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LOCAL NEWS, PAGE 9 Wills presents ‘Forgotten Alabama’
Sales tax collections slow, but show growth By MITCH SNEED Editor
The boost in sales tax revenue that came with the construction of the Sabal Trail Pipeline appears to be over, but numbers show there has still been sub-
stantial economic growth in Alexander City over the last three years. Those findings come from an analysis of sales tax revenue recently released by Alexander City officials. Alexander City had a record tax year last fiscal year, seeing more than an 8
percent growth in tax collections. But in December 2017 and numbers just in from January 2018, the numbers are starting to trend below those of the same months of the previous year. In December 2016, the city took in $910,405 and another $922,413 in
January 2017. Compare those totals with the $816,632 taken in during December 2017 and the $890,560 taken in last month and the tax revenue is down $93,773 in December over the previous December and $31,853 See TAX • Page 3
Wind Creek ready for tournament onslaught
Council move gives green light to Lee Street Streetscape project
By MITCH SNEED Editor
As competitors and visitors make their way to Wind Creek for the Bassmaster Elite tournament this week, they will find the park in ship shape. Wind Creek State Park officials spent the better part of the last two months getting ready for the tournament and the hard work really shows. The park has rolled out decorations at the entrance to welcome visitors. New signage had been installed and what hasn’t been replaced has been painted so that it jumps out and is very visible to those who come to the park. The bathrooms have been freshly painted and are sparking clean. There are signs of two controlled burns to help clear underbrush and the grounds are very well manicured, even though it’s the middle of winter and not long after two heavy rains and a snowstorm. “We’ve done some things that were special, but a lot of what we have done are just part of our off-season maintenance,” Park Superintendent Bruce Adams said. “We do whatever we can to help support See PARK • Page 10
“We do whatever we can to help support the tournament ... We are just happy to have them here. It means a lot to the park in terms of exposure.”
— Bruce Adams
Park superintendent
By MITCH SNEED Editor
The Elites first cut their teeth competing in local tournaments, working their way up the ladder to bigger tournaments like those on the Alabama Bass Trail and the Bassmaster Opens when they finally get the call to the “bigs.”
The Alexander City City Council accepted a gift of about a third of an acre Monday night that will enable a sidewalk and streetscape project that is funded mostly by grant funds to be completed from Highway 280 all the way into town. An artist’s rendering of the project shows the sidewalk starting just beyond the former Russell Corp. headquarters building and continuing down Lee Street to the Dairy Queen property. The design includes wide sidewalks, a green buffer, street lamps in the same design as those used downtown as well as selected trees, plants and shrubbery. The idea is not new. Streetscapes in that area were part of the city’s strategic plan that was formulated in 2014. The project is estimated to cost about $401,000 costing the city $155,000 in matching and engineering funds. It would include about a half mile of sidewalk, lights and trees while reshaping some of the right of way to make sight lines for traffic better along the stretch of Lee Street. The parcel that was donated to the city by Russell Brands is the portion of right-of-way near Plant No. 5 up to Lee Street. “This was the only parcel that we were missing,” Alexander City Community Development Director Al Jones told the council. “The project has already been approved and the grant
See FISHING • Page 10
See COUNCIL • Page 3
FISH LIKE A PRO
Garrick Dixon / B.A.S.S.
Bassmaster Elite angler Brett Hite, top, prepares to release a fish during Monday’s practice fishing on Lake Martin, while another angler launches at Wind Creek State Park, above. Practice rounds will continue today on the lake as 110 competitors prepare for the beginning of the tournament Thursday.
Big time fishing costs big time bucks By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
So you want to fish with the Bassmaster Elite professionals and have a chance at the $100,000 first prize? What does it take?
Dadeville Kiwanis Club hears from ARISE director on public transportation By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Bus service and the public transportation options available for Tallapoosa County residents was the lesson offered to the Dadeville Kiwanis Club Thursday by ARISE Public Transportation Director Michael McKenzie. “ARISE is a non-profit organization started by Ben Russell 42 years ago,” McKenzie said. “The group identified that public transit was a need in this area.” Currently, McKenzie said the group has five buses that can transport people around the county to places like work, the grocery store, a doctor’s appointment or just to meet a friend for lunch. While the ARISE buses are seen predominantly in and around Alexander City, McKenzie said they can go virtually anywhere in Tallapoosa County, and would like to expand their services by offering more
Today’s
File / The Outlook
days operating in Dadeville and other communities. “Right now, we come to Dadeville twice a month, on the second and fourth Tuesday, but we really would like to expand our services here,” he said. “We would love to see it grow to where we See KIWANIS • Page 3
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Donald Campbell / The Outlook
ARISE Director Michael McKenzie talks to the Dadeville Kiwanis Club Thursday afternoon about the program, the services it offers and how ARISE would like to expand services in places like Dadeville. Left, McKenzie navigates one of the ARISE buses.
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make sense or hasn’t really happened. Would it be wrong to tell her we are going to lunch and take her to see someone instead -like a mental health intervention? Or should I let her figure this out on her own? -- BABY BLUES IN MICHIGAN DEAR BABY BLUES: To shanghai your wife into a mental health intervention would be a mistake. Be honest with your wife. Tell her you are deeply concerned, and that her stress level is affecting your marriage. Then tell her you will be making an appointment for her with her OB-GYN and accompanying her. The doctor can tell her what the alternatives are for treatment, if
DEAR ABBY: I have been with my husband for 10 years. Things are great, except for one major issue. Every time we get into a spat, he feels the need to air all of our dirty laundry to his family, which is now my family. I am a private person. I don’t like having other people in the middle of our drama. He tells his relatives his side of the story, and because they don’t hear my side, they automatically assume he is some sort of victim. I then start receiving phone calls and text messages from everyone wanting to know what’s going on and trying to give me advice. When I politely turn them down, they get angry and start lecturing me about how wrong I am. This happens often, no matter how small the argument. What do I do? How can I get
Obituaries Ms. Gloria D. Adams 1945 - 2018 Ms. Adams passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Lake Martin Community Hospital. She was born on August 8, 1945 in Alexander City, Alabama to Max H. Adams and Mary E. Adams. She is survived by her brother, Robert W. (Glenda) Adams of Montgomery, AL; nieces, Pamela (John) Norris of Millbrook, AL, Patricia Allen of Birmingham, AL, Tina, Michon and Lisa Dunlap (Thomas); nephews, Stephen (Lynn), Darrin, Sean (Michelle), Nicholas (Ann) and Jeremy (Lyle), great nieces, Tia (Michael), Tara, Aubrey, Miranda, Brantley, Sadie, Lilly, Isabel,
Mr. Roger Dale Macon 1945 - 2018 Funeral Service for Mr. Roger Dale Macon, 72, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Burial will follow
Shearwood “Bug” Heath
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him to see how much it bothers me? I don’t want the world to know what goes on in our home. Nothing I say gets through to him. -- BETRAYED AND ALONE DEAR BETRAYED: Your husband knows how much what he’s doing bothers you. He just doesn’t care. He knows that when he runs to his family he will have automatic allies. It will take work on both your parts with the help of an unbiased licensed marriage and family therapist for your marriage to improve. If your husband won’t go with you -- and he may not -- you should go without him. Because of his level of immaturity, it’s a wonder your marriage has made it this long without intervention. 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.
she needs it. Her fears may be groundless, and medication may not be necessary, but it is important that her doctor evaluate her.
