OPINION: WE ALL HAVE A ROLE IN STOPPING CYBER PREDATORS
THE LOCAL, PAGE 10 ACMS offers bingo fundraiser
THURSDAY
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
February 8, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 28 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
SPORTS, PAGE 11-12 See a full state of area basketball action inside
Fishermen ready to compete despite rain past,” Clunn said. “I hope it is good to me again.” The weather is something Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President Ed Collari wishes he could change. The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is the host for this week’s tournament. “I wish I could order up some Chamber of Commerce weather,” Collari told the group gathered at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center Wednesday evening. “But that is the one thing I can not control.” The National Weather Service has predicted rain for most of the
week. Gerald Swindle and Kevin VanDam gave their views on what this week could bring in a conversation with B.A.S.S’s Alan McGukin that appeared on the tournament’s website. “With all the rain that fell today, and is forecasted to fall throughout the weekend, make fishing better or worse on Lake Martin?” McGukin asked. “I don’t think it will have much of an effect one way or the other, because I think the dirt and mud will settle faster than people might think,” Swindle said. See FISHING • Page 5
QUEEN OF CONVENIENCE
Heavy downpour hits area, but no major issues reported
By CLIFF WILLIAMS and MITCH SNEED Staff Writers
Could the rain maybe shake things up a little for the Bassmaster Elite anglers on Lake Martin this week? The 110 anglers have been up and down its waters already this week in good weather except for Wednesday’s practice and hope they have the fishing figured out. Missouri’s Rick Clunn is no stranger to Bassmaster events, having competed in over 400 events including tournaments on Lake Martin. “It has been good to me in the
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Bassmaster Elite anglers including rookie Kyle Monti, right, listen as they get the last instructions from tournament director Trip Weldon.
Browning finalist for Manager of the Year
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
By MITCH SNEED Editor
I
f you make a stop at the MAPCO store at Highway 280 and Cherokee Road over the next couple of days and notice a familiar face missing, it’s for a good reason. Store Manager Shelia Browning departed today for the company’s headquarters near Nashville where she will be recognized as one of eight finalists for the company’s first Manager of the Year Award. “I was honored to be selected to represent our region,” Browning said. “MAPCO really is a great company to work for and to know that you are one of eight selected to be considered from 345 stores See BROWNING • Page 5
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
MAPCO Store Manager Shelia Browning assists a customer during checkout Wednesday morning. Browning has been selected one of eight finalists for the company’s first Manager of the Year Award.
Candidate list grows as qualifying window prepares to close
Nine local band students earn high honors By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
As the qualifying window for the 2018 election cycle prepares to close in Alabama, the list of candidates being cleared to have their name on the ballot continues to grow. From the governor’s office down to the county commission, more and more candidates are being cleared by their respective parties to seek public office. Joining Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, current Governor Kay Ivey and Michael McAllister in a race for the governorship on the Republican side is state Senator Bill Hightower and evangelist Scott Dawson, who recently See QUALIFYING • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
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Submitted / The Outlook
Four Benjamin Russell band members were recently named to the All-State and All-District honor bands. From left to right are Ja’Cedric Askew (District Honor Band), Kendal Sharpe (All-State White Band), Shelby Bloodworth (All-State Blue Band) and Dria McKinney (District Honor Band).
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
484.27
Reported on 02/07/18 @ 5 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443 6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
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A storm front blew across Tallapoosa County Wednesday morning, bringing with it a heavy downpour that slackened off as the day wore on. Despite the thundering rain that made its presence loudly known, Tallapoosa County EMA Director Jason Moran said there were very few, if any, problems that occurred in the area. “The most recent reports I got from the National Weather Service stated that around one inch fell at the northern end of the county, while the southern end saw between one and a half and two inches of rain,” Moran said. In addition to the information Moran reported, the National Weather Service showed that 1.61 inches of rain over the course of a 24-hour period fell at the Thomas C. Russell Airport in Alexander City. Moran spent much of Wednesday morning riding around the county, checking on areas that are more prone to flood than others, predominantly in the areas around Reeltown and Tallassee. While there may See RAIN • Page 3
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
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The Alabama Bandmasters Association recently held its annual All-State and AllDistrict honor band competitions for high school and middle school band members. Students from Alexander City Middle School and Benjamin Russell High School took part in the District VI competition on Jan. 27. When the judging was complete, five band members from Alexander City Middle School and two from Benjamin Russell had been named to the District Honor Band, while two more BRHS band members were named to the All-State Honor Band.
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BRHS trombone player Kendal Sharpe was named to the All-State White Band, while percussionist Shelby Bloodworth was awarded a spot on the All-State Blue Band. Tuba player Ja’Cedric Askew and trombonist Dria McKinney were named to the District Honor band from Benjamin Russell, as were ACMS band students George Ammons (trombone), Marley McCollum (clarinet), Madison Davis (trumpet), Shaunna Smelley (bass clarinet) and Danny Jeong (trombone). “There are three levels for All-State,” ACMS Band Director Greg Coggin said. See BAND • Page 3
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Strings attached to son’s gift have mom tied up in knots
Friday
58 50 Low
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Chance of showers during day with evening showers likely
Saturday
64 58 Low
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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
Postal
Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Thursday, February 8, 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 katie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 232 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
DEAR ABBY: My son bought me a car in 2012. I had no idea he was doing it. He traded my car in for this newer car. During the last five years this “gift” has been nothing but a sore spot. If I get a ding from a parking lot, it’s my fault. If I let someone smoke in it, I’m unappreciative. It’s always, “I do something to help you, and you’re so ungrateful.” I’m at the point of giving it back and riding a bus. What’s the solution? -AUTO-CHALLENGED MOM IN WEST VIRGINIA DEAR AUTO-CHALLENGED: The solution is to stand up for yourself. Your son appears to be using his “generosity” to badger you. If you haven’t told him how his comments have made you feel, you should. Point out that you can’t control what happens to the vehicle when you’re not in it. And once a gift is given, it’s the recipient’s to do with as she wishes. If a friend lighting up in YOUR car doesn’t bother you, you
wave them off, but neither do I want to talk about my life. It would make them uncomfortable. I’m building a new life now, but it’s still under construction. How do I respond to these wellmeaning old friends? -- NOT READY IN THE SOUTH DEAR NOT READY: You do not have to reveal anything to these old acquaintances that you don’t wish to. If they ask questions you feel are too personal or painful, all you have to say is you would rather not discuss it. Then change the subject.
DEAR ABBY Advice
shouldn’t have to apologize for it. As a last resort, consider trading the car in for one he has nothing to do with. DEAR ABBY: After 31 years of marriage, I divorced my husband last year. I was very unhappily married, and am glad to be moving forward in life. Our children suffered as well because of our marriage, and are only now beginning to make healthy choices. My problem is that people I knew ages ago have found me on social media and want to reconnect. I’m not ready for that. I don’t want to discuss what’s been happening for the last 32 years. I don’t want to
DEAR ABBY: My husband tosses and turns, snores, talks and sings in his sleep. In short, I cannot get my sleep when we’re in the same bed. He insists that I sleep with him because “if I don’t, it would create a rift in our marriage.” When I tell him I love him but I need to get my sleep, he says that love is only a word for me if I don’t act upon it by sleep-
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HOW TO SUBMIT OBITUARIES Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
Nancy Lee Duck Nancy Lee Duck passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at home. She was born on February 21, 1941 in Alexander City, Alabama to P. L. Tate and Verlie Mae Tate. Nancy was a very loving, kind, and funny woman who enjoyed spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband, E. Dean Duck of Montgomery, AL; daughter, Deana Duck of Montgomery, AL; sons, Stanley, Steve, and Scott Kilpatrick of Lawrenceville, Ga; brother-n-law, Wayne Jones of Crestview, FL; grandchildren,
Clint, Jeremi, and Kyle Kilpatrick of Atlanta, Ga; nephews Mike Jones of Birmingham, AL and Rusty Jones of Crestview, Fl. She was preceded in death by her sister, Norma Jean Jones, father, P.L. Tate, mother, Verlie Mae Tate. A special Thank You to family and friends for all you love, prayers, and support. Also, Thank You to Kindred Hospice for being so compassionate during this time. The family will not hold a funeral service or visitation. Alabama Funeral Homes in Dadeville are in charge of the arrangements. www.alabamafuneralhomes.com
Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m.
meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public.
Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.
Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in city hall.
Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m.
WE WILL CUSTOMIZE A PLAN SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR NEEDS. Call one of marketing representatives today!
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Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville. Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month.
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Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.
A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB
Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled
and Your Loved Ones!
1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Obituaries Ms. Jessie Marie Davis 1920 - 2018 Funeral Service for Ms. Jessie Marie Davis, 97, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 3:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Randy Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 8, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Ms. Davis passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at her residence. She was born on April 2, 1920 in Cottondale, Florida to William B. Griffin and Era Griffin. She was an active member of Town Creek Baptist Church. She was a very selfless, loving and car-
Public Meetings
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON
ing next to him. It has gotten so bad I am thinking of leaving him. Advice? -- ONLY A WORD IN OHIO DEAR ONLY A WORD: Rather than leave, schedule an appointment for both of you with your family physician. Because your “musical” husband is tone-deaf when he hears you need a solid night’s sleep, let the doctor impress upon him how important sleep is for good mental and physical health. Many happily married couples sleep in separate beds -- and sometimes even separate rooms -- and have great relations both in and out of bed. When there are sleep problems, sleeping apart isn’t a matter of rejection; it’s common sense.
Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall. Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held upstairs in the courthouse at 6:30 p.m. Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend. Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton. New Site City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room
in the Town Hall. Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office. All customers are invited to attend.
ing Mother and Grandmother and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Thompson of Alexander City; son, Bruce Davis of Alexander City; sisters, Alec Brackin, Martha Kennon, Ellen Harris, Bea Davis, and Liz Baker; brother, Coven Shivers; grandchildren, J. C. Winslett, Jerry Lashley, Tammie Newman, Lonnie Mace and Timothy Jones; 11 great-grandchildren; and 4 great great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, William B. Griffin, mother, Era Griffin; husband, Curtis O. Davis; son, O’neal Davis; and daughter, Peggy Mace. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m. Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853. Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session.
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Tallapoosa County 911 Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the 911 Administrative office at 240 West Columbus Street, Dadeville. Call 825-8490 for more information. Walnut Hill Water Authority meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. Call 8259841 to inquire about the agenda.
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Thursday, February 8, 2018
The Outlook
Rain
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have been some isolated areas that saw small amounts of flash flooding during the storm, Moran said he saw no serious problems while riding around. “A lot of the creeks are full, but right now, everything is staying in the banks,” he said. “The county has actually been in a moderate drought state, so this has helped out some.” While Moran said Wednesday morning’s rain was beneficial to helping with the drought conditions, he also said problems can arise when a lot falls all at
once. “We don’t want a whole bunch of rain in a 24-hour period,” he said. “It’s a little better if it is spaced out some.” The National Weather Service website showed late Wednesday afternoon that today will be sunny, though the rain will return tonight and chances for showers continue to linger Friday and into the weekend. With the potential for fairly active weather over the next several days, Moran encouraged the public to stay safe and be
Qualifying
weather aware. This includes not driving around barricades blocking flooded roads and not driving through standing water on a roadway near where a creek may have flooded over its banks. “I encourage everyone to sign up for Tallapoosa Alerts. They can get flash flood alerts just like they do thunderstorm and tornado alerts,” Moran said. “They can sign up at tallaco. com or by calling our office at 825-1078 and we’ll be happy to help them get set up.”
continued from page 1
signed his qualifying papers live on “The Rick and Bubba Show.” For the Democratic Party, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, James Fields and Anthony White have qualified to run alongside Sue Bell Cobb in the primaries. For more local offices, the list continues to grow as well, with seven new names listed on the Tallapoosa County GOP website as having qualified to run for office: Frank Tapley for District Three of the Tallapoosa County Commission, Lee Hamilton for Probate Judge, Tony Harris for County Commission District Two and George Carleton Jr. for District Five of the County Commission. Along with these four, Louise Pritchard, Jimmy Shivers and Woody Baird have
been cleared to run for seats on the Tallapoosa County Republican Party Executive Committee. Carol Gowen, the interim chair of the Tallapoosa County Democratic Party, was proud to announce Tuesday afternoon that the party’s slate of candidates for local offices was growing at a steady pace. “Things are looking good for us right now,” Gowen said. “This is the largest field of candidates statewide that we’ve had in a long time.” As of Tuesday afternoon, three more Democratic officeseekers have joined the candidates who have already cleared the qualifying process. Matilda Woodyard-Hamilton and Martin Johnson have
Band
officially qualified to run for the Tallapoosa County Board of Education, while Nancy Carlton Bendinger cleared the qualifying process in order to hit the campaign trail for Alabama Senate District 27. Along with those who have currently qualified, Gowen said she could have more to announce later in the week, and added that many of the candidates who have qualified will be present at the monthly meeting of the Tallapoosa County Democrat Party Thursday evening for a meet and greet session. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Charles “Bud” Porch Center in downtown Alexander City and is free and open to the public.
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Former Miss America Mallory Hagan qualifies for Congressional run Children’s Alliance, successfully Capitol Hill restoring $18 advocate for million dollars in child abuse and the 2014 budget. former Miss Since finishing America Mallory her service as Hagan announced Miss America, Hagan her candidacy Mallory for Congress in completed her Alabama’s third district degree from The Fashion yesterday. Institute of Technology in “I have been a resident Advertising, Marketing of Alabama’s third and Communications. In congressional district 2014, Mallory co-founded my entire life,” Hagan a personal branding and said. “I come from four marketing business. She generations of people who and her partner have have lived from Alex City consulted with over 200 to Opelika, so my roots clients in 47 states across are very deep.” America. Hagan’s platform In 2016, Mallory joined includes government the news team at WLTZ transparency, term limits, First News NBC 38 in high wage technical Columbus, Georgia. She training student loan has covered community programs that are stable, events, sports, breaking robust, and realistic news and elections and keeping Pell grants over the last 18 months accessible and reliable for — fighting, through low-income students. journalism, to reveal the In 2008, Mallory made truth in the world around the full-time move to us. NYC at just 19 years old. “Over the last 16 years, During her time in New this district has been in York, Mallory worked in a situation in which its the hospitality industry constituents do not feel and attended classes at heard,” Hagan said. “They The Fashion Institute of do not feel that their Technology until winning representative is listening, Miss New York 2012 and or that he is accessible.” Miss America 2013. Hagan explained her As Miss America, plans for the upcoming Mallory traveled nearly months include traveling 20,000 miles a month across the district to sit around North America. down and listen to the Her year of service real-life situations its largely consisted of being residents are facing. a National Ambassador “What I have for Children’s Miracle learned through my Network Hospitals time advocating and and advocating for her restoring funding for platform, Stop it Now: Child Advocacy Centers Child Sexual Abuse. In on Capitol Hill,” said July of 2013, Mallory Hagan,” is that if I use lobbied Congress for my voice and stand up funding for the nation’s for myself and others, I Child Advocacy Centers will see tangible change with the National occur.” STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
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A REFUGE FOR THE HOMELESS
ADOPTION IS THE BEST OPTION. Submitted / The Outlook
Hang onto your hearts, these two little boys now available for adoption.
Five band members from Alexander City Middle School were recently named to the All-District Honor Band. From left to right, George Ammons, Marley McCollum, Madison Davis, Shaunna Smelley and Danny Jeong.
“The Red Band is the top, then you have the White Band and the Blue Band. Then you have the All-District level below All-State.” “They are hard working, and represented our school and community with professionalism,” Benjamin Russell Band Director Dale Bloodworth said in a prepared statement. “We are proud of how our students fared. Most seats in our district get filled by students who study with a private teacher. None of our Alex City kids who earned a spot study privately. “Their success is a result of hard work, practice, determination, and a commitment to high standards.” Coggin described District VI as one of the toughest regions to compete in, comprised of some of the best middle school and high school bands in the state. The district stretches from the east
side of Montgomery to Phenix City, then north to encompass Smiths Station, Auburn, Opelika and Alexander City, among others. “I am absolutely ecstatic,” Coggin said. “Seeing them succeed is extremely rewarding for me, and I know they are thrilled as well.” He also said he felt he has middle school students on the verge of reaching the AllState level, and hopes to double the number of ACMS students participating in one of the honor bands next year. The District Honor Band will be held Feb. 16 and 17 at Auburn Junior High School, while the All-State Band Festival will be held in April at The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center in Montgomery, and the All-State Band concert will be held at the Dunn-Oliver Acadome on the campus of Alabama State University.
