal data, gasoline prices on Feb. 19 in Montgomery have ranged widely over the last five years, from $1.60 per gallon in 2016 to $3.60 per gallon in 2013. Areas near Montgomery and their current gas price climate include Birmingham, with an average gas price of $2.24 per
Seniors chicken fingers, potato salad, rolls and peach cobbler from the Generals Café, Jessica Sanford and Tammy Coker gave the seniors plenty of information on how the hospital is recognizing American Heart Month as well as the health issues that can be treated at the recently opened Russell Medical Center Urgent Care facility. “At Urgent Care, we are pretty much a transitional place between your primary care physician and the emergency room,” Coker said. “You don’t have to make an appointment to come see us, you can just walk in.” Coker stressed how important it is to have facilities like a primary care or an urgent care center in the community to better serve the public, helping relieve some of the load off of the hospital emergency room. However, she also took the time to remind people there are issues that the emergency room is the right place to go to treat certain problems. “If your throat is feeling sore, that may be something viral, and we treat that. If you have a cold or the flu, we can treat that,” Coker said. “If you’ve broken a bone and it’s poking through the skin, go to the emergency room. If you have kidney stones and you’re bent over in pain, go to the emergency room.” Coker said the Urgent Care center at Russell Medical mainly treats things that aren’t chronic conditions, has an x-ray machine to help diagnose certain issues and can use fiberglass splints to help stabilize bone issues until patients can see an orthopedist. “We treat anyone ages 3 and up. We take every insurance that the hospital will take, including Medicare. However, we can’t take Medicaid,” Coker said. “Right now, our hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday
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gallon, down 5.7 cents per gallon from last week, and Pensacola, Florida at an average of $2.44 per gallon, down 10.5 cents from last week. Statewide in Alabama, gas prices averaged $2.26 per gallon on Sunday, down 6.0 cents per gallon from last week’s $2.32.
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through Friday and noon until 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Starting on March 10, we will be expanding our weekend hours to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.” On the Russell Medical Center side, Sanford said with February being American Heart Month, the hospital is performing its heart screenings at a discounted rate to help the public be more aware of their heart’s health. “If you haven’t yet, like our page on Facebook,” she said. “We have been sharing heart-healthy recipes there throughout the month.” Sanford also mentioned the seniority program the hospital offers, where for a one-time fee of $15, those enrolled receive discounts at the hospital cafeteria, gift shop and Total Fitness center. Along with Coker and Sanford’s talk, Tammy Jackson provided some musical entertainment for the seniors before the day concluded with several exciting rounds of bingo. Several of the seniors were given a door prize of a Saint Patrick’s Day necklace from sitting in “winning” seats. Local resident and senior center regular Martha Bryan brought in a handmade quilt she had recently finished making, letting the other seniors know she was donating the quilt to the center as a fundraiser. The center will be selling chances to win the quilt, with all money going into the general fund for any needs the center may have, including purchasing new chairs. New Site Mayor Phil Blasingame was also present and spoke for a brief moment about the program as a whole. “On behalf of the town council and the town of New Site, I’m proud to see the success of this program,” Blasingame said. “I couldn’t be more thrilled for this to be here. This is just the beginning of even bigger things.”
Above, Russell Medical’s Jessica Sanford reminds the crowd at the New Site Senior Center that February is American Heart Month, and because of that, the hospital is offering discounted rates on certain heart health screenings. Left, Tammy Jackson entertains the crowd gathered at the center Wednesday afternoon with some songs during the center’s monthly senior luncheon, which had a crowd of around 40 senior citizens. Donald Campbell / The Outlook
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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
Today is February 22, 2018 Today’s Events
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
Thursday, February 22, 2018
The Outlook
Agency on Aging). For more information, contact Jones at 1-800-361-1636 or 256761-3575. STATE OF THE CITY: The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce will host its inaugural State of the City event Thursday, Feb. 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Alabama Community College’s Betty Carol Graham Center. Local officials will take turns updating the audience on key issues facing the community and what their priorities are for 2018.
Submit calendar items:
Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/. The event is open to the public and costs $10 to attend, which includes lunch. RSVPs were asked to be made by Feb. 20. For more information, call 256234-3461 or email kim.dunn@alexandercitychamber.com
Today’s Birthdays
Willie Lee Maxwell, Christy Dodgen, Charlie Hayes, Cindy Thornton, Jennifer Tapley, Peg Allred, Leon Meadows, Millie Ann Harrell and Bewey Brown are celebrating their birthdays today.
