OPINION: LIFE IS TOO PRECIOUS TO END TOO SOON, PAGE 4.
THURSDAY
THE
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
WHAT’S HAPPENING? LOCAL, PAGE 3.
January 19, 2017
Vol. 125, No. 13
www.alexcityoutlook.com
POLICE SEARCH FOR MURDER SUSPECT
SPORTS, PAGE 10
Generals fall to Lanett
New SIte Mayor Phil Blasingame explains the thought process used by the council on issues involving past overtime pay for town employees. Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
New Site deals with employee overtime issue By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Above, Alexander City Police Department investigators talk to the roommate of 27-year-old LaDarrell Lamar Hart, who found him unresponsive when he returned home from work Wednesday. Below, Hart’s sister and father stand shocked as they waited for news at the scene.
27-year-old man shot to death in his home Wednesday morning
New Site town leaders spent nearly a half hour in executive session consulting the town attorney Tuesday evening before announcing that they plan to pay overtime, including some from the past two years, to employees who have documented extra time. New Site Mayor Phil Blasingame said that while details have not been finalized, he said that they wanted to make sure that they did was legally required and morally right for the town’s employees. “It’s a situation that has been lingering out there for quite some time,” Blasingame said. See NEW SITE • Page 3
Hines competes in Distinguished Young Woman program
By MITCH SNEED Editor
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Alexander City Police Department investigators are searching for an answer after a 27-year-old man was found shot to death in his home early Wednesday morning. Police offiHart cials, family and a death notice listed the victim as LaDarrell Lamar Hart, 27, of
Darby Hines, 2016 Tallapoosa County Distinguished Young Woman, will be participating in the upcoming DYW State Program that will be held in Montgomery at Frazer United Methodist Church on January 20th and 21st 2017. Darby attends Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City. Her parents are Jeff and Kim Hines. She is active in many activities Hines at her school including her Dance Team and Varsity Girls Basketball. Darby was chosen as Tallapoosa
See SHOOTING • Page 6
See DISTINGUISHED • Page 3
Mott’s fire rekindles in new location despite cleanup efforts By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
A new fire is burning in Dadeville near the site of a Thanksgiving Day blaze at Mott’s Woodyard. It is something that has gotten under the skin of some Dadeville residents. “I have been getting calls about smoke from residents,” Dadeville Mayor Wayne Smith said. “People are calling that think it’s a nuisance and more importantly we have some that already had trouble breathing calling too.” Smith said he and Dadeville Fire
Today’s
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Chief Keith Wilkerson have been to the site a few times to check on it. “We rode over there Saturday and it was smoking on the other side of the track,” Smith said. “I rode over there again yesterday (Monday) and it was still smoking.” Tuesday, smoke could be seen coming from mulch piles stacked as high as 50 feet as contractors applied water to control the sub-surface fire. The smoke appears to be coming from an area about the size of a football field on the north facing side. The November fire is still smoldering under similar piles, a blaze
54708 90050
Lake Martin
484.01 Reported on 1/18/17 @ 4 p.m.
USPS Permit # 013-080
8
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
A contractor puts water on a fire in a mulch pile at Mott’s Woodyard Tuesday. The mulch is wood chips, much of which comes from the Sabal Trail right of way.
Lake Levels
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443 6
See FIRE • Page 9
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Lonna Upton Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 lonna.upton@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com
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Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
How to Submit Obituaries
Thursday, January 19, 2017
The Outlook
Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Advertising Sales, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@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.
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. Mr. LaDarrell L. Hart
Mr. LaDarrell L. Hart 27 of Alexander City, AL died on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at his residence. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.
DEAR ABBY: I am an atheist. My parents, although raised Presbyterian, never to my knowledge participated in organized religion, so it was not part of my upbringing. Last year my mom started going to church again, and my kids have been going with her. I’ve always said they can make their own choices and I’d support them. Mom is about to go south for the rest of the winter and there’s no obvious church member the kids can go with, but they’d like to keep attending. Would it be wrong for me to go with them on Sundays, even though I don’t believe in the church doctrine and won’t be otherwise involved in the organization? I’m sure I could be unobtrusive, but I’m not sure what to say if someone asks why I’m there -- especially since I’ll stop going once my mother returns to town. The kids are tweens and not old enough to go alone. What do you think? -- WHAT’S APPROPRIATE? DEAR WHAT’S: When peo-
DEAR ABBY Advice
ple see one another in a house of worship, they usually assume that they are equally religious and that’s why they’re there. However, if you are asked why you’re there, all you have to say is that your children enjoy being there and your mother is away, so you brought them. I don’t think it’s necessary to announce to anyone that you’re an atheist. DEAR ABBY: My husband is constantly complaining about the cost of groceries. He recently graduated from college and now works in the corporate world making substantially more than he did before. I’m 16 weeks pregnant, but before I quit my job I was working full time and would buy all the groceries. Now that my husband shares an
account with me, he constantly makes me feel bad for buying food. Abby, I’m not talking about $300 a week; it’s more like $70 a week for food. Yet he spends twice that amount on beer, video games and lunches for himself. I have told him numerous times how horrible he makes me feel, and have even cried about it, but today he brought up the topic again. He is making me depressed and afraid of buying food for fear of being mocked and “guilted.” What am I to do? -- THE COST OF GROCERIES DEAR COST: Your husband should be ashamed of himself. The next time he complains, stand your ground and tell him in no uncertain terms it’s time to grow up and cut it out. He’s no longer a kid; he’s a married man with responsibilities. Those groceries are feeding his wife and child, and you both need all the nourishment you can get right now. Also, stress for a woman in your expectant condition isn’t good for you or the baby. I think
it’s time the guilt trip worked both ways, don’t you? DEAR ABBY: Is it appropriate to stay in contact with my former mother-in-law? Her son and I divorced after three years. She was the best thing to come out of the whole fiasco. I don’t want to cause friction, but I would like to continue to send birthday and holiday cards. -- DIVORCED WITH NO REGRETS DEAR DIVORCED WITH NO REGRETS: I can’t see how a holiday card relationship with your former mother-in-law would cause friction. However, because you are concerned, the person to ask would be the lady herself. If she would welcome the attention from you, then send them. 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 Col. Wesley P. Smith 1929 - 2017 Memorial Service for Col. Wesley P. Smith, 87, of Camp Hill, will be Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Dixon All Faith Chapel of Lyman Ward Military Academy. Rev. Rod Siggers will officiate. A reception will follow the service. Col. Smith passed away on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at East Alabama Medical Center. He was born on January 19, 1929 in Madison, Georgia to John Clayton Smith, Sr. and Annie Kidd Smith. He was a member of Camp Hill Universalist Church. He was a graduate of Southern Industrial Institute, now Lyman Ward Military Academy. He received his Bachelor of Science and
Mr. Donnie Gaston 1939 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mr. Donnie Gaston, 77, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. at the Wayside Baptist Church. Rev. Shane Dismuke will officiate. Burial will follow in the Flint Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, January 20, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Gaston passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at his residence. He was born on December 31, 1939 in Alexander City, Alabama to Wood Gaston and Ethel Marie Gaston. Dad was a wonderful husband, father, brother, friend, and a rock to all who knew him. He not only talked the talk, he walked the walk. We all
Masters degree in Psychology from Auburn University. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. After graduating from Auburn he returned to teach science at Lyman Smith Ward and remained there until he retired as President. Until his death he continued to serve on the Board of Trustees for Lyman Ward. He was a past member of The National Association of Military Colleges and Schools. Col. Smith was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many hours hunting and fishing. He was a licensed pilot, a world traveler and
enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Peggy Smith of Camp Hill; son, Michael Smith (Joy) of Auburn; grandchildren, Harrison, Ryan, and Katie Smith all of Auburn. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Edgar K. Smith and John C. Smith, Jr. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wesley P. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund, Lyman Ward Military Academy, 174 Ward Circle, Camp Hill, AL 36850. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.langleyfuneralhome.com.
