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Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

The Outlook

OPINION: IT’S A MORE COLORFUL WORLD AT THE OUTLOOK, PAGE 4.

Outlook Calendar Girl Contestants

Petite Miss Contestant

Lynlee Kate Ratliff

Covyn Rasbury Holt

Mary Bradley Daniel

Petite Miss Contestant

Rylee Reed Jordan

Kayden Treniya Morgan

sponsored by

Henderson & Coker

Her parents, Caleb & Corley Holt

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance

The Sure Shot & Her grandparents, Steve & Bambi Morris

Lakesha & Lisa Morgan

Petite Miss Contestant

Jakya Leigh Sims

Isabella Grace Harper

Samantha Marie Robinson

Alyssa Channell

Kirklynn Marable

sponsored by

Carlisle’s

Her Paw Paw/Riddle’s Taxidermy & Lance Meadows HVAC

Mitch & Cyndi Sneed And Aunt Deborah Echols

Her parents, Karen Stroup & Chris Harper

Her parents, Derick & Ginger Robinson

Little Miss Contestant

Carly Railey

Emma Michele Culligan

Anabelle Reese Gordon

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Her Mom and Mitchell & Co.

Alex City Sales & Rentals and Homeplace Mortgage

Lisa McClendon, Country Financial Agency

Culligan Plumbing

Her parents

Little Miss Contestant

Shelby Saucier

Raylee Denise Moore

Promys Yiauna Smith

Tess McKinley

Jacey Leanna Ratliff sponsored by

sponsored by

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Her parents & grandparents

Timothy Moore, Ideal Masonry

Weekend The Outlook

MISS OUTLOOK PAGEANT

Contestant photos inside!

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

January 23-24, 2016 • Vol. 124 • No. 17 • www.alexcityoutlook.com

YOUTH SOCCER! Registration begins Feb. 5th! See Sports, page 12.

Contestants vie for Miss Outlook title today By MITCH SNEED Editor

The wait to see who will be crowned Miss Outlook 2016 is almost over as competition in all four divisions of the pageant that began in 1973 will be held tonight at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. The annual pageant will feature competition beginning at 6 p.m. Petite and Little Miss competitions followed by the Junior and Miss competition. The pageant is open to girls age 4 through high school seniors from

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Alyssa Channell practices her runway entrance for the Petite Miss Outlook pageant Friday night at Benjamin Russell High School. The pageant finals will begin tonight at 6 p.m.

Tallapoosa, Coosa, Clay and Elmore counties. Girls age 4 through the second grade compete for the Petite Miss Outlook crown. Girls in grades 3-6 compete for Little Miss Outlook. Girls in grades 7-9 are in the Junior Miss Outlook division, while competitors in grades 10-12 will vie for the Miss Outlook title. Petite and Little Miss contestants will be judged on sportswear, modeling, overall beauty, interview and party dress, while Junior and Miss contestants will be judged based on sportswear, modeling, figure, overall beauty, interview and evening

Tallapoosa jobless numbers up slightly

Group files rehearing request on dam license By BETSY ILER TPI Magazine Editor

Rehearing requests filed last month on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Martin Dam project were expected and will not affect implementation of the new license issued by FERC in December, said Alabama Power Company Hydro Services Manager Jim Crew. Alabama Rivers Alliance (ARA) and American Rivers, Georgia Environmental Protection Division and the Atlanta Regional Commission filed rehearing requests with FERC, requesting that the Commission reconsider certain provisions of the new license that raises Lake Martin’s winter pool level and authorizes a conditional fall extension of the summer pool. “We’re not surprised they filed,” Crew said Friday afternoon. “Those groups have a tendency to file these types of documents on a regular basis, so this is not something we haven’t seen See LICENSE • Page 3

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gown. Every girl in the pageant will earn a title. Contestants could receive roses, a sash or a trophy depending on what category they win. In addition, each will be featured in the paper through the year. The contestant named Miss Outlook will receive a full Ambassador’s scholarship to Central Alabama Community College. More than 30 contestants will take part in the pageant this year. Tickets are available at the door and the cost is $8.

Local unemployment increase in December mirrors state stats Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Students line the halls of Horseshoe Bend School to welcome Gracie Deason back to school. She and her teacher Dana Ford went on what they called a Gracie Parade on her first day back after a miraculous recovery from injuries sustained in a Dec. 14 traffic accident in Alexander City.

A DAY TO DANCE

Gracie Deason returns to Horseshoe Bend School By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

MORE PICTURES

Finally, there is a sense of normalcy in the second grade classroom of Dana Ford at Horseshoe Bend School as Ford’s dancing partner, Gracie Deason, returned to school Friday. “We are a dancing class,” Ford said. “Gracie is my partner when it comes to doing the Whip and the Nae Nae.” And that dancing is something that Gracie has been looking forward to also.

See more images from Gracie Deason’s return to classes at Horseshoe Bend School. Page 11.

“Last night (Thursday), she told us tomorrow is Friday,” Gracie’s mother Jamie Peavy said. “She was looking forward to the day because on Fridays ‘Ms. Ford and I always dance.’ She was See GRACIE • Page ??

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Tallapoosa County’s unemployment rate for December jumped slightly from 5.5 percent to 5.7 percent, mirroring the increase in Alabama’s state unemployment rate from 6.0 percent to 6.2, according to a release issued Friday morning by the office of Gov. Robert Bentley. Bentley continued to tout Alabama’s total job growth in 2015 despite the slight increase in the state number. “In January 2015, economists predicted that wage and salary employment would grow in Alabama by 33,800 in 2015, and we surpassed that number by more than 10,000 jobs,” Bentley said. “Employers are hiring in Alabama, and these numbers prove it. We will continue our efforts to recruit and add jobs to the economy in 2016.” Alabama’s Labor Commissioner Fitzgerald Washington said a December labor force equivalent to summer’s normal peaks was the reason for the slight upswing in the unemployment rate. “Although a slight increase in the unemployment rate is never celebrated, this month’s increase is attributed to the fact that the labor See UNEMPLOYMENT • Page 3

Stephens students collect more than a half-ton of food By MITCH SNEED Editor

Stephens Elementary continued a tradition of helping others during the holiday season, as students collected canned food to help those in need in the area. Stephens Elementary’s Martha Speaks coordinated the effort at the school and said that again this year, she was amazed by the way the students responded to help. “This is the fourth year that we have held the drive here at Stephens,” Speaks said. “This year we were able to collect 1210 pounds of canned goods See FOOD • Page 3

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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Students in the winning classes who contributed to the more than 1,200 pounds of food collected at the annual Stephens Canned Food Drive pose for a picture Friday morning in the school’s gym. The food was donated to the Tallapoosa County Crisis Center.

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Tomboy’s Unhappiness May Be Start Of Gender Change

Sunday

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Monday

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Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com

Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com

Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@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

Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com Debbie DeWildt Advertising Sales, Ext. 214 debbie.dewildt@alexcityoutlook.com

Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@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.

Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

The Outlook

Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, 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: I just had a big fight with my best friend. Her name is “Alex.” There was a lot of cursing. The argument was about her wanting to be transgender. I didn’t agree with it, and she got mad at me. Alex is a tomboy. Today she cut her hair short -- too short for my taste -- and she keeps complaining about how she hates being a girl. She hates her period and is afraid of having breasts. It has started to annoy me. A lot. Alex and I have been friends since kindergarten, and I’m scared our friendship may end. I don’t know if all this sounds childish, but please help. I don’t want to lose my best friend. -- VEGAS GIRL DEAR VEGAS GIRL: If you really want to keep Alex as your best friend, go online and start researching what it means to be transgender. She may hate her female characteristics because she feels trapped in the wrong body. Being transgender is much more complicated than cutting

Obituaries Mr. Harry D. Cleveland Mr. Harry D. Cleveland, 89, of Dadeville passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Dadeville Heath Care in Dadeville Al. Mr. Cleveland is preceded in death by his parents Hugh Clarence and Dovie Cleveland; wife Anne Cleveland; two brothers Parker Cleveland Cleveland and J.W. Cleveland; three sisters Nerine Grubaugh, Elizabeth “Libby” Cobb and Jane Gray. A graveside service will be held Monday, January 25, at 1:00 p.m. CST at Tallapoosa Co. Memory Gardens with Pastor Ben Arellano officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. CST on Monday, January 25th at Alabama Funeral Homes in Dadeville. Mr. Cleveland is survived by two loving sons:

DEAR ABBY Advice

one’s hair and being a tomboy. What’s going on with your friend isn’t a frivolous decision. Alex is going to need understanding and emotional support during this process, and if you can’t stand beside her, you WILL lose your best friend. DEAR ABBY: I was raised in the Christian faith by my pastor parents. As I reached my early teens, I realized that those beliefs didn’t really fit, and I gradually stopped attending church. I stayed away all through college. My time away only solidified that, in terms of belief, Christianity wasn’t for me. After I graduated this year, I realized I missed the community and ritual of the faith Lee Cleveland of Dadeville and Don Cleveland of West Point GA; one sister Joyce Smith of Senoia, GA; numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Cleveland was a railroad agent for 44 years with Central of Georgia, Southern Railroad and NorthFork Southern railroad companies. He was a deacon, elder and served as treasurer for many of years at the First Presbyterian Church of Dadeville . The Cleveland family would like to thank Mr. Cleveland’s caregivers Fredonia, Daphne and Margaret for all their help and support. The family also would like to thank Lake Martin Hospice for all their care and support. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Dadeville, 171 Okefuske St. Dadeville Al. 36853 or Valley Haven School, 6345 Fairfax Bypass Valley Al. 36854 in Mr. Cleveland’s memory. Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers of Dadeville is handling arrangements.

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and the church. There are a number of churches in my area, but I feel guilty attending one when I don’t believe in the same things as the other members. My family always taught me to be considerate of the beliefs of the people around me, and it seems dishonest to go to a service and listen to prayers my heart doesn’t embrace. I’d still like to attend church. Have you any suggestions for what might be a good course of action? Should I go to church or stay home? -UNORTHODOX IN OHIO DEAR UNORTHODOX: You don’t have to stay home. Instead, explore a denomination that has no dogma or creed. One in particular, Unitarian Universalism, has been mentioned before in this column. Unitarian Universalists believe in the dignity and worth of every human being, and encourage and support others in following their personal spiritual paths. If you would like

more information, visit www. uua.org.

Mr. Norman Deon Crayton

Arlinda Young of Alexander City, AL. (8) brothers: Charles (Pam) Crayton, Willie Crayton, Michael Crayton all of Jacksons Gap, AL. Darryll (April) Young, Willie Young both of Alexander City, AL, Starey Young of Childersburg, AL, Sank Tory (Anne) Young, Jr, and Frederick Young of Knoxville, TN. (3) aunts: Clemmie (Curtis) Johnson of Alexander City, AL, Shirley Ann (Jeff) Crayton of Jackson’s Gap, AL and Dorothy (Anthony) Heard of Alexander City, AL. (9) Uncles: Tommy Jr. Young, Robert Crayton, James Crayton, Pete (Debra) Crayton of Jackson’s Gap, AL; R. M. (Carolyn) Crayton, Roosevelt (Evelyn) Crayton both of Alexander City, AL; Earlie B. (Bernice) Young of Alexander City, AL, Charles (Emma) Young of Goodwater, AL and Willie Joe (Verna) Young of Detroit, MI. (1) Great aunt, Mary Heard of Jackson’s Gap, AL. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Norman Deon Crayton of Jackson’s Gap will be Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Jackson’s Gap with burial to follow at Old Union Cemetery in Dadeville. Norman’s memories will forever be cherished by his wife, Mrs. Lakeisha Crayton of Crayton Alexander City, AL. (6) children: Markellis Crayton, LaDerain Crayton, Deonta Crayton, Con Jashua Crayton all of Dadeville, AL Simone N. Hutchins of Jackson’s Gap, AL, and LaDamian Webb of Opelika, AL. Father, Mr. Sank Tory Young, Sr. Coosa County AL. (3) grandchildren. (5) sisters: Alfreda Crayton, Lisa Crayton, both of Dadeville, AL; Rachel (Derrick) Chadwick of Jacksons Gap, AL; Cynthia Marbury and

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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.

Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services.

Mr. Felix Spivey Funeral service for Mr. Felix Spivey 86 of Goodwater, AL; Sunday, January 24, 2016; 2:00 p.m.; Macedonia Baptist Church, Goodwater, AL;. Burial, Macedonia Memorial Garden, Goodwater, AL. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge of arrangements.

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Call 256-234-4281 to subscribe.

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DEAR ABBY: The mother of a friend recently passed away. I wanted to send a nice plant to the funeral home and was shocked at how much it cost to have a small plant delivered. Is it a “no-no” to buy a beautiful plant and deliver it to the funeral home yourself? -- BUDGET-MINDED DEAR BUDGET-MINDED: If it’s a “no-no,” I never heard about it. If having the plant delivered would stretch your budget, by all means take it over before the viewing. It’s the thought that counts, and your wish to commemorate the death of your friend’s mother is thoughtful and beautiful.

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Since 1884, The Alex City Outlook has been a part of the area longer than any other business. Our mission is to report local community news, keep our readers informed and help businesses grow through marketing & advertising.

256.234.4281 • 548 Cherokee Road • Alexander City, AL w w w. a l e x c i t y o u t l o o k . c o m

Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

License

Food

Unemployment

before.” The ARA request questions water quality monitoring of dissolved oxygen levels in the Martin Dam tailrace relating to periods of non-generation and contends that FERC did not comply with the Endangered Species Act in ensuring that listed species are not jeopardized. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GEPD) request for rehearing states that FERC staffers, in issuing the Final Environmental Impact Statement last April, did not adequately evaluate how Martin Dam operations would impact Army Corps of Engineers’ (COE) Coosa River headwater projects in Georgia and did not consult with GEPD on revisions to drought operations. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) rehearing request also pertains to availability/accessibility of water for the Atlanta metropolitan area per COE projects. The GEPD and ARC filings relate to the larger global issues of the ongoing Water Wars, and these filings were not a surprise to Alabama Power officials. “[Alabama Power is] not officially involved in these processes. These really are issues between the filers and FERC,” Crew explained. “We are confident that we did everything we needed to do regarding those issues. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management has given us a water quality certificate, and FERC has confirmed that.” The filings will not affect Lake Martin’s water levels or the power company’s operations under the new license, which became effective on Wednesday, Crew said.

and will donate that to the Tallapoosa County Crisis Center. “There’s a tremendous need here in our own area and sometimes you don’t even realize how close that need can be. You never know what circumstances could put a family in a situation where they would not have enough to eat. That’s why we started this and it’s something the kids enjoy and get excited about the competition between the classes. I know the folks at the center have told us how much it means to them and we are glad to do it.” The class of teacher Brandon Morgan collected the most cans with 235 to take first place in the third-grade division, with Mrs. Queen’s class taking second with 149 cans. In the fourth-grade competition, Kenyatta Simmons’ class took first with 211 cans. One student, Grant Jones brought in 101 cans all by himself in one day. “My family all helped gather them up,” Jones, the son of Lee and Tara Jones of Alexander City, said. “I had to use a wagon to get them all in the school.” The class of Mrs. Stanford was second in fourth-grade classes with 104 cans. The winning classes will be treated to an ice cream party and Speaks said the students are already talking about next year. “They have a lot of fun with it,” Speaks said. “But they know how much it helps others and I think that is a good lesson that they can take away from doing this each year.”

force increased by nearly 10,000, while people were out looking for work, seasonal or otherwise,” Washington said. “December’s labor force count was on par with the summer months, which is traditionally when the most people are searching for work. Increases in the labor force represent increased confidence in the job market.” Despite the increase from last month, Tallapoosa County’s unemployment rate remained down as compared to December 2014, when the rate was 5.9 percent. The state rate was up slightly over last year, 6.2 percent compared to 6.1 percent in December 2014. In raw numbers, 89 more people were employed in Tallapoosa County in November than in December. The number of individuals in the civilian labor force – or looking for work – in the county also was lower by 44 than in November. Statewide, employment over the past 12 months saw gains in the education and health services sector (+5,100), the leisure and hospitality sector (+4,800), the trade, transportation, and utilities sector (+4,500), and the construction sector (+4,000), among others. “The construction sector has experienced its best year in five years,” Washington added. “Construction employment is a great indicator of economic health: construction doesn’t drive the economy, but the economy drives construction.” Alabama counties with the lowest unemployment rates for

continued from page 1

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The Outlook continued from page 1

December were Shelby County at 4.1%, Elmore and Lee Counties at 4.9%, and Autauga, Cullman, and St. Clair Counties at 5.0%. Counties with the highest rates were Wilcox (15.3 percent), Clarke (11.9 percent), Perry (10.9), Lowndes (10.7) and Greene (10.6). Only seven of Alabama’s 67 counties saw their unemployment rates go down or remain steady compared to November. Those counties were Bullock (down from 8.5 percent to 8.1), Calhoun (down from 6.6 percent to 6.5), Cherokee (remained steady at 5.1 percent), Colbert (remained steady at 7.2 percent), Crenshaw (down from 6.0 percent to 5.9), Etowah (remained steady at 5.8 percent) and Pickens (down from 6.2 percent to 6.0). Coosa County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.8 percent in November to 6.1 percent in December.

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Opinion Outlook The

Our

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Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Black, white and read all over no longer

A Get out and take part in local events W e hear people say that there isn’t a lot to do in Alexander City. We have to respectfully disagree. All you have to do is look at the slate of events scheduled in our area today and you will quickly realize that there is a lot happening here in our community. For example: TRASH WALK: The next PATH Trash Walk begins this morning at 9 a.m. Just at the fountain in front of Jake’s Restaurant to receive supplies and assignments. It’s a great way to join your friends and neighbors for a healthy walk while removing unsightly litter from the roadways of the “most scenic” county in Alabama. LAKE MARTIN POLAR PLUNGE: Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its inaugural Polar Plunge, at 11 a.m. today at Kowaliga Restaurant on Lake Martin. You can take the plunge into a chilly Lake Martin and no one will look at you funny at all. Tickets are $20 to take the plunge and $30 if you’re too chicken. OR HOW ABOUT MUSIC: Sisters In Christ Gospel Singers will hold an Anniversary Celebration at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2:30 p.m. at Sardis M.B. Church in Dadeville. MISS OUTLOOK: If beauty queens are more your style, the Miss Outlook Pageant is set for Benjamin Russell High School’s Auditorium beginning at 6 p.m. Young ladies will compete in four age groups with the Miss Outlook winner getting a scholarship to CACC. This pageant has been going on for 42 years. Don’t miss the opportunity to see what it is all about. See, there is plenty to do. Get out this weekend and be a part of one of these great community activities. The wintry mix should be gone and it’s a great way to be around people who care as much about our hometown as you do.

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

s The Outlook enters its 124th year publishing a newspaper here in Alexander City, we will be making a number of changes and improvements throughout the year. Today I’d like to talk about an improvement that I hope you have noticed in the past several months – color. Lots of it. This time last year we bought four King Press units from another newspaper and during the spring and summer we cleaned them up, replaced a number of worn parts, and then integrated it into our existing eight-unit King Press. Not only did we increase the capacity of our press by 33 percent, we also increased the length of the press by more than a third, adding four printing units to the right side of the folder. For those who don’t know much about printing, newspapers are printed on a type of paper called “newsprint.” It comes in huge rolls – one long, long piece of paper. It’s not that different from a paper towel roll – a 700pound paper towel roll that we move with a forklift. I hope you saw our Tallapoosa Publishers Christmas card photo that we printed in all our newspapers last month. It showed the entire press and our staff. You might have noticed the rolls of paper are on the left side of our press on roll stands. To the right of that we have eight press units. Next in line is a folder where the newsprint is cut into newspaper-size lengths and folded twice. To the far right

KENNETH BOONE Publisher

are our four new printing units, which feed newsprint into the same central folder. Our press is not loaded with new technology. In fact, most of it was built in 1974, the same year President Richard Nixon resigned and Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth’s all-time MLB home run record at 714. In the fall we did add a touch of new technology, “fan-out software” that allows us to compensate for the stretching of newsprint as it runs through our longer press, so the color will line up properly. Newsprint that is pulled off the roll before it is cut into newspaper size pieces is called a “web” and our type of press is called a “web press,” which is a very different process than printing on flat sheets of paper, the type of press used to print magazines. A little more on web printing. Printing a full color image, like a photograph or a color advertisement, it takes four colors of ink: black, cyan (kind of a light blue), magenta (a purplish red) and yellow. Each web printing unit contains two trays of the same color ink, which allows us to print that color on both sides of the paper. Each web goes through four units to make a color image. With the addition of the

new printing units, I made the decision that we would set up our press as a 12-page printing press, meaning the largest newspaper section we will run at one time is made of three webs of paper and every web will have full color on both sides. By now you can imagine that this type of printing can get complicated, and that we’re using 40-year-old technology to do it. Modern presses use computer-controlled motors to make the colors all line up perfectly. And that’s why I’m writing about all this. We don’t have a computer-controlled press. We have a Lee Champion-controlled press. Lee, our production manager, head pressman and resident mechanical wizard, along with his pressman Jeb Kitchens, use literally hundreds of hand-controlled knobs to put four colors of ink in exactly the right place in exactly the right amount in every newspaper. And they do a very, very good job. Tallapoosa Publishers routinely wins printing quality awards from the Alabama Press Association, topping the printing quality made by computer-controlled web presses. It’s a job that requires a sharp eye and a steady hand. I want our readers to know what a great job Lee and Jeb do at a complicated, difficult task every day. And that going forward, your hometown newspaper will be slam full of color. Boone is publisher of The Outlook.

Sherry Ellison-Simpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee. Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.

Scripture “They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.” – Titus 3:2

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Yes – 7 No – 13

Weekend question: Do you think Alabama has a high risk of being targeted by terrorists?

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.

The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

How to

Subscribe Charles Shaw

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. Call David at (256) 234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com to subscribe.

Bobby Tapley

What’s your

Opinion?

Sherry Ellison Simpson

Bob Howard

Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256-329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.

Billy Ray Wall James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-329-9758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee. Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-749-3355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.

Today’s

Mission

Officials

Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256-3299671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.

Quote

“If the highest aim of a captain were to preserve his ship, he would keep it in port forever. – Thomas Aquinas

Our

Know Your Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-3296730 and his home number is 256-234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010.

Today’s

Experts are the reason we are in the mess we’re in Dear Editor, This is a response to a letter by Mr. Dick Bronson: Your argument is exactly why we are in the mess we are in today. We have left our fate in the hands of people who we thought were the “experts” including lawyers, politicians and community leaders. It seems clear to me they have no better ability to decide right from wrong and

what is fair or not than those of us who are the “common citizens.” It also seems clear that the motivation of the common citizen is far greater and more in line with our constitution than the paid “experts” to whom you are willing to subjugate yourself. I realize that you are a product of a career in the military. I understand that you are more comfortable in having the establishment make

decisions for you. While I did not make it a career, I was also in the military and had to learn the “chain of command” and the rule of don’t argue with authority. That philosophy serves a purpose in the military setting, but is contrary to the ideas with which our founders planned our free society. Billy Sellers Alexander City

Readers should ask if your flu shot is safe? James Spann

Tony Goss

Dear Editor, Even after my physician recommended that I get my annual flu shot at my local pharmacy, I balked-skeptical of the safety in doing so since a counter clerk gives the live vaccine shot. Not a medical professional! Now we see published warnings that seniors citizens should NOT get their injections from their local phar-

macy. Details are included in the article that of the 17,000plus seniors participating in the trials, 196 died within six months with more that 1,400 experiencing serious adverse reactions! The alarming twist of this story is that the government approved discount pharmacies being allowed to offer flu shots tied to free coupon marketing campaigns. Apparently, these stores

were not required to disclose the negative adverse results encountered during trials. I firmly believe that even a simple flu shot is a MEDICAL PROCEDURE and only should be administered in a medical environment by a professional. James W. Anderson Talladega

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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Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www. alexcityoutloook.com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS feed on The Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.

Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

CommunityCalendar ¦¡ ¦ £ ¡ £ ¤ SERVING LUNCH IN THE CAFÉ Tuesday - Saturday 11am-1:30pm

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How to add a calendar item: Participate in your

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com

Weekend Events

January 23

BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves School in Millerville is hosting family bingo night Jan. 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. TRASH WALK: The next PATH Trash Walk is scheduled for Saturday, January 23 at 9:00 AM. We will meet at the fountain in front of Jake’s Restaurant to receive supplies and assignments. Come out and join your friends and neighbors for a healthy walk while removing unsightly litter from the roadways of the “most scenic” county in Alabama. For additional information contact John Thompson at jthompson@lmra.info LAKE MARTIN POLAR PLUNGE: Lake Martin Young Professionals hosts its inaugural Polar Plunge, 11 AM, Saturday, January 23 at Kowaliga Restaurant on Lake Martin! Join LMYP as they take the PLUNGE to support the Lake Martin Resource Association and Lake Martin by diving in

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/.

Soloists are our “Special Guests” and everyone is invited to attend.

This weekend is January 23-24, 2016

“Libby” Heath are celebrating birthdays Saturday.

Sunday’s Anniversaries

during the dead of winter. Tickets are $20 to take the plunge and $30 if you’re too chicken. Tickets include a LMYP Polar Plunge tee shirt, all-day access to live music, games, food/ drink specials to Kowaliga Restaurant, and a whiskey warm-up tent. Everyone is encouraged to attend. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: Sisters In Christ Gospel Singers Anniversary Celebration, Saturday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 24 at 2:30 p.m. at Sardis M.B. Church, Dadeville, Rev. William Perry Jr., Pastor. Guests include Voices of Faith, Pell City, Shiloh Spirituals, Eclectic, Greg & Joyful Experience, Columbus, GA, Proverbs 31, Talladega, Bishop Thomas Weaver, Roanoke, Gospel Voices, Hollins, Traveling Harrells, Alex City, Sister Alice Lewis, Wadley and many more! Special Guest MC - Minister David Butler. All Groups, Choirs &

Page 5

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The Outlook

January 24

PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: New Hope Baptist Church in Camp Hill will celebrate its 12th pastor’s anniversary honoring Rev. and Sister Henry Cooper Sunday, Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. Rev. Jimmy Thomas and Mt. Zion East Baptist Church will be our guest minister. SINGING AND FELLOWSHIP: The Kempters will be singing at Old Union Baptist Church Sunday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. Come out and join us for some great singing and fellowship.

Saturday’s Anniversaries

Rhonda and Brian Childs are celebrating an anniversary on Saturday.

Saturday’s Birthdays

Bernice McDaniel, Agnes Parrish, Monica Hearn, Martha Burns, Rebecca Ungle , Nathan Wayne Nolen, Alexis Lamberth, Deanna Miller, Kathi Odom, James Nolen and Elizabeth

Kim and Chuck Ledbetter are celebrating an anniversary Sunday.

Sunday’s birthdays

Jimmie Daniel,Jan Burke, Roy Jack Newman, Pattie Kilgore, Debra Thompson, Carolyn Ingram , T’Nayah Hart, Gwen Milliner, Madison Hope Baker, Bobbie Jo Storey, Shane Cook and Mary Crouch are celebrating birthdays Sunday.

Monday’s Anniversaries

Raymon and Sarah Shaw, Rev. and Mrs. Larry Ingram and Arthur and Loette Stallings are celebrating anniversaries on Monday.

Monday’s Birthdays

Michelle Livingston, Connor Gregory Fuller, Grace Brasell , “Bill” Saltsman , James Bartow, Judy Brandon, TaDallious (Man-Man) Brown, Justin Towry, Carol Lawhorn and Curry Adams are celebrating birthdays on Monday.

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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

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A display has been featured in the lobby of the Alexander City City Hall this week that shows some of the news and history created by the ‘Yes I Can’ program over the last three years. The program is led by Teresa Harrell Moten and stresses positive action and attitude among the young people who take part in the program.

January 25

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Steve Flowers will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Jan. 25 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION MEETING: The first meeting of the year for the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. at River of Life Worship Center on Cherokee Road. Serious, prayerful, focused attention will be given to purpose, activities, and continuation of this ministerial association. Time will also be used for fellowship, sharing, and intercessory prayer. All Christian minister are invited. For more information, contact Bill Middlebrooks, acting secretary at 256-234-3371. QUARTERLY MEETING: The Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority will have its quarterly meeting on Monday, Jan. 25 at 10 a.m. in the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center Executive Board Room on the campus of Central Alabama Community College.

January 26

ANNUAL MEETING: The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual meeting and awards banquet Tuesday, Jan. 26 for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 460 Camp Civitan Road in Dadeville. There will be an awards presentation, installation of 2016 officers, displays by chamber members, drawing for door prizes, dinner and a cash bar. For more information call the chamber at 256-825-4019.

January 28- February 27

REVELATION BIBLE STUDY: Family Worship Center is having Revelation Bible Study presented by Dr. Albert Pike beginning Jan. 28 through Feb. 27. It will be Thursdays and Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

January 30

ART WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a Zantangle Art Workshop Jan 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the United Way Conference Room. Cost is $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers, all supplies included. Call Martha McKnight at 256-825-

6503 or Dottie Holdren at 256-3774918 with questions or to register. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: The Pine Ridge Mission team will have its’ annual Pancake breakfast on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. at the Alexander City Methodist Church Fellowship Hall. The plates are $6 and include 2 big pancakes, sausage, fruit and drink options. The proceeds help fund the teams’ annual trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation including VBS and Community outreach projects.

January 31

BIG DAY: Lake Pointe Baptist Church invites everyone to celebrate a Big Day for the church on Sunday, January 31, 2016, beginning at 10 AM. Lake Pointe is a new church and the new pastor will be introducing the church strategy of “Come! Let Us Build!” in the morning worship on January 31st. The worship music will be led by Anthony Counts, former pastor of Mountain View Baptist Church in Wetumpka. Faron Golden, pastor at Lake Pointe, will be sharing the church’s plan for serving the community and surrounding area through the message from God’s Word. Lake Pointe is located at 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, Alabama 36853, and is just a short drive from Tallassee. Everyone is welcome. SINGING: Bay Pine Baptist Church in Jacksons Gap will host The Dye’s for a singing Jan. 31 at 10:30 a.m.

February 1

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. Mark Conversino will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 1 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

February 4

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION: The Alexander City Baseball/Softball Registration will be at Radney Elementary School Thursday, Feb. 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $75. Late registration will be Monday, Feb. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sportplex Baseball Tower at a cost of $100.

February 5

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION: The Alexander City Baseball/Softball Registration will be

at Radney Elementary School Friday, Feb. 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $75. Late registration will be Monday, Feb. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sportplex Baseball Tower at a cost of $100.

Small Space Advertising Works.

February 6

BASEBALL/SOFTBALL REGISTRATION: The Alexander City Baseball/Softball Registration will be at Radney Elementary School Saturday, Feb. 6 from 8 a.m. to noon. Cost is $75. Late registration will be Monday, Feb. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sportplex Baseball Tower at a cost of $100. DADEVILLE KIWANIS PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Sat. Feb. 6 from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. the Dadeville Kiwanis Club is having a pancake breakfast for $6. Tickets are available all over town.

For Consistent Advertising

at Low Rates ...

call the Advertising Department

256.234.4281

Season Speaks

February 7

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill will celebrate it’s 7th Pastor’s Anniversary honoring Rev. and Sister Melvin C. Kelley, Jr. Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.

February 8

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Troy Jones will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited Feb. 8 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

February 11 - February 27

WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Steel Magnolias will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players Feb. 11- Feb. 27. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.

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February 13

VALENTINE”S DAY SEMINAR: There will be a seminar Feb. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Arbor to celebrate marriage. The night will include dinner, door prizes and the Date Night Challenge. The video by comedians Dr. Greg and Erin Smalley will allow couples to learn how to recognize why marriage is valuable, to invest in their marriage and join a community that is for their marriage. There is no cost. If you are interested, call Megan Sanders at 256-827-9127 or Angelia Windsor at 256-827-9226.

For Consistent Advertising

at Low Rates...

call the Advertising Department

256.234.4281

Page 6

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Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

The Outlook

Outlook Calendar Girl Contestants

Petite Miss Contestant

Lynlee Kate Ratliff

Covyn Rasbury Holt

Mary Bradley Daniel

Rylee Reed Jordan

Kayden Treniya Morgan

sponsored by

Henderson & Coker

Her parents, Caleb & Corley Holt

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance

The Sure Shot & Her grandparents, Steve & Bambi Morris

Lakesha & Lisa Morgan

Petite Miss Contestant

Alyssa Channell

Kirklynn Marable

Jakya Leigh Sims

Isabella Grace Harper

Samantha Marie Robinson

sponsored by

Carlisle’s

Her Paw Paw/Riddle’s Taxidermy & Lance Meadows HVAC

Mitch & Cyndi Sneed And Aunt Deborah Echols

Her parents, Karen Stroup & Chris Harper

Her parents, Derick & Ginger Robinson

Little Miss Contestant

Promys Yiauna Smith

Tess McKinley

Carly Railey

Emma Michele Culligan

Anabelle Reese Gordon

sponsored by

Her Mom and Mitchell & Co.

Alex City Sales & Rentals and Homeplace Mortgage

Lisa McClendon, Country Financial Agency

Culligan Plumbing

Her parents

Little Miss Contestant

Jacey Leanna Ratliff

Shelby Saucier

Raylee Denise Moore

sponsored by

Henderson & Coker

Her parents & grandparents

Timothy Moore, Ideal Masonry

Page 6

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Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

The Outlook

Outlook Calendar Girl Contestants

Little Miss Contestant

Victoria Lauren Spann

Annie Zhang

Jada Leonard

Katie Grace Cotney

Madison Nicole Hamlet

sponsored by

Her parents

New China Buffet

Eve Traylor & Chiquia Ware

District Judge: Clayton Kim Taylor

Be You(tiful) Salon

Junior Miss Contestant

Cali Austen Jones

Rachel Blackmon

MacKenzie Willoughby

Maddie McClendon

Hannah Henderson

sponsored by

Lake Martin Family Medicine

The Closing Agency, & myfellowoutdoorsman.com

Caldwell Electronics, Radio Shack

Her family

Henderson & Coker

Junior Miss Contestant

Miss Contestant

Madolyn Faith Daniel

Carlee Sharpe

Landry Carter

Hannah Royal

Lacey LeeAnn Newman

sponsored by

Her parents, Karen Stroup & Heath Daniel

E. Daine Sharpe, P.C. Attorney

Southside Collision Center & Windy Carter, The Lake Martin Experience

Her parents

Kevin Lanier Photography, & Troy Futral & Family

Miss Contestant

Kynsley Rae Blasingame

Amanda Lee Hall

Sydney Annette Pemberton

sponsored by

Onin Staffing

Tim Evans & DE General

Pemberton Concrete Construction

Page 8

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Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

The Outlook

In Community, We Share Tallapoosa County Devotional Page

SECURITY Grace’s Flowers and Gifts PEST CONTROL

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OUR TOWN GARAGE 61 Jefferson Street • Alexander City Phone: 256-234-3454

Your vote makes you ‘an heir’ to the kingdom

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political party. Our hope is in the King of Therefore let us be grateful that we are receiving a kingdom that cannot Kings, not the White House. And, at the end of the day, know that “Some trust in be shaken, and thus let us offer to chariots and some in horses, but we trust God acceptable worship, with reverence in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm and awe, for our God is a consuming 20:7) This means that we fire.” Hebrews 12:28 should seek to avoid alarmist Our country is entering the reactions and demagoguery. full-blown hysteria of political Second, remember that the campaigns. Every morning and gospel informs all matters of evening, the lead story is the the life of a Christian, including progress of the candidates and our politics. God’s word is the verbal jabs that are thrown not silent on the issues of our at one another daily. Politics Matt Haines day. Our choice of a candidate are a difficult cup of tea for Sixth Street should be informed by more those of us who know the truth Baptist Church than our personal outrage and the hope of the gospel. or the impact of our pocket On one hand, we are citizens book. The answer to the problems of our of a free country, given the opportunity country does not necessarily mean that and the privilege to participate in free elections and to let our votes be informed “we have to get a Christian in the White House.” We’ve seen that approach not by our conscience. On the other hand, work out as well as planned before. But, the Bible also declares for us that we are we also don’t set aside our faith or our “aliens and strangers” in this world. For biblical convictions when we enter the the believer in Christ, this world is not ballot box. Make sure that you approach our final destination and, therefore, our every political issue from the standpoint hope doesn’t lie solely here. So, how do of “How does God’s word inform this we engage responsibly as Christians in issue?” what is often a heated, dirty and difficult So remember, Christian, that if you process. are a child of God, you are an heir to a First, let me encourage you to keep kingdom that cannot be shaken. Let your an eternal perspective in all matters vote reflect that. involving culture and politics. Jesus Haines is the minister at Sixth Street directed us to “seek first the kingdom Baptist Church and a faith columnist for of God and His righteousness.” Our the Outlook. first allegiance is to our King, not to any This devotional and directory made possible by these businesses who encourage all of us to attend worship services!

Church Directory

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256-234-6366

A.M.E. Saint James A.M.E. Goodwater, 256-839-1007 St. John A.M.E. Off Hwy. 280 on Hwy. 9 Socopatoy, (256) 215-3532 ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Cedar Street Church of God 703 E. Boulevard, Alex City Faith Assembly of God 590 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Dadeville 256-825-7741

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256-825-7821

24/7 Emergency Room

River of Life Worship Center 407 Hillabee St., Alex City, 256-329-9593 INDEPENDENT BAPTIST Liberty Baptist 1365 Hillabee St., Alex City 256-329-8830 New Life Baptist County Road 14, Alex City, 256-329-2635 Victory Baptist 280 By-Pass, Alex City West End Baptist Off 280 West, 256-234-2130

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Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. – Psalm 90:2

Pleasant Home Baptist Clay County

Mountain Springs Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Daviston

Pleasant Grove Church of Christ 1819 Bay Pine Rd, Jackson’s Gap

Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist 835 Valley Rd., Camp Hill 334-257-4442

Mt. Carmel Baptist 3610 Dudleyville Rd., Dadeville

Southview Church of Christ 2325 Dadeville Rd., Alex City 256-329-0212

Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Alexander City, 256-234-6972

Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 63 South, Alex City 256-234-7748

Rocky Mt. Baptist New Site community

New Beginning Baptist 1076 Coley Creek Rd.

Seleeta Baptist Booker St., Alex City 256-329-2685

New Concord Baptist Off hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-5390

Shady Grove Baptist Jackson’s Gap Community

New Elkahatchee Baptist Elkahatchee Rd., Alex City 256-329-9942

CHURCH OF GOD Alex City No. 2 A.C.O.P. Church of God Local Street, Alex City Bread of Life A.C.O.P. Church of God Hwy. 280, Kellyton Cedar Street Church of God 711 Martin Luther King Blvd. Alex City

The Great Bethel Missionary 520 Christian St., Alex City 256-234-5513

New Hope Baptist Lake Martin, off Hwy. 63 256-329-2510

Dadeville Church of God 425 Horseshoe Bend Rd. (Hwy. 49 N.) Dadeville 256-825-8820

Unity Baptist Robinson Rd., Alex City

New Life Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-6190 / 256-329-2635

Marshall Street Church of God 428 Marshall Street, Alex City 256-234-3180

New Pine Grove Baptist Off Hwy. 22, Perryville

New Faith Tabernacle A.C.O.P. Church of God “J” Street

Zion Hill Missionary Baptist 583 S. Broadnax St., Dadeville BAPTIST – SOUTHERN Bay Pine Baptist 1480 Bay Pine Rd. Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4433

New Providence Baptist Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City

New Harvest Ministries Church of God Hwy 280 & Coosa 28 256-329-2331

BAPTIST – MISSIONARY Bethlehem Baptist New Site

Bethany Baptist Church Bethany Road

New Rocky Mount Baptist 670 Peckerwood Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-794-3846

Cross Key Baptist Hackneyville, 256-329-9716

Bethel Baptist Smith Mt. Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-825-5070

New Salem Road New Site Rd., New Site, 256-234-2932

Darian Missionary Baptist Church Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City 256-329-3865

Beulah Baptist Smith Mt. Rd., Jackson’s Gap 256-825-9882

Old Providence Baptist Off Hwy. 63 N., near Hackneyville

The Church of God 13th Ave. N., Alex City 256-329-1696

Elam Baptist Robertson Rd. Alex City

Calvary Baptist 819 Main St., Dadeville, 256-825-5989

Old Union Baptist 1106 Davis Circle 256-596-1873

Washington Street A.C.O.P. Church of God Washington Street

Orr Street Baptist 1000 “O” Street (Hwy. 63N) Alex City, 256-234-3171

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY Church of God of Prophecy 303 Poplar Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6941

Early Rose Baptist 201 E Street, Alexander City Flint Hill Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville

Calvary Heights Baptist Elkahatchee, Rd., Alex City 256-234-7224

Friendship Baptist Our Town Community, 256-329-5243

Camp Hill Baptist Downtown Camp Hill, 256-896-2811

Hollins Springs Baptist Hwy. 280, Goodwater

Comer Memorial 941 E. Church St., Alex City 256-234-2236

Jackson’s Gap Baptist Church 21 East Church St. 256-825-6814

Daviston Baptist Daviston, 395-4327

Liberty Church 1034 Liberty Church Rd. Willow Point Alex City Macedonia Baptist Macedonia Circle, Goodwater 256-839-5793 Marietta Baptist Goodwater Miracle Missionary Baptist 1687 “I” Street 256-215-9788, 256-215-9787 Mt. Calvary Baptist 329 King St., Alex City, 256-234-5631 Mt. Olive Baptist Hwy. 280 & Jct. 49, Goodwater Mt. Sinai Baptist Fish Pond Rd., Coosa County 256-329-2337 Mt. Zion Baptist Hwy. 22, New Site Mt. Zion East StillWaters Dr., 256-825-4991 Mt. Zion West Our Town Community, 256-234-7748 New Elam Baptist Hwy. 9, Burtonville, 256-234-2037 New Bethel Baptist Rock St., Dadeville, 256-825-7726 Peace & Goodwill Baptist Cottage Grove Community Alexander City, 256-377-4634 Pine Grove Baptist Eagle Creek Rd., Dadeville

Eagle Creek Baptist Hwy. 49, Dadeville, 256-825-6048 Fellowship Baptist Buttston Community Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church on Claybrook Drive, Alex City 256-839-5339 First Baptist Court Square, Alex City 256-234-6351 First Baptist Tallassee St., Dadeville, 256-825-6232 Good News Baptist Church 10493 Hwy. 280, Jackson’s Gap 256-825-2555 Hackneyville Baptist Hwy. 63 N., Hackneyville Hillabee Baptist Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6798 Horseshoe Bend Baptist Hwy. 280, Dadeville Jackson’s Gap Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-825-4951 Kellyton Baptist Kellyton, 256-329-1512 Kendrick Baptist Church Nixburg Lake Martin Baptist Hwy 34, Dadeville 256-825-7434 Lake Pointe Baptist 8352 Hwy. 50W, Dadeville Lebanon Baptist Mt. Carmel Rd., Dadeville, 256-234-7541

Perryville Baptist Perryville, 256-234-3588 Pine Grove Baptist Camp Hill Ray Baptist Rockford Hwy., Alex City, 256-234-7609 River Road Baptist 148 Dean Rd., Alex City, 256-234-6971 Rocky Creek Baptist Samford Rd., Cowpens Community Rocky Mount Baptist Hwy. 22 E., Alex City, 256-329-2327 Rock Springs Baptist Jackson’s Gap, 256-839-6263 Russell Farm Baptist Hwy. 63 beyond Our Town

Pentecostal Church of God 163 Franklin Street, Alex City 256-215-4055

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1515 Worthy Road, Alex City (Corner of Worthy Place and Dadeville Road)

Flint Hill U.M., Alex City 256-234-5047 Goodwater U.M. Main St., Goodwater, 256-839-6661

Sixth Street Baptist Sixth St., Alex City, 256-234-2408

Fellowship Revival Center Mission 316 6th Ave., Alex City 256-329-1510 weekends

Sunny Level Baptist Church Sunny Acres Subdivision Sewell Street

Kellyton Revival Center Co. Road 87 South Kellyton

Town Creek Baptist Camp Ground Rd., Alex City

Liberty Life Christian Center 321 “S” Street, Alex City

Wayside Baptist 21 Wayside Circle, Alex City 256-234-5564

Passion Church 3340 Hwy. 63 N., Alex City 256-409-9590

Zion Hill Baptist Hwy. 79, near Horseshoe Bend

The Family Worship Center 365 Scott Road, Alex City

CATHOLIC St. John the Apostle 454 N. Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-3631

METHODIST – UNITED Alexander City Methodist 11th Ave. N., Alex City 256-329-1284

CHURCH OF CHRIST Alex City Church of Christ 945 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-234-6494

Bradford Methodist Hwy. 9, Goodwater

Liberty United Methodist Liberty Rd., Hackneyville Mt. Godfrey New Site New Site U.M. New Site, 256-234-7834 Pearson Chapel U.M. Pearson Chapel Rd., Alex City Red Ridge United Methodist 8091 County Road 34, Dadeville 256-825-9820 Sunnylevel United Methodist 3202 Hwy. 63N, Alex City 256-234-6877

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1660 Hwy. 22 West • Alexander City

The Mayor, City Council & Employees of the City of Alexander City So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.” – 1 Corinthians 9:26

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:6

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Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” – John 3:5

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. – Ephesians 4:31

Trinity United Methodist 280 By-pass, Alex City, 256-234-2455 Union United Methodist 4428 Hwy. 50, Dadeville 256-825-2241 METHODIST – INDEPENDENT Daviston Independent Methodist Daviston, 395-4207 PENTECOSTAL Pentecostals of Dadeville 115 West Columbus Street Dadeville, 256-596-3411

Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Robinson Rd., Alex City

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16

UNITED PENTECOSTAL Alex City Apostolic 3708 Robinson Rd., Alexander City, 256-329-1573 INDEPENDENT Faith Temple Franklin Street, Alex City, 256-234-6421 Family Worship Center 1676 Sewell Street 256-839-6895 First Congregational Christian 11th Ave. South, Alex City GAP Fellowship Ministries P.O. Box 1571, Alex City God’s House 9334 Hwy 63N, Alex City Roger Green Sun. Service: 11:00 & 6:00 Wed. Bible Study: 6:30 Jehovah-Jireh Ministries 252 Tallapoosa St., Alex City 256-215-4211 Leap of Faith Outreach Ministry 886 Terrance Drive, 256-234-7119

Comer Memorial U.M. 427 East Church St., 256-329-3467

New Bethel Fellowship Church 5474 Rock Springs Road Jackson’s Gap 256-825-3367 The Baha’I Faith 740 Newell Street, Camp Hill 256-896-4007

Duncan Memorial U.M. 3997 Hillabee Rd., Alex City 256-234-6708

The Word Bible Church 161 Main St., Alex City, 256-215-5646

“And we know that all things work G. Daniel Brown ATTORNEY AT LAW TEMPLE MEDICAL CLINIC, P.C. together for good to those who love God, 926 Cherokee Road YOUR FAMILY CARE CENTER to those who are the called Medicine, Office Surgery, Pediatric and Industrial Alexander City, AL J P. T , M.D. according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 859 Airport Drive J. C , M.D. T 256-329-1552 Alexander City, AL L , M.D. V 8:00-4:00 Monday-Friday By Appointment (except emergencies) Phone: (256) 234-4295 After Hours: (256) 329-7100

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Kellyton U.M., Kellyton, 256-329-1681

First Presbyterian Okefuske, Dadeville, 256-825-4081

House of Restoration Holiness 519 Slaughter Ave., Camp Hill, 256-749-2373, 256-896-2904

Holley’s Home Furnishings

Open Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Hillabee Campground UMC 120 CC Road, Alex City Sunday School 10am Sunday Service 11am

EPISCOPAL Saint James Episcopal Church 121 South Central Ave., Alex City 256-234-4752 HOLINESS Alex City Emmanuel Holiness Hillabee St., Alex City

256-329-8306

Haven United Methodist 410 Christian St., Alex City 256-329-8394

PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian 371 Jefferson St., Alex City 256-329-0524

Sandy Creek Baptist Alex City

Meadows St. Church of Christ 306 Meadows St., Alex City

First United Methodist Dadeville, 256-825-4404

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Dadeville Church of the Nazarene Corner Hwy. 280 and 49, 256-825-8191

FULL GOSPEL Dadeville Foursquare Gospel Church Old 280 By-pass

Dadeville Church of Christ East LaFayette St., Dadeville

First United Methodist 310 Green St., Alex City 256-234-6322

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Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

Gracie excited about that.” Gracie has been missing from school for little over a month following a Dec. 14 car accident and spending over a month at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. She will be home schooled until mid February when she returns to the school fulltime. Friday’s reunion was good for everyone. “It is such an important part of everyone’s rehab to get back to their normal schedule,” Principal James Aulner said. “She asked to come to school before she got out of Children’s,” Gracie’s grandmother Shelia Howard said. “She has been asking everyday, ‘Can I go today? Can I go today? Can I go today?’” Gracie’s classmates have been waiting for this moment too. “The students were also thinking of her,” Ford said. “We were going on as if she were still in class as we passed out papers and things. They were constantly asking about her. We are just so happy. We have been waiting for this moment, preparing for this moment.” Before Gracie and her parents even pulled up to the school, students lined the halls. Chants of Gracie, Gracie, Gracie could be heard from outside the building. Then Gracie was sighted in the school. “Look at her, she is walking,” one staff member said as Gracie held the hand of Ford walking into the school building. “So good to have that child back at school,” another said. “Our prayers have been answered,”

www.alexcityoutlook.com

The Outlook

Page 11

continued from page 1

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Scott Peavy rolls Gracie into Ford’s classroom, above as her classmates shower the room with confetti Friday. Gracie, right, dances with her classmates.

Elementary Counselor Lisa Boyd proclaimed. “What a happy day,” Aulner said. “That is a walking, breathing miracle.” Gracie walked down the hall high-fiving many of her friends before sitting back in her wheelchair. Gracie’s mom asks her a question. “Are you overwhelmed?” Jamie Peavy asks her daughter. “What does that mean?” Gracie responds. “Are you nervous?” Peavy asks. Gracie nods her head yes. Following what Boyd called a Gracie Parade, the second-grader settled into a room with her classmates but not the room of Ford’s as a surprise was in the works. They all hug and Ford attempts to get them ready for lunch. “Who is ready for lunch?” Ford asks the group. Many students sim-

ply respond that they are not hungry. They were too busy enjoying the moment, including Gracie. “I am glad to be here,” Gracie said. Finally, all make it to the lunchroom to eat. Ford explained that some students were able to see Gracie while she was absent. “Some of them went to Children’s to see her,” Ford said. “Some have seen her at home. We heard about those visits in the classroom.” Other classmates and friends were able to communicate with Gracie also. “Her mom sent us videos everyday,” Ford said. “I shared them with the students. We then made videos here. We sent videos back and forth. They kept us updated and we kept them updated.” Following lunch, all of Ford’s students but Gracie settled into their classroom and waited as

Gracie checked in some testing for school. The students were preparing their surprise. “When we had our Christmas gathering, we kept it small,” Ford said. “I promised a real celebration when Gracie came back.” When Gracie finally entered the room, all the students yelled surprise as they threw confetti. Gracie got up and walked across the room and finally – Ford and Gracie – “Now watch me Whip, kill it! Now watch me Nae Nae, okay! “Today is a friend coming back,” Aulner said. “This is a good day for all of us with as much tragedy as we have had around here.”

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ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

sports@alexcityoutlook.com

Page 12

Weekend Edition, January 23-24, 2016

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AREA SCHEDULE Upcoming local high school basketball games: Saturday, Jan. 23

Winter, spring sports set for new alignments

Booker T. Washington at Dadeville, 3 p.m. (Girls), 4:30 p.m. (Boys)

Monday, Jan. 25 Fayetteville at Horseshoe Bend, 5 p.m. (Girls), 6:30 p.m. (Boys)

Tuesday, Jan. 26 Montgomery Academy at CentralCoosa, TBA (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Elmore County at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Reeltown at Lanett, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), 6:30 p.m. (Boys)

Thursday, Jan. 28 Elmore County at Reeltown, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Horseshoe Bend at Holtville, TBA (Girls), 5 p.m. (Boys) LaFayette at Central-Coosa, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys)

Friday, Jan. 29 Dadeville at LaFayette, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Beulah at Reeltown, 4 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Wadley at Horseshoe Bend, 4 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys)

Saturday, Jan. 30 Dadeville at Benjamin Russell, 1 p.m. (Girls), 3 p.m. (Boys)

Monday, Feb. 1 Randolph County at Reeltown, 5 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Childersburg at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys)

Tuesday, Feb. 2 Auburn at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Randolph County at Horseshoe Bend, TBA (Girls), 7:30 p.m. (Boys) Holtville at Reeltown, 5 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys) Dadeville at Central-Clay County, 5 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys)

Wednesday, Feb. 3 Central-Coosa at Winterboro, 4:30 p.m. (Girls), TBA (Boys)

Friday, Feb. 5 LaFayette at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Central-Coosa at Benjamin Russell, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys)

Monday, Feb. 8 Benjamin Russell at Central-Clay County, TBA (Girls), 7 p.m. (Boys) Lanett at Dadeville, 5:30 p.m. (Girls), 6:45 p.m. (Boys)

Baseball, softball registration set to begin Feb. 4

File Photos / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell High School’s softball and soccer teams are just a couple of local programs that will face diﬀerent area opponents beginning in the 2017-2018 season.

By Robert Hudson Outlook Sports Editor

While football regions saw some major shakeups with the new Alabama High School Athletic Association reclassifications, it was not the only sport with changes. In the sports of basketball, softball, baseball, volleyball and soccer, local schools saw significant changes with the 20162018 reclassification. Just as the Benjamin Russell football team saw the addition of Wetumpka to its region, Benjamin Russell’s other sports will also add Wetumpka to the region slate. Beginning in 2017, Benjamin Russell’s region in basketball, softball and baseball will consist of Opelika and Wetumpka. In all three sports, Benjamin Russell loses Russell County and Valley from the area slate while keeping Opelika. In basketball, the move to a three-team area will have a direct effect on the area tournament. In the current four-team area the Wildcats are playing in for 2015-2016, the No. 1 seed opens the area tournament with a game against the No. 4 seed while the No. 2 seed plays the No. 3 seed. The two teams that play in the area title game automatically qualify for the sub-regional playoffs with the winner hosting and the loser going on the road. In a three-team format, the No. 1 seed would automatically qualify for the area title game and, by extension, the subregional playoffs. The No. 2 seed would play the No. 3 seed in a three-team area with the winner advancing to meet the No. 1 seed. Benjamin Russell boys basketball Coach

Jeff Hines said the goal will remain the same regardless how many teams are in the Wildcats’ area. “I don’t really get wrapped up in all that, to be honest with you. It comes from the AHSAA and whatever they send out, we’re going to play,” Hines said. “As far as a three vs. four, the common goal every year is still to win the area during the regular season so you can host the tournament. What it does now is limit you from six area games to a four-game window to win the area.” Hines added Wetumpka will be another tough opponent to go along with Opelika in the area. “Of course, Opelika is still going to be there, and Wetumpka has traditionally been really good in basketball,” Hines said. “At the end of the day, you’re going to have to play what the state office gives us, so there’s no reason to be worried about it or excited about it. That’s just my stance on it.” In 2017, Benjamin Russell soccer will also welcome an old rival to its area. In boys and girls soccer, Benjamin Russell’s section will include the addition of Homewood and the return of Pell City. Benjamin Russell boys soccer Coach Austin Teel said the reclassification not only rekindles an old rivalry, but also provides great competition to test the Wildcats. “I think it’s great and it’s tremendous for us because it gives us good competition to play and brings back that rivalry that used to be there with Homewood,” Teel said. “The last round of reclassifications put Homewood in the North, but now they’re back in the South with us. I think it brings that rivalry back and brings that competi-

tion back.” Moving to three team areas in soccer, Teel said it will also make area games that much more important for both boys and girls teams as each tries to maintain its postseason streak. “It helps our region out because the top two teams always make the playoffs. As long as you’re one of the better teams, you should be able to make it,” Teel said. “It helps us out for girls and boys soccer to be able to make the playoffs and continue that streak of about five or six straight years of making the playoffs. It’s also a big help because it brings good competition each and every game and we always have to play our best.” In baseball, softball and volleyball, Dadeville High School will also see the addition of Tallassee to its region along with the return of Elmore County and Holtville high schools. In boys and girls basketball, Dadeville, Holtville, Tallassee and Elmore County will also add Alabama Christian of Montgomery to the area slate starting next season. In Class 2A, Horseshoe Bend volleyball’s region will include LaFayette and Lanett. In softball, Horseshoe Bend’s region will include rival Reeltown and LaFayette, and in baseball and girls and boys basketball Horseshoe Bend, Reeltown and LaFayette will be joined by Lanett. For Class 3A Central High School of Coosa County, regions in volleyball, baseball, softball, and boys and girls basketball will include B.B. Comer, Beulah and Randolph County.

Youth soccer spring registration opens Feb. 5

Staff Report

By Robert Hudson

The Outlook

Outlook Sports Editor

The start of little league baseball and softball in Alexander City is getting closer. The Alexander City Baseball/Softball Board will begin registration on Thursday, Feb. 4, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5, at 5:30-8:30 p.m. and conclude Saturday, Feb. 6, from 8 a.m. to noon at Radney Elementary School. There will also be a late registration on Monday, Feb. 8, from 5-8 p.m. at the Sportplex Baseball Tower with a fee of $100. No newcomers will be allowed after late registration. Upon registration, girls must be ages 3-12 years old and boys must be 3-15 years old. Parents are asked to please bring their child to registration for uniform fitting and to bring their child’s birth certificate. This year’s registration fee will be $75 per child. This year parents will not be required to sell raffle tickets as they have been in previous years. Tryouts will be Saturday, Feb. 20. Opening Day for softball and baseball will be Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. The Opening Day Ceremony will be April 2 at

Alexander City Youth Soccer is getting ready for another year of competition. Registration for the spring season will be held Friday, Feb. 5, from 5-7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 12, from 5-7 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Sportplex Gym. Josh Tucker, president of the Alexander City Youth Soccer Board, said parents will need to pay a fee of $60 and bring their child’s birth certificate if he or she did not play last season. “If their child has not played in the season before, they will have to have a birth certificate. The fee will be $60 and they will fill out the paperwork on registration day,” Tucker said. “We will tell them when tryouts will be once we know how many we will have to divide up among the teams. That $60 fee will cover everything for the entire season including their state registration, their insurance, the referee fees and their jersey, which they get to keep. All they have to provide is socks, cleats and shorts.” Tucker said this year teams will be fielded from ages 3-15 years old. “We’re probably going to run from age 3 up to age 15. It depends on how many kids we get to sign up,” Tucker said. “Their age is based off how old they will be when the school year begins on Aug. 1.” Tucker added that spring usually has a lower participation number than fall, but there will still be hundreds that sign up. “Spring is a little smaller participation

File Photo / The Outlook

Angel Despar, left, and Jonathan Rich compete for the ball during games last spring at the new soccer complex.

than fall usually because it goes on at the same time as baseball,” Tucker said. “We had about 170 participate in the fall, but I’m hoping we can get somewhere in

that 125-150 range for this spring. The season will start either the middle or end of March. We’re still looking for an exact date, but it will be after Spring Break.”