LOCAL, PAGE 2: MEALS ON WHEELS SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
THE
SPORTS, PAGE 9
FRIDAY
Missed free throws, poor shooting cost Coosa in loss to Midfield
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
February 23, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 39 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
Cards
Leaders highlight Alex City’s progress
for Abby Love pours in from across globe for ailing local teen By MITCH SNEED Editor
I
t started with a simple idea from the mother of a child battling for her life against a debilitating disease that doctors say is in its final stages. Abby Brown is a 16-year-old Benjamin Russell student who was diagnosed with a rare terminal illness called Mitochondrial Disease after she began showing symptoms when she was just 9-months old. Mitochondrial diseases result from failures of the mitochondria, specialized compartments present in every cell of the See ABBY • Page 7
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Alexander City has made progress over the last year, there are plenty of exciting things ongoing and there are some big plans for the future. That’s the news delivered by seven leaders from the city and county at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce’s State of the City event Thursday at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center on the campus of Central Alabama Community College. Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors recapped the items that he prioritized when he campaigned for the office and touched on the progress made on those things that citizens told him were important to them. He pointed to progress in Mitch Sneed / The Outlook straightening Alexander City Police out the city’s Chief Jay Turner finances. speaks to the crowd “We have had at Thursday’s State of a lot of people the City event. who have worked very hard to get our finances in order,” Nabors said. “We’ve had two audits completed and are working on the third at this time. We are getting close to being where we want to be on financial records and reporting of expenditures. It has taken longer than I would have liked, but it hasn’t been for lack of effort. I think we are well on our way to getting caught up and where we should be.” Another priority was cleaning of the former Russell Corp. complex and there has been tremendous progress there. The city purchased 17 acres there on the condition that it be cleaned up before the city paid. That approach See CITY • Page 3
“... If this is going to be her last birthday, I wanted to make it special.”
— Shawn Brown Abby’s mother
Letters sent from across the nation and overseas have flooded in for Abby Brown after a social media request for birthday cards to help brighten the birthday of the BRHS student who is suffering from Mitochondrial Disease. Right, Abby and her mother Shawn pose for a portrait before the ailing teen’s health began to decline.
Dadeville Kiwanis hears talk from Air University professor By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Retired Air Force Colonel John Wayne Blumentritt shares his story of the rescue of six Icelandic sailors from a foundering tugboat in a severe winter storm, tying it in to the purpose of the National Security Strategy documents published on a regular basis by every president since Ronald Reagan.
We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!
•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services
+
Retired Air Force Colonel John Wayne Blumentritt was the special guest speaker at Thursday’s meeting of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club, detailing a personal experience of his while serving as a helicopter pilot stationed in Iceland and tying it into the National Security Strategy documents recently published by President Donald Trump. Much of Blumentritt’s conversation revolved around the efforts to save the crew of an Icelandic
+ Buy Here + Pay Here + +
CLEAN USED CARS No Credit Checks
Cars• Vans• Trucks • SUV’s
Midway Auto,Inc.
Off Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL
A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847
tugboat he and other Air Force personnel made on Jan. 10, 1994. Not only did these efforts earn the Air Force helicopter crews involved the Mackay Trophy (awarded by the Air Force for the “most meritorious flight of the year”) and multiple honors from the people of Iceland, but helped heal more wounds from the Cold War and promoted the National Security Strategy by showcasing a more humanitarian image of the United States following the conflict. During a heavy winter storm in December 1993, See KIWANIS • Page 3
(On Right Past the River Bridge)
256.825.9830
Today’s
Weather
80 60 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
483.95 Reported on 02/22/18 @ 3 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
Page 2
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Parents fall short on promises to help ailing daughter
Saturday
80 63 Low
High Chance of showers
Sunday
68 55 Low
High Showers
Staff
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
Friday, February 23, 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
DEAR ABBY: I suffer from a debilitating, rare, chronic illness. Two years ago, my parents convinced me to move across the country to live with them in a city I’ve never lived in. They promised it would be “only for a year,” they’d pay the cost of moving and finance a “year of wellness.” I was to receive acupuncture, massage therapy, physical therapy, help from doctors, a personal trainer, etc. They paid to move me, but have not followed through with any of their promises to help treat my disorder. What’s more, I have had to fit an entire apartment’s worth of furniture and other items into a small bedroom, and I’m not allowed to use the rest of the house. Now that I am here, I can’t afford to pay to move back east or possibly find a place to live or work without being established in this new city. Is there a way to address the predicament I am now in and the fact that they relocated me without keeping their promises? I’m extremely shy and have made no friends
these past two years. -DESPERATE DAUGHTER DEAR DAUGHTER: You should not be isolated the way you are. And you need more help than I can give you in a letter. From your description, you are a prisoner in your parents’ home. Contact your doctor back east about what has been going on. Of course, if you have friends there, you should alert them, too. You will not get better living as you are. For your parents to have promised help and reneged is inexcusable. If there is an organization that supports your rare illness, it should be contacted too. Please do not wait.
can’t help but be attracted to and appreciate him. He is a good guy, good looking, real smart and our values match up. We also have a really good vibe together. Here’s the issue: He is not as tall as I would prefer. He’s not super short, but we are the same height and when I wear shoes with a small heel, he’s slightly shorter. I don’t know why I’m still thinking about the height thing when I could really see us together long term. Am I being superficial? What should I do? -- UNSURE IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR UNSURE: Ask yourself this: Is your selfconfidence so lacking that you would seriously allow his height to bother you? If the fact that you would be selfconscious wearing heels with him could deter you from a long-term relationship, you should let him go because your values are not as alike as you would like to think.