The funeral service for Shearwood “Bug” Heath, age 67 of Ashland, will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville with Rev. Lee Heath officiating. Burial will follow in the Ashland City Cemetery. Mr. Heath passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018 at the Clay County Hospital. A native and lifelong resident of Clay County, he was a self-employed truck mechanic and truck driver. Mr. Heath loved NASCAR, drag racing and telling stories. He was a member of Clay Community Holiness Church. Mr. Heath is survived by his wife of 37 years, Donna Heath of Ashland; four daughters: Angela Heath (Heather Lanier) of Murfreesboro, TN,
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Tori, Jessica, Christian, Abigale and Brandy; great nephews, Connor, Benjamin, Logan, Robert, Shepherd, Tyler and Tate; great-great nieces and nephews Jody, Mary Jane, Lorelei and Wyatt; and life-long friends Linda Jones, Nina, Beth Cox and Ms. Francis. She was preceded in death by her brother, Thomas H. Adams, father, Max H. Adams, and mother, Mary E. Adams. A memorial service will be announced by the family at a later date. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Homer Scott Howell 1929 - 2018 Mr. Homer Scott Howell was born on August 13, 1929 to Homer Augustus Howell and Elizabeth Castor Howell. He passed away at age 88 on February 2, 2018. Scott is survived by sons, John Scott (Jane) Howell and David Louis (Teresa) Howell and daughter, Elizabeth Howell (John) Strickland. Scott also had 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Anne; son, Homer Stacy Howell; and brother Richard Louis Howell. Funeral Service for Mr. Howell will be Monday, February 5, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Alexander City. Rev. Mike Densmore and Dr. T. Michael Morgan will officiate. Burial will follow in Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday, February 5, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Alexander City. Scott graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Textile Engineering in 1951. On the day of graduation, Scott married the love of his life, Anne Laurie Howell and was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant.
Michelle Carden (Shane) of Rockford, Natallie Cunnigan of Alexander City and Alicia Whitlow (Rodney) of Winder, GA; two sons: Jeremy Forbus (Heather) of Goodwater and Eric Heath (Emily) of Ashland; two sisters: Sue Smith (Doyle) and Barbara Jackson, both of Ashland; three brothers: Brinton Heath, Jimmy Heath (Mary) and Johnny Heath (Anita), all of Ashland plus 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Mr. Heath was preceded in death by his parents: Byron G. Heath and Mary Lee Brown Heath; one son, Robin Lloyd Heath and three brothers: Byron Eugene “Doodle” Heath, James C. “Roadmap” Heath and Horace Lee Heath. Pallbearers will be Doug Heath, Dawson “Pea” Wilkerson, Austin “Cooter” Wilkerson, Justin Smith, Timothy Smith and Jimmy Ray “J J” Heath. Mikey Ray Heath will serve as honorary pallbearer. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville. Share condolences by visiting benefieldfuneralhome.com Benefield Funeral Home in Lineville in charge of the arrangements.
When Scott completed his tour of duty with the military, he moved to Alexander City, Alabama and began a 40 year career with Russell Corporation. At his retirement he was the President of Russell’s Corporate Apparel Group and was a member of the Board of Director’s. Scott loved the First United Methodist Church, The Boy Scouts of America, his alma mater Georgia Tech, the game of golf, Destin, Florida, but most of all his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the First United Methodist Church, 310 Green St, Alexander City, AL 35010; or to The Boy Scouts of America online at https:// aplacetogive.scouting.org/ magento/index.php/give-localtukabatchee-area.html. Pallbearers are John Howell, Kris Gilliland, Nick Howell, Hunter Howell, Chris Hester, Jake Howell, Matt Howell and Zach Strickland. Honorary Pallbearers are Ricky Robinson, Joe Robinson, Clarence Abernathy, Steve Lyles, Sonny Seals, and Fred Dobbs. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Brenda Thompson 1947 - 2018 Funeral Service for Mrs. Brenda Thompson, 70, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Orr Street Baptist Church. Rev. Turk Holt will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Radney Funeral Home. She will lie in-state at the Church for 30 minutes prior to the service. Mrs. Thompson passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on April 2, 1947 in Lawrence County, Alabama to Edward Wayne Terry and Lela Delores Terrell. She was an active member of Orr Street Baptist Church and had served as the Church Secretary and sang in the Choir. Mrs. Thompson was a registered nurse and had served as the Director of the Nan Coley Murphy Center. She was a natural born care giver and enjoyed crafts, painting, traveling, Facebook, and
her family. She most enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and her husband were fortunate enough to share a ride in a hot air balloon before her last trip to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Eric Thompson of Alexander City; children, Tracey Jones (Rick) of Nashville, GA, Scott Carlisle (Rhonda) of Sylacauga, LeAnne Bramlett (Kerry) of Alexander City, and Jonathan Eric Thompson of Birmingham; grandchildren, Brandon Gilliland (Krista), Megan Carlisle, Brittanye Burkhalter (Justin), Heather Fuller (Rob), Erica McGhee (Spencer), Jason Carlisle (Lori), Hayley Jones, Caleb Jones, Katie Jones, Kaylee Carlisle, Alex Bearden, and Ryan Bearden; fifteen great grandchildren; and brother, Edward W. Slaten (Diane). 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.
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.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
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Tax
Page 3
continued from page 1
between the two most recent January totals. “There are a couple of obvious factors,” said Ward Sellers, who heads business license and tax collections for Alexander City. “The most obvious one is the people who were in during the construction period for the pipeline. The number of people here during construction was estimated at 400 to 600. Now the construction is complete and they have about 45 employees there. So that’s a big difference. “The other thing that I think will continue to be a trend is more and more online spending. Every dollar that is spent online, is less that
is being spent locally at downtown shops, or large retailers like Walmart. Now, we will get some of that back later, but it is something that hits this category immediately.” While the numbers are off last year’s record pace, compared to prepipeline construction numbers, the numbers show the economy is markedly better. In December 2014, the city took in $708,369, which is $108,368 under December 2017’s $816,632. That’s an increase of 15.2 percent. In January 2015, the sales tax total was $825,812, $64,748 less than the $890,560 collected last month, January 2018. That represents a 7.8
Kiwanis
continued from page 1
have a bus down here two to three times a week.” While ARISE would like to become more available in Dadeville, Jacksons Gap, Camp Hill and other communities in the county, it all boils down to the level of interest in residents of those areas wanting to use ARISE as a transportation service. “We really want to expand here in Dadeville, but we really have to have the need from the citizens for us to be here more often,” McKenzie said. As part of a government program for rural transportation, McKenzie said a large portion of the operating costs comes from the federal government, but that ARISE has to come up with the rest of the necessary funding, approximately $100,000 per year. While McKenzie
said this is not always an easy task, he said there are a number of generous individuals and organizations that help fund the program, including donations from the Tallapoosa County Commission, the Lake Martin Area United Way and the Adelia M. Russell Foundation. As a new stream of revenue, McKenzie said ARISE recently received approval from ALDOT to place advertising on the buses. McKenzie also fielded several questions from the Kiwanians in attendance, including forging partnerships with other agencies and the cost to use the service among others. “We have not created an arrangement yet with the Dadeville hospital, but they are on our list of people to talk to,” McKenzie said. “I have been to Dadeville City Council meetings before to try and promote this.”