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They are 9 weeks old now. 1st set of puppy shots and worming. Sweet as can be. Visit the website rescuek911.com for more information and to see all the pooches up for adoption
Your Future DĂƩĞƌƐ ƚŽ hƐ͘ WŽĂƌĐŚ ŝƐ ƉƌŽƵĚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ŝŶ ůĂďĂŵĂ͛Ɛ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ͘ tĞ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ͘ WŽĂƌĐŚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϭϯ͕ϬϬϬ ũŽďƐ ƚŽ ůĂďĂŵŝĂŶƐ͕ ƉĂLJƐ ŵŝůůŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƐƚĂƚĞ ƚĂdžĞƐ ĞĂĐŚ LJĞĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ůĂďĂŵŝĂŶƐ͕ ƉĂLJƐ ŵŝůůŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƐƚĂƚĞ ƚĂdžĞƐ ĞĂĐŚ LJĞĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬĞƐ ĐŚĂƌŝƚĂďůĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐ ƌĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ŶĞĂƌůLJ Ψϴ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ĂŶŶƵĂůůLJ͘ ^ƚƌŽŶŐ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝƟĞƐ ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ ďƵŝůĚ Ă ďĞƩĞƌ ůŝĨĞ ĨŽƌ Ăůů͘ > D E d/s ^͘ > D E /', KZ^͘ WŽĂƌĐŚEĞŝŐŚďŽƌƐ͘ĐŽŵ ƉĐŝͲŶƐŶ͘ŐŽǀ Ϯϱϭ͘ϯϲϴ͘ϵϭϯϲ
Please save the weight circles on the bags of dry dog and cat food and mail to Rescue K911. Moist and Meaty dog food also has weight circles. Drop them off or mail them to Rescue K911 P.O. Box 862 Auburn, AL 36831. They all help & add up fast. Thank you on behalf of the dogs and cats that will benefit from them. This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900. Spay/neuter assistance is available from RESCUE K9-1-1, Wayside Animal Hospital 256-329-9900 or Lake Martin Humane Society 256-234-5533.
Like us on facebook This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900.
Rescue K9-1-1, Inc.
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CALL US! 548 Cherokee Road • Alexander City, AL 35010
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Opinion
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
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We all have a role in stopping cyber predators
T
he arrest headlines on the front page of yesterday’s Outlook should serve as a reminder that along with all the great things the internet brings to the palm of our hand, there is a dark side out there as well. The web makes a lot of things easier. You can apply for jobs, get to know someone face-to-face through Skype or keep up with family, friends or your favorite TV or sports personalities through Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. The options are actually limitless. The majority of us use the internet for general, daily inquiries, information and connections. We own multiple devices that give us instant access to the web from the palm of our hand. The information superhighway allows us to go places we have never gone before with the click of a mouse and do things we never thought we would be able to do. Unfortunately some see the technology as a means to exploit children and distribute unspeakable images to others who have similarly twisted minds. It’s a good thing law enforcement is keeping up with technology and trying to crack down on these people. In recent weeks and days we have had an arrest of an individual who was the subject of a viral video that drew attention all across the country. A Millbrook man was arrested and charged and along the way others were charged who shared the video that showed a child being sexually abused. Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett announced Tuesday they had arrested a man from Rockford who is believed to have solicited a 13-yearold boy for indecent purposes using Facebook Messenger. These headlines show our local law enforcement is working and made arrests in these cases. Those are just the cases we know about. There are countless others that don’t end with the bad guy behind bars that we may never know about. We are proud to see that Tallapoosa County has made such an investment of time and resources to keep on top of the latest technology and tools to fight these predators. Congratulations and keep up the good work. We need to do our part as well and make sure we are aware of the internet activity involving our children and make sure the digital footprint they are creating doesn’t make them a target of predators.
Know Your
Officials
Jim Nabors is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256329-6730 and his home number is 256-329-1320 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 1695 Magnolia Street Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Jim Nabors
Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256-3920344. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
Buffy Colvin represents District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663. Her address is 786 I Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.
Bobby Tapley
Buffy Colvin
Scott Hardy represents District 3. His phone number is 256-4962450. His address is 549 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
Scott Hardy
Eric Brown represents District 4. His phone number is 256-3972011. His address is 1421 Parrish Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.
Eric Brown
Tommy Spraggins represents District 5. His phone number is 256234-3609. His address is 1539 College Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.
Tommy Spraggins
Tim Funderburk represents District 6. His phone number is 256825-2993. His address is 1431 River Oaks, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
Tim Funderburk
I
Outlook The
I wish we all wore signs
wish all of us wore signs that told us a few things that might be helpful to know before we interacted with each other. Back in 1996, I met and became friends with the director of player development for the Washington Redskins. He invited me to D.C. to attend a Monday night football game and to get to watch it from the sidelines. Before the game began, I met a man on the field who looked vaguely familiar. We talked for a while about the team, and I made a few bad jokes about some of the politicians in the city. Just as the game was about to begin, I asked him again for his name. He told me it was Anthony Lake. And I questioned him about what he did for a living. I couldn’t hear him well, but it was something to do with security. So I asked a final question, “Who do you work for?” He said, “President Clinton. I am the national security director for the president.” I wish was wearing a sign stating what he did for a living. That would have saved me some major embarrassment. My son, Ethan was an exceptional high school football player who went on to play in college. He was the quarterback on his team. One weekend our team was losing
marrying his college sweetheart, having a great job at a RAY big company downtown, and then the birth of a beautiful son. WATERS After a run of several years Columnist of what seemed to be nothing but successes, he was now going through some tough at halftime. I went down to the times. Lost job, bad debt, poor concession stand and bought coping skills, divorce and the a coffee and joined a circle of loss of his son had crushed him. men I had never met as they I will never forget with tears talked about the game. in his eyes he said to me, “You One man was especially wouldn’t understand. You’re vocal about the problem with a pastor. You’ve never known our team. It was the quarterpain or embarrassment. Your back. I remember him saying, life is nothing like mine.” “They need to get that Waters And I thought, I wish I had a kid out of the game. He is the sign that said “I know more than problem. He is killing us.” you think about pain and hurt And then he turned to me and disappointment and failure. and said, “What do you think?” I’ve gone through a divorce that Several things were flashing was my fault. I have felt shame.” through my mind, and none of I wish I had a sign that said “I them were good. know. I have been there, too.” I took a deep breath and All of us have hidden pains said, “I probably am not a good and aches in our hearts, don’t one to ask since the quarterwe? It would be nice if we back is my son.” could see it on a sign but I The loud, opinionated fan guess we just have to trust it’s had a look of complete shock there to one degree or another on his face. I know he wished for every person. I had been wearing a sign that So the next person you said, “I am Ethan Waters’ dad!” talk to, remember to be kind One more — several years because, since they don’t have ago, I met a very depressed a sign, you don’t know. man at a coffee shop in Atlanta. I asked him to tell me his story, Ray Waters is a minister, and he did. He had enjoyed a motivational speaker and regustring of successes including lar columnist for The Outlook.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Today’s
Quote
“Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” —Warren Buffett
Today’s
Scripture
“Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for He guards the lives of His faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.” —Psalm 97:10
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Will you be attending any of the Bassmaster Elite Series events this week?
No — 83%, 24 votes Yes — 17%, 5 votes
Thursday Question: Are you glad there are six more weeks of winter ahead of us or are you ready for spring? 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.
Does State of the Union give president a boost? How to
W
hen a President steps before Congress and the cameras, it’s a prime-time event unlike few others in American life. The ratings can approach those of the Super Bowl, exceeding sporting contests or media awards. One might therefore assume that the State of the Union (SOTU) speech generates a boost in a president’s polls. But is that the case? My students and I investigated this matter. We looked at whether such speeches are a public opinion bonanza. How did President Donald Trump fare in his last two SOTU speeches? Which presidents have given the best State of the Union speeches, and who had the worst ones? Does one party outdo the other in this high publicity moment? What’s the future of these SOTU speeches?