DEAR ABBY: I’m 22 and I’m dating this amazing guy a couple of years older than me. He really checks off so many things on my “list,” I
DEAR ABBY: My husband passed away nine months ago at the age of 52. I miss him every day. Recently, a man who
in this town
DEAR ABBY Advice
was a friend of ours asked me out on a date. I must be honest -- the last nine months have been very sad and lonely, so when he asked me, I experienced a mixed bag of emotions. Would it be wrong to accept his invitation? And how do I deal with the guilt I’m feeling because I would like to go out with him? -- MUST BE MOVING AHEAD IN VIRGINIA DEAR MUST BE MOVING AHEAD: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your husband. It’s not surprising that the period since his passing has been difficult for you. There is no set timetable for grieving the loss of a loved one. If you feel the time is right to have companionship again, you should not feel guilty about it. Go, girl, go. 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.
Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
Postal
Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
© 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.
Obituaries Mr. Terry R. Jones Funeral service for Mr. Terry R. Jones, 51, of Alexander City, AL; Saturday, February 24, 2018; 2 p.m.; Great Bethel Baptist Church. Burial, Elam #1 MBC Cemetery, Alexander City, AL. Visitation: Friday, February 23rd. 1 p.m. – 7 p.m., Armour’s Memorial Chapel. Visitation: Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018; Great Bethel Church, 10 a.m. until service time.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Cat stuck in tree ends up at local animal shelter A young orange tabby cat was trapped in a tree at PriCare in Alexander City Thursday morning. By the time Alexander City Animal Control got on the scene, the cat had made its way down to the ground. Animal control took the young cat to the Lake Martin Animal Shelter.
Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.
Meals on Wheels seeks volunteers
Mr. William Jones Funeral service for Mr. William Jones, 75, of Saraland, AL; Saturday, February 24, 2018; 11 a.m.; Armour’s Memorial Chapel, Alexander City, AL. Burial, Armour’s Memorial Garden, Alexander City, AL. Visitation: Friday, February 23rd 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
FREE CONSULTATIONS
Are you looking for a way to give back to the community? Meals on Wheels is looking for help in getting meals to clients. “We looking for volunteers to help get the meals delivered,”
“It’s not the end ... It’s a new beginning”
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON
Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.
256-329-1313
Attorney at Law
217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
“We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
At Your Service, LLC. Accounting & Bookkeeping
Income Tax Preparations Accounting • Bookkeeping Tax Preparation • Individual & Small Businesses Payroll Services Tax Planning Electronic Filling & More...
Christian Publications, Photo Copying & Reconstruction email: rhall10 @ bellsouth.net
825-9559
252 Tallapoosa St. Alexander City, AL
256.392.3479
Meals on Wheels Board Member and Volunteer Sharon Penton said. “We are always looking for volunteers.” Penton said Meals on Wheels delivers meals to clients at their homes five days a week and have several routes. Penton said it is easy to volunteer for the group. “They just call the Meals on Wheels office and say they want to volunteer,” Penton said. “They will set you up from there.” In addition to looking for volunteers for their
daily tasks, Meals on Wheels is looking for help with its fundraiser next week. “We are looking for help with our Chick-fil-A fundraiser,” Penton said. “We need help with the sack party on Wednesday and with the delivery of the meals on Thursday.” The sack party will be held at the Trinity campus of the First United Methodist Church of Alexander City Wednesday at 2 p.m. The work on Wednesday includes putting together the meals in bags to ready them for delivery
on Thursday with chips and other things except the hot chicken sandwich. And there is still time to place an order for a Chick-fil-A sandwich. “They can call before Monday and place an order,” Penton said. “They are $6.” Orders can be placed and area residents can volunteer by calling Meals on Wheels at 256329-7382. Meals on Wheels is also the charity for bingo at Jake’s on Thursday nights the month of March.
Recycle Your Stuff for Cash in the Classifieds Call or go online to browse, buy or sell!
The Outlook & Record Classifieds WWW.ALEXCITYOUTLOOK.COM • 256.277.4219
Friday, February 23, 2018
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Kiwanis
continued from page 1
a cargo ship was thrown onto a beach on the east coast of Iceland. The Icelandic tugboat Godinn was sent to try and pull the ship back into the water in a salvage operation, but encountered another major storm prior to completing the job and began foundering. Blumentritt and his crew took one helicopter out from their base to engage in rescue operations, while a second crew followed right behind in another helicopter. When the crews arrived at the scene, they found only the top of the wheelhouse and the ship’s funnel remained above water, and the remaining six crew members had tied themselves to the ship to keep from being washed away by 30-foot high waves. “I had one of our sergeants on board lay down on his stomach and guide us directly over the ship,” Blumentritt said. “We had the first two guys on the line and we began pulling them up, but they were in their preservation suits, and we weren’t able to get them inside the helicopter. We managed to get them back to the beach and land where they could be seen by the
first responders before we went back out again.” After Blumentritt and his crew got the next two crew members off the boat and to safety, the second helicopter went in to pick up the last two crew members from the Godinn, but encountered its own issues when blown backwards into its own rotor wash, causing it to lose altitude down to right on the ocean surface and dropping the crewmen into the water down to the seabed before being able to regain altitude and reach the beach. The helicopters were not out of the woods just yet, as the storm was intensifying and made it impossible for the helicopters to return to base. The two aircraft began flying back out over the ocean before spotting the fishing village of Neskaupstadur. Nicknamed “Little Moscow,” the residents of the village still held on to some levels of animosity towards the United States and NATO. “At the time, the people of the fishing village were still somewhat pro-Soviet and didn’t really like the Americans,” Blumentritt said. “This rescue operation
really helped change their minds.” Landing in a spot the people of Neskaupstadur referred to as Red Square, the helicopter crews were able to contact emergency personnel and get the proper medical assistance for the surviving crew members. The following day, the town’s children were out of school and took time to come and look at the American helicopters sitting in their town, waiting to fly back to base, according to Blumentritt. While Blumentritt spent much of his appearance detailing his experiences in rescuing the crew of the Godinn, he described what the National Security Strategy is, while also demonstrating that military force is not always required for the United States to achieve its goals in the world. “What is the National Security Strategy? It is the plan for what American diplomats, the military and others need to be focused on in the international environment,” Blumentritt said. “In the recent documents published by President Trump, the threats to be focused on, remember four plus one. These threats are
Russia, China, North Korea and Iran, and the plus one is Jihadi terrorists.” Blumentritt described how the first National Security Strategy published by President Ronald Reagan in 1987 focused on the threat posed by the Soviet Union, and has evolved ever since, with the most recent document published in 2015 by President Barack Obama, which dealt primarily with the threats in the realm of cybersecurity and climate change, among other points of concern. While asking Blumentritt a handful of questions, the Kiwanians and Key Club members expressed how interesting it was to hear this story. “The National Security Strategy is linked to threats in the international environment,” Blumentritt said. “Our mission was a catalyst that helped clear the air and heal another wound of the Cold War. It projected a friendlier, more humanitarian side of the United States. “This is just my story, one person’s view of the reunification of the international environment after the world had been polarized the way it was.”