Council
For as little as $5 for a round trip journey for seniors over the age of 55 and $6 for adults 54 and younger, an ARISE bus will pick people up at their door, take them wherever they want to go and return them home again when needed. “People really love this,” McKenzie said. “It’s a door-to-door service, it’s affordable, and we have a great safety record with our drivers.” As the Kiwanians prepared to disperse, many of them picked up ARISE brochures McKenzie had brought with him to share the information with others, while past president Brenda Floyd had a parting remark for those in attendance. “I encourage all of us to get the word out about this to more people,” she said. “I really would like to see it come down here.”
continued from page 1
money is there and our match is already taken care of in the budget. This was the last thing that was needed to get the work started.” The council also voted 5-0 to approve an alcohol license application for retail beer and table wine for Lake Martin Pizza Company, which opened last month downtown in the Broad Street Plaza.
In other action the council voted 5-0 to approve:
• A resolution to approve weed abatement contractors for 2018. A total of 13 asked to be included on the list and work is awarded to the contractors on a rotation system as the need for work arises. • A resolution to authorize Middle
Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership to apply for $1,000 in grant funds from ADEM on behalf of the city for the 2018 Tallapoosa County Water Festival. This money helps fund the festival and it is the third year that the funds have been made possible. • A resolution to authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with GISinc for GIS Architecture Review. It will allow the information being accessed by the city’s GIS system to be analyzed and assure that the city is getting all the data needed from the system. The price for professional services is $15,300. • A resolution to award bid 18-06 for a new ambulance to
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Custom Truck and Body Works of Woodbury, Georgia. The winning bid was $143,845. This is a replacement for the oldest and most traveled ambulance in the city’s fleet of nine ambulances. It is already figured into the fleet line item in the current budget. “We try to do one a year and replace the oldest first,” Alexander City Fire Department Chief Reese McAlister said.
percent jump. Overall, Fiscal Year 2017, which ran through the end of September 2017, saw a total of $10,309,730 collected. That total was a 15.1 percent jump over Fiscal Year 2014 where the total collections were $8,952,029. Sellers said the numbers show that
there has been growth in retail sales, even if it’s not as great as it was during the pipeline construction. “It is up, just not in the amounts that we saw during pipeline construction,” Sellers said. “Even at the more modest rate of growth, that’s a good economic sign.”
Opinion
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
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Outlook The
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If Senate passes bill, daycares to be safer
“Creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.” —Albert Einstein
Today’s
I
n the days leading up to the 2018 session of the Alabama Legislature, Representative Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee) prefiled a bill that would place a series of guidelines on daycare facilities that claim exemption from being licensed by the state on the grounds of being affiliated with a church. Warren said she felt this bill needed to be brought before the legislature again after seeing the multitude of issues occurring at some of the unlicensed daycares started by people who have taken advantage of what is essentially a loophole in the law. After some of the bill’s language was changed in committee and one amendment was added on the House floor, Warren’s bill passed in the House 86-5, with one abstention and 10 representatives listed as either not voting or not present. After passing the House, the bill moved to the Senate, hopefully to be acted on in due time. Some opponents of the bill argue that this piece of legislation is a way for the state government to take control of religious daycares and dictate what can and cannot be taught, but this is not the case. While there are churches across Alabama that run legitimate daycare facilities, a number of which have been licensed despite not being required to under state law, the bill is designed to bring about a set of basic guidelines for church daycares to follow, which in a way would also make it harder for someone to start a church daycare when the only place that the church exists is on a sheet of paper. Alabama has some of the laxest laws when it comes to church-run daycares, and it is about time this situation is rectified. Other states do allow some leeway for church-run daycares, but these states still place some guidelines on such facilities. Alabama, along with Florida, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina and Virginia allow the most amount of exemptions for church daycares, and Alabama arguably tops the list of these six states in the level of exemptions offered. It is true that incidents can happen at daycare facilities that have been licensed by the state, but at the same time, having these guidelines in place for all daycares, faith-based or not, does allow for a greater sense of safety for the children attending daycare. It is encouraging to see the Alabama House of Representatives pass this bill with such an overwhelming margin. Hopefully the state Senate will follow their lead to make daycare a safer place for all.