JOHN TURES Columnist of the Union speech, but it was not the highest rated one in history, or recent history. He had 47.4 million viewers last year (when it is your first year, it’s not an official SOTU, but it has all of the excitement and ratings of a prime-time speech, so we count them), and 45.6 million this year. Comparing all SOTU speeches for Nielsen ratings, it was the ninth biggest since 1993, out of 25 (last year’s was the eighth biggest). From 1993 to 2018, presidents average a rating of 49.7 in their first two SOTU speeches. However, President Trump can gain some solace from the fact that he had more than Obama’s 31.3 million from 2016. Most presidents (Clinton, Bush) have their lowest numbers in their last (in each case here, eighth year) SOTU.
The biggest drop in the polls was Richard Nixon in 1971, shedding seven points off his approval ratings. President Carter lost five points in his 1978 speech, while George Bush Sr. saw his approval rating drop four points after his second SOTU. Like his father, George W. Bush saw his second State of the Union speech drop, though only by a pair of points, just as Obama did in 2010.
What about the State Of the Union address’s future?
Prime-time speeches weren’t always the norm. In fact, from Thomas Jefferson to William Howard Taft, the address was a hand-written note delivered from the Executive Branch to the Legislative Branch. The professorial President Woodrow Wilson’s in-person Do State Of The Union speech surprised the political addresses create a bump establishment in 1913. Under Harry Truman, we began to in the polls? see such events televised. Like In examining the evidence, Wilson, President Donald Trump we looked at a single polling is about to shock tradition by agency, Gallup, which conducts livestreaming the event, having an extensive number of polls over time. These detailed surveys Which presidents have the all of his donors’ names across best SOTU speeches, and the bottom of the screen. What’s go back to when LBJ was in the worst ones? next, a hologram? office. We look at what the There are always debates president’s ratings were before But however the speech over which US presidents were is delivered, its length, the the State of the Union speech “the best.” But we can see (where the last survey occurred party of the president, or how which American Presidents before the speech), and the first popular the president is at the got the biggest boosts in surveys taken after the speech. time, it still seems to be more approval ratings following a about what is said than how it Despite having such a large performance in the big speech. is said, as undergraduate Blake audience, and many people clapping, the boost in the polls is Among these, President George Konans pointed out. mild at best. Analysis of 20 State H. W. Bush got the strongest bump in the polls, with 12 John A. Tures is a professor of the Union speeches in the points up in 1989 following of political science at first two years of all presidents from Johnson to Trump reveals that early speech. After George LaGrange College. He can be Bush Sr. comes Bill Clinton’s reached at jtures@lagrange. that the average bounce in the first year, which saw him jump edu. His undergraduates Agrlin polls is 0.9 percentage points. from 51% to 59% in approval Braxton, Casey Evans, Natalie So if a president doesn’t come ratings. After Clinton came Glass, Jacob Hester, Blake roaring out of the gates after Konans, Alanna Martin, Slone delivering the grand speech, it’s Ronald Reagan’s first year, where his ratings soared from Raper, Yasmine Roper, Bre’lan not unusual. 55% to 60%. In his second Simpson, Kirksley Wainwright, How did Donald Trump year, Clinton’s four-point Chris West, Bonny Woods, and do last year? increase was the fourth biggest Breanna Wyrosdick contributed President Trump had a fair to this analysis. number of viewers of his State poll increase since 1978.
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.
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. Send us your thoughts today!
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Thursday, February 8, 2018
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Page 5
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Browning
continued from page 1
was a pleasant surprise.” Browning has been with MAPCO for 15 years, starting out as a part-time clerk. She shined in the part-time role and then worked her way up and got an opportunity in 2010 to manager the company’s store in Sylacauga. After two solid years there where she helped turn that store around, the New Site native got the opportunity to come back to Alexander City in 2012. “This is home to me and I really enjoy being here,” Browning said. “I have a great team and I really do think the people is what helps us be successful. We are well known in the area and we work hard to keep the store inviting, product available and meet everyone with friendly service. I think that’s what sets us apart and has allowed us to have the success that we have had.” Headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, MAPCO has 345 corporate-owned convenience stores operating primarily in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia with additional locations in Arkansas, Virginia, Kentucky and Mississippi. This week the eight finalists for the award will be a part of a special program where the Manager of the Year will be named. The award is far more than a popularity contest. This was
MAPCO’s first year awarding a Store Manager of the Year. Shelia was chosen based on her excellence in leadership, guest service and store performance. District Manager Ken Mullins said that Browning has a great relationship with customers, vendors and her team and that all added up to great results for the store. “The award isn’t one where you are nominated,” Mullins said. “It’s all performance based and how the store measures on company standards and expectations were all considered. Shelia does a great job and we are happy that she is getting this recognition. It’s very deserving.” To those who are regulars at the store, news of the honor wasn’t a surprise. She and the staff at the store work hard to know their customers and go out of the way to make sure that they find what they need and get fast service so that they can get on with their daily business. “It means a lot that we have so many regulars and that they pick our store to visit,” Browning said. “There are a lot of convenience stores in our area, but while we are part of a big company, I’d like to think they see us as a neighborhood market, because of the relationships and personal service we offer.”
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
MAPCO Store Manager Shelia Browning poses for photos both outside and inside the convenience store Wednesday morning. Browning has been selected one of eight finalists for the company’s first Manager of the Year Award.
Fishing
continued from page 1
“I think the rainy weather will make it better, because anytime you have a low pressure system fishing tends to improve, and besides that, it’s not a cold rain, it’s a fairly warm rain, dumping water into a lake that’s about 48 to 52 degrees,” VanDam told McGukin. Collari is pulling double duty this week as he is also serving as a marshal for rookie Caleb Sumrall. The two joked after learning of their pairing and meeting for the first time. “You are going to have to show me what to do,” Collari said. “I am new to this too.” “I am new to this as well,” Sumrall said. “I am a rookie.” Collari questioned Sumrall on what to expect in the boat with the New Iberia, Louisiana resident. “Let me know if I need to be quiet or talkative,” Collari requested. “Just let me know what I need to do.” “We’ll talk,” Sumrall said. “We will have a good time. If the fishing is good we will have a good time.” While the tournament is officially starting today, the presence of the competitors, the more than 100 tournament support staff and others associated with the event has been felt in the area all week. “Because it is the first
tournament of the year, we’ve had people here all week,” Collari said. “They had a meeting on Sunday and had to have the Coast Guard in to check out their boats and a lot of other administrative stuff. By having them here all week, on the heels of a big high school tournament last week, all 371 hotel rooms have been booked solid. You seen the trucks and boats all wrapped up around town, so they are having an impact. “Obviously we are concerned about the weather, but we will work through it. We are happy they are here and have been are a really good organization to work with.” Shelia Browning manages the MAPCO Store on Highway 280 and she said the tournament traffic has produced a spike in sales at the store. They have been in here all week,” Browning said. “They start early, some as early as 3 a.m. They fuel up and pick up things so they can hit the water at daybreak. They are great folks and we’ve enjoyed having them shop with us.” For those wanting to see the tournament, one just needs to go to Wind Creek State Park. The park has waived the day’s use fee for those attending the take off at 6:15 a.m. and weigh-ins starting at 2:30 p.m. The park will also hold an expo Saturday and Sunday.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Above, Bassmaster Elite anglers wait to check in at the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center Wednesday evening. Left, Auburn’s Steve Kennedy who has a cabin on Lake Martin speaks about the rules of idle under some of the bridges on Lake Martin. The Elite Series officially opened on Lake Martinthis morning.
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CommunityCalendar Need Insurance? Call me.
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Thursday, February 8, 2018
The Outlook
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 is
February 8, 2018
BIG “B” BAR-B-QUE
Today’s Events
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DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEETING: There will be a meeting of the Tallapoosa County Democratic Party at 6 p.m. Bud Porch Center in Alexander City. Candidates who have qualified to run in the upcoming election will be introduced. The 2018 election will be discussed as well.
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Today’s Birthdays
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.
Karen Keel, Larry Helm, Steve L. Morgan, Stephanie L. Bowen, Paden Stephens, Deborah Blair, Ben Hepburn, Celia Holley, Kenyatta Robinson and David McDaniel are celebrating their birthdays today.
Today’s Anniversary
Curtis and Claudius Thomas are celebrating their anniversary today.
Submitted / The Outlook
Ron Hunter retires from Security Pest Control, honored for service Michael Booker, left, of Security Pest Control recently recognized retiring employee Ron Hunter for years of faithful, dedicated and exemplary service to thousands of customers. Hunter is retiring to enjoy time with his wife and family.