City worked. Nabors said some goals are to address redevelopment of the old Russell Headquarters building, where they are looking at the feasibility of using it possibly as a police headquarters. Additionally, Nabors expressed his desire to complete the rehabilitation of the Bud Porch Building, address infrastructure needs like the sewer and pumping stations, complete a pay study to make sure there is equity in employee pay in the city, foster commercial economic and retail development and continue the success of the dilapidated structure and sign initiative. Alexander City City Council President Tommy Spraggins hit on a lot of topics, but the budget was a big part of his 10-minute presentation. He broke down the numbers and showed where much of the $55 million in city funds is spent. “We have many needs in the city and we handle those as capital projects,” Spraggins said. “But you have to be able to fund those things and that’s always a challenge. One of the things that we are exploring is an analysis of utility rates. That may be one of the ways that we can fund some of these things. For example, in the sewer department, it costs us about $2 million more a year to operate than we take in. Now we cover that in other ways, but those are the kind of things that we need to study. The rates haven’t been raised in quite some time so that’s why we need to study them to make sure that they are in line. Not saying we are going to raise them, but just an area that we need to look at.” Spraggins also underscored the need for a workable rental ordinance, an item that Nabors also brought up. Nabors said that he has empaneled a rental housing ordinance committee to study the issue. Alexander City Engineer and Public Works Director Gerard Brewer said that the city has $1 billion in assets and his department is charged with maintaining those things. He said that roads are always a hot topic and he explained how the decision are made on which road gets paved. He explained that a program called MicroPaver is used that looks at the conditions of roads and multiple factors, then produces a list that will allow the city to get the most for the money it has to spend. “We work to put the
Page 3
continued from page 1
time low and we really had to step up to turn that around and I think we are making strides,” Turner said. “We were way behind on equipment. Through grants and capital items, we’ve been able to improve things substantially. We added eight new Tahoes after going several years with no new vehicles. Ours were all over 200,000 miles and were to the point that they were in the shop a lot. We are thankful to have them and they are appreciated.” Turner talked about Mitch Sneed / The Outlook how they have stepped up efforts across the board to Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors speaks to the crowd at Thursday’s State of the City event prevent crime and enforce held at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center at Central Alabama Community College. the law more effectively. The department had other thing is that we are and brings in about $2 money where it does seeing the elimination of a clearance rate of 74.6 million in fees for EMS the most good,” Brewer percent, cleared 100 a lot of errors in billing and transport services. said. “Since the council Last year the department and a better understanding percent of the homicides, approved to the halfof which there were 3, of compliance with cent sales tax to fund the answered 592 fire calls in 72 hours or less, and Medicare guidelines. … and completed 8,456 Alexander City Road made 67.8 percent more There are some other ambulance runs. Improvement Project, arrests than the previous McAlister said that one cities considering using what we call ACRIP, that year. us for their billing of the big undertakings has enabled us to really Turner said there was and that would mean of the year was to move made some strides.” a 94.6 percent increase in the billing in house rather additional revenue.” The sun is due to drug offense arrests and Alexander City Police than using an out of state set on that sales tax in 362 percent more cocaine Department Chief Jay contractor. November unless the seized, 105 percent more Turner said one of “That was a big council renews that for marijuana seized and the concentrations in undertaking, but we another term. Brewer 423 percent more meth. his department was to are already seeing that said he hopes to see that But he explained those improve morale. we are more efficient,” extended. “Morale was at an all- numbers. Brewer also told those McAlister said. “The “You look at those gathered that testing is underway on the site of a proposed new inert landfill and that the city’s aggressive sewer cleaning initiative and enforcement of the grease ordinance is cutting down on sanitary sewer overflows. Just a few years ago the city averaged about 60 per year and that number has been reduced to an average of just 15 per year, Brewer said. Community Development Director Al Jones talked about the projects that have been completed and are ongoing and outlined some of the things that are coming up, The things that residents should see on the horizon are the completion of Central Boulevard, the Scott Road Bridge replacement, more action on dilapidated signs and structures, movement on a rental ordinance and the completion of the midfield taxiway project at the airport. Some priorities coming up are the Lee Street Streetscape, redevelopment of the old Russell property including the headquarters building, the city to possibly purchase more land along Lee Street and work toward the city becoming fully ADA compliant. Alexander City Fire Department Chief Reese McAlister talked about the accomplishments of the department and started with some impressive numbers. The fire department has a $4.3 million budget
numbers and you say the drug problem here is out of control,” Turner said. “No, the truth is the drug problem is the same as it always was. The difference is that we are making these arrests and seizures with our officers on patrol. That’s the big difference and I’m proud of the way everyone has stepped up.” County Commissioners T.C. Coley and Steve Robinson highlighted the duties of the county commission, how they support the city and area residents and the vision they have for the future. The two said that they hope to help promote the county’s positive qualities, promote and encourage economic development, support a tourism initiative and support education, nonprofits and community services using their discretionary funds. Chamber of Commerce CEO thanks all the leaders and the 200 or so who gathered for the event. He thanked River Bank who was the presenting sponsor of the event, CACC and Morris, Haynes and Hornsby and John Russell Thomas who was a silver sponsor.