Know Your
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Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama. Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Kay Ivey
Scripture
“The word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love.” —Psalm 33:4-5
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D
uring the Obama years, the State of the Union address was a divisive and arrogantly partisan lecture by a smooth-talking president. He lectured Supreme Court members so much that some stopped attending. Hopefully, this year we can focus not on the messenger but on the message, which seems to be working together on immigration and rebuilding our infrastructure. During past State of the Union speeches, Joe Biden dutifully sat behind the president and clapped on cue to his liberal laundry list. The highly excitable “Plugs” Biden looked so happy — it was as if he had just heard Rogaine had gone generic. This year, Vice President Mike Pence sat there uncomfortably without his wife, ever fearful vixen Ruth Bader Ginsberg might be trying to seduce him. Trump’s speech was great. Apparently his staff had him on his teleprompter and a shock collar in case he went off it. The Democrats sat with the worst looks on their faces; they looked like patients waiting for test results in the lobby of a free clinic. Democrats try to pit those who work for a living against those who vote for a living. They take from the makers and give money to the takers in exchange for the takers’ votes — often twice in one election. It is easy to lavish other people’s tax money on people in order to stay in power. It’s much harder to stand on principle and make the hard, long-term decisions that are best for the country. Trump, while indelicate and not nearly the messenger Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were, knows most people want to earn their money and enjoy the sense of self worth that comes with a good job in a
RON HART Columnist growing economy. Even when liberal NPR points out AfricanAmerican unemployment is now at 6.8 percent, the lowest level since the government started keeping track of it in 1972, Democrats’ instinct is just to push back. Pelosi and Schumer would probably point out this statistic is untrue; actually, black unemployment was zero under Democrat President James Buchanan, whom Republican Abraham Lincoln succeeded in 1860. Thanks to the Dems’ petulant nature, we had the three-day “Schumer Shutdown,” but no one knew the government was not working. The NSA had to ask Americans to spy on each other for three days. The shutdown was bad timing for the Democrats. With regulations lifted, stock markets soaring, jobs being created and corporations giving pay raises and bonuses to employees, who needs government? If Trump could bring our troops home by convincing Russia it is their turn to invade Afghanistan again, he might get on Mount Rushmore. Democrats need people from a perpetual underclass whom they can convince have been wronged by America. To them, America is a mean-spirited, bigoted, racist place of inequality, and they want illegal immigrants to come here and enjoy it. In reality, Dems are running out of victimization voters and need to replenish their base. We just had a black president. What’s
next? A black American divorcee is marrying into Britain’s Royal Family. Clutch my pearls! The race card is overplayed; we’ve moved past that. Yet all 52 cards in the Democrats’ deck are the race card. They don’t even have to deal off the bottom of the deck anymore. Obama never did a deal with the Republicans. Trump may be the easiest president to do a deal with since Tip O’Neal and Ronald Reagan agreed on important legislation. Yet the Democrats continue to entrench themselves further left. Trump is willing to meet them on an agreement on DACA (a.k.a. the “Dreamers”), yet they backstab him by going to the press after private meetings and say he called the countries we take most of our immigrants from “s-holes.” That’s like being allowed to stay free in a hotel, burning it down and then disputing your mini-bar bill. With their hysterical Russian collusion investigation coming up snake-eyes, Democrats are running out of ways to obstruct Trump. He gets around pathetically biased media reporting by tweeting, mostly to inform people, but also to tweak the nose of the media. The Grammys predictably trashed Trump with Hillary reading from the tabloid book Fire and Fury. Next will be the Michelle and Barack Obama book on which Random House gave them a $59.5 million advance. It’s more bad news for Democrats; even Barack and Michelle Obama are making tons of money under Trump. Ron Hart is a libertarian op-ed humorist and awardwinning author. Contact him at Ron@RonaldHart. com or @RonaldHart on Twitter.
Weekend Question: Do you believe area schools put more emphasis on athletics than academics?
Yes — 63%, 5 votes No — 37%, 3 votes
Tuesday Question: Do you hope the Senate passes Representative Pebblin Warren’s bill to license and put basic guidelines on church daycares? 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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Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail. com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.
Mark Tuggle
Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
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Tuesday, February 6, 2018
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The Outlook
The History Of Happy Birthday!
Party Hat Shadow Match Which party hat shadow matches the original?
Celebrating your birthday is a very common tradition in the United States. While some people prefer not to for various reasons, almost everyone at some point has seen someone else receive a birthday present or a candlelit birthday cake, but everyone has heard the song “Happy Birthday.” The celebration of birthdays goes back thousands of years. Celebrating the accomplishment of living for another year (which was not easy many centuries ago) dates back thousands of years. In the Middle Ages in Germany, cakes became a common birthday treat IRU FKLOGUHQ RQ WKHLU VSHFLDO GD\ ZKLFK ZDV FDOOHG .LQGHUIHVW 7KH ¿UVW FDNHV ZHUH OHVV FDNH like and more like sweet bread. For the poor, cake was often a very special gift because sugar ZDV VRPHWKLQJ WKDW RQO\ WKH ULFK FRXOG DႇRUG 7KHUH DUH VHYHUDO WKHRULHV RQ ZK\ FDQGOHV DUH used, but no matter why, they are a standard tradition today. The song “Happy Birthday” has an interesting history. The song’s melody was written by two sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, in 1893. The Hills, who were school teachers, wrote the melody “Good Morning To All” for their elementary school students. It is the same tune used to sing “Happy Birthday.” Over the years, the popular lyrics to “Happy Birthday” were used. Since then, there have been many disagreements and legal battles over who actually wrote the lyrics to the “Happy Birthday” song. One thing, however, is certain; it is the most popular song in the World! Happy Birthday, everyone!
Happy Birthday Word Find
Happy Birthday Crossword Puzzle
Connect The Dots
Across Clues: 2. This used to be very expensive. 5. Patti and Mildred ___ wrote the “Happy Birthday” tune. 6. A Kid’s birthday in Germany. 7. Song that is sung on birthdays. 8. Are often given on a Birthday. Down Clues: 1. Lit on top of birthday cake. 3. “_____ To All” was the original song. 4. This is eaten on your birthday. Party Hat: #3 Crossword Ans: Across-2) sugar 5)Hill 6)Kinderfest 7)Happy Birthday 8)gifts Down-1)candles 3)Good Morning 4)cake
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8:00-4:00 Mon.-Fri • By Appt.(Except Emergencies) 256-234-4295 • After Hours 256-329-7100
Temple Medical Clinic, P.C. YOUR FAMIY CARE CENTER Medicine, Office Surgery, Pediatric, & Industrial James P. Temple, M.D. • Timothy J. Cordin, M.D. Vincent Law, M.D.
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DADEVILLE HEALTHCARE CENTER Kim Russell, Administrator 385 E. LaFayette St., Dadeville 256.825.9244
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Weight Loss Center 256-409-1500
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256.329.2066 HOURS: Monday - Friday 9AM - 7PM; Saturday 9AM - 5PM
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The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?
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Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.
Today’s Birthdays
Today is February 6, 2018
Susan Howard, Ava Cook, Johnny Golden, Jackie Morgan, David Sherer, Margaret Bailey and Hunter Collum are celebrating their birthdays today.
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Submitted / The Outlook
The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is helping Central Coosa High School start a Key Club. Visiting the Kiwanians Thursday were Alabama Key Club Lt. Gov. Matt Reed and Ike Reed. Above, the Reeds pose with Alexander City Kiwanis Club president Stephan Tomlin.
AL 96175
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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
SITE REVIEW: Central Alabama Community College will host a site review for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree in Nursing program by the ACEN on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. in Building J of the Childersburg Campus. For further information, go to the CACC homepage at www. cacc.edu. ENGLISH LEARNER’S CLUB: The Adelia M. Russell Library is hosting the English Learner’s Club starting Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Registration starts Jan. 3. The club will help speakers of other languages learn, develop and improve English skills, learn American slang, idioms and other useful phrases and work on fluency activities and interview questions. For questions and information, call 256-329-6796 or visit the Adelia M. Russell Library. MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will host its monthly luncheon Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.
Friday, February 9
VALENTINES CELEBRATION: The Equality Performing Arts Center is hosting a Royal Valentine’s Celebration Friday, Feb. 9 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Six past state pageant winners and the reigning Ms. Alabama Sr. America will perform popular love songs, a romantic aria and tap dance. The EPAC is located on Alabama Highway 9 in Equality.
Saturday, February 10
REUNION MEETING: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 is holding an organizational meeting Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Cooper Recreation Center.