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Alexander City City Council member Audrey “Buffy” Colvin spoke to Radney Beta Club students about being a leader, her childhood and the changes she made to be a leader, and the wonderful things she hopes for them as future leaders. Beta Club sponsors Kenyatta Simmons and Twila Gordon thank Ms. Colvin for speaking to the students.
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. FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips and soft drinks. AUCTION: The Weogufka Center is hosting an auction benefit for the gym roof Feb. 24 starting at 5 p.m. For more information, call Melvin Palmer at 256-249-8885, Gayln Adams at 256-487-1304 or Margret Thornton at 256-234-2186. COMMUNITY FLEA MARKET: Cooper Community Center is hosting a flea market Saturday, Feb. 24 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday, February 25
BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM: Murray Chapel A.M.E. Zion in Camp HIll is hosting a black history program Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. at 2 p.m. The guest speaker will be Johnny Ford. Pastor of Murray Chapel is Albert Lewis. FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church is hosting family and friends day Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. Roosevelt Gregory, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Alexander City. Rev. Michael Strong is pastor of Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church.
Monday, February 26
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Lawn Care Darrell Brooks, Owner Cutting •Edging Weed Eating •Mulch Weed Control
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 256794-1933. MINISTERIAL MEETING: The Alex City Area Ministerial meeting will be Monday, Feb. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street.
Wednesday, February 28
256.267.0518
PUBLIC SAFETY ACADEMY: The Alexander City Police and Fire Departments are hosting a public safety academy. Applications are due by Feb. 28 and can be found at the
Alexander City Police Department and online at http://www.alexadnercityonline.com/PDF/CPA.pdf. The academy meets on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. starting March 6 and runs through May 8.
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.
Saturday, March 3
CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE: The Alex City Methodist Church at 1020 11th Avenue North is holding a rummage sale March 3 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
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 Pastoral 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. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: The Bread of Life Apostolic Church of Promise is holding an anniversary observance Sunday, March 4 at 3 p.m. Elder Netherland Tuck is pastor.
Wednesday, March 7
MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday, March 7 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.
Thursday, March 8
ANNUAL MEETING: The Lake Martin Area United Way is holding its annual meeting and 2018 Team United Campaign Celebration March 8 at Valley National Bank, formerly USAmeriBank. WinE and hors d’oeuvres will be served starting at 5:30 p.m. with an awards presentation at 6 p.m.
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. FLEA MARKET: The Town of Camp Hill Flea Market will start back up March 10 and continue on the second Saturday of each month through Nov. 10. The hours of operation are 30 minutes after day break until 2 p.m. Spaces are for rent for $10 and are 20 feet by 20 feet. For more information contact James Woody at 256-749-8270. SINGING: Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street will be hosting “Singing with the Walkers” Saturday,
March 10 at 6 p.m. The pastor of Family Worship Center is Tony Harris.
Tuesday, March 13
GREATER TUNA: Alexander City Arts is hosting “Greater Tuna,” Tuesday, 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.
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 Shatia Carr (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: Scarr@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-out and is $6 a plate.
Now-March 23
PRE K REGISTRATION: Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-K Program is taking pre-registration. Forms can be found at https://alprek.asapconnected.com. Acceptance is through a random drawing to be held April 15 at 10 a.m. at the V. Robinson Head Start Center.
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. ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF HORSESHOE BEND: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is hosting the 204th anniversary of the Battle of the Horseshoe Saturday, March 24. There will be demonstrations of Indian and frontier life in the year 1814. The program is free to the public.
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.
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Thursday, February 22, 2018
The Outlook
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Thursday, February 22, 2018
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Academy
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firearms training at the police firing range, ride alongs with officers, opportunity to visit communications and many other aspects of public safety. If you would like to be part of a very rewarding program, Orr said residents can go to http://www. alexandercityonline.com/PDF/CPA. pdf to download an application or visit the department’s Facebook page. Applications are also available at the Alexander City Police Department. Orr said all applicants must be at least 18 years of age and it is free of charge. The start date is set for March 6 and runs each Tuesday until May 8. Classes begin at 6 p.m.
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Jacksons
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Walker explained that Crocker had been promoted at Alabama Power was working more on-call shifts and that Crocker felt he did not have time to devote to the council position. With the opening, the council has a limited time to fill the open seat. “We have 60 days to fill it,” Walker said. “They decided to have anyone interested come to the next council meeting for something like an interview.” Only Jacksons Gap residents are eligible for city council and the next meeting is Tuesday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m.