Opinion
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Page 4
www.alexcityoutlook.com
View
Juvenile justice reform needed to avoid warehousing of kids SPECIAL From the Tuscaloosa News
N
early two-thirds of the children sent to the custody of the Alabama Department of Youth Services in 2016 did not commit a felony. Most were locked up for misdemeanors and probation violations. It costs taxpayers a lot of money, and it apparently is not the path to ending recidivism as these young offenders grow into adulthood. These were among the findings of the Alabama Juvenile Justice Task Force, a bipartisan panel that was created on April 25 last year to examine the state’s juvenile justice system. The 20-member task force included state leaders from the Republican and Democratic parties, all three branches of state government and a number of groups impacted by the system. The task force met six times, collected a large amount of data, reviewed input from hundreds of roundtable participants and examined what other states were doing differently from Alabama. One of its most striking findings was that holding these youth in custody outside of their own homes “costs taxpayers as much as $161,694 per youth per year despite research showing poor public-safety returns, especially for youth who commit lower-level offenses.” State Rep. Jim Hill, R-Moody, a retired juvenile judge, has sponsored a bill in the current session to overhaul the state’s juvenile justice system based upon the task force’s findings. The bill would limit which juvenile offenders are locked up or moved to adult court and instead focuses on creating programs that are aimed at redirecting young offenders. Leaders were smart to begin this effort with a bipartisan task force. The task force included top leadership from the Alabama Senate and House, but also a wide range of people from across the state. Sheriffs, prosecutors and judges sat with defense attorneys and people who work with troubled youth to hash out how to fix a system that is in sore need of repair. As a result, there is already a great deal of support for this muchneeded bill. When nearly two-thirds of the children who are referred to the Alabama Department of Youth Services for state custody are there for relatively minor crimes, it is time to find a better way to handle the situation. There should be attempts to redirect children before we simply begin to warehouse them. This system rarely deals with the worst of the worst. Current Alabama law allows children as young as 14 to be tried as adults for the most heinous crimes and teens 16 and older are automatically placed in the adult system for capital offenses and the most serious felonies.
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.
Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn. Clyde Chambliss Jr. represents Senate District 30, which includes portions of Elmore, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached at 334-343-7883 or at clyde. chambliss@alsenate.gov
The
Trials, tribulations and lawnmowers
Our
Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Outlook
Kay Ivey
Steve Marshall
Mark Tuggle
Tom Whatley
Clyde Chambliss
W
ith all this pretty warm weather grass cutting season is here again and that means getting the old lawn mower ready to go. Yes sir, it’s time to get my genuine Sears tool box out with its assorted rusty wrenches, bent screw drivers and miscellaneous stuff I’ve saved in case I might need something. Of course, I have no idea what most of that stuff is used for, but who knows what I might need it for? Now, men know how to work on anything mechanical. If you don’t believe it, just ask them. However, my wife spoils this confidence by reminding me that I am missing part of a finger that a lawn mower ate years ago. Spoil Sport! Shoot, that nubby part helps hold things into place. Since the oil has been in the mower for a couple of years I decided I would change it. Boy, that stuff stains concrete. After I got that cleaned up I moved to the spark plug. A note of warning is necessary here: Don’t touch the plug with the mower running! It was a good thing I used my nubby finger or I would have a new one to match it. The feeling is back in my hand now, but the involuntary jerking is distracting but I do believe the nail will
only thing I could with such a beast, I wrote Satan GERALD on it, kicked it and shoved HALLMARK over in the corner out of my way. Boy, have I got a sore Columnist toe! The Apostle Paul reminds us that tribulations eventually grow back. help us develop patience. I like to sharpen the Sometimes the tribulations blade every three or four are self-inflicted even if we years whether it needs it or have the best of motivations not because it helps me cut and intentions. Trials are up rocks better when it’s a part of our God given sharp. Also, a sharp blade human experience and can allows me to use a lot of help us grow in spite of band aids and gauze after their pains. No one likes installation. To tell you the to undergo times of stress truth, if it weren’t for the and hurt, but they do come. stitches I wouldn’t even How we handle these times worry with the band aids. determines the kind of I tell you one thing they person we really are. were hard to put on with Even as I limped over my hand still twitching like to my computer to type it was. So in just six short this article, with bandaged, hours I have it ready and jerking hands, I knew that then all it takes is a few God cares for me. My hurts hundred pulls on the rope may be as superficial as and she fires right up. Plus, these minor irritations or I don’t have to worry about so deep my soul cries for insects with all the smoke relief. Yet, as I grow in that baby puts out. If I grace and patience I learn hadn’t started coughing so to separate the small bangs badly and dropped the gas of life from the large hurts. can on my foot I could have It sure helps to put things really gotten some grass into perspective. cut. Well, since I can’t run After all my careful and the mower I might as well loving ministrations on that work on the weed eater. sweet and blessed mower Now, where did my wife it quit running. Now it just hide my tools? sits there as an assemblage of parts refusing to Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a co-operate and causing all retired minister who lives in kinds of ugly thoughts to Alexander City. His column enter my heart. I did the appears here each Friday.
Friday, February 23, 2018
Today’s
Quote
“When deeds speak, words are nothing.” —Pierre-Joseph Proudhon
Today’s
Scripture “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” —1 John 4:18
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Thursday Question: Do you think our area schools are safe enough?
No — 63%, 26 votes Yes — 37%, 15 votes
Friday’s Question: Do you have a garden or any growing plants or vegetables at your home? 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.
Our
Mission
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.
How to
Subscribe
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.