could always count on him for any and everything. He was a very active member of Wayside Baptist Church. He never met a stranger or anyone he didn’t love. He loved babies to 100 year olds. His favorite things were working outside in the dirt and gardening. He had a gift of growing things, but he always prayed over anything he planted. He said he could plant it, but only God could make it grow. He was the Best! There is just so much.... Oh yeah, he loved his farm animals like they were part of the family. He was the kindest hearted man anyone could meet. Not only did he have a sincere love for all people, but he also loved his animals. He lived life with a passion that our world needs more of. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lela Carolyn Gaston of Alexander City, sons, Jeffrey Lynn Gaston (Selina) of Dacula, GA,
Dan Gaston (Benita) of Alexander City, and Joshua Caleb Gaston of Alexander City; daughter, Kimberly G Oliver of Brandon, FL; grandchildren, Caroline Williams (Greg), Nicholas Gaston, Betsy Oliver, Gabby Gaston, Lilla Oliver, Luke Oliver, and Aubrey Gaston; great-grandchildren, Maxson Williams, and Wesley Williams; brothers, Wood Gaston, Jr., Ronnie Gaston, Dwight Gaston, and Elliott Gaston; sisters, Laura Evans and Jenny Fuller; and sister-in-laws, Iris Dean and Mary McConnell. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Marie Gaston, father, Wood Gaston, Sr. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.
Langley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Police Reports Alexander City Police Department January 16
• Teresa Renee Taylor, 28, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Timothy James Baggett, 41, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Tony L. Dates, 51, of Alexander City was arrested for torture/willful abuse of a child. • Theft and criminal trespass was reported on Jefferson Street. • Theft and criminal trespass was reported on Jefferson Street. • Domestic violence was reported on Scott Road. • Domestic violence was reported on Thomas Road. • Domestic violence was reported on Jefferson Court. • Domestic violence was reported on Jefferson Street. • Domestic violence was reported on Cole Street.
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January 15
• Rodney Devante Banks, 23, of Alexander City was arrested for attempting to elude. • George Lewis Parker, 46, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Travis Michael Taylor, 26, of Alexander City was arrested for shooting into an occupied vehicle. • Jessie Walter Pearson, 64, of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication. • Dakoda Landon Thomas, 22, of Liberty, Texas was arrested for driving under the influence alcohol. • Domestic violence was reported on Hillabee Street. • Theft was reported on N Street. • Domestic violence was reported on Center Street. • Theft was reported on Highway 280. • Attempting to elude was reported on C Place.
January 14
• George Alexander Phillips, 19, of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication. • Larenica Alonzo Blackmon, 24, of Alexander City was arrested for criminal trespass. • Tarquetta Nashae Glenn, 31, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Robbery was reported on Highway 22 West. • Harassment for Scott Road. • Domestic violence was reported in the 800 block of Mallory Circle. • Theft was reported in Market Place. • Theft and criminal trespass was reported on 6th Street. • Domestic violence was reported on Daywell Street. • Domestic violence and interference with domestic
violence emergency call was reported on Tracey Road. • Domestic violence was reported in the 1200 block of County Road 40.
January 13
• Rocio Ramirez, 40, of Alexander City was arrested for theft. • Dernee Delshay Wilson, of Alexander City was arrested for criminal trespass. • Harassment was reported on Knollwood Drive. • Theft of service was reported on 10th Avenue. • Menacing was reported on Sumner Street. • A dog bite was reported on Farm Loop Road. • Criminal mischief was reported on Dadeville Road. • Harassing communications was reported on Pearson Chapel Road. • Theft was reported on Lee Street. • Burglary was reported on Highway 280.
January 12
• Laderius Markel Edwards, 21, of Opelika was arrested for possession of a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana. Eric Kentavious Tielking, 19, of Opelika was arrested for possession of marijuana. • Jeffery Lamar Smith, 36, of Alexander City was arrested for theft. • Burglary was reported on Highway 280. • Harassment was reported on J Street. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported on Highway 280.
January 11
• Rape was reported in the Springhill area. • Harassment was reported on Lambert Road. • Harassment was reported on Booker Street.
January 10
• Charlie Frank Williams, 56, of Alexander City was arrested for theft. • Natajia Shree Marbury, 18, of Alexander City was arrested for robbery. • Kentavius Bernard Ford, 20, of Alexander City was arrested for robbery. • Harassment was reported on Dadeville Road. • Criminal trespass was reported on Highway 280. • Domestic violence was reported on Fish Pond Road. • Criminal mischief was reported on Logan Street.
January 9
• Jimmy Lee Thomas, 60, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Tammy Worden Thomas, 46, of Alexander City was arrested for public intoxication. • Domestic violence was reported on South Road. • Criminal mischief was reported on 12th Avenue. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported in Alexander City. • Harassment was reported on Highway 280. • Possession of a forged instrument was reported on Court Square. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported in Alexander City.
January 8
• Rachel Jillian Patterson, 25, of Alexander City was charged with public intoxication. • Katheryn Ivey Hodge, 25, of Alexander City was arrested for open container in a vehicle. • Celeste Mattie Gallops, 26, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana and driving under the influence combined substances. • Linda Faye Ford, 47, of Alexander City was arrested
for domestic violence.
Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department January 17
• Timothy McDonald of Lee County Road 54 in Auburn was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear child support. • Ramiro Ibarra of Coosa County Road 98 in Equality was arrested on two outstanding warrants for probation violation and revocation. • Marcus Smith of Veazy Road in Alexander City was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear child support.
January 15
• A resident of Old Still Road filed a report for a stolen fiberglass competition Echo Islander sculling boat. • A resident of Macedonia Road filed a report for theft of property. • Carmen Finley of Alexander City was arrested on outstanding probation warrants through the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department.
January 11
• A resident of Highway 49 South in Notasulga filed a report for theft. • Anthony Mask of Tank Road in Alexander City was arrested on outstanding warrants for probation revocation and possession/ receiving controlled substance. • James Bailey of Pearson Chapel Road in Alexander City was arrested on outstanding warrants for failure to appear child support.
January 10
• A resident from Smith Road in Dadeville filed a report for theft of property. • A resident from Town Creek Road in Alexander City filed a report for theft of
property.
January 9
• A resident of Highway 22 East filed a report for criminal mischief and criminal trespass. • A resident of Timber Trail filed a report for domestic violence.
January 8
• A resident of Tank Road in Alexander City filed a report for fraud. • William Harrell of Still Waters in Dadeville was arrested for domestic violence harassment.
Dadeville Police Department January 15
• A Tallassee woman was arrested on Highway 50 on the charge of Failure to Appear. • A report was filed for Domestic Violence that occurred on W. Lafayette Street.
January 14
• An Alexander City man, age 31, was arrested on two charges of Failure to Appear.
January 13
• A report was filed for Possession of Forged Instrument that occurred on Highway 280. • A report was filed for Assault that occurred on East Columbus Street.
January 12
• A report was filed for Theft of Property that occurred at a business on Highway 280. • A Goodwater man, age 36, was arrested in Waverly on the charge of Failure to Appear.
January 11
• A report was filed for Criminal Conspiracy to Commit Theft and Theft of
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Lyons retires from Adams after 27 years of service
Officials urge consumers to be leery of scams By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Diann Lyons looks over a cake and fruit at her retirement ceremony Wednesday at Adam’s Healthcare. Lyons has worked at Adams for 27 years and will work part time in the future. Prior Adams, Lyons worked at Russell #6. “Yall are going to make me cry,” Lyons said as she walked into the surprise ceremony. Lyons said she enjoyed working with both residents and her coworkers.
It seems to come around every year about this time – scams. “Just because somebody says they know you, don’t necessarily believe it,” Dadeville Police Chief David Barbour said. “If they are kin to you, they already know how to get in touch with you.” Barbour was referring to the method of contact that scammers use, unknown phone numbers, emails and addresses. Recently, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says that some seniors have been taken advantage of. “The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) currently is investigating a scam targeting senior citizens in Alabama,”
Distinguished
New Site
continued from page 1
“Right now we don’t even know exactly how much it is,” Blasingame said. “So we will start the process of looking at all the documentation and numbers and go from there. Our employees are important to us and for many of the people here in New Site, they are the face of our community. We want to do what’s fair.” They said after consulting the attorney that they believe that five of the town’s employees would be eligible, but had questions about Public Safety Director John McKelvey due to the supervisory role and the nature of the job. “This is not the final solution,” Councilman Toby Hanson said. “This is the starting point and we will talk about it more and figure it all out. We want to get everything together and let Mr. Clayton look at it and go from there. So this isn’t final by any means.” McKelvey said he was willing to talk with them about it and said it’s unfortunate that it got to this point. “We all had agreements in place from the time we came here and we’d asked about it, but nothing was ever done,” McKelvey said. “We would ask about it from time to time, but it was one of those things that no one ever did anything about. I’m just glad they are looking at it and willing to consider everything. I think that’s all any of us can ask. I don’t think there is a one of us who don’t love this town and what we do. It’s just one of things that someone needed to fix and it looks like they are trying to do that.” In addition to the overtime issues, the council also coted to engage CDG Engineering to prepare plans for a big project to make upgrades to the town’s water system. CDG’s Jeff Harrison had made a presentation at the council’s previous meeting and the town believes that there is grant money and low interest loans to help with the more than $500,000 in upgrades. The council also voted to repeal an ordinance that required people who owned two or more rental properties to buy a business license.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
New Site Councilman Toby Hanson gives his opinion on the overtime issue at Tuesday night’s meeting.
“Even though it got to this point over time and began before me and most of this current council took office, we felt like we needed to take a look at it and see what we could do to fix it and make it right for our employees. “We are not experts in labor laws by any means, so we wanted to check with our attorney Mac Clayton. After looking at all aspects, we decided to start the process of figuring out exactly where we are and how much they are owed and get a plan in place to get that handled once and for all.” The Fair Labor Standards Act lays out what employees are eligible to be considered exempt and therefore salaried and not eligible for overtime. One of the issues that the current council faced was that they were unaware of any agreements and precedents that were in place.
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ALEA’s Jesse Thorton said. “SBI Agents warn citizens to be suspicious of callers asking for money in any form. In this case, each victim received a call from someone posing as their grandson who is in financial trouble and is requesting assistance in the form of Walmart gift cards. “So far, Agents have located three victim parties in Etowah, Jackson and Washington counties, with a total approximate loss of $13,000,” Thornton said. “SBI is urging the public to be on guard for this scam and for any victims of fraud to notify their local law enforcement agencies.” Barbour says if someone is asking for money to be careful. “Don’t trust anything,” Barbour said. “Be leery. If they know you that well, you should know if they are in Europe or wherever.”
continued from page 1
County’s representative in July and has been hard at work preparing for the up coming State Program. Darby’s week began Jan. 13 and she will be staying with Kit and Gail Brendle, who are one of the program’s Host Families. Hines and other high school senior girls from across Alabama will join together in Montgomery for the Distinguished Young Women of Alabama program to be held in Montgomery at Frazer United Methodist Church. While in Montgomery, they will be visiting various groups and community venues all while preparing for the program. Participants will compete for $41,000 in cash scholarships and over $2 Million in college granted scholarships, and the opportunity to represent the State as the Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama. The young women competing will be evaluated by a panel of five judges in the following categories: Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Fitness (15%), Self-Expression (15%), and Talent (20%). The participant selected as the Distinguished Young Woman of Alabama will advance to the National level at the 59th Distinguished Young Women National finals in Mobile, Alabama in June, where she will join with 49 other state representatives in competing for cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program.