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Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
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
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. SACRED HARP SINGING: Rocky Mount Primitive Baptist Church on County Road 79 in Daviston is hosting a Sacred Harp singing Sunday, Feb. 11. The singing will begin at 10 a.m. and end around 3 p.m. with a break for a covered dish lunch from noon until 1 p.m. For questions contact Charlotte Bishop at 256-395-2525.
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
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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. POLAR LEAP: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a Polar Leap Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. to leap into the icy waters of Wind Creek State Park. Hot chocolate and coffee will be provided for participants. The event is weather permitting and there is a park entry fee for noncampers.
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. 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 256-794-1333.
February 28- March 2
CHURCH REVIVAL: The Family Worship Center at 1676 Sewell Street is hosting revival services Feb. 28, March 1 and March 2 at 6:30 p.m. with Evangelist Apostle W.T. Traylor. Everyone is welcome.
Sunday, March 4
PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Style Baptist Church on Coosa County Road 20 in Equality is celebrating Pastor Richard Ellis Taylor’s third anniversary Sunday, March 4. Rev. Yeasive Ware of Opelika is the featured speaker at 11 a.m. and Pastor Robert L. Harbrove III of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Alexander City is the featured speaker at 2 p.m.
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.
Saturday, March 24
EASTER EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. Most eggs will have small prizes and prize eggs will be hidden for each age division. The age divisions are 0-2 years old, 2-4 years old, 5-8 years old and 9-12 years old. The event will take place in the North Picnic area across from the beach. There is a park entry fee for non-campers.
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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Wednesday, March 29
VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School Auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston. Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards. Visit auburnveteransproect. weebly.com/east-alabama-vietnamveterans-welcome-home-cermony. html. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance by either emailing Blake Busbin at wbbusbin@auburnschools.org or by calling Auburn High School at 334-887-2120.
Saturday, March 31
FULL MOON HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a full moon hike Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m. The hike will begin at dark in the North Picnic Pavilion. The is a fee for non-campers.
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.
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Thursday, February 8, 2018
The Outlook
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Thursday, February 8, 2018
Thursday, February 8, 2018
The Outlook
Police Reports
Many a
on Reeves Road. • Possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia was reported on Coley Creek Road. • Theft was reported in Alexander City. • Criminal trespass was reported on Highway 22 East.
• Melissa Wheeler, 50, of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia. • David Bert Jones, 42,of • Leonard Jaron Davis, 23, of Alexander City was arrested of Opelika was arrested for public possession of a controlled subintoxication. stance and possession of drug • A house fire was reported on paraphernalia. N Street. • Kevin Eugene Pike, 39, of • Theft was reported on February 4 Alexander City was arrested for Jefferson Street. • Jerad Quintez Allen, 25, of possession of a controlled sub• Domestic violence was reportAlexander City was arrested for stance and possession of drug ed on Montgomery Street. possession of marijuana. paraphernalia. • Promoting prison contraband • Brent Michael Dye, 33, of • Billy Jason Mathis, 37, of and possession of marijuana was Chelsea was arrested for two Alexander City was arrested for reported on Hillabee Street. counts of failure to appear. domestic violence. • Harassment was reported on • Victorino Tlehuactle Mazahua, • Tyrone Lakeith Heard, 34, of Elkahatchee Road. 33, of Alexander City was arrestAlexander City was arrested for • Public intoxication was reported for driving under the influence theft. ed on Highway 22 East. of alcohol. • Kearre Lashae Bozeman, 28, • Theft was reported on • Allison Nicole Jaye, 25, of of Alexander City was arrested for Highway 280. Eclectic was arrested for driving two counts of failure to appear. • Using false identification to under the influence of alcohol. • A vehicle fire was reported on obstruct justice was reported on • Possession of a controlled Lindsey Road. County Road. substance and driving under the • Possession of marijuana was • Driving under the influence of influence of a controlled subreported on Jefferson Street. stance was reported on 6th Street alcohol and possession of drug • Possession of a controlled paraphernalia was reported on West. substance and possession of drug County Road. • Possession of a controlled paraphernalia was reported on • Public intoxication and possubstance and promoting prison Gunter Circle. session of drug paraphernalia was contraband was reported on • Fraudulent use of a credit reported on Sumner Street. Airport Drive. or debit card was reported in • Public intoxication was report• Possession of marijuana was Alexander City. ed on Lee Street. reported on Airport Drive. • Harassment was reported at • A vehicle fire was reported on February 2 Marketplace. Oak Street West. • Bianca Mi’ele Moon, 25, of • Theft was reported on • Burglary and theft was report- Alexander City was arrested on Highway 22 West. ed on Oak Hill Court. two counts of failure to appear. February 5 • Domestic violence was report• Ladarrian Charles Hardnett, • Degretio Antonia Sandlin, 42, ed on Nelson Road. 20, of Alexander City was arrestof Alexander City was arrested for • Domestic violence was report- ed for four counts of failure to possession of marijuana and pos- ed on Azalea Drive. appear. session of drug paraphernalia. • Robbery was reported on S • Timothy James Baggett, 42, • Dionne Carlos McKinney, 38, Street. of Alexander City was arrested of Sylacauga was arrested for • Giving false identification to for driving under the influence of theft and failure to appear. a law enforcement officer was alcohol. • Joeski Damon Ferguson, 26, reported on County Road. • Vincent Darrell Bias, 51 of of Dadeville was arrested for four Alexander City was arrested for February 3 counts of failure to appear. failure to appear. • Jeffery Anthony Nickson, 45, • Justin Davis, 20, of Alexander • Theft was reported on Lorena of Alexander City was arrested City was arrested for failure to Drive. for promoting prison contraband, appear. • Dogs running at large was public intoxication and possession • Bontanna Omanuel reported on Jones Road. of marijuana. Cleveland, 33, of Alexander City • Criminal trespass was report• Bradley Monroe Gamble, 37, was arrested for driving under of Kellyton was arrested for public ed on Dadeville Road. the influence of a controlled sub• Theft was reported on intoxication. stance, possession of a controlled Hillabee Road. • Joey Jaron Gilbert, 24, of substance and illegal possession • Burglary and theft was reportAlexander City was arrested for of prescription drugs. ed on 5th Street. three counts of failure to appear. • Peggy Russell Hutchins, 52, • Domestic violence was report• Roderick Derrell Kelly, 46, of of Alexander City was arrested for ed in Alexander City. Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear. • Theft was reported on 10th theft and using false identification • Tamekia Lakel Russell, 34, of Avenue. to obstruct justice. Alexander City was arrested for • Magnes Kenwaske Foster, possession of synthetic marijuana, 35, of Alexander City was arrested Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s tampering with physical evidence for driving under the influence of a Department and promoting prison contraband. controlled substance and possesFebruary 6 • Viscous dogs were reported sion of drug paraphernalia.
Alexander City Police Department February 6
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• Alejandro Vazquez of Jackson Road in Camp Hill was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear child support. • Mark Wilson of Magnolia Street in Alexander City was arrested on three grand jury indictments for possession of synthetic marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance cocaine. • Austin Godfrey of Minter Road in Camp Hill was arrested on an outstanding warrant for a failure to appear child support. • Robert Muckenfuss of Scott Road in Alexander City was arrested on five grand jury indictments for burglary third, two theft of property third, burglary third and theft of property fourth.
small thing
has been made
large...
February 5
• Bontanna Cleveland of Summer Street in Alexander City was arrested on two outstanding warrants for failure to appear child support and failure to appear possession of drug paraphernalia.
February 4
• A resident of Sulphur Springs in Tallassee filed a report for theft of property and criminal mischief.
...with the right kind of advertising.
February 3
• Bianca Moon of S Street in Alexander City was arrested on two grand jury indictments for shooting into an unoccupied vehicle while incarcerated in the county jail.
February 2
• Terrel Williams from Coosa County Road in Kellyton was arrested on a grand jury indictment for fraudulent use of a debit/ credit card and theft of property second while incarcerated in the county jail. • Briana Kincaid of Coosa County Road in Kellyton was arrested on grand jury indictment for fraudulent use of a debit/credit card and theft of property second while incarcerated in the county jail. • Gregory Spratling of County Road 79 in Daviston was arrested on a grand jury indictment for possession of burglary tools and receiving stolen property third while incarcerated in the county jail. • Kevin Butts of Heritage Drive in Goodwater was arrested on a grand jury indictment for willful abuse of a child while incarcerated in the county jail.