Thinking about the good ole days
M
y wife and I have been babysitting four of our eight grandkids in sunny Southern California for the last two weeks. We are tired, but this trip was so much more manageable than previous ones. A couple of things helped. One, the kids are getting older. We don’t have to soothe babies cries or wipe toddlers’ butts. Yay! Another thing that made this easier was where they now live. Their new home is on a cul-de-sac where 21 more kids also live. It is the best neighborhood set up I have ever seen. In the afternoons after school, the kids go outside and play. When I needed to find them, I looked for the house where all their bicycles were parked. It was heaven to watch. It made me think of my childhood growing up in a community south of Atlanta. Their neighborhood, with the exception that the homes cost many times what my home cost where I grew up, was so much like ours. The neighborhood I grew up in was built in the mid-1960s, 30 miles south of Atlanta. The homes cost around $25,000. Our
yard so we could play for a good 30 minutes every RAY morning before the bus arrived to take us to school. WATERS Those were good days, Columnist and I was so happy to see my grandchildren on the same path my friends and I were on 50 years ago. parents had good jobs, and we were happy middle-class I was glad I did not see them in front of a TV or kids. computer screen for hours My sister was two years after school. They played, younger and was always just like us, until dark. Then with me. She enjoyed playing with my friends and they ate their supper, took their baths, watched an hour me. We set up ramps like Evil Knievel, and we would of TV and they were off to bed. jump those ramps on our I am on the plane bicycles. We even would lie flying back to Atlanta, down beyond the ramp so the jumper would sail over and my heart feels pretty our bodies before landing. I large thinking about my am not proud to say I made grandchildren playing outside with their friends, my sister lay in the most outside spot. It is a miracle at a time when our nation is worried about the safety we did not land on her. We played whatever sport of children in schools and how to stop these senseless that was in season. In the tragedies. I also am smiling fall, we played football because I am thinking about in Oscar’s yard across all the good times I knew the street. In the winter, back in Riverdale as a kid, we played basketball in and wishing that our nation my driveway where we could all go back to that annually busted out our simpler time. living room window with an errant pass. My parents Ray Waters is a minister, never minded. In baseball a motivational speaker and season, it was whiffle ball. a regular columnist for The We even set up badminton Outlook. in my friend Steve Hooks
What’s your
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Only your name and city will be published. Send us your thoughts today!
Follow us
On the Web
Follow The Outlook on the internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www. alexcityoutloook. com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.
Friday, February 23, 2018
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 5
Page 6
www.alexcityoutlook.com
The Outlook
Friday, February 23, 2018
Friday, February 23, 2018
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Abby
body. Mitochondria are responsible for creating more than 90 percent of the energy needed by the body to sustain life and support organ function. It is most common in children, but can also impact adults. Symptoms can include seizures, strokes, severe developmental delays, inability to walk, talk, see, and digest food combined with a host of other complications. Abby’s mom Shawn said that when she was first diagnosed, she was suffering from as many as 100 seizures a day, high fevers and all sorts of developmental difficulties. “I had suffered from migraines all my life and I had no idea what it was,” Shawn Brown said. “But then I had this incredible, sweet child and she starts having problems. We went to doctors and ended up in Atlanta at Scottish Rite and that’s when testing led us to find out that is what was causing it.” Over the years, the symptoms were treated and despite having some developmental difficulties, Abby grew into a beautiful, sweet loving daughter. Abby’s dad Barry and Shawn took it all in stride and despite the countless
Page 7
continued from page 1
doctor’s visits, tests and trips to Atlanta, most would have never known the family was dealing with one of the rarest forms of the disease that doctors had ever seen. But as Abby grew older, the damage that was caused by the seizures and fevers when she was young has taken a toll. She has developed dementia as a result and has seen a rapid decline and doctors have said further treatment is not advisable. “They wanted to do these tests to show how advanced it was and what we could expect,” Shawn said. “But I said no. The truth is that I didn’t want to sit around and wait and look at the calendar and wonder if today was the day. I wanted to enjoy every day we had together and make the most of it. “That’s when I got to thinking that Abby’s birthday was coming up and it could be her last. But because of the illness, she doesn’t have a ton of friends, so a party didn’t seem like a good idea. But if this is going to be her last birthday, I wanted to make it special.” That’s when a friend suggested asking people to send her a
Submitted / The Outlook
Children from Texas work on birthday cards for Abby Brown. Cards can be mailed to 2397 Red Bard Rd. Kellyton, AL 35089.
birthday card, just to show Abby she was in the mind and hearts of people everywhere. So Shawn posted a simple request on Facebook and never expected where it would go from there. This is what accompanied a picture of the beautiful, icy blue-eyed teen on her mom’s Facebook post. “My daughter has a terminal illness called a Mitochondrial Disease. She has developed dementia as a result. We are going through a lot right now, and would love to get any help we can to send her birthday
wishes! She is 16. Her birthday is February 26th. A friend had the idea of all of my friends and anyone else who wants to be a part of making her birthday special, as this may be her last... to send her a birthday card. My address is 2397 Red Barn Rd. Kellyton, AL 35089.” That was posted on Feb. 18 and ever since, the number of shares has multiplied exponentially and news of classes in Texas making cards came in. Stuffed animals and paintings arrived in the mailbox and they’ve lost count of the number
of cards that have been received. “I never imagined something like this, but it has just warmed my heart,” Shawn said. “I can’t believe that so many people stopped what they were doing to think of her for her special day. It’s just been amazing. I know she will love it.” There is still time to get Abby a card if you live locally. Cards can be mailed to Abby Brown at 2397 Red Barn Rd. Kellyton, AL 35089. You can also drop them in a box that has been set up at Alexander City City Hall.
Page 8
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Friday, February 23, 2018
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?
Today is February 23, 2018
Call me.
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/.
Today’s Birthdays
Jenna Lamberth, Jeff Jones, Blake Miller, Janice Dark, Kaylee Solomon, Brandy Stokes, Pam Sherrer, George Goodson, Sara Lambert, James Orr, Carrie Carver, Beth Morgan and Mya Richardson are celebrating their birthdays today.
–Since 1978–
BIG “B” BAR-B-QUE “We Cook The Best BETTER!”