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Our
View
Life is too precious to end too soon
I
n our business, we often find ourselves at scenes where tragedy has struck and people are dealing with the kind of devastating loss that you can only understand if you have been in their shoes. Wednesday morning on Third Street in Alexander City, the loved ones of a 27-year-old man were hit head on with that unthinkable tragedy. LaDarrell Lamar Hart, 27, of Alexander City was shot to death in his own home, a place that is supposed to be a safe haven. The man who most that knew him described as loving, gentle, smart and kind was inexplicably shot twice and left to die, was shot twice and left to die according to police. In covering the story the scene was surrounded by people who knew Hart and the emotions ran over as they kept asking each other through tears, “Why?” The reason that question is a constant in such situations is because there is no good answer. Life is too precious to end needlessly. Although people may have differences, what happened to agreeing to disagree? What about talking through issues? When did it become a good idea to steal from another and kill a person in the process? There are just so many questions and few good answers. It was so sad to see a family hurting so badly and to talk with them and see the shock in their eyes was hard to take. “This is the last thing that I ever dreamed I would wake up to this morning,” Hart’s father Darrell Heard said. “He was just a good person and never bothered anybody for a thing. He was smart, caring and hard-working. This just makes no sense at all for someone to do something like this.” The police are working tirelessly to get justice for LaDarrell and his family. We all need to did our part to stand up and let everyone know that there are other ways to live and find happiness than causing harm to another. Until we get that message across we need to do what we can to send a message of love. We should all tell the ones that we love how much we care every chance we get. Tomorrow is not given and we shouldn’t wait one second too long to cherish each other – especially the ones we love.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Yellow journalism flows down Trump’s leg Today’sQuote
L
iberals are mad because Hillary lost, and they are acting out. They kept pushing their bad policies and their disdain toward middle America until there was backlash. When America voted to elect Trump, the liberals were shocked to their core. Now they are grappling with the aftershock - that we also voted our consciences. Democrats are used to bullying and character assassination of opponents to get their way. It didn’t work with “Teflon Don” Trump. They have finally met their match in Trump, a man who will stand up to them. America cheered. They want to disrupt Trump at every turn. There is even talk of sex workers in San Francisco, many involved in bondage and S&M, being sent to disrupt the Trump inaugural. I’d say, “Slap a cease-anddesist order on them,” but I’m afraid they’d just like that. My buddy Jake Cook observed that Democrats have not been this mad since Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves. This election, with many landslide Republican victories in state seats nationwide, was not just a message to the Democrats. It was a restraining order. Now the media, with the help of Obama intelligence appointees clinging to a few more days of power, are giving it one last shot. In their last throes of petulant power, the Obama administration is trying to concoct and advance any narrative to delegitimize Trump and provide any lame excuse why the Democrats lost so much. Fake intelligence stories with “dossiers” about Trump doing weird things on the bed with hookers in Russia are fed to the media. One or some of the appointed intel chiefs leaked
RON HART Syndicated Columnist
the stories, but they are all too cowardly to admit it. Talk about yellow! Even Bob Woodward, of Woodward and Bernstein/ Watergate fame, called the Trump hookers/bed/urinate claims “a garbage document that should have never been released.” There is no doubt that intelligence agencies trying to please Obama one last time leaked these documents intended to hurt Trump, a critic of the political nature of our intelligence community. Obama has done this since his first campaign in Illinois, digging up sealed records of his opponent’s divorce and revealing items damaging to the couple’s kids. He went after $1 million Mitt Romney donor Frank VanderSloot, dumpster-diving for divorce records; then the IRS magically audited VanderSloot - twice. We all know about Obama’s goons going after James Rosen and Fox News and the IRS being sicced on the Tea Party. Then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid lied on the Senate floor, saying Romney didn’t pay taxes. Democrats do not have the better policy arguments, but they do know how to play the politics of personally obliterating their opponents. They know they don’t have to be liked by voters, just slightly more liked than their opponents. The media have gone from crying about Trump’s entanglements with Russia to leaks with Russia. Some in the media so wanted to believe
this contrived story that they sat in the front row at a Trump press conference wearing raincoats like they were seeing Gallagher perform his watermelon smashing routine. They so want one of these #FakeNews stories to be true. Obama could be caught on tape killing a hobo and throwing him in the Potomac, and the media headline would be: “Obama helps get homeless off the streets.” Just in the last two months, the left has destroyed two great American songs. They turned “Baby, it’s Cold Outside” into a date rape song, and they have ruined “Singin’ in the Rain” for most of us. Now Obama’s Inspector General is told to look into the FBI and James Comey’s investigation of Hillary’s emails. But get this: They are not supposed to look into the real issue, AG Loretta Lynch’s clandestine meeting on her private jet with the husband of suspect Hillary Clinton. Liberals are even blasting the intel agencies for not releasing the kinky “Trump in Russia” sex allegations. I wished they had released them. Trump might have won Vermont and California. The perplexing but good thing about Donald Trump is that you do not have to dig up or make up embarrassing information on him. You just have to sign up to follow him on Twitter or attend a rally. Worry not. The forecast for Trump’s Inauguration Day is clear and sunny, with no chance of showers. Ron Hart is a libertarian op–ed humorist and award–winning author. He can be contacted at Ron@ RonaldHart.com or @ RonaldHart on Twitter.
Know Your
Buffy Colvin
Scott Hardy
“Praying for this family! Things like this don’t happen in our little town! Lord comfort this family!” – Tina Tharpe Pennington
family.”
“Just saw him a few days ago in Walmart. Helped me and a friend. That’s messed up. Prayers for this family” – Karen Baker Salter
“He never bothered anyone very nice person” – Michelle Moss
“I hate it happened in my neighborhood. Praying for the
– Ellison Holley “Praying for family and friends. May God be with you all” – Heather Galvan
“He was a nice, sweet intelligent young man. My prayers and condolences to his family and friends”
– ReShonda Graham “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.” – Sandra Lovelady Alford “Sad, He was a good dude..” – Kandake Ase “Awe, the sweet guy at Walmart. So sad. Why are people so cruel?” – Cami Neese Waters
Yes –24 No – 23
Thursday Question: Have you ever been questioned as part of a criminal investigation? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
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The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
Eric Brown
On the Web
Tommy Spraggins
Tim Funderburk
Rogers is grossly out of touch with Alabama
Dear Editor, At a time when a majority of Alabamians are deeply concerned about just what this congress and next president will end up doing with our healthcare, Rogers’ latest press release is “Report from Washington: New Opportunity to Protect the Rights of the Unborn,” dated January 11, 2017. He parrots his love for the unborn while ignoring the pain and suffering of those of us living with the possibility of sub-
standard or no healthcare. The Affordable Care Act has helped millions of people and saved thousands of lives across Alabama. Nearly 200,000 Alabamians have gained insurance through the ACA, and the vast majority of them receive tax credits to make their coverage more affordable. About 2 million Alabamians have pre-existing conditions that would have made it hard or impossible for them to get full coverage before the ACA
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Tim Funderburk represents District 6. His phone number is 256-825-2993. His address is 1431 River Oaks, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
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Tommy Spraggins represents District 5. His phone number is 256-234-3609. His address is 1539 College Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.