•Alexander City Outlook •Dadeville Record •Wetumpka Herald •Eclectic Observer •Tallassee Tribune
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Local news Outlook The
Thursday, February 8, 2018 www.alexcityoutlook.com
Local UA students receive academic honors List • Sutherlan Pritchard of Dadeville, President’s List A total of 12,594 students enrolled • Mary White of Dadeville, Dean’s during the 2017 fall semester at The List University of Alabama were named to • Ryan Zaniewski of Jacksons Gap, the Dean’s List with an academic record Dean’s List of 3.5 or above or the President’s List • Austin McKelvey of Jacksons Gap, with an academic record of 4.0 (all A’s). Dean’s List The UA Dean’s and President’s The University of Alabama, the lists recognize full-time undergraduate state’s oldest and largest public students. The lists do not apply to institution of higher education, is a graduate students or undergraduate student-centered research university students who take less than a full course that draws the best and brightest to an load. Those students include: academic community committed to • Railey Baker of Alexander City, providing a premier undergraduate and Dean’s List graduate education. • Cody Hanners of Alexander City, UA is dedicated to achieving Dean’s List excellence in scholarship, collaboration • Elizabeth Harvey of Alexander City, and intellectual engagement; providing Dean’s List public outreach and service to the • Robert Howard of Alexander City, state of Alabama and the nation; and President’s List nurturing a campus environment • Rose Lamberth of Alexander City, that fosters collegiality, respect and President’s List inclusivity. • Michael McGill of Alexander City, Dean’s List Three local students graduate • Alisha Smith of Alexander City, at Gadsden State President’s List Gadsden State Community College • Ashley Smith of Alexander City, recently released the names of the 2017 President’s List graduating class. • Mary Vardaman of Alexander City, Local graduates are Jada Carr, President’s List Kristi Hardy and Kayla Jenkins all of • Ryan Ware of Alexander City, Alexander City. President’s List • Kylie Dickson of Alexander City, Russell is a Troy graduate Dean’s List Laderick Russell of Alexander City • Zachery Rogers of Goodwater, graduated from Troy University during President’s List Term 1 of the 2017/2018 academic year. • Lydia McCollum of Rockford, Russell graduated with a Bachelor of Dean’s List Science degree. • Hannah Grimes of Dadeville, Term 1 includes students at TROY’s Dean’s List campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and • Joshua Oliver of Dadeville, Dean’s STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Montgomery, Ala., along with teaching sites outside of Alabama and online. Troy University is a public, historic, international university with more than 145,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while working adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.
Macon named a “Who’s Who” by Troy University
Shelley Macon of Alexander City has been selected by Troy University as a “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.” “Who’s Who” recognizes juniors, seniors and graduate students who have excelled in campus leadership and in their academic area. Selections are made based on academic standing, community service, leadership ability and potential for continued success. This year’s recipients were honored by TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., and First Lady of TROY Janice Hawkins during a reception on Nov. 30 at the Chancellor’s residence on the Troy Campus.
Six local students make Troy Chancellor’s List
Troy University is pleased to announce students who have been named to the Chancellor’s List for the Fall Semester and Term 2 of the
2017/2018 academic year. Full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0 qualify for the Chancellor’s List. Local residents who made the list include: • Charley Bond of Dadeville • Dylan Davis of Dadeville • Emily Kerley of Alexander City • Shelley Macon of Alexander City • Jalynn Price of Goodwater • Taylor Walton of New Site The Fall Semester includes students at the Troy campus. Term 2 includes students at TROY’s campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery, along with locations outside of Alabama and online.
Three locals on Troy Provost’s List
Troy University is pleased to announce students who have been named to the Provost’s List for the Fall Semester and Term 2 of the 2017/2018 academic year. Full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who have a grade point average of at least 3.65 qualify for the Provost’s List. Local residents who made the list include: • Georgia Blanchard of Rockford • Olivia Harrell of Goodwater • Anna Shaw of Jacksons Gap The Fall Semester includes students at the Troy campus. Term 2 includes students at TROY’s campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery, along with locations outside of Alabama and online.
First Baptist Church of Dadeville welcomes Dr. Ben Hayes as new minister STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Students pose for a photo while playing bingo during Wednesday morning’s first-ever bingo fundraiser for the Alexander City Middle School choir department.
Middle school offers bingo fundraiser to students By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Nearly 160 Alexander City Middle School students filled the lunchroom Wednesday morning for the first-ever bingo fundraiser for the middle school choir department. For $3, students were able to get out of class for about an hour and play several rounds of bingo while helping raise money for the choir. “Today was a half day for students since we have professional development,” ACMS Principal Tracie Blakely said. “We wanted the kids to have a little down time, give them a small break and reward them for their hard work.” “This is the first big fundraiser I’ve done with the middle school choir,” Choral Director Molly Cross said. “I left it up to my choir students. They did some research, and this is what they came up with.” Despite a delay in advertising the fundraiser to students, word spread fairly quickly in the week prior to Wednesday’s bingo time, and the student body was excited to be able to get out of class and have fun with friends while playing games. Choir students were selling wristbands to their classmates, which would allow them to participate Wednesday. Several teachers also got involved, helping out by selling the wristbands in class.
Along with having fun and enjoying time out of class, prizes were awarded to students who made a bingo, including gift cards to Walmart and The Coffee Corner, jewelry from Cloud Nine and Downtown Girl, bath bombs and scented candles, among other things. “We just went around to a few local businesses and asked if there was anything they wanted to donate, and we got a good response,” Cross said. Cross estimated that around $500 was raised through Wednesday’s bingo fundraiser, money that would go into the choral account for things like music and supplies. She also said it could be used for transportation costs when the students go out into the community and perform, as well as helping pay fees
for district and state honor band competitions. “I think today was very successful, very wonderful. The students enjoyed it and it was a good fundraiser for the choir,” Cross said. “I want to try and make this an annual thing. I hope to see this grow and become huge for us.” She added there were plans to add a second fundraiser for the middle school choir department going in the near future, but had not yet determined what that fundraiser would be. “It makes me feel good to know that we can offer things like this to our students,” Blakely said. “We want them to know that it’s not always about work. We want to remind them that when you work hard, there are times when you can play hard too.”
First Baptist Church of Dadeville has a new minister, as Dr. Benjamin Mack Hayes will be in the pulpit for his first sermon this Sunday morning . Over the past 35 years, Brother Ben, as he is known to church members, has served as pastor of multiple Baptist churches in Alabama and Hayes Louisiana. For the past 10 years up to the present, Dr. Hayes has served as Senior Pastor of Southside Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama. Dr. Hayes, age 55, has been happily married for 35 years to Sonya Lynn DeFoe Hayes, his college sweetheart. Their beautiful family includes daughter Jennifer (married to Rob Carr), daughter Ashley (married to Jon Andrews) and grandchildren Hayes Paten Carr, Lucy Elanor Andrews, and Lily Éowyn Andrews. Dr. Hayes was born and raised in Fernandina Beach, Florida. At the age of 18, he left Florida to attend Mobile College. It was there that he met Sonya, fell in love, married, and was blessed with their first child, Jennifer. Secondary to that fact, they also earned their Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1984: Dr. Hayes in Religion and English and Sonya in Psychology and Sociology. From there, Dr. Hayes and Sonya went to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he not only received his Master of Divinity degree in 1987 but also was blessed by the birth of their second daughter, Ashley. Following seminary, the Hayes family spent the next 20 years in Louisiana and South Alabama serving in churches and enjoying their family. The girls grew up, married, and gave birth to the “most beautiful daughters ever” while completing their own educations. Rob, Jennifer, and Hayes currently live in Pinson, Alabama, and Jon, Ashley, Lucy, and Lily currently live in Pensacola, Florida. In 2007, Dr. Hayes completed his Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on Leadership and Administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his extensive experience as a senior pastor, Dr. Hayes has served in multiple leadership positions in his local Baptist associations, including a term as Moderator of the Morgan Baptist Association. He has also served two terms on the Alabama Board of Ministerial Education and is currently on the Resolutions Committee for the Alabama Baptist Convention. Sonya has been very active in various ministries where they have served. In addition to supporting Dr. Hayes in the demanding yet rewarding role as a pastor’s wife, she currently serves as Administrative Assistant/Volunteer coordinator for the Morgan Baptist Association. Dr. Hayes has a variety of hobbies including hiking, reading, computers, and shooting all types of firearms.
LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
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Sports Outlook The
Thursday, February 8, 2018
NATIONAL SIGNING DAY
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Left: Benjamin Russell’s Jaden Tuck, seated center, officially signed his Letter of Intent to play football at West Alabama. He was joined by, front row, from left, his father Kendall Thomas and his mother Christale Tuck; back row, BRHS athletic director Pam Robinson, BRHS assistant football coach Martae Wckyoff and BRHS Principal Anthony Wilkinson. Right: Benjamin Russell’s Davede Herron, seated center, officially signed his Letter of Intent to play football at Union (Kentucky) College. He was joined by, front row, from left, his mother Tammy Herron, his grandmother Charlotte Salter; back row, BRHS assistant football coach Martae Wckyoff, his aunts Demetria Barnes and Cherisa Edwards, his brother Tray Edwards, his girlfriend Hartasia Thompson and BRHS Principal Anthony Wilkinson.
Herron, Tuck commit to play football in college By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Arguably the top offensive and top defensive players for the Benjamin Russell Wildcats are officially taking their talents to the next level, as both Davede Herron and Jaden Tuck signed to respective colleges on Wednesday’s National Signing Day. Herron will be playing for Union College, an NAIA program in Barboursville, Kentucky, while Tuck signed with West Alabama, a Division II team in Livingston. Both said a family-type
environment was something that attracted them to their respective schools. “When I went on a visit there, just the environment and how nice the people were,” Herron said. “How they greeted me and brought me in, it felt like a brotherhood as soon as I got there.” Although Tuck was getting some interest from Division I schools, he still felt like West Alabama was the right fit for him. “They showed the most interest in me,” he said. “I had a couple of other big name schools that were looking at
me, but (West Alabama) kept coming down and kept in contact with me as much as they could. When I went on my official visit, they sold me. I saw the camaraderie of the team, the brotherhood and the family aspect of the campus, so it was an easy choice for me.” Tuck, who is the reigning Outlook Defensive Player of the Year, said he was recruited as an outside linebacker, but that could change depending on West Alabama’s needs. Despite Herron’s offensive prowess for the Wildcats — he led the team with 846 rushing yards despite missing
a game and also scored nine touchdowns — he was recruited as a safety. “They have a couple of running backs already,” Herron said. “I feel good about it, though. I feel like it’s something I can do. I played defense my 10th and 11th grade years, so I feel like it’s something I can pick back up.” As they move on to the next level, they’ll still remain Wildcats at heart. Benjamin Russell Principal Dr. Anthony Wilkinson talked during their signings about how both represent BRHS’ motto of “Character, Class and Pride.”
They also went out on a high note. After going 3-7 during Herron and Tuck’s junior year, the Wildcats made a big turnaround this season, finishing 7-4 and advancing to the Class 6A playoffs. “I hate that it’s over with, but all good things must come to an end,” Tuck said. “I appreciate what the coaching staff and my teammates did for this program. I loved the whole aspect of playing high school football. We had a down season (two years ago), but to be able to flip the script and get it headed back in the right direction was a plus for us.”
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Elite Series Rookie Caleb Sumrall shares a laugh with Ed Collari, left, president and CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. Collari is the marshall for Sumrall and both joked about being new.
Lizi Arbogat / The Outlook
Central Coosa’s girls basketball team won the Class 3A Area 6 tournament Wednesday with a 62-30 victory over Beulah. Ryesha Whetstone (14) was named the tournament MVP.
Bassmaster Coosa girls win area Elite Series basketball championship begins today carried us on her back. She knows what to do, and I don’t have to tell her. This is not going to be last you Every coach will say it’s hard to hear of Central. I’m excited for her, I’m excited for my other senior beat the same team three times, so winning an area championship must (Adrianna Flowers). We just stepped up big time.” be that much more difficult. Whetstone earned the MVP But Central Coosa’s basketball honors of the tournament after team was up to the challenge, as loading the stat sheet with 16 points, it absolutely dominated Beulah on 10 assists and seven steals. She Wednesday night, 62-30, to earn wasn’t the only one with a doubleits third straight Class 3A Area 6 double, either, as Shae Suttles had a championship. “To me, it feels amazing,” Cougar fine game in the post, grabbing 11 rebounds and scoring a game-high senior Ryesha Whestone said. “We 19 points. still have a long way to go, but Within the first four minutes of we’re going to keep doing what we the game, Central Coosa (15-3) had do.” built up a double-digit lead. The Coosa coach Syreeta McKinney Bobcats’ deficit never got under 10 said, “I talk a lot about my senior (Whetstone), and she basically points again, as the Cougars finished By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Edtior
As 110 of the best anglers in the world gathered at Central Alabama Community College on Wednesday, there was an obvious buzz in the air. Excitement, anxiety and a little bit of nerves were surrounded the fishermen about to take on Lake Martin in the first top of the Bassmaster Elite Series, which launches today from Wind Creek State Park. “I’m feeling all of the above most definitely, for two reasons,” said Caleb Sumrall, a rookie on the Elite Series from New Iberia, Louisiana. “The lake is not usually a lake that fishes to my strengths. I’m a Louisiana boy, so I fish more shallow waters, but I’ll do what I have to do to catch a fish. Also, with these See BASSMASTER • Page 12
the first quarter on a 9-0 run and led 27-6 after the first quarter. From there, Central Coosa got a chance to play every girl on the roster and everyone contributed in one way or another. “I call it faith,” McKinney said. “We’re very fortunate everybody was on the stats. We push that because we know we have to have depth. I knew that I needed at least three or four girls to get heavily involved, and the last couple games, that’s been a goal to get them in. I feel like when we went down to Montgomery last year, I didn’t have the depth that I needed. This year, I feel a little more confident in that.” Eunique McKinney had 11 points, five assists, five steals and four See COOSA • Page 12
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Thursday, February 8, 2018
The Outlook
Panthers flatten Generals By SAM CHANDLER The Valley Times-News
The Lanett High School boys basketball team took a 51-point lead into the fourth quarter against Horseshoe Bend on Tuesday. The Lanett Globetrotters then took over. With the outcome firmly in hand, the Panthers played the final period with the highflying abandon and carefree attitude characteristic of the Harlem squad with the same name. Quae Houston swished a 3 from 35 feet. Ty Truitt tossed a pass off the backboard and into the waiting hands of Anquaevious Pollard, who threw down a powerful dunk. Even Truitt, who stands 5-foot-8, attempted to slam one home. He came up centimeters short, but he shook it off with a smile. Besides, there wasn’t much to frown about in Lanett’s 107-39 triumph over Horseshoe Bend in the first round of the Class 2A, Area 8 tournament. “I think that was a good start for us,” Panthers coach Richard Carter said. “We had a lot of fun.” But first, Carter’s troops took care of business. Lanett (19-5) implemented a full-court press from the get-go that gridlocked Horseshoe Bend. As the Generals’ backcourt turnovers accumulated, so did the Panthers’ point total. Lanett held a 17-2 lead midway through the opening quarter. Emanuel Littles and Pollard, who are 6-8 and 6-7, respectively, established early
Sam Chandler / The Valley Times-News
Reeltown’s Eric Shaw finds some air against LaFayette on Tuesday.
Bulldogs rumble past Reeltown in area play Sam Chandler / The Valley Times-News
Lanett High School senior Emanuel Littles, airborne, recorded a gamehigh 20 points in the Panthers’ win over Horseshoe Bend on Tuesday.
dominance of the boards against a much smaller Horseshoe Bend lineup. “When you’re outmatched like that, it’s tough to really get up for a game like this,” Generals coach Chad Kison said. “But we never stopped working, so I was proud of them for that.” Lanett stretched its edge to 48-16 at halftime and 78-27 after three quarters. The Panthers did not pull their starters until the waning minutes of regulation. In December, Lanett lost to Horseshoe Bend while most of the team was still playing football. In two subsequent meetings, Lanett outscored the Generals, 221-89 combined. Littles tallied a game-high 20 points, and Pollard added 19. But Carter praised their performances on the other end of the court. “Both of them played extremely well on defense,”
Carter said. “When they’re doing that and Ty Truitt’s pushing that ball down the floor, along with Quae Houston, man, I’ll tell you what, we have a tremendous basketball team.” Lanett will face a stiffer test on Friday. That’s when the Panthers, ranked third in 2A, will face sixth-ranked LaFayette in the area final. The teams already have met twice this season, with Lanett winning each time. It captured a 64-55 victory on Jan. 5 and a 77-55 victory on Jan. 20. But Carter knows that nothing is guaranteed, especially against a rival. “They may say they are not seeking revenge, but we know that what would make their season is beating us on Friday night,” Carter said. “Our kids understand that we’ve got to come out and we’ve got to give our best.”