Hickory Grilled Meat BBQ • STEAK CHICKEN • CATFISH
256.329.9996 Hwy. 22 West, Alexander City, AL
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
Coosa Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry Designing & Selling Quality Cabinetry since 1991 • Granite • Quartz • Cultured Marble • Laminate Counter Tops
25 Years and still going, Selling quality kitchen & bath cabinetry at reasonable prices. Ben & Peggy Smith, Owners Thur & Fri 9-4 | Sat 9-1 256-675-0176 1222 Hwy 280, Kellyton, AL
File / The Outlook
There are several pancake breakfast fundraisers coming up. Feb. 24 is the Faith Christian Academy Robotics Team raising funds for a competition in New Orleans. March 10 is the Alex City Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast for their ongoing efforts to help children in the community.
AL 96175
Saturday, February 24
CARLISLE HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 367 US H W Y . 280 A L E X A N D E R C I T Y , AL
256-234-0019 CA RLISLE AC.COM
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
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
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 256-794-1933. 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.
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.
dB
Lawn Care Darrell Brooks, Owner
Wednesday, February 28
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.
March 2-4
PASTOR APPRECIATION: Pleasant Home Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting the 21st Appreciation services for Apostle Thomas E. Bullock Sr. and Prophetess Margie N. Bullock March 2-March 4. Bishop Mary Ann Wilson will be the guest speaker March 2 at 7 p.m. Apostle Wayne Davis will be the guest speaker March 3 at 7 p.m. Bishop Demetrius Griffin is the guest speaker March 4 at 11 a.m. and Rev. Arthur Smith is the guest speaker March 4 at 3 p.m.
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.
Tuesday, March 6
BANQUET: Sav-A-Life is hosting is annual fundraising banquet Tuesday, March 6 at the First Baptist Church. Rick and Mick Vingeulle will be the featured speakers. Call Sav-A-Life at 256-329-2273 to make reservations.
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.
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
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
March 14-16
CHURCH REVIVAL: GAP Fellowship Church at 721 Robinson Road is hosting spring revival services March 14-16 at 7 p.m. nightly. Pastor Berry Hoyett will speak Wednesday, Evangelist Shamika Thomas Thursday evening and Evangelist Joanne Shealey on Friday. Lou and Marilyn Benson are pastor of GAP Fellowship Church.
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
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.
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 noncampers.
Tony Guy, Owner Over 40 Years Experience
H&A Installation, Charge Outs and Repair Sheet Metal Work
FREE Estimates on NEW installations Service a 30 mile radius of Alexander City Licensed and Bonded #:84887 guysheating@live.com 256–234–4198 196 Thompson Ridge Road Alexander City, AL
LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
Friday, February 23, 2018
Sports Outlook The
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 9
CWD positive in Mississippi promotes quick response By DAVID RAINER Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
With confirmation of the first case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in west-central Mississippi, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries have quickly responded to the news. ADCNR’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division added Mississippi to the list of states where the importation of body parts from members of the cervid family — white-tailed and mule deer, elk and moose, etc. — is prohibited unless the meat is deboned and other regulations followed. “We’ve been warning about this for years, that this was not something that was fabricated and we needed to do everything in our power to keep it out of Alabama,” WFF Director Chuck Sykes said. “Now it’s hit home. It’s real close now. What it means is we, as an agency, can only do so much. We can set regulations. It’s up to the hunters to fulfill those regulations. That’s why we’ve made a big media push to get the word out. “We don’t want people to panic, but we want people to be cognizant and understand that this is a major issue. It can be prevented, but it’s going to take everybody participating.” Currently, 25 states and two Canadian provinces have confirmed cases of CWD. Any member of the cervid family harvested in those CWD-positive areas must be properly prepared before it can be legally brought into Alabama. Parts that may be legally imported include completely deboned meat, cleaned skull plates with attached antlers with no visible brain or spinal cord tissue present, upper canine teeth with no root structure or other soft tissue present and finished taxidermy products or tanned hides. CWD is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy found to affect deer and other cervids. It is believed to be caused by an infectious prion and has an extended incubation period. Diagnosis requires examination of brain and lymphatic tissue. Infected deer become emaciated, behave erratically and eventually die. Sykes said the public’s participation is needed because of the limited number of conservation enforcement officers throughout the state. “People have got to start reporting what they see if they see someone doing something wrong,” he said. “We’ve only got so many officers in the field. We cannot be everywhere. We’re doing everything we can to stay on top of it, but we know there are still people illegally bringing live deer into the state. That’s because they’re selfish, and they’re only worried about what’s inconvenient for them and not what impact it could have on our economy or our way of life.” Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries Commissioner John McMillan and ADCNR Commissioner Chris Blankenship announced this week new testing equipment has been purchased by the ADCNR’s WFF Division for the State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The equipment, known as Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), will be dedicated to testing samples for CWD. Agriculture and Industries will employ a technician to conduct the tests. The testing equipment is undergoing a validation process required by the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory. Once complete, the laboratory will be able to test deer samples and quickly determine the presence of CWD. “We have had an active CWD See CWD • Page 10
GOOD RUN ENDS
Poor shooting costs Central Coosa vs. Midfield By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
There’s only so much a coach can do about poor shooting. Aside from hoping it doesn’t come at the worst possible time, she can try to change offenses or attempt to motivate her team; she could even tell her team to get the opponent in foul trouble and get to the line. Central Coosa’s girls basketball team did get to the charity stripe — a staggering 31 times, in fact. But that didn’t help either. The Cougars were cold from the field and even colder from the line, and it resulted in a 73-49 loss to Midfield in the Class 3A Central Regional Finals on Thursday at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome at Alabama State University. “We missed 20 free throws; how can you win a ballgame when you miss 20 free throws?” Central Coosa coach Syreeta McKinney said. “It was only a 24-point difference, and that’s the ballgame. This is by far the worst game we’ve ever played. Free throws, layups, it was just basic things.” Not only did the Cougars go 11-for-31 from the line, they also made just 17 of 62 field goal attempts for a 27.4 shooting percentage. They outrebounded Midfield, 47-43, and dominated the offensive glass with 30
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Top: Central Coosa’s girls basketball team is disappointed on the bench after falling to Midfield in the Central Regional final Thursday. Above: Central Coosa’s Aliona McKenzie (24) makes a pass up the court against Midfield.