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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.
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Bobby Tapley
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.
“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that has promised.” – Hebrews 10:36
Jim Nabors
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.
Scripture
The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256392-0344. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
Today’s
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Officials
Jim Nabors is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256329-1320 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 1695 Magnolia Street Alexander City, AL, 35010.
“A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower
lifted coverage caps and guaranteed their access to insurance. And the ACA has significantly reduced the number of uninsured young Alabamians by allowing 35,000 of them to remain on their parents’ plans until age 26. Just where is your concern, Mike Rogers? Is this all you’ve got? Karen Barwick Pell City, Alabama
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Thursday, January 19, 2017
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January 19, 2017 Today’s Event
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COMMUNITY WELLNESS
MEETING: PATH (Prosperity Again Thru Health) Lake Martin and PATH FINDERS (For Individuals Needing Dementia Education, Resources and Support) will host their monthly Community Wellness Meeting on Thursday, Jan. 19, at noon in the Durbin Clinic Conference Room, 1101
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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/. Cherokee Road, Alexander City.
Today’s Birthdays
Bill Taunton, Amy Helm, Keanu Peppers, Chris Peppers, Sandra (Newman) Liner, Jan Kennedy, Tom Price, and Bobby Lashley are celebrating birthdays today.
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The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
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The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in 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
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
America Lives Here
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
The Benjamin Russell varsity cheerleaders root for the BRHS varsity wrestling team as the Wildcats hosted Wetumpka Tuesday. January 20
SPEECH AND HEARING CLINIC: Auburn University NSSLHA and SAA are having a free speech and hearing screening Friday, Jan. 20 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. All children must be accompanied by parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Services will be provided by the Auburn University Speech and Hearing Clinic Room 1199 Haley Center, Auburn University 36849-5232.
January 21
p: 256-820-8000 f: 256-820-3442
Website: www.claytonhomesanniston.com Email: john.slaughter@claytonhomes.com
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. Bill Deutsch will be speaking to Horizons Unlimited Feb. 6 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. The winter program runs through Feb. 27. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple each semester.
January 22
USHER MEETING: Early Rose is District Center is hosting a district usher meeting Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.
HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The Tallapoosee Historical Society will hold its quarterly meeting on Sunday, Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. The meeting will be held at Beulah Baptist Church, 5891 Lovelady Road, Dadeville, AL. Troy Turner, Editor of Opelika-Auburn News will be the speaker. There is no admission and the public is invited. HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. Mark Conversino will be speaking to Horizons Unlimited Jan. 23 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. The winter program runs through Feb. 27. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple each semester. MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: The first meeting in 2017 of the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be Monday, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marshall Street Church of God. New officers will propose and explain procedures and possible events for the association to sponsor. News from churches will be shared. There will be time for intercessory prayer. All Christian minister are invited. For more information contact Tony Harris at 256794-2969, vice president Rick Levell at 256-234-3180 or interim secretary Bill Middlebrooks at 256-234-3371.
January 28
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com We will deliver the Lake Region’s News to your door
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PASTORS MEETING: Take the City Lake Martin is providing a meal to all local pastors, ministry leaders and city leaders Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the cabin in the Sportsplex. For more information call 256-307-8099. BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 . Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips, and soft drinks.
January 29
YOUTH NIGHT: Sandy Creek Baptist Church in Camp Hill is hosting Youth Night Jan. 29 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be programs for children of all ages and refreshments will be served.
January 30
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. Dr. Paul Harris will be speaking to Horizons Unlimited Jan. 30 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. The winter program runs through Feb. 27. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple each semester.
February 4
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
February 5
PASTOR’S ANNIVERSARY: New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating the 8th pastor’s anniversary of Rev. and Sister Melvin C. Kelley, Jr. Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2:30 p.m. Guest Minister is Rev. Cameron R. Thomas of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cropwell.
FLEA MARKET: Sistas for a Cause are hosting a flea market Jan. 21 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cooper Community Center. Vendors are needed. Spaces are $20 and include a table. Please call 256-329-6799 for more information. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School Alumni Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on Jan. 21 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors are inside the school.
January 23
4004 U.S. Hwy. 431 Anniston, AL
Dianne Sherril. General admission tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Kowaliga Country, Hill’s Auto in Linveville, Costley’s Store in Mellow Valley or by calling 256-749-3568.
MICHAEL TWITTY: The Mellow Valley High School Alumni and Friends Association is Michael Twitty, son of Conway Twitty, Sat. Feb. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. along with Kevin Moon and
February 6
February 7
February 11
MISS WINTER: The 2017 Miss Winter Pageant will be Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium. Rehearsals will take place Friday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m. Applications may be picked up at Little Lambs and Ivy Day School or by emailing Sherri Williams at misswinterpageant@gmail.com. There will be a Baby Miss, Tiny Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss, Teen Miss, Miss, Elite Miss and Miss Winter Princess. TRASH WALK: The February PATH Trash Walk will meet at Dirt Road Gourmet located on Highway 229 near Martin Dam on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 9 a.m. Volunteers can arrive as early as 8 a.m. and enjoy coffee and a sampling of sausage & grits provided by Dirt Road Gourmet owners Jackie & Reuben Thornton. At the conclusion of the walk the volunteers will drop filled bags of trash at Dirt Road Gourmet and enjoy a cookout hosted by the Thornton’s. This annual event has become one of the most successful area cleanups each year with as many as 50 volunteers participating. For additional information contact John Thompson at lmra@lmra. info.
February 13
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Frances Robb will be speaking to Horizons Unlimited Feb. 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. The winter program runs through Feb. 27. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple each semester.
February 18
CLAY CLASSIC: The Ronald E Koon Sporting Clay Classic is in its 11th year of providing a fun filled day for avid shooters to help support our local Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area. The event will be held at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Club in Montgomery, Alabama starting at9 a.m. on Feb. 18, 2017. Team of four is $600. Team of two is $300 and a one-man team $100. Lunch, shells, goodie bags and door prizes given to each participant Call 256-234-4757 to sign up today or email bgcreynolds@gmail.com NORRIS HOLLEY AND EDWARDS FAMILY GATHERING: The 10th Annual Family Gathering of the Norris, Holley and Edwards family will be Feb. 18 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bud Porch Building. Bring a dish.
