SPORTS, PAGE 9
OPINION, PAGE 4: BE SMART, STAY AWAY FROM SYNTHETIC POT
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StillWaters suit gets court date By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Judge Tom Young will hear arguments from StillWaters property owners Feb. 7 in Dadeville on motions to dismiss a lawsuit over the sale of waterfront property by the StillWaters Residential Association. Property owners Lana Williamson and Marian Edel filed suit against the association, Association Board Secretary Pamela Alexander and her husband John, Hubert and Sarah Starzer and others Dec. 1. The suit follows a board approved sale
in July 2015 of lakefront property in the resort to the Alexanders and Starzers with a sale price far below market value. The deeds for the sale were recorded in December 2015 and January 2016. Since being served notice of the suit the Alexanders and members of the association board through their attorney Russell Balch of Auburn filed a motions to dismiss and for a for a more definite statement as did the Starzers through their attorney Mitch Gavin of Alexander City stating the original “complaint is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably be required to frame a See STILLWATERS • Page 3
File / The Outlook
A StillWaters waterfront property sale suit will go to court on Feb. 7.
Arrest made FIREFIGHTERS in pharmacy BATTLE ANOTHER FIRE
One juvenile arrested in beating, robbery
burglary
By MITCH SNEED Editor
A 16-year-old male from Alexander City has been arrested in connection with the beating of a man Wednesday near the intersection of K and N Streets. Alexander City Police Department Deputy Chief James Easterwood confirmed the arrest of the 16-year-old and said that he was currently in custody in the Lee County Juvenile Detention Center in Opelika. “We were able to locate one of the four suspects last night and made an arrest,” Easterwood said. “We believe we have identities on the other three male juveniles involved and are working to locate them and make arrests at this time.” Just after 3 p.m. Wednesday officers were called to the intersection of K and N Streets off Jefferson as a passerby spotted a man lying badly injured on the ground. Police and EMS arrived to find a man suffering from multiple injuries to his face hands and body. Alexander City Police Chief Jay Turner said shortly after the incident that the injuries were consistent with being cut with a knife and badly beaten. The victim was taken by ambulance to Russell Medical Center for treatment where he was initially in stable condition. Due to HIPPA regulations, no further information was released on the victim. Robbery appeared to be the motive as a small amount of cash and a cell phone were taken from the victim.
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department investigators have arrested the man they believe broke into a Kepner Dadeville area pharmacy and made off with various prescription drugs. Tallapoosa County Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said 32-year-old Jay Paul See PHARMACY • Page 7
City acquires Russell Pond for recreational use By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Firefighters prepare to access the roof on an apartment on K Street in Alexander City, to search for hotspots and possible flames.
ACFD responds to apartment fire on K Street By MITCH SNEED Editor
Alexander City Fire Department personnel responded to another structure fire
Thursday, one that apparently started on the stove inside a K Street apartment. At about 2:30 p.m., Eric Phillips who works for the city of Alexander City was See FIRE • Page 7
The Alexander City City Council approved the purchase of the fire retention pond and property in the Russell complex Thursday night for possible development by the parks and recreation department. “It is a very nice area,” Alexander City Community Development Director Al Jones said. “It is a pretty area. Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson has been looking at it and thinks we could develop it for use by some groups. He also could use it to help irrigate some of the department’s fields near there.” The 4.42 acre property includes the pond that was once used as part of the fire protection system See COUNCIL • Page 2
New Site playground equipment arrives
Horizons Unlimited starts again Monday
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Another addition to the New Site community began to take shape Wednesday and Thursday as a new set of playground equipment was installed next to the pavilion behind New Site Town Hall. Built by Hammill Recreation, LLC from Concord, Alabama, the playground set gives local residents one more outlet for their children to go and See PLAYGROUND • Page 3
Horizons Unlimited continues to provide education for retirees in the area. Beverly Thomas has been helping organize the efforts of the education and hopes they continue. “We are going into our 26th year,” Thomas said. “We are mainly retired people, many of whom are transplants who are still looking for education stimulation and entertainment.” See HORIZONS • Page 7
Today’s
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
New playground equipment was being installed in New Site Thursday afternoon. Once completed, the set will provide local families a fun place to take their children.