It is not new ground for the town council as they selected Heather Glenn to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Felicia Edwards in 2015. Glenn was elected to the seat in the 2016 Municipal Election. The town has also hired a new attorney to replace Robin Kelly who took a federal appointment. “We went with Chad Harrison,” Walker said. “We held a special called meeting to hire him to help with some of the fire truck issues and be the town attorney. Ben Hand will still be the town prosecutor for municipal court.”
Walker and council members stated at a recent meeting they wanted an attorney to help with legal action to get the truck repaired that had been damaged while at a shop in Montgomery. Harrison said was looking forward to working with Town of Jacksons Gap even though this was his first venture into being a town attorney. Harrison said he has helped municipalities with legal work in the past. Harrison is with the Harrison Law Firm of Dadeville while Hand is with the Hand Law Firm in Opelika.
BOE shirt and a special piece of student-made artwork, while Alexander City Middle School made up movie night themed snack baskets in a plastic popcorn bucket, and students from the art department at Benjamin Russell High School made special art prints for the members to choose from. Kim Davis with the business technology department at Benjamin Russell recognized two of her students who recently received high honors from participating in the Alabama Microsoft Office Specialist Championship. Attie Bishop finished first in the state, while Hailey Helms took third. With their respective finishes, Bishop will be moving on to the national competition, and Helms has the chance to move on to the next level as well. “This is not an easy test to take,” Davis said. Lastly, the Legotrons team that competed in the state Lego robotics competition presented its routine to the board. In order to solve the problem of water wasted
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in various means, including plastic water bottles being disposed of while there is still some water inside, the team created “The Big Blue,” a device that water from bottles and cups can be emptied into, thus conserving the liquid and returning it to the natural water cycle. The team members also detailed how important teamwork had been to them during the process of the competition during their presentation. The Alexander City Board of Education also handled the following matters: • Minutes from the Jan. 22 and 29 meetings were approved. • Board member Michael Ransaw was applauded for his work in coaching the Benjamin Russell wrestling team, which finished second as a team in the state championship tournament. • The board approved the retirement of system custodian Arthur Daniel, the resignation of a faculty member at Benjamin Russell High School, and service contracts with special
needs teacher Jeanette Van Newkirk and gifted testing evaluator Leah Taylor. • Chief Schools Financial Officer Rhonda Blythe said that, while sales taxes were down over the past few months, property tax revenue had increased somewhat, and that the school system’s general fund was in good shape. All accounts had been reconciled,
and the schools had seen revenues over expenditures of $1.2 million. Utility usage had increased some during the month of January, but this was understandable, given the colder temperatures experienced last month. Despite this spike, utility usage as a whole was down over a five-year period. • Three overnight and out-of-state field
trip requests were approved. The first was an overnight trip for the Benjamin Russell FCCLA to attending the state FCCLA meeting in Montgomery, while the other two were for the seventh and eighth grade science and math students and ninth and 10th grade math and career tech students to take an end-of-the-year trip to Six Flags Over Georgia.
• The board was reminded that the March meeting was moved to Benjamin Russell due to having missed going there in January during the snowstorm, while the April meeting will still be held at Jim Pearson. The next meeting of the Alexander City Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, March 20, beginning at 5 p.m. at Benjamin Russell High School.