February 19
LAKE WATCH ANNUAL MEETING: The Lake Watch of Lake Martin Annual Meeting will be Sunday, Feb. 19 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the StillWaters Residential Association Building. Along with a business meeting, Jimmy Lanier,
founder of CRATA will be the guest speaker.
February 20
•Alexander City Outlook •Dadeville Record •Wetumpka Herald •Eclectic Observer •Tallassee Tribune
256.234.4281
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Daphne Simpkins will be speaking to Horizons Unlimited Feb. 20 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. The winter program runs through Feb. 27. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple each semester.
February 24-26
COMMUNITY THEATRE: The Sylacauga Community Playhouse will present “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. and Feb. 25 and 26 at 2 p.m. at the Sylacauga High School Auditorium. Cost is $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For more information call 256-369-3003.
February 27
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Katie Simpkins will be speaking to Horizons Unlimited Feb. 27 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. The winter program runs through Feb. 27. Membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple each semester.
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April 22-30
COMMUNITY THEATRE: The Sylacauga Community Playhouse will present “The Miracle Worker” April 21 at 6:30 p.m., April 22 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., April 23 at 2 p.m., April 28 at 6:30 p.m. April 29 at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and April 30 at 2. p.m. at the B.B. Comer High School Auditorium. Cost is $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For more information call 256-3693003.
Ongoing Events RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7:00 am until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please call 256409-2020 for more information. WOMEN’S MEETING: Victory Temple Holiness Church in Dadeville is hosting a women’s meeting the first Sunday of every month. Men are invited too. AWANA: Wayside Baptist Church hosts Awana Sundays from 4:40 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for ages three to high school. For more information contact George Gardin, student minister, at 864-5800343. VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers. Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256-234-1134 or 256-749-3717 for more information. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a women’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. READY TO WORK: Ready to Work is a FREE jobs skills training program offered at Central Alabama Community College Career Center. Classes meet Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Completion of the program depends on the skill level of the individual. For more information contact Elaine Balint, instructor, at 256215-4496 (leave message) or ebalint@ cacc.edu. COMPUTER LAB: The new and improved computer lab at Cooper Community Center is now open to the community Monday thru Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. LaBrawnski Salter is the new lab facilitator. You can check email, browse the internet, build a resume, complete a project or homework, research, job search and some social media.
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Shooting
Thursday, January 19, 2017
continued from page 1
Alexander City. He was found shot to death by his roommate at about 5 a.m. when he came home from work. Investigators responded to the home at 1522 Third Street in Alexander City and found Hart dead, having suffered what police called “apparent gunshot wounds.” Alexander City Police Department Interim Chief Jay Turner said that investigators are working to collect evidence, interview people who may have information and establish a timeline associated with the murder. “Right now we are working to piece everything together to establish a timeline,” Turner said. “Since there was no witness to the crime, we want to make sure we have an idea as to when the last time the victim was known to be alive to the time he was discovered. That will allow us to focus on other evidence that could potentially lead us to the part that is
responsible.” According to Hart’s roommate, he had contact with the victim at around 3 a.m. via a social media message. He said that when he returned home from work he called the victim’s phone after not seeing his car at the house. That’s when he entered the home and made the discovery. Hart’s father Darrell Heard was at the scene and like other friends and family members stood stunned, many crying as they tried to make sense of the young man’s death. “This is the last thing that I ever dreamed I would wake up to this morning,” said Heard. “He was just a good person and never bothered anybody for a thing. He was smart, caring and hard-working. This just makes no sense at all for someone to do something like this.” Turner said they are still trying to establish a motive. There were signs
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Alexander City Police Department officers and investigators responded in force to 1522 Third Street in Alexander City early Wednesday morning after the roommate of LaDarrell Lamar Hart returned home from work to find the victim unresponsive. Loved ones quickly gathered once news spread of the incident, many having to be comforted as the cold reality of the tragic death spread. Investigators searched the home and a vehicle on the property and throughout the day talked to several individuals and logged countless pieces of evidence as they work to develop a timeline and a potential suspect.
of theft and the victim’s car was missing. The vehicle was later found in the Spring Hill community in Alexander City. Other items that were known to be missing were a cellphone and a television. “We are still trying to see what all that means,” Turner said. “There were signs of theft, but we don’t know if robbery was the motive or if that was done after the fact to cover up the crime. It is still very early in the investigation and we are looking at every possible scenario and sorting through all the evidence to see where it leads. Our investigators are talking to people now and we hope to have more information to release later today.” Some family and friends questioned whether it could be a hate crime due to the victim’s sexual orientation, Turner said they have not ruled anything out, but said it was too
early to say anything for sure. Annette Lynch who owns the home that the victim and his roommate rented said the death was shocking. “He was such a respectful, hardworking person that I just can’t understand this,” Lynch said. “He was so smart and hard-working and took a lot of pride in himself and the home. I’ve said it before, but it’s almost like these days some people have no respect for life. To take someone’s life for what seems like no apparent reason if just unexplainable. “The fact that it can happen in a place like Alexander City – it’s just sad. I feel so badly for his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.” Armour’s Funeral Home in Alexander City is serving the family in their time of need. Arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
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Thursday, January 19, 2017
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Fire
The Outlook
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that also consumed timber in the process of being sorted. The new blaze, near railroad ties, is starting in a process similar to what started the Thanksgiving Day blaze across the tracks at Mott’s Woodyard that had numerous people from the city, railroad and the Alabama Forestry Commission working to contain it on property owned by Prather Pulpwood of Camp Hill. The new smoke is coming from mulch piles on property owned by Joe East Jr. East thinks the contractor is doing all it can to try and solve the problem. “They have been over there everyday for the last week working on it,” East said. “They are doing all they can. I live right here with. I know the smoke is problem and it changes with the winds.” East does not know the exact plans of the contractor but believes they will solve the issue. “I don’t know what their plans are for the chips,” East said. “But I think they are going to do what is right.” The site was being used as a collection point for the timber that is harvested from the right of way where the Sabal Trail Pipeline is being installed. The timber was sorted with some going to sawmills, some to chipmills and the rest is ground into a mulch like substance that is piled high in some areas of the site. Also stacked at the site is several mounds of hardwood and pine timber that had not yet been transported to mills. Andrea Grover with the Sabal Trail Pipeline said chips have not been brought to the site since before Thanksgiving and that chips were from where contractors could not burn stumps and such due to the burn ban. Grover encouraged those that our concerned with work along the pipeline right way to let them know. “I would encourage anyone with a concern about smoke or anything at all near the right-of-way to contact our 24 hour construction hotline and report their concern,” Grover said. “The number is 888-596-7732. We have representatives who can collect their information and ensure their concern is addressed quickly.” Grover also explained that the Mott’s Woodyard site was taking chips from other unrelated projects as well. Sabal Trail Contractor Price Gregory is installing the pipeline in the area for the project. “It is not a Sabal Trail issue,” Price Gregory’s Robert Bell said. “We have a sub-contractor that is clearing timber from the right away.” Bell explained that the sub-contractors are using brokers to work with landowners for places to sort timber and store the chips. In addition to the timber, the site is littered with stacks of old railroad ties. Dadeville Fire Chief Keith Wilkerson has been talking with the contractor since the first blaze and trying to make sure the city is not left with a mess as the pipeline project moves along. “They are supposed have a guy coming to look at the other side to be moving all of that,” Wilkerson said two weeks ago. “They are going to be moving that out. They are supposed to clean that up over there. But there is no time frame.” Tuesday, no mulch had been removed but some had been moved to allow a tanker truck to carry water back to where the new smoke is appearing. Smith hopes the issue is resolved soon. “I don’t want this smoke issue to be around for another holiday,” Smith said. “We have had to deal with for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years and now Martin Luther King Jr. Day. I don’t want the town to have to deal with it for Valentine’s Day.”