Central Coosa advances Bassmaster to boys area title game STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Central Coosa’s boys basketball team is headed to the Class 3A Area 6 championship after defeating B.B. Comer, 69-40, on Tuesday night. “We were down 6-2, then all of a sudden we erupted and were up 34-10 at halftime,” Coosa coach Jeremy Freeman said. The Cougars (16-4) will now face Randolph County tonight in the title game, as the Tigers were a 57-29 winner over Beulah in the first round. Coosa defeated Randolph County, 52-34 and 68-58 during the regular season. The championship is set for 6 p.m. at Coosa. “They had a good time going down there on the block on us (the second time around), and that will not be happening this time,” Freeman said. “They were running a type of play that we just never adjusted to until the fourth quarter. We just need to try to focus on the area championship because it’s very important that we host the subregional game.” Noel Jones led the Cougars with 20 points, while Omar Gaddis added 15. Jovon Richarson and Cameron Williams scored nine apiece. Also in area boys basketball tournament action, Holtville was a 58-53 winner over Elmore County on Tuesday, setting up a meeting with Dadeville tonight at 7 p.m. The Tigers received a bye through the first round of action.
CACC softball sweeps LBW Saints
Central Alabama Community College reeled off another two victories to move to 4-0 on the season, defeating LBW Saints, 10-1 and 9-0. In the first game of the doubleheader, the Trojans racked up 14 hits, including three from Elizabeth Burns and two apiece from Sierra Easterwood, Courtney Ray, Madison Huston and Kristen Tolbert. Burns drove in three runs and Payton Fielding plated two. In the circle, Sierra Easterwood went the distance, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out five. In Game 2, Shatima Smith led the Trojans by going 3-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Easterwood and Tolbert drove in two runs each.
Trojans struggle against West Ga. Tech
Central Alabama Community College’s baseball team dropped a pair of close contests on Tuesday night, falling to West Georgia Tech, 1-0 and 3-0. The Trojans (3-2) managed only five hits all night. Gage Herring, Garrett Takamatsu and Griffin Fenn each had a hit in the first game, while Luis DeLeon had the only two hits in the nightcap. CACC’s pitching was strong, allowing only two hits in the first game, but a costly error gave up an early run and the offense never matched it.
LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Feb. 8 High school boys basketball Class 3A Area 6 tournament Championship at Central Coosa, 6 p.m. Class 4A Area 5 tournament Alabama Christian vs. Tallassee at Dadeville, 5 p.m. Holtville winner at Dadeville, 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9 High school boys basketball Class 2A Area 8 tournament
Championship at Lanett, 6:30 p.m. High school girls basketball Class 4A Area 5 tournament Championship at Alabama Christian, 6 p.m. Class 2A Area 8 tournament Championship at Lanett, 5 p.m. College baseball Central Alabama at Florida S.W. State, 6 p.m. College softball Central Alabama in FPU Classic at Dothan, 9 a.m. Central Alabama in FPU Classic at Dothan, 4 p.m.
pros, I’ve watched them on TV all the time. I’m trying not to make it out to be intimidating. I think it’s just more of a really cool and awesome experience.” There’s at least a decent chance an Alabama angler could walk away with the title, as 19 of the 110 anglers are from the state. “Typically with Elites, a home-field advantage is not a big deal,” said Steve Kennedy, who lives in Auburn but has a family cabin on Lake Martin. “It seems like February or late in the year, like June time, when you get away from the spawn and the fish are in key place every year, that’s an advantage typically this time of year. The fish aren’t quite as active, so they’re harder to find. It can be an advantage, but it usually doesn’t pay off.” For Jesse Wiggins, there’s pressure for a different reason. He won two Elite Series tournaments and was a triple qualifier for the
Coosa
entered the halftime locker room with a 37-21 lead. LaFayette maintained a Obadiah Threadgill deployed a sizeable edge for much of the full-court press from the outset on second half, though Reeltown cut it to 12 twice in the fourth quarter. Tuesday night. The Bulldogs responded to the It worked. Rebels’ second surge, which made His LaFayette High School it 56-44, by closing the contest on boys basketball team forced an 18-3 run. turnover after turnover in the Reeltown’s Eric Shaw finished Reeltown backcourt. The result with a team-high 15 points. was a 74-47 victory in the first “I still feel like I can watch round of the Class 2A Area 8 the film and pull out 25 negative tournament. plays, and we were still able to “We’re just a little more beat them pretty convincingly,” explosive than Reeltown,” Threadgill said. “We’ve got some Threadgill said. “That will definitely not be the case on guys that can play, and we know Friday.” we can play.” That’s when LaFayette, ranked The Bulldogs (17-8) wasted sixth in 2A, will face third-ranked no time in asserting control. Lanett in the area title game. They built a 19-10 first-quarter The Bulldogs already have lead behind a trio of triples from Corey Boston, JaMarquez Boston- fallen twice to the Panthers this season: 64-55 on Jan. 5 and 77-55 Gaines and Markevious Moore. on Jan. 20. Boston recorded a game-high Threadgill said his team will 16 points, and Boston-Gaines finished with 14 points. Matavais need to prepare well to have a shot. Burton added 12. “We have to play the most LaFayette padded its advantage in the second quarter. Boosted by cerebral game we’ve played to points off turnovers, the Bulldogs beat them,” Threadgill said. By SAM CHANDLER The Valley Times-News
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time here and figure out these fish.’ That helped me not waste a bunch of time going to different areas because it’s a giant lake.” Whatever the tournament brings, it sure to attract some attention to both Alexander City and Lake Martin, which Kennedy said is never a bad thing. “It’s awesome for the lake,” Kennedy said. Cliff Williams / The Outlook “Since Russell moved Randall Tharp, right, chats with fellow anglers while waiting their headquarters out, my for a meeting to start Wednesday evening. impression of the town is it’s been struggling since Classic last year. has a good day during all that, so it can’t hurt. “I always feel like this tournament. Not This is a fun place. We’re there’s pressure on me,” only will the weather be out here skiing in the said Wiggins, a native of fluctuating from sunny to summer and fishing in the Cullman. “I’m rooming thunderstorms in a matter with Kelley Jaye (of of 48 hours, but there’s also winter.” Both Sumrall and Reeltown), and it’s his the question of where to Wiggins stuck with the home lake, so he’s feeling fish on a lake with more the pressure a little bit than 700 miles of shoreline. predictions that a low- to mid-50-pound bag would more. But for me, it’s “From my mindset, win the tournament, but just the normal pressure when I came in for prelocal Kennedy said he’s of wanting to win some practice, I ran all over the thinking more like 60 money. It is nice to be lake, as much as I could pounds. close to home; this is the to see what areas I like,” closest tournament I’ve “With the crowd we’re Sumrall said. “When I fished from my house.” came back to practice (the fishing against, somebody There are several things last three days), I said, always surprises you,” that could factor into who Kennedy said. ‘I’m going to devote my
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rebounds. Aliona McKenzie grabbed 10 rebounds, and Maya Hines and Flowers took three apiece off the glass. Central Coosa advances to take on the runner-up of Area 5, which has its championship between Montevallo and Montgomery Academy tonight. “Beulah is a good team, they have some competition, but we still got it out in the end,” Whetstone said. “We’re still lacking a little bit on our offense, though. We’ve improved a lot on defense, but our offense is what we need to improve on. But we’ll get it done in practice.” Suttles, McKinney Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook and Flowers all earned Central Coosa’s Ryesha Whetstone celebrates after winning the Class 3A Area 6 tournament on spots on the allWednesday against Beulah. It was the Cougars’ third area championship in a row. tournament team.