Sunday, February 11
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VALENTINE LUNCHEON: Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Highway 63 South is hosting a community wide valentine luncheon Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome and welcome to bring others. There will be a photographer on site. GOSPEL SINGING: Victory Baptist Church on South Road in Alexander City will host The Warrens Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. EVANGELIST: Passion Church on Highway 63 North is hosting Evangelist Danny Johnston Feb. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome. BE SMART FOR KIDS: Volunteers with the Alabama chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, will host a presentation of the Be SMART public safety program at the Auburn Public Library Sunday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. This presentation addresses simple solutions that adults can take to reduce child gun deaths through responsible gun storage.
Monday, February 12
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Peggy Shores will present “Songs from the Heart” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 12 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.
Friday, February 16
256.267.0518
PAGEANT: God’s Beautiful Creations Pageant will be Friday,
Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville in the Fellowship Hall. The event is sponsored by the music ministry. There will be five categories and all ages are welcome to participate. There will also be an Outstanding Couple category. To participate, please contact any of the Sardis Missionary Baptist Church choir members.
Saturday, February 17
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Dadeville Kiwanis Club will be holding its annual pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 7 until 11 a.m. at the Dadeville Elementary School Cafeteria. Tickets are $6 per person and include all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, ham, coffee, juice and milk. For tickets, see any member of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club, or contact Tony Johnson at 256-825-6364 or Peggy Bullard at 256-825-9415.
Sunday, February 18
GOSPEL SINGING: The Kempters will be in concert at Hillabee Baptist Church Sunday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome. FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: Haven United Methodist Chruch is hosting Family and Friends Day Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. Bobby Hargrove III. Percy Nolan is pastor of Haven United Methodist. BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM: Friendship Baptist Church is hosting a black history month program Sunday, Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be District 23 Senator Hank Sanders.
Thursday, February 22
SENIORX: Deborah Jones of SenioRx will be at the Alexander City Chamber Thursday, Feb. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to help seniors determine if they are eligible for assistance with diabetic supplies, liquid supplements and medications. This is sponsored by the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (Area Agency on Aging). For more information, contact Jones at 1-800-361-1636 or 256761-3575.
Saturday, February 24
PANCAKE BREAKFAST: There will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday, Feb. 24 at Faith Temple Church Gym at 425 Franklin Street from 6 to 11 a.m. 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.
Monday, February 26
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. James Hansen will present “Neil Armstrong” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 26 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter began Jan. 8.
February 28- March 2
CHURCH REVIVAL: The Family
Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street is hosting revival services Feb. 28, March 1 and March 2 at 6:30 p.m. with Evangelist Apostle W.T. Traylor. Everyone is welcome.
Sunday, March 4
PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Style Baptist Church on Coosa County Road 20 in Equality is celebrating Pastor Richard Ellis Taylor’s third anniversary Sunday, March 4. Rev. Yeasive Ware of Opelika is the featured speaker at 11 a.m. and Pastor Johnny Smith of Jackson, Mississippi is the featured speaker at 2 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.
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.
April 9-10
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days April 9-10. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
July 16-17
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days July 16-17. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
October 15-16
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days October 15-16. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd, and Weekend Shifts for Direct Care. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org
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Tuesday, February 6, 2018
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Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Tuesday, February 6, 2018 Your community, your news ...
Local news The
Spire to offer local customers break on gas bill STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Residents of Dadeville and other parts of Tallapoosa County could see a small decrease in their gas bill coming in the next few months. Spire, a company headquartered in St. Louis that recently bought out Alagasco, is joining the list of companies offering financial breaks to either their customers or their employees following the passage of President Donald Trump’s tax overhaul bill in December. Spire gas customers in central Alabama can expect to see a 3 percent drop in their gas bill soon, according to Spire representatives. Spire is one of the newest companies taking advantage
of the recent tax reform legislation. Walmart was one of the first to act on this, offering all employees with at least 20 years of service a $1,000 bonus, while AT&T offered a similar bonus to many of its employees. Locally, Russell Lands announced the Friday before Christmas that all full-time employees of the company would receive a $500 bonus. In response to this news, Alabama Power announced it was working on a way to give back to its customers, though exactly how the company would do so had yet to be determined and would have to be approved by the state Public Services Commission before going into effect.
Driver injured in single-car accident By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
A car accident on Highway 49 Friday evening sent one to the hospital. “There was a single-vehicle crash with one injury just after 6:30 p.m.,” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Cpl. Jesse Thornton said. “A 2006 Mercury Marquis left the road and struck a culvert before overturning.” Responding to the
Outlook
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scene to assist in the accident were the Jacksons Gap Police Department, Lake Martin EMS, the Dadeville Fire Department and the Jacksons Gap Fire Department. According to Thornton, the driver of the vehicle was transported to Midtown Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia by medical helicopter. Condition of the driver is not known at this time.
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Wills presents ‘Forgotten Alabama’ to Horizons Unlimited Alabaster native Glenn Wills presented “Forgotten Alabama” to the crowd of Horizons Unlimited Monday afternoon. Since starting his project in December 2012, Wills has criss-crossed the state multiple times, photographing old and abandoned storefronts, homes and bridges. He has compiled his photographs into two books, “Forgotten Alabama” and “More Forgotten Alabama.” During his talk, Wills showed a number of photographs he has taken during his travels, including one of the state’s first Rosenwald schools in Walker County, one of the last remnants of the Alabama Army Ammunition Plant near Childersburg and the foundation of the Paint Rock Train Depot, where nine African-Americans were arrested in 1931, leading to the Scottsboro Boys trials.