Mulch at the Mott’s Woodyard in Dadeville has sparked a similar flame in another part of the site this week. The pile has been smoldering since the blaze erupted during extreme drought conditions on Thanksgiving Day of last year, pictured right. File / The Outlook
CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
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Thursday, January 19, 2017
www.alexcityoutlook.com
BASKETBALL ROUNDUP JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
Since opening in 1992, Georgia Dome never disappointed
I
’m really going to miss the Georgia Dome. It’s where the Southeastern Conference has crowned its football champion since 1994. It’s where the Tide rolled to 11 wins in 13 games, including the memorable 31-13 SEC Championship over then-No.1 Tim Tebow and the Gators, propelling Alabama to its first national championship since 1992. It’s where Auburn went 7-4 and won a pair of SEC championships of its own — including Cam Newton’s demolition of South Carolina in 2010 on the way to the BCS Championship. It’s been home to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl since 1992 and the Chick-fil-A’s Kickoff Game since 2008 — pitting SEC programs against competitive schools from across the nation. For what it’s worth, SEC teams have won 9 of 11. It has hosted two Super Bowls, a handful of NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, SEC and ACC basketball tournaments, and even the Sugar Bowl in 2006 when Hurricane Katrina made the New Orleans Superdome temporarily unusable. It’s where The Rock made his return to professional wrestling, where Kerri Strug stuck the landing on one foot and earned Olympic gold, where the U.S. Dream Team dominated the world, where Michael Jordan helped draw the largest crowd in NBA history (look it up), where Dan Marino recorded his last rushing touchdown (there weren’t many), where the Buffalo Bills lost their fourth-consecutive Super Bowl, and where Kevin Dyson and the Tennessee Titans came up 1 yard short against the Rams. It even weathered a tornado. An EF-2 twister tore through downtown Atlanta on the night of March 14, 2008, smashing skyscraper windows and tossing debris from Centennial Olympic Park throughout downtown before crossing I-75/I-85 before punishing residential areas to the east, where 20 homes were destroyed. The Dome was grazed and sustained minor damage. Ironically — thousands of fans were crammed inside watching Alabama and Mississippi State’s men’s basketball teams duke it out in overtime of an SEC Tournament game. Had the game not gone into overtime, those fans would have presumably left the Dome and unknowingly wandered into the storm’s path. And since its opening in 1992, the 74,228-seat Georgia Dome has been the home of the Atlanta Falcons. The stadium will host its second NFC Championship Game Sunday when the Falcons meet Green Bay for the right to advance to Super Bowl LI. I’m sure you already know this, but Sunday’s game will be the last in a grand stadium that has given the South an incredible venue. The Falcons will move into the $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium (constructed next door) in August. Just like that, another not-so-old Atlanta sports venue is kicked to the curb. The Braves ditched Turner Field (opened in 1996) for SunTrust Park, where they begin play in April. I’m no building inspector, but I see nothing wrong with the Dome. Perhaps the men in business suits with fat wallets see something else in the new, high-tech, fancy retractable-roof stadium. There is money to be made in suites and licensing deals that come with them, I suppose. I never had a bad seat at the Dome. Upper deck, lower deck, end zone, wherever. Seats were the individual fold-down variety with back rests – like the kind I wish Jordan-Hare Stadium would install one day. I never got a sunburn at the Dome and was always comfortable inside. Yep. I’m going to miss it. And should Atlanta beat Green Bay on Sunday, wouldn’t it be a kick if the finest NFL moment in Atlanta history come in the Dome’s swan song? Joe McAdory is communications editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.
Generals get swept by Lanett By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
The Horseshoe Bend varsity boys suffered disappointment at home Tuesday as the Generals lost to Lanett by a score of 80-41. According to HB varsity boys head coach Chad Kison, the loss boils down to lack of consistency. “We started out slow but picked it up in the second half,” he said. Tuesday’s loss drops the Generals’ season record to 5-7 overall and 1-4 in the region. Despite the loss, Nalijah Heard led the Generals in scoring with 22 points. Tuesday’s home game didn’t go any better for the Horseshoe Bend varsity girls as the Lady Generals lost to Lanett by a score of 81-36. According to Horseshoe Bend varsity girls basketball head coach Erica Meigs, the loss boils down to errors. “We are making mistakes that at this point in the season should not be happening,” she said. However, less experienced Lady Generals got to hit the court Tuesday. “A lot of younger girls got a lot of beneficial playing time against a tough team,” Meigs said. “Carly Carlisle, an eighth grader, had several rebounds and helped out a lot down low.” Despite the loss, Horseshoe Bend senior guard Zakkiah Lyons led the Lady Generals in scoring with 20 points. She had help from freshman forward Nadia Freeman, who had five points. The Generals next host B.B. Comer on Monday. Varsity girls tip off at 6 p.m. while varsity boys start at 7:30 p.m.
Coosa boys lose to Clay Central, Lady Cougars get the win
Central Coosa faltered in an otherwise successful season as the Cougars lost to 5A Clay Central at home Tuesday by a score of 81-77. According to Central Coosa varsity boys head coach Shane Smith, the loss was not a runaway. “We were down 14 in the fourth and came back to take the lead,” he said. “A few missed shots and questionable calls and the game was over.” In spite of the loss, Smith is pleased with his team’s performance. “The kids played their hearts out and I could not ask for anything more than what they showed against a top five team in 5A,” he said. “I am very proud of my team for the heart they displayed.” Despite the loss, Central Coosa senior guard Tyus Maxwell led the Cougars in scoring with 30 points. He had help from senior forward Tyius Evans, who had 17. Tuesday’s loss drops the Cougars’ season record to 10-9 overall and 3-0 in the region. The Lady Cougars had a much better time Tuesday as the Central Coosa varsity girls defeated Clay Central by a score of 70-46. Central Coosa varsity girls basketball head coach Syreeta McKinney was extremely pleased with he team’s performance on the home court. “We showed great teamwork,” she said. “Even though we still have much to do before
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
In Horseshoe Bend varsity girls’ home game against Holtville last week, Lady Generals senior guard Kakkiah Lyons goes for a layup.
the area tournament, I was able to see long-needed growth development from my young players.” Leading the Lady Cougars in the win was Central Coosa senior guard Shania Tuck with 22 points. For her efforts, she was also named the MaxPreps Player of the Game. Tuck had help from junior small forward Ryesha Whetstone and freshman guard Eunique McKinney, who had 13 points each, and senior point guard Malia Kelly, who had 11. The win brings the Lady Cougars’ season record to 11-5 overall and 4-0 in the region. Central Coosa next heads to Dadeville Saturday. Varsity girls start at 5:30 p.m. while varsity boys tip off at 7 p.m.
Tigers get swept by Tallassee
The Dadeville varsity girls basketball team suffered disappointment on the home hardwood Tuesday as the Lady Tigers lost to region foe Tallassee by a score of 36-19. According to Dadeville varsity girls basketball head coach Pam Holloway, the Lady Tigers’ loss boils down to lack of consistency throughout all four quarters. “We played a much better first half,” she said. “But at this late in the season we are still working on leadership, being aggressive for the entire game and working together.” Holloway credits Tallassee for coming to the court with those factors in tow. “Tallassee played well and demonstrated more of a purpose and drive as a team,” she said. Despite the loss, Dadeville sophomore center Jasmine Hill and sophomore guard Nena Pearson led the Lady Tigers in scoring with six points each. Hill also had nine rebounds. The loss drops the Dadeville varsity girls’ season record to 2-8 overall and 2-5 in the region. The Dadeville varsity boys
also had a disappointing night on the home court as the Tigers lost to Tallasee 58-53. The region game started evenly matched as the first quarter was tied at 12 points. The home team then closed the first half with a slight lead as Dadeville added 17 more points in the second quarter while Tallasee added 16. However, Tallassee came back from the half determined to dominate by adding 18 more points in the third quarter while the Dadeville Tigers added 13. Tallasse solidified that lead in the final quarter by adding 12 more points in the fourth while Dadeville added 11. Dadeville varsity boys basketball head coach Rodney Taylor pinpoints the loss to numerous missed opportunities. “It’s real simple,” he said. “We missed 24 free throws. There’s nothing else to say.” The loss drops Dadeville’s season record to 5-9 overall and 5-4 in the region. Dadeville next heads to Alabama Christian Academy in Montgomery today. Varsity girls tip off at 5:30 p.m. while varsity boys start at 7 p.m. Dadeville’s next home game is Saturday when the Tigers host Central Coosa and seek redemption after Friday’s road game losses against the Cougars. Varsity girls play at 5:30 p.m. while the varsity boys tip off at 7 p.m.
Reeltown varsity boys, girls lose at Loachapoka
After Tuesday’s disappointing road trip to Loachapoka, the Reeltown varsity girls basketball team is still searching for its first win of the season. The Lady Rebels lost to the Lady Indians by a score of 50-17. Reeltown trailed from the start as Loachapoka placed nine points in the first quarter while the Lady Rebels only had two. In the second quarter Reeltown added another two
points. But the Lady Indians only expanded their lead to 21-4 at the half. The second half didn’t turn out any better for the Lady Rebels as they only added two more points in the third quarter while Loachapoka racked up an overwhelming 23 more. The Lady Rebels were down 44-6 headed into the fourth quarter. In the final quarter of the game the Lady Rebels picked up the pace by adding 11 final points in the fourth while Loachapoka only added six. But it just wasn’t enough to catch the Lady Indians. Reeltown varsity girls basketball head coach Will Solomon says his team still has a lot of work to do after Tuesday’s loss. “Our goal is to improve each day as we approach the area tournament,” he said. “We have to learn to put together a competing game in order to win.” Despite the loss, Reeltown freshman point guard Taniya Haynes led the Lady Rebels in scoring with seven points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal. She had help from junior forward Marsheka Shaw, who had six points, seven rebounds and two steals. The loss drops the Lady Rebels’ season record to 0-9 overall and 0-4 in the region. The Reeltown varsity boys also suffered disappointment Tuesday as the Rebels lost to Loachapoka by a score of 57-49. According to Reeltown varsity boys basketball head coach Jonathan Gardner, Tuesday’s loss boils down to lack of execution. “Turnovers and taking bad shots killed us,” he said. Despite the loss, Reeltown freshman forward led the Rebels in scoring with 20 points. The loss drops the Rebels’ season record to 1-9 overall and 0-3 in the region. Reeltown next hosts region foe Lanett today. Varsity girls tip off at 5:15 p.m. while varsity boys begin at 7:45 p.m.
Beauregard’s Webb named 2016 Mr. Football STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
MONTGOMERY – Beauregard’s La’Damian Webb was named the 35th recipient of the Alabama Sports Writers Association’s Mr. Football Award on Wednesday at the ASWA’s annual Player of the Year Awards luncheon, presented by the Alabama High School Athletic
Directors and Coaches Association. The annual luncheon was held at the Renaissance Hotel at the Convention Center in Montgomery. Webb, a 5-foot-8, 184-pound junior running back, set a single-season touchdown record with 47, and rushed for the second-highest season total in AHSAA history with 3,242 yards. Benjamin Russell faced off with
Beauregard on Oct. 27 when the Wildcats fell to the Hornets 63-35. In that game, Webb had four touchdowns from 21 carries that he rushed for 293 yards, 74 of which were long. Webb was named the ASWA Class 5A Back of the Year and was chosen to the group’s Super 12 team. He is also the first junior to win the Mr. Football award in its history.