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LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
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JOE MCADORY Columnist
Sports Outlook The
Thursday, February 22, 2018
EIGHT LEFT STANDING
Corporate greed poisons our sports and our politicians
T
ire smoke and brake dust filled the air. The scent of racing fuel filled my nose, and the roaring thunder of oversized engines pierced my eardrums. The grandstand seats were wooden bleachers. Tickets were a few dollars. Concessions were too. The race cars were behemoths — Dodge Chargers, Mercury Cougars, and Chevrolet Lagunas. If they made them any larger, they’d come with propellers. Drivers were real racers — cut from the cloth of hard work, grease and all-nighters at the shop. They were an eclectic group of characters — men referred to as the King, Silver Fox, Coo Coo, Benny, Buddy, Bobby, Cale and Jaws. They were as personable as they were colorful. Drivers stayed in cheap motels, dined on fresh seafood at local Daytona Beach restaurants, took their kids to the beach and blended with the public. There were no $300,000 luxury motor homes. Maybe a Winnebago or two. The year was 1976. There was no live television. There were no roundthe-clock sponsorship functions. My father took me to my first NASCAR race 42 years ago last week. Daytona International Speedway … DePalma grandstands … just a few feet from the asphalt. God, it was loud. I remember it like it was yesterday and I loved every minute. America was in recovery mode that year. We’d just gotten our troops out of Vietnam and our citizens were trying to trust a federal government once embroiled in corruption (sound familiar?). Watergate had passed, but hard feelings did not. America was at the crossroads. Jobs were cut, oil prices were rising and the American spirit was in dire need of a pit stop. At least we celebrated our Bicentennial that summer. Despite our woes, NASCAR remained pristine, untarnished by the demons that haunted major, money-hungry corporations, uncontrolled by sponsors or television. Not anymore. How quickly this fan-friendly sport changed. How quickly this sport morphed into answering to the same corporate demons that control America today. Multimillion dollar sponsorships — necessary evils for the sport’s ultimate success at the bank — turned drivers into puppets, running them ragged with countless promotional appearances. Drivers have morphed from charismatic racers with grease and sweat on their brow to antiseptic Ken Dolls with pretty faces made for television and goofy social media accounts. NASCAR bows to TV networks, as do the NFL, NBA, NCAA, whomever. By the same token, multi-million dollar contributions from special interest groups and massive corporations — necessary evils to win elections — turn political leaders into puppets, running them ragged on countless lobbying tours in efforts to sway bills in a way that benefits the money machines. The times have changed, but corporate greed has poisoned the sports we love and the government we are supposed to trust. We can go around in circles at 200 mph, but when it’s all said and done, we really haven’t gone anywhere. We need to elect politicians brave enough to ignore what’s best for the corporate agendas and legislate what’s best for the American agenda. On the other hand, NASCAR and other major league sports are big enough now where they should dictate television terms instead of bowing to their demands. Like politicians should never bow to lobbyists and powerful influencers, NASCAR and should never bow to corporate television executives who have never smelled turn four tire smoke, inhaled engine exhaust on a sunny February afternoon or stood in line for Richard Petty’s autograph at the neighborhood Kmart. What happened to my NASCAR? What happened to my America? Sold, to the highest bidder. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Ryesha Whetstone, right, will look to be an offensive force for Central Coosa as it takes on Midfield today in a Class 3A regional final.
Cougars face Midfield in final stop before Birmingham (Moore),” McKinney said. “They are very versatile, though, and very aggressive. They are just a very good ball club.” Midfield should also have the height Ever since falling to Midfield in triple overtime last season, Central Coosa’s girls advantage with Amaya Fluker, Aja Bone and Cynaisha Johnson all measuring basketball team has been waiting for a in at 5-foot-11. But Central Coosa has rematch. been pleased with the emergence of its The wait is over today, as the Cougars take on the Patriots in the Class 3A South post game in the latter half of the season. Forward Shae Suttles has come alive Regional final at 12:30 p.m. at Alabama recently, posting double-doubles in several State University. The winner advances to consecutive games; Aliona McKenzie also Birmingham for the Final Four, and the went to work on the boards in the regional loser is left waiting again. semifinals against Gordo. “Right now, it’s anybody’s game,” The Cougars also should benefit Central Coosa coach Syreeta McKinney from facing some adversity against the said. “It’s who wants it the most, who hustles the most and just who has the drive Greenwave. Central Coosa has become to be able to win. That’s just what it boils accustomed to blasting opponents by double figures, and although they jumped down to.” out to a big lead against Gordo, the According to McKinney, the biggest Cougars had to fight for their lives as key to beating Midfield will be shutting Gordo battled back and even took a lead down sophomore Jemeriah Moore. in the fourth quarter. Standing at 5-foot-10, Moore plays point “It put things in perspective for us that guard for the Patriots and is also the everybody wants to win,” McKinney said. team’s leading scorer. “Nobody wants to go home. We have to “They like the dribble drive, and find the strength to get the victory because everyone is going to dump it off to By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
we definitely don’t want to go home. We’re going to work as a team, there’s no one person on this team. It’s going to take everybody to get it done.” One big thing working in Coosa’s favor is its double offensive threat of Ryesha Whetstone and Eunique McKinney. Whetstone is a constant scoring threat, while McKinney’s biggest strength is dishing it out and going to the hole only when necessary. But Central Coosa’s biggest strength all season has been its defense, and the Cougars have learned how to utilize multiple defenses depending on what’s working against a particular opponent. “This is a lot of pressure, but how many teams are left? Only a few, and at this point right now, we’re blessed we made it to this point,” coach McKinney said. “No matter what the outcome may be, I’m still proud of this team. We were predicted to win five games and right now, we’re 19-3, so you gotta believe in the impossible right now. I have faith in this team. The Central girls are still here, and we’re still fighting.”