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The Outlook
Fishing
continued from page 1
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Making the move is also a big time financial commitment. The commitment starts with registration. “Our fee is for the season,” BASS’s Trip Weldon said. “It is $48,375 for the year, for all nine events.” Putting fish in the boat is the first thing but it is by no means the only thing. Many of the boats the Elites fish from cost upwards of $80,000 and up. A 2018 Phoenix 919 Pro XP equipped with a Mercury 225 Pro XS motor goes for $100,000 and that only includes two 9-inch Hummingbird
Helixs. Many will upgrade to three 12-inch models. A Ranger Z521L can run $105,500. And many will upgrade to the 250 and 300 horsepower motors. Yes, you can catch fish from the expensive boats rigged with all the electronics just like you can from your grandfather’s Jon boat, but which will get you back to weigh-in in 15 minutes? The lakes the Elites fish from are often large bodies of water where many different types of techniques can catch fish. Rods and reels for the different techniques can cost several hundred dol-
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lars apiece and there are many purchased, maybe as many as 30. Lures cost anywhere from $5 up to $40 and $50 and some can hit $100. The Elites keep many of them covering every color in multiples for changing situations on the road stored in many tackle boxes. Then there is gas for the boat. Many hold 50 plus gallons and are filled up daily. These high performance boats don’t run on the cheap stuff so $3 plus a gallon are in order, or another $150 a day. And travel? You have to have something to pull the boat, so there goes another $60,000 at least. Then there’s food and hotels. Alabama Bass Trail’s Kay Donaldson says it is not easy to make the move to the “bigs.” “I think a rookie will need have at least $125,000 to run the first year,” Donaldson said. “There is the boat payment, the truck payment,
the insurance, it all adds up. There is travel. Some stay in hotels. Some camp out. That does not get into living expenses at home.” Yes, sponsors help, but you have to build a name and reputation first. And those sponsors will want more than just a mention for their help. “They market themselves,” Weldon said. “They are independent businessmen with multiple sponsorships and incentives.” Weldon said many of the Elites still have jobs at home to make it all work. Cutting their teeth on regional tournaments has worked. Just look at Dustin Connell of Clanton. “He fished with us for two or three years,” Donaldson said. “I think fishing the Alabama Bass Trail helped prepare him and others like Jesse Wiggins. They learn how a tour works, the travel, the hotel reservations and how to fish a lake beyond
the one or two they know at home.” Weldon said Connell has done well for himself. “He had a great rookie year,” Weldon said. “He was Rookie of the Year by just one point. He won an event.” For some, the financial risk is too great and choose to keep their regular work while fishing regional tournaments like those on the Alabama Bass Trail, where first place in the one-day tournament can pay over $10,000 with contingencies. “Our guys pay about $1,300 in registration fees for the year,” Donaldson said. “Then our guys will each spend about $3,000 per year on travel for things like hotels and food.” It all comes down to what level an angler wants to fish. “It is a big commitment,” Weldon said. “It comes down to if you want to be a professional fisherman.”
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whatever we can to help support the tournament, but for the most part the tournament officials do it all once that gets started. We are just happy to have them here. It means a lot to the park in terms of exposure. People who come may not be familiar with us and come back later to visit. Plus with it being on television, some people may discover us that way.” WEATHER WATCH: It appears competitors will have a good day today for practice fishing before the rains come in this evening and sticks with us through the day Wednesday. Today will also be the warmest day the competitors will likely see. The high is expected to be 65 degrees with an overnight low of 55 in the forecast tonight. Wednesday’s forecast has a 100 percent chance of showers with a high of 64 and a low of 37 after the showers move out of the area. Competition begins Thursday and it’s shaping up to be a great day after a low of 36 expected for the first blast off of the tournament. The high Thursday is expected to be 57 with no rain in the forecast. Friday, the competitors will likely stay dry with a high of 61 predicted by meteorologists. Rain may be back in the picture for the final two days of the tournament.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Trucks wrapped with sponsorships have descended on Wind Creek State Park this week for the BASS Elite Series tournament.
LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
LUKE ROBINSON Columnist
Sports Outlook The
www.alexcityoutlook.com
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THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM
We’re living in a great age of sports
M
iscellaneous thoughts because I don’t have enough “cellaneous” thoughts to write a whole article (I know “cellaneous” isn’t a word, by the way): • I was so glad the Super Bowl turned out to be, well, super. The NFL has rightfully taken some lumps this season, but in the end I am a football fan and I like to see the sport do well and excel. The Eagles and Pats delivered the goods Sunday and I was glad I watched it. • I know the Patriots lost, but do you ever marvel how lucky we are as sports fans to be living in a current era that has given us so many all-time greats such as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick? Throw in others like LeBron James (I mean, he’s not Jordan, but he is incredible), ‘Bama coach Nick Saban, Coach K at Duke, UConn women’s hoops coach Geno Auriemma, etc. and we are living in a time of unprecedented greatness in several sports. • The twists and turns continue for the Alabama basketball team. Even Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde think the Tide hoops team has an identity issue. This squad is talented enough to beat just about everyone while being maddeningly careless at times to lose to anyone. Last Saturday’s Florida game summed up ’Bama’s season perfectly in 40 head-scratching minutes: A lax first half followed by a scorching second stanza. My only advice for those following Alabama the rest of the way is to never, ever bet on or against this team no matter the spread or opponent. • Auburn, meanwhile has been a model of consistency all season. While the other SEC teams have up and down nights, the Tigers just continue to beat their conference mates by double digits See ROBINSON • Page 12
File / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell graduate Terrell Owens was officially selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Terrell Owens named to Hall of Fame By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
After being snubbed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting committee two years in a row, Alexander City native and Benjamin Russell graduate Terrell Owens finally got a spot this year. Owens, who left Minneapolis before the announcement was made to play in a basketball game in Los Angeles, sent out a tweet when the news became public. “Congrats to the HOF CLASS OF 2018. We’re
Golden,” Owens tweeted. Outside that, Owens has remained relatively silent with the exception of congratulations to the Eagles for the Super Bowl win and some game observations. Calls to a number that had belonged to Owens were not answered. Alexander City City Council member Buffy Colvin is Owens’ cousin. She said after the last two years where he was left out of the Hall, this was great news. “Of course as his cousin, I’m super excited that his talent on the field has been
recognized by the Hall of Fame,” Colvin said. “It’s awesome and we are all very proud of him.” Owens ranks third in career receiving touchdowns (153), second in yards (15,934) and his 1,078 receptions are eighth alltime. “I’m just tickled to death for him and his family,” said Steve Savarese, who is currently the AHSAA executive director and was Owens’ coach at BRHS. “I’m proud personally because I’ve known Terrell for all these years. He is just an unbelievable competitor.
And for the state of Alabama, I’m also proud that he’s going into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in April then gets to turn around and go to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. It’s a great way to culminate his career and recognize him.” According to Savarese, there was a time when Owens wasn’t even sure he wanted to continue playing football. Between his sophomore and junior years, Owens thought about quitting the football team altogether. Savarese said he and then-assistant coach See OWENS • Page 12
Benjamin Russell splits area openers Wetumpka takes down Wildcats
BRHS headed to area championship
By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
After struggling for the last two games with its presence inside, Benjamin Russell’s post players came alive on Monday night against Wetumpka in the Class 6A Area 6 tournament. Both Brooklyn Edwards and Jaaliyah Caldwell had doubledigit rebounds, and the Wildcats dominated Wetumpka to the tune of 40-16. “Brooklyn especially played much better than she played Friday,” BRHS coach Latreisha Moon said. “And she rebounded better too.” Edwards led the way on the boards with 12 rebounds, while Caldwell posted a doubledouble with 14 points and 11 boards. “It was big because that’s our main game that we have to stick to,” Caldwell said. “I finally listened to coach Moon and boxed out like I was supposed to.” The rebounding was key, as Benjamin Russell struggled to shoot the ball well. But having second, third and sometimes even fourth chances led the Wildcats to victory. Benjamin Russell immediately got off a strong start, building up a 9-2 lead just three minutes in, and while its offense slowed quite a bit, its defense never did. Wetumpka was held to only six
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Niah Ford (2) defends against Wetumpka’s Cederia Dennis on Monday in the first round of the Class 6A Area 6 tournament.