boards, but suffered from missed layups and missed putbacks all afternoon. From the opening tipoff, nothing seemed to fall. Both teams struggled with turnovers early on, but the Patriots started to hit shot after shot to build up a 16-3 lead with 1:40 left in the first. Midfield never trailed in the game. On several occasions in the second and third quarters, Central Coosa pulled within
eight points, and even did so as late as three minutes into the third. But it could never get any closer than that. After leading just 38-30, Midfield closed out the third quarter on a 20-6 run and dominated the rest of the way. “All this means right here is we need to go back in the gym and work hard,” McKinney said. “Hats off to them, they just played. They didn’t do anything magnificent, but they just
played. All they did is just rebound more than we did, hit their free throws and hustle back up and down the floor. They shot the ball well (48.4 percent from the field). People you didn’t even think could shoot were shooting well, but that’s their confidence. You gotta come in here with fight and you have to play from the beginning to the end.” Midfield put four players See COUGARS • Page 10
Wildcats open home schedule with extra-inning win By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Down 2-1 with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning, Madi Johnson stepped to the plate after having gone 0-for-2 her first two times up to bat. But with one runner in scoring position, Johnson squared one up and hit a double to centerfield to drive in Taylor Latham for the tying run for Benjamin Russell’s softball team. After holding down Chelsea in the top of the first extra frame, Tayla Stowes used her speed to score the game winner, as Benjamin Russell defeated the Hornets, 3-2 in eight innings on Thursday night. “She rounded third base hard, and one of the big things we’re focused on is taking what we’ve got,” BRHS coach Jessica Johnson said. “She rounded really hard and came about halfway down the baseline to draw the throw. She drew the throw and didn’t hesitate, and she just took it.” Benjamin Russell (2-0) got
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s softball team celebrates after defeating Chelsea, 3-2, in extra innings on Thursday night.
itself into a spot early with some iffy defensive plays, allowing Chelsea to score two unearned runs in the top of the first, and from there, the Wildcats were playing catch
up all night. “We need to come out really strong,” Madi Johnson said. “We really looked dead at the beginning, but we boosted up throughout the
game, so coming out strong is what we need to work on.” Benjamin Russell immediately cut into the deficit with a run in the See WILDCATS • Page 10
Page 10
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Reeltown starts season on high note up 11-0 and 12-1 wins over Coastal Alabama North. The Trojans Reeltown’s softball combined for 30 hits in team came out of the the doubleheader. gates with the bats on In the opener, Courtney fire, winning its season Ray led CACC with opener against Trinity, three hits, including two 16-1, on Thursday night. doubles, while Shatima The Rebels racked up Smith had two hits 11 hits and scored 10 runs and three RBIs. Sierra in the first inning alone. Easterwood added a Morgan McGuire, triple and a single, and Kayli Hornsby and Kristen Tolbert, Ashton Makenzie Baker all had Fielding and Sawyer two hits apiece. Although Martin contributed two she didn’t record a single hits apiece. hit, Katlyn Jaye led the The hits kept coming Rebels (1-0) with four for the Trojans in the RBIs. Hornsby drove in nightcap, as Fielding led three, and Baker added the way with four hits two. and three RBIs. Smith On the mound, Ayriana notched three hits, and Stoneback threw all three Easterwood, Ashlyn innings, allowing only Perrin and Meredith three hits. She struck out McClellan had a pair seven and didn’t walk each. any. CACC’s offense was backed by strong CACC slams Coastal pitching. Easterwood allowed five hits, four Alabama North strikeouts and a walk Now on a five-game in Game 1, and Amber winning streak, Central Parker, Paige King Alabama Community (Reeltown) and Smith College’s softball combined for just three team was unstoppable hits in Game 2. Thursday night, picking
Friday, February 23, 2018
The Outlook
Cougars
continued from page 9
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR 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. Saturday, Feb. 24
High school baseball Fyffe at Horseshoe Bend, 11 a.m. B.B. Comer at Horseshoe Bend, 3 p.m. Dadeville at Beauregard, 4 p.m. Reeltown at Park Crossing, 2 p.m. High school softball Central Alabama Classic at BRHS Pool A Benjamin Russell vs. Horseshoe Bend, 9 a.m. Benjamin Russell vs. Eufaula, 10:30 a.m. Dadeville vs. Valley, 10:30 a.m. Pool B Reeltown vs. Sylacauga, 9 a.m. Cleburne County vs. Tallassee, 10:30 a.m. College baseball Rend Lake at Central Alabama, 1 p.m. College tennis Central Alabama at Emory (Georgia) of Oxford, 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 College baseball Rend Lake at Central Alabama, noon
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Central Coosa’s Adrianna Flowers gets in her defensive stance Thursday against Midfield.
in double figures and was led by Amaya Fluker’s 22 points and 11 rebounds. Tournament MVP Jemeriah Moore had 14 points and was one rebound shy of a doubledouble; she also had seven assists and four steals. Both Shae Suttles and Ryesha Whetstone were named to the all-tournament team for Central Coosa. Suttles had 11 points and 18 rebounds in Thursday’s game, while Whetstone added 22 points. Eunique McKinney had eight points, eight rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots. Although Central Coosa graduated only Adrianna Flowers and Whetstone, it’s clear how much the Cougars’ seniors, especially Whetstone, will be missed. “I’m losing 27 points a game and probably the best defensive player ever,” coach McKinney said. “If you look at any of our films, you can see that she can’t come off the floor. To lose 27 points and lose your captain, that’s a lot. “But I know one thing is for sure, they know we prepared for this game and they know that I love them and I want the best for them. No matter where they go, they can use this as a learning experience for life because in life, you have to fight. You can’t lay down and die.”
Wildcats bottom of the opening frame, again using its speed to its advantage. Baylee Adkins drew a walk to lead off and moved to second on a popup by Shay Johnson. Adkins then motored her way around the bases on a wild pitch to score the Wildcats’ first run. The score remained the same for the next several innings, and Chelsea looked like it might make things more difficult for BRHS in the top of the seventh. Sarah Cespedes led off for the Hornets with a single and moved to second on a sac bunt. She was called out on a fielders’ choice, but Chelsea still loaded the bases with a walk and another Wildcat error. “They were really chopping the ball, so it was bouncing around,” coach Johnson said. “We weren’t coming through the ball, pushing through, staying down and eating it up. We made some adjustments, though, and I can’t say enough about how hard they’ve worked to get ready for this.” The Wildcats got out of the jam with a nice catch by centerfielder Jayme Marbury before Madi Johnson played hero by tying up the game in the home half of the inning. “I don’t really do the pressure, I just kinda focus on the game,” Madi Johnson said. “Listening to my players boosts me up, and we were just having fun at that point. From the second time I was up to bat, I was rolling (my hands) really bad and I couldn’t figure out what I was doing. My coach caught it, and I made a big adjustment on that.” Benjamin Russell turned up a double play in the top of the eighth, and with a runner on second base to start the bottom due
continued from page 9
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Baylee Adkins crosses home plate against Chelsea.
to the international tiebreak rule, all the Wildcats needed was one strong smack to score the winning run. Eighth-grader Taylor Harris earned the complete-game victory for BRHS, allowing just one hit in the process. She walked five but stayed composed and didn’t give up a single earned run. “We just talked to her about getting more first-pitch strike and
getting ahead of batters,” coach Johnson said. “She doesn’t do well when she’s behind batters; she gets tense and tries to place the ball instead of pitching it. That’ll come, though. I have no doubt she’s going to be fine.” Benjamin Russell is back in action today as it hosts the Central Alabama Softball Classic. The Wildcats face Dadeville at 4 p.m. and Valley at 7.
CWD surveillance program since 2002 in partnership with the ADCNR and game breeder facilities,” State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier said. “This testing capability will be an additional safeguard in protecting the deer population in the state.” The good news is there is no scientific evidence of any transmission of CWD to domestic livestock or humans. Alabama’s economy and way of life are at the top of the list of concerns for Kevin McKinstry of the Westervelt Corporation, a timber company that has been in the hunting and hunting land-leasing business for many decades. McKinstry has been studying the effect of CWD contamination for several years, but no direct correlations can be drawn to Alabama and other states in the South. The economic impact of deer hunting in Alabama is more than $1 billion. “There certainly is the threat of economic devastation with CWD, but in those areas with contaminated deer, there really hasn’t been a lot of hunting business or land-leasing,” McKinstry said. “We don’t have any hard case studies. This area in Mississippi (Issaquena County, bordering the Mississippi River just north of Vicksburg) does have a lot of
continued from page 9
you take away one of the main drivers, they’re done.” Chris Cook, Deer Project Program Leader, said the WFF’s updated CWD action plan makes it more user friendly so the public can understand what will happen if CWD is ever confirmed in Alabama. In states with confirmed cases, a containment zone, usually a 5-mile radius, is established. The deer density is then established and a specific number of samples is taken for testing. If more positives are confirmed, the containment zone is expanded until officials can determine the distribution of the disease. Cook has been in touch with the Mississippi Wildlife, Submitted / CWD Alliance Fisheries and Parks to get Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) leaves deer and other cervids emaciated information on the positive during latter stages. An animal infected with CWD always dies. CWD deer. “It was on a hunting club,” hunting activity, so this could however, McKinstry hasn’t Cook said. “They had seen the be the first real illustration of found a model in the states deer for three days. One of the what the impact might be. As affected by CWD that would hunters was on a food plot. He important as the white-tailed compare to the Southeast. watched the deer come in, and deer is as an economic driver, “This case in Mississippi it was staggering around. It fell this could be something that will probably give us a case down and died while the hunter could dissuade people from study to look at and measure was there. They contacted buying licenses or leasing the economic impact,” he the wildlife department, and hunting land to hunt deer. said. “I live in west Alabama unfortunately it tested positive. “It could cripple the whole where you have the small “We need the public to system. States get much of their communities like Livingston, funding for wildlife programs Geiger and Linden. If it wasn’t remain vigilant. If they see a carcass that looks suspicious or from license sales. It’s already for folks coming in to hunt in a live animal being transported, in a precarious situation. If that those areas, there might not be contact one of our district gets a significant impact, that any gas stations or restaurants. offices or call the 24-hour whole model could collapse.” These small-town economies From a business standpoint, are very delicate to start with. If hotline (Operation GameWatch
1-800-272-4263).” Dr. John Fischer, professor at the University of Georgia’s School of Veterinary Medicine, is at the forefront of CWD research and said Mississippi wildlife officials will be hardpressed to discover the source of the infection. “Regardless of how it wound up there, Mississippi has implemented its CWD response plan, which is exactly what needs to be done,” Fischer said. “It’s unlikely there will ever be a smoking gun indicating how the disease got there. It just needs to be dealt with. And the response needs to be adaptable as more information becomes available.” Fischer said one of the daunting characteristics of CWD is the prion (an abnormal protein) that causes the disease is virtually impossible to eliminate. But he also said Alabama appears to be responding to the threat in the best way possible. “All you can do is do the best you can to prevent the introduction of the disease into the state,” he said. “Early detection is going to give you a better success of managing the disease. In areas where the disease appears endemic, the primary goal is to slow down geographic spread. Eradication doesn’t appear reasonable at this stage.”