Wildcats score 6 runs in final inning for victory STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Benjamin Russell’s softball team started the season off with a clutch victory against Tallassee on Tuesday night. Tied 1-1 heading into the final frame, the Wildcats exploded for six runs in the top of the seventh inning en route to a 7-2 victory. With one out in the seventh, Tayla Stowes started BRHS’ rally with a solo home run to left field, and Jayme Marbury followed Stowes by reaching base on an error. Errors proved costly for the Tigers, as Marbury scored and Shay Johnson reached first on an error two plays later. Asia McWaters drew a walk, then Taylor McVey batted into an error giving both Johnson and McWaters time to score. The Wildcats kept things going with Taylor Harris being hit by a pitch, and Taylor Latham nailing a two-run single to earn a 7-1 advantage before the inning’s end. McWaters got the win in the circle, throwing the complete game and allowing
Carmen Rodgers / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Taylor Lantham tries to stop Tallassee’s Belle Haynes at third during the Wildcats’ season opener Tuesday.
just six hits. She struck out five and walked one. Benjamin Russell hosts its home opener today at 5 p.m. against Chelsea.
fine outing in her first start in the circle. She allowed only four hits and one earned run, while striking out seven. She did walk four batters, though. On the boys side, Four errors cost Horseshoe Horseshoe Bend’s baseball team also out-hit Elmore Bend in loss County, but it wasn’t enough Although Horseshoe Bend in a 5-3 loss. Jace Rodriguez out-hit Sylacauga 5-4, its softball team couldn’t control led the Generals (1-1) with the miscues and suffered a 5-0 two hits and two RBIs, while Lee Norrell and Nalijah Heard loss to start the season. each had a pair of hits. Hannah Adcock and Lily Combs each had two hits, CACC sweeps LBW Saints while Sydnie Catrett added Central Alabama one. Danielle Mitchell had a
Community College’s softball team was unstoppable offensively with a pair of victories over Lurleen B. Wallace on Tuesday. The Trojans opened with a 12-0 victory, then closed the night by defeating the Saints, 7-3. Ashton Fielding led CACC in the opener with a single, a double and three RBIs. Elizabeth Burns matched Fielding by plating three runs, and Sawyer Martin also had two RBIs. Burns, Fielding and Martin all smacked home runs. Sierra Easterwood and Paige King (Reeltown) combined for the win in the circle, scattering four hits and totaling six strikeouts. In the nightcap, CACC stayed on fire offensively, racking up 11 hits. Easterwood, Kristen Tolbert, Shatima Smith and Fielding all had two hits apiece, and Fielding and Smith each drove in a pair of runs. Amber Parker got the complete-game victory with four hits, three runs, nine strikeouts and four walks.
LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Feb. 22 High school girls basketball Class 3A Regional Final Central Coosa vs. Midfield at Alabama State, 12:30 p.m. High school baseball Central Coosa at Fayetteville, 4 p.m. High school softball Chelsea at Benjamin Russell, 5 p.m. Trinity at Reeltown, 4:30 p.m. Winterboro at Central Coosa, 6 p.m. High school boys soccer Benjamin Russell at Trinity, 7 p.m.
High school girls soccer Trinity at Benjamin Russell, 7 p.m. College softball Central Alabama at Coastal Alabama North, 1 Friday, Feb. 23 High school baseball Randolph County at Horseshoe Bend, 4 p.m. High school softball Central Alabama Classic at BRHS Pool A Benjamin Russell vs. Dadeville, 4 p.m. Eufaula vs. Valley, 5:30 p.m.
Dadeville vs. Horseshoe Bend, 7 p.m. Benjamin Russell vs. Valley, 7 p.m. Eufaula vs. Horseshoe Bend, 8:30 p.m. Pool B Reeltown vs. Tallassee, 4 p.m. Cleburne County vs. Sylacauga, 5:30 p.m. Tallassee vs. Sylacauga, 7 p.m. Reeltown vs. Cleburne County, 8:30 p.m. High school baseball Benjamin Russell at Stanhope Elmore (2), 3:30 College baseball Rend Lake at Central Alabama, 4 p.m.