points in the first half, and the Wildcats walked into the locker room with a 28-6 lead. The advantage could’ve been even bigger if not for a slew of Benjamin Russell turnovers, especially in the third quarter. The Wildcats committed 22 turnovers on the night, 11 of which came in the third frame. “It just got in our heads,” Moon said. “I think we were just trying to move too fast. We were up by 20 points, and we were still trying to go so fast. I kept telling them to slow down.” The Wildcats will certainly need to shore up its turnovers if it hopes to beat Opelika in the area championship on Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Bulldogs love to press and
defeated Benjamin Russell by 38 and 27 points during the regular season. “It’s going to take a lot of work,” Caldwell said. “We’re going to have to box out, rebound, cut down on the turnovers and make our free throws. We gotta do everything.” The toughest part will be trying to avoid fatigue against such a high-pressure defense and a team that has a lot of depth. “Opelika is tough,” Moon said. “When you play a team like Opelika, they just have more than we have. They have good guards and good post players, so it’s going to be tough. Last game, we got tired at the end of the second quarter and went flat because I just don’t have the depth that Opelika does.”
Wetumpka’s first win in area boys basketball action came at the wrong time for Benjamin Russell. After trailing for nearly the entire first half, the Indians turned up the defensive pressure and the Wildcats’ turnovers got the best of them. It resulted in a 53-45 victory in favor of Wetumpka. Benjamin Russell, which ends the season with an 11-12 record, had just four turnovers in the entire first half but had 13 in the final two quarters. “We killed ourselves in that regard,” BRHS coach Lewis Daniel said. “That was our biggest setback most of our games. At inopportune times, we weren’t taking care of the basketball. Start of the second half, we had five or six in a row, which got them back in the game and got their confidence up. We went back and forth for a little while after that then all of a sudden, we had another spurt of turnovers. Those things will come to haunt you.”
On the flip side, Wetumpka did a much better job handling the ball, finishing with just seven miscues. “Last game we had 17 turnovers in the fourth quarter against them, and this time we had seven turnovers in one game, that makes a huge difference,” Wetumpka coach Derrick Powell said. “Out of those 17 turnovers, they scored on 10. Taking care of the ball is key. Turning the ball over is another word for giving it to them, which allows them to score.” Benjamin Russell led 24-19 at halftime, but with 5:49 left in the third, the Indians took their first lead since the opening bucket, going ahead 27-26. Wetumpka held onto a narrow 35-33 lead heading into the final quarter, and it looked like once again, the teams would come down to the wire. There were two ties and a pair of lead changes in the opening three minutes of the frame, and BRHS led 39-38 with 5:16 remaining. Then the Wildcats seemed to lose See WILDCATS • Page 12
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Tuesday, February 6, 2018
The Outlook
LaFayette reels in Rebels By SAM CHANDLER The Valley Times-News
LaFayette freshman Feliah Greer swished a 3 on her team’s first possession Monday night. After that, the Lady Bulldogs never looked back. LaFayette (14-10) dispatched Reeltown, 61-21, in the first round of the Class 2A Area 8 tournament, advancing to Friday’s area championship against tournament host Lanett. Reeltown’s season came to an end with the loss. “The last few games we have really been playing well offensively,” LaFayette coach Michael Bratcher said. “We’re scoring a lot of points. The girls are playing with a lot of confidence.” The Bulldogs have now won four straight games and have scored at least 54 points in each. They had no trouble surpassing that figure Monday after a jumping out to a strong start. Behind Greer, LaFayette created a 17-5 first-quarter lead. She sank her opening triple, converted a coast-tocoast layup and scored on multiple second-chance putbacks. Greer tallied nine of her 16 points in the first frame. “She hasn’t played that way in a while,” Bratcher said. “The last couple games I feel like she’s almost been too passive, and tonight it was pretty much, ‘Get me the ball and look out.’ She was almost like a wrecking crew.” LaFayette stretched its advantage to
Sam Chandler / The Valley Times-News
Reeltown’s Marsheka Shaw (33) recorded a team-high 10 points in the Rebels’ 61-21 loss to LaFayette on Monday in the first round of the Class 2A Area 8 tournament.
31-11 at intermission. The Bulldogs intercepted a flurry of Reeltown passes in the second quarter that led to easy buckets in transition. Their constant swiping prevented the Rebels from finding a rhythm. They kept the pesky defense after halftime, too, even as the bench emptied. “Anytime you can go to the area tournament and play every player on your team — and play them some meaningful minutes, play them lots of minutes — it’s a good thing,” Bratcher said. LaFayette led 46-16 after three quarters before coasting in for the
victory. Jasmine Pitts recorded a game-high 18 points, 13 of which came in the third and fourth quarters. Marsheka Shaw paced Reeltown with 10 points. This was the teams’ third matchup of the season. The first two also yielded LaFayette victories. Now, the Bulldogs will turn their attention to Lanett, which they already have faced twice. They fell to their foe 58-53 on Jan. 5 and 56-38 on Jan. 20. “We’ll come out, we’ll have a game plan and do the game plan,” Bratcher said. “If we can execute what we’re supposed to do, maybe we can come away with a victory.”
Wildcats focus and couldn’t find the bucket. They were held scoreless for more than three minutes, allowing Wetumpka to build up a 46-39 lead. “We made an adjustment on one of our presses,” Powell said. “The last time we played them, they were breaking it possession after possession after possession, so we made a slight adjustment. But we still pressed the whole game, and
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it worked.” Another factor in Wetumpka’s favor was a 38-34 edge on the boards. Neither team shot very well, but the Indians made the most of their second-chance opportunities. “The biggest thing for us was not letting them get the offensive boards,” Wetumpka senior Alex Tunnell said. “That’s what killed us the past couple games down the wire,
so we just made sure we were getting a body on everybody. Also, us getting second-chance shots was big because we weren’t shooting that good.” Although Benjamin Russell’s season came to an end, Daniel was quick to congratulate his seniors on the season. “My first and foremost thought was how much they have contributed to establishing what I think
is a good group of young kids come back,” Daniel said. “They played all year and they set the tone from a leadership perspective. We know this is not how you want to end up, but somebody had to leave here a winner and a loser. Unfortunately, it was us, but the good news is we got next year. We can start working, planning and strategizing for next season and hopefully we’ll do better than this.”
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Willie Carl Martin went to Owens to try to talk him out of quitting. “Every time Terrell sees me, he says, ‘Thanks for not letting me quit,’” Savarese said. “I was the head coach, but all the coaches on that staff had a significant part in the development of Terrell. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we had a village of coaches.” Joining Owens in the 2018 Hall of Fame Class were fellow receiver Randy Moss, linebackers Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher and Robert Brazile, former Packers guard Jerry Kramer, former Eagles and Broncos safety Brian Dawkins and former NFL general manager Bobby Beathard. Mitch Sneed contributed to this report.