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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 Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@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, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
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How to Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@ Submit alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. Obituaries For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
DEAR ABBY: I grew up watching my mom being abused by her husband. It was terrible. Unfortunately, he eventually murdered her. She was only 36. I was 16 at the time, and although it has taken almost 30 years, I have finally found peace. My message is to people who are currently experiencing abuse. No one deserves to be battered physically, mentally or emotionally. When people suffer from addiction (alcohol, drugs, etc.), they can get help only when they are ready. However, with domestic violence, the victims must consider not only themselves, but also their children. If you are a victim of domestic violence, PLEASE get out and get help. -- HEALED IN GEORGIA DEAR HEALED: Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your mother at such a tender age. In her memory, I will again print the phone number for the National
DEAR ABBY Advice
Domestic Violence Hotline. It is (800) 799-7233. There is a separate TTY number for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It’s (800) 787-3224. Its website is thehotline.org. Help is available if victims recognize they need it and reach out. DEAR ABBY: I enjoy weekly massages from a popular self-employed masseuse. I have a standing appointment. If I cancel within 24 hours, I understand that I must pay her. However, if I give her more notice, must I still give her some remuneration? We have never discussed it. I feel bad about canceling, as she may rely on this
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Mr. Robert William Adams 1922 - 2018 Funeral Service for Mr. Robert William Adams, 95, of Equality, Alabama, will be Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Lee Roy Shaw will officiate. Burial will follow in the Equality Methodist Church Cemetery. Mr. Adams passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Wetumpka Health and Rehab. He was born on April 2, 1922 in Colleton, South Carolina to Robert William Adams and Cora Belle Selman Adams. He attended Equality United Methodist Church. Mr. Adams retired from the United States Navy as a Sr. Chief Petty Officer. His 22 years of service included
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Funeral Service for Mr. Joseph McElrath will 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Darian Missionary Baptist Church with burial following in Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
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Council at Russell. The property belonged to Fruit of the Loom and longtime company attorney Clay Humphries helped aid getting the city the property. “ (He) is retiring from Fruit,” Jones said. “He wanted to get as much of the old Russell complex to the city.” City officials were pleased with the $10 purchase. “It would give us more control,” Jones said. “We don’t have to worry about it growing up.” Other council members were happy because it gives the city more property, something other munici-
Mrs. Alma Colvin Harrell Funeral service for Mrs. Alma Colvin Harrell 85 of Alexander City, AL; Saturday, January 6, 2018; 1pm; Great Bethel Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL; Burial in church cemetery. Friday, January 5, 2018, Visitation 12-7 p.m.; Family gathering 6-8 p.m. Final Arrangements Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.
Mr. Joseph McElrath
continued from page 1
palities Alexander City competes with already have. Some have asked about the city taking on the liability of the pond. “We are concerned about those issues,” Council member Tommy Spraggins said. “And we will work through them as they come up.” Council member Bobby Tapley said the city is already dealing with similar issues. “We have a pond at the Sportplex,” Tapley said. Tapley was also appreciative of the efforts of Humphries for the city over the
years. “I would like to thank Clay Humphries for all he has done,” Tapley said. The council agreed to accept funds from CACCTC Headstart for plumbing repairs and renovations at the Cooper Recreation Center for the program that include a new water heater and grease trap. The council also approved the minutes from the Dec. 13 special meeting and the Dec. 18 regular meeting. The next meeting of the Alexander City Council is Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m.
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Public Meetings second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.
Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.
Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public.
Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m.
Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a pre-meeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall.
Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville.
Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department.
Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the
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DEAR ABBY: I am worried about my best friend. She never eats at school, and I
don’t think she’s eating at home either. She’s beginning to get weak. Yesterday we were playing ball in P.E., and when she caught the ball, I saw her wince. I asked her if she was OK, and she said yes, but I’m still worried. What should I do? -- SCARED FOR HER DEAR SCARED: Talk to your P.E. teacher about the fact that you are worried about your friend and why. She may not be eating because she thinks she needs to lose weight. Or she may have a serious eating disorder. The teacher will know what to do. Please don’t wait.
deployment during World War II. He was an avid golfer and genuinely loved the game. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Sandra Duke of Coosada and Cheri Lee Lawrence of Eclectic; son, William Robert Adams of San Diego, CA; and grandchild, Geoffrey Graham, Dawn Elizabeth Chandler, Sheridan Adams, William Adams, and Joshua Adams. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth Johnston Adams; his parents; grandchildren, Gregory Craig Graham and Andrew Nelson Whitwell, III; and his sister, Lucille Willingham. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.
Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month.
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income, but it’s difficult to pay for the event that requires me to cancel in addition to a massage that didn’t happen. What would you do? -- UNSURE IN FLORIDA DEAR UNSURE: Your masseuse has a 24-hour cancellation policy so when clients can’t keep the appointment, she can fill in the time with someone else. Most personal service professionals understand that from time to time appointments must be skipped or changed. Because you are worried about her, talk with her about it and ask if she can slot you in at a different time if there’s a schedule conflict. It would be a win-win. She’ll get the money, and you will still have your weekly massage, which, clearly, is important to you or you wouldn’t have a standing appointment.
Obituaries
Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m.
Friday, January 5, 2018
The Outlook
Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.
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Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Caldwell Center at 6:30 p.m.
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StillWaters
continued from page 1
responsive pleading.” The Alexanders purchased .59 acres of waterfront property from the Stillwaters Residential Association in 2015 for $1,000. The property is adjacent to 1.48 acres of non-waterfront property the Alexanders have owned for several years. The combined Alexander properties were listed for sale June 7 as 2.07 acres with 204.90 feet of waterfront for $225,000 with no home and a dock that was constructed since the 2015 purchase. The combined lots were listed in May of 2015 for $359,000, just five months after the new deed of the waterfront lot was recorded in the Tallapoosa County Probate Judge’s office. At the same time of the sale to the Alexanders, the StillWaters Residential Association sold with board approval another waterfront lot for $1,000. This lot is adjacent to the Alexanders and includes .74 acres with about 200 feet of waterfront and was recorded Jan. 25, 2016. According to court documents, the suit seeks to have the two waterfront lots in the Cardinal Heights area returned to the association and for the removal of Pamela Alexander from the association’s board. The complaint alleges the sale was improper because it did not comply with association bylaws that require a 55 percent approval by the general membership of the association. Balch responded that the association board denies any wrongdoing and cannot rescind the property transactions and that there is no provision in the association bylaws to remove Alexander from the board. The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 7 at the Dadeville Courthouse.
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The Outlook
Playground
continued from page 1
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
The area behind New Site Town Hall was construction zone Thursday, as a new set of playground equipment was being installed, while a mound of mulch that would be placed around the installation sat next to the playground. Much of the funding for the equipment came through a state grant.
enjoy being children. “When I ran for mayor, and I was going door to door around town meeting with people, there were a lot of people who mentioned how the athletic fields were good for our youth, but we had no park or playground for younger children,” New Site Mayor Phil Blasingame said. “We set out to do that, so we started looking at grants and things like that.” Councilman Billy Daniel was also a strong supporter of bringing a playground set to town, regularly reminding the rest of the council about this subject at multiple council meetings. Through the efforts
of Blasingame, Daniel and the other council members, the town was able to apply for a state grant to develop the playground area. The grant gained further support in Montgomery through the backing of state representative Mark Tuggle. Recently, the town was notified it had been awarded the grant, which covered a majority of the playground equipment’s price tag, leaving the town to only foot a small portion of the bill. “The grant enabled us to do this. It made it economically feasible,” Blasingame said. “This is a good time to get it in and open before spring comes.”
Blasingame said the equipment arrived Wednesday and that a crew supplied by Hammill Recreation was on site to install the set. “We’re proud to see it come true. This adds one more piece to the puzzle,” Blasingame said. “This is another step to providing more for our town. It really complements the pavilion.” Once the playground is ready for use, Blasingame said he wanted to continue looking at developing the area behind town hall further. “I have other plans down the road for that area I would like to look into in 2018,” he
said. “The council and I are always looking at projects that will benefit the community and serve the greatest number of people.” When the temperature warms up and spring returns to New Site, local parents will now have a brand new place where they can bring their children and let them have some fun in the evenings and on lazy weekend days. “This is for everyone in the community to use,” Blasingame said. “This is a place where parents can bring their kids and let them play. There’s no cost or anything to use it, it’s here for the community.”
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
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Page 4
Outlook The
Friday, January 5, 2018
True wisdom comes from God Synthetic pot use O Opinion
Our View
makes no sense
I
n recent editions of The Outlook we have reported multiple incidents of adverse reactions, which led to arrests for the use of No Show, Kush or Spice – all types of synthetic marijuana. While it may be billed as “incense” or an “herbal smoking blend” – the idea is to be able to smoke something and get high without it being detectable in drug tests. That quest is nothing new, but what are people thinking in smoking a material that has a blend of chemicals that often includes herbicides, pesticides and paint thinner? Smoking this stuff probably involved the same kind of decision making that went into sniffing glue, huffing spray paint or choking yourself to get a rush. Let’s look at what has happened locally. At least nine people have fallen out and had adverse reactions that are considered overdoses. That’s just what the police know about, saying there are probably even more. While the reactions caused serious immediate circumstances, what about what will happen to the brain and body over time as people continue to expose themselves to this stuff? Lord only knows the damage it could do. “It’s just been crazy in terms of the numbers,” said Sgt. Fred White of the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force. “We saw three or four in one day alone. They’ve slowed down some, this is still a very active investigation and we are working to identify the source of this stuff and do what we can to get it out of circulation.” It’s likely this latest rash of problems with No Show is probably from the same batch, and rest assured local law enforcement will find the source and arrest the people responsible. These guys ranked as the best in the state last year in closing cases. Until that happens, think about what you are doing. Putting unknown substances in your body is just plain stupid. You are better than that.
f all the presents I got for Christmas there is one that is giving me second thoughts. The kids got me a device that looks like an electrified hockey puck that even has a name. It calls itself, or herself, Alexa, and that is more than disconcerting. My phone, computer and I Pad don’t have names, but this scary little circle has its own identity. Not only that when it speaks a little light circles around its body indicating it is communicating. When I tell it to shut itself off, it says, “Yeah, right,” in a sarcastic voice. That’s something wrong about this whole thing. When I walk by that thing, it says, “Hello, Gerald,” like we’re best friends. I just know it’s watching me out of the corner of one of its little electrodes. After reading up on this marvel I’ve learned it interfaces with the TV, my phone and I Pad. That means all these things could be in cahoots and ready to take over. We were warned by George Orwell in his book 1984 that Big Brother would be watching and now it is happening. That means that somewhere in Washington there are people controlling this diabolical device. I’m going to rewatch a couple of the Terminator movies to see how Arnold killed this thing before it’s too late.
DR. GERALD HALLMARK Columnist
Last night I asked it to play a specific science fiction movie off of Netflix, but Alexa told me I needed to watch another movie instead. She chose 2001 Space Odyssey. I realized why when the astronaut decided to terminate the computer, and the computer fought back. That computer had a name as well, it was called HAL. There is a definite pattern here. I do believe Alexa knew I was thinking about pulling her plug and she was sending me a message. The poor ole astronaut wound up outside the spaceship because HAL wouldn’t let him back in. You don’t think this thing can lock the doors to my house, do you? As I interact with Alexa I am amazed at how smart people are to create such a thing. Their insights and intelligence are truly remarkable. Experiencing this artificial thinking makes me believe that mankind is trying to build an electronic Tower of Babel so that he can be like God. I’m not a conspiracy theorist or paranoid individual, but people have always wanted to take God’s place. That is
why the scriptures remind us that the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. From the Garden of Eden until today men have sought to be as God. It is this hubris of humanity that caused our first fall and will certainly repeat itself. Only when we put God first and realize His sovereignty will we be content. Smart people with smart machines are fine, but true wisdom comes from a redeemed heart. OK, I’ve decided to sneak up on Alexa in the middle of the night and unplug her. Then I’m going to put her in a bag so she can’t see out and take her four or five miles away and bury her in the woods. After I get through I’m going to drive home a different way in case she tries to track me. The only problem I have is whether my computer will tip her off before the deed can be done. After all, she has attached herself to all my devices so I don’t know which one I can trust. I may have to bury the whole lot in that hole. Life was sure a lot simpler when I was a kid. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister who lives in Alexander City and is currently serving as interim pastor at First Baptist Church of Dadeville. His column appears here each Friday.
“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” —Chinese Proverb
Today’s
Scripture “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” —Micah 6:8
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Daily Poll Thursday Question: Do you think it would be a good thing for the city to acquire the pond in the Russell campus for recreational purposes?
Yes – 74%, 26 votes No – 26%, 9 votes
Friday’s Question: Are you taking precautions to protect the plumbing in your home during the cold weather? 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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Officials Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334-2427100. Her office is located at the State Kay Ivey Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama. Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located Steve Marshall at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.
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Letter to the Editor
Workplace sexual harassment comes home to roost Dear Editor,
Mark Tuggle
Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-t7865. Tom Whatley His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn. Clyde Chambliss Jr. represents Senate District 30, which includes portions of Elmore, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached at 334-343-7883 or at clyde.chambliss@ alsenate.gov
Quote
Mission
Know Your
Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City.
Today’s
Clyde Chambliss
Will 2018 be the watershed year for women dealing with workplace sexual harassment? In recent weeks we have witnessed an alarming number of celebrities from various walks of life fall from grace for sexual indiscretions and now apparently the issue has come home to roost here in our own backyard. I must admit I was shocked (yes shocked) at the revelations in this week’s Daily Home that Anniston Star Publisher and Consolidated Publishing Board Chairman H. Bryant Ayers had been accused and had admitted to having “spanked” multiple female employees who worked for him. Furthermore, Ayers admits to having visited the residence of a young female staffer to perpetuate his
desires. There are some most troubling aspects to this story that requires additional coverage. Ayers says that he was spanking the young lady on a “doctor’s advice.” Yet, when pressed for the physician’s name he “forgot!” The article clearly indicates that the victims in the residential attack had mental health issues and that Ayers and his wife were aware of it. One must conclude that either this is a veiled attempt to smear and discredit the victim (you remember like the Clintons did to the women who blew the whistle on Bill) or that did she in fact have health issues. If the latter is the case, what Brandt Ayers did comes perilously close to a criminal act! So, what does Consolidating Publishing and the Anniston Star do with Brandt Ayers? Based on Star published facts, it is without doubt that staff and
Star administration clearly were aware for decades that the Ayers harassment issues existed since they appointed a staffer to ride herd on young girls hired to shield them from Brandt Ayers. Now in his sunset years, H. Brandt Ayers fully admits his sins while at the same time is quite emphatic in his refusal to resign as Chairman of Consolidated Publishing. While the company remains a small family controlled business, it is not within the realm of possibility to continue on as usual. To do so would be an even greater injustice to the victims of H. Brandt Ayers and a dagger in the heart and reputation of a once great newspaper. I wonder what the reaction of Col. Harry M. Ayers, the original publisher, to the stories published in the Star this week would be? James W. Anderson Talladega
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Friday, January 5, 2018
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Fire passing by and was flagged down by a woman running from an apartment in the 1500 block of K Street. “She was coming out of the door and smoke was pouring out of there behind her,” Phillips said. “I called 9-1-1 and looked in but there were flames and a lot of smoke. They got here and started working on it pretty quick.” Everyone got out of the apartment without any injuries and the adjoining apartment was also evacuated. Firefighters got the fire out in the stove area pretty quickly, but heat from the blaze had apparently gotten into the wall and smoke was filling the upper level of the two-story apartment. Heavy smoke was coming
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out of the roof and firefighters worked to remove smoke from the building with fans, while looking for the flames or hot spots in the walls and an outdoor awning over the back porch. By about 4 p.m. most of the smoke was gone and firefighters remained on the scene to make sure that the blaze did not reignite. Damage from the flames was described as moderate, but there was also smoke and water damage to a good portion of the apartment. K Street was blocked in both directions for about two hours while emergency vehicles were in the area. School buses were rerouted through the Alexander City Housing Authority complex so that they could get students home from school.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Above, firefighters work to find flames hidden in the wall of an apartment on K Street Thursday afternoon as residents watch, below. The fire started on a stove inside the apartment along that back wall and spread into the wall and into the upper level of the structure.
Pharmacy Kepner of County Road 34 in Dadeville was arrested Thursday in connection with the Monday morning burglary at Jim’s Pharmacy. At the time of the incident, Abbett said a man used an object that he picked up outside to break through the front glass door at about 3:35 a.m.
Horizons
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Horizons next session starts Monday at the Alexander City Board of Education with the first of six presenters – Craigger Browne. Browne is a sculptor and will be talking about his work “Tribute to Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan.” Thomas said Browne and the other presenters do more than just talk. “He (Browne) is very personable,” Thomas said. “It is fun to have someone interacting with our crowd.” Monday’s session starts at 1 p.m. with registration and Browne starting his program at 1:30 p.m. Thomas wants everyone to know the afternoon will not be lost to the program. The average weekly session begins at 1:30 p.m., with small items like coffee and cookies available for the members beforehand. Each speaker’s presentation lasts approximately 45 minutes, with a question and answer session following. “Everyone is out by 3,” Thomas said. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple and gets you in for the six programs. “We don’t sell programs individually,” Thomas said. Other presenters this session are E. Paul Jones who will present “Reverend Maxwell” Monday, Jan. 22. Marilee Tankersley will present “Wetumpka Impact Crater” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 29. Glen Wills will present “Forgotten Alabama” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 5. Peggy Shores will present “Songs from the Heart” Monday, Feb. 12. Dr. James Hansen will present “Neil Armstrong” Monday, Feb. 26. Thomas also wanted to thank those who