Tuesday, Feb. 6 High school boys basketball Class 4A Area 5 tournament Elmore County vs. Holtville at Dadeville, 6 p.m. Class 3A Area 6 tournament B.B. Comer at Central Coosa, 5 p.m. Beulah vs. Randolph County at Coosa, 6:30 p.m. Class 2A Area 8 tournament Reeltown vs. LaFayette at Lanett, 5 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Lanett, 6:30 p.m. College softball Central Alabama Community College at LBW Saints (2), 1 p.m. College baseball Central Alabama Community
College at West Georgia Tech (2), 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 High school boys basketball Class 6A Area 6 tournament Championship: Wetumpka at Opelika, 7 p.m. High school girls basketball Class 3A Area 6 tournament Championship at Central Coosa, 6 p.m. Class 4A Area 5 tournament Tallassee vs. Elmore County at Alabama Christian, 5 p.m. Holtville-Dadeville winner at Alabama Christian, 7 p.m. Class 6A Area 6 tournament Championship: Benjamin Russell at Opelika, 5 p.m.
Lance Cunigan takes third at state STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Ranked as one of the top runners in Class 6A indoor track and field, Benjamin Russell’s Lance Cunigan lived up to his hype by placing third overall in the 800. Cunigan clocked in at 2:02.85 and was less than three-tenths of a second from the top spot. According to Wildcat coach Martae Wyckoff, Cunigan led for all of his laps before dropping out of the front spot in the final stretch. Cunigan also grabbed a fourth-place finish in the 1,600, crossing the finish line in 4:32.88.
Also in the 800, Jackson Turner placed 24th with a time of 2:15.11.
Amber Parker throws perfect game for CACC
In six innings of work, Amber Parker was flawless for Central Alabama Community College’s softball team. She threw a perfect game as the Trojans defeated Coastal Alabama Community College, 8-0. Parker threw 96 pitches with just over 70 percent of them going for strikes. She fanned nine batters. The Trojan offense backed up Parker’s perfect game with 13 hits. Ashton Fielding had three hits and drove in three singles, and Shatima
Smith also smacked three hits, two of which went for doubles. Ashlyn Perrin contributed two hits and two RBIs.
CACC baseball begins with a pair of wins
Central Alabama Community College’s baseball team began its season Thursday, earning two victories of West Georgia Tech, 2-1 and 6-2, respectively. Griffin Fenn played hero in the first game, which was tied 1-1 heading into extra innings. Fenn was induced into a fielder’s choice, giving Pryce Fletcher time to score. Mossy Mueller had a pair of doubles.
Robinson each week. AU’s chemistry and fortuitous future schedule make for, at worst, an SEC regular season title and No. 2 seed in the NCAA tournament. • Outside of Auburn, the SEC has NFL-esque parity. Literally, anyone can beat anyone else. Does that mean the league is strong or weak? The answer is probably both. All of the teams have great talent and ability, but only Auburn has that aforementioned chemistry. Kentucky’s revolving door of five stars seems to have finally caught up with them, Texas A&M has dealt with a litany of problems,
Sam Chandler / The Valley Times-News
Horseshoe Bend’s Caly Carlisle (22) recorded a team-high 14 points in the Generals’ 62-37 loss to Lanett on Monday in the first round of the Class 2A Area 8 tournament.
Lanett cruises by Generals By SAM CHANDLER The Valley Times-News
The Lanett girls basketball team earned its first top 10 ranking of the season last week. The Alabama Sports Writers Association designated the Panthers as the No. 9 team in Class 2A. On Monday, they played like it. Lanett (13-5) dispatched Horseshoe Bend in the first round of the 2A Area 8 tournament, 62-37, punching its ticket to Friday’s area championship against LaFayette. The loss ended Horseshoe Bend’s season. “We had to come out fast,” Lanett coach Charlie Williams said. “In the playoffs, it’s one and done, so you can’t let teams hang around.” The Panthers left nothing to chance in front of their home crowd. Spurred by 12 early points from Ambria Jackson, they opened a 27-7 first-quarter lead. The junior guard connected from beyond the arc, fought through contact for layups and finished off fast breaks. There were more than a few. Lanett deployed a full-court press from the outset that Horseshoe Bend struggled to break. Rarely in the first half did the Generals advance past half court before losing possession. “We started off a little slow,” Horseshoe Bend coach Erica Meigs said. “The whole thing the past couple of ball games is, I need three and a half to four quarters every ball game, because we usually play two good quarters.” Meigs’ squad came out stronger in the second half. By then it was too late. Lanett held a 42-12 lead at intermission as Jackson and Makyia Broughton carried their team. Jackson posted 16 of her game-high 22 points in the first and second quarters. Broughton had 11 of her 14 points in the same span. “She brought a lot of energy to the team tonight,” Williams said of Jackson. Lanett entered the final quarter leading 57-30. Then, the Lady Panthers sent in their reserves to seal the victory. Caly Carlisle paced Horseshoe Bend with 14 points. Jahia Jennings added 10. This was the Generals’ third loss to Lanett this season. On Friday, the Panthers will attempt to continue an identical trend against LaFayette, which they defeated 58-53 on Jan. 5 and 56-38 on Jan. 20. Williams said consistency will be key to another triumph. “If we’re going to continue to play good defense, keep doing it. Keep sharing the ball,” he said. “If you do the small things right in basketball, everything else takes care of itself.”
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Alabama is just too young, etc. The second-best team is Tennessee, but beyond the Vols and Tigers the league is pretty even. • I spent all weekend with my 1-year-old baby girl as her mom was out of town. We binge-watched “The Wiggles.” In between my daughter’s naps, I investigated the show as I was curious how much money they make. It’s plus or minus $30 million. I have been writing homemade nursery rhymes since then. • Terrell Owens justifiably made the Pro Football Hall of Fame last
Saturday. I saw some locals celebrating his accomplishment on social media and others still bitter over his lack acknowledging his hometown of Alex City. Hopefully, everyone around here can put any hard feelings to the side soon. Owens just made one of the most exclusive clubs in all of sports. Let’s embrace that fact; it’s something we can all be proud of. • National Signing Day is tomorrow, but the early signing period in late December certainly took away some of its luster. I am fine with an early opportunity for recruits to sign a letter
of intent, but why not make it truly “early”? Have that date in the summer instead of December. • Dropping more Wiggles knowledge on ya head like a bowl of fruit salad (yummy, yummy): Did you know the yellow Wiggle, Emma, is married to the purple Wiggle, Lachy, in real life? It’s true. The rumors of Captain Feathersword dating Dorothy the Dinosaur were unconfirmed though. Luke Robinson is a regular columnist and contributor to Lake Martin Living and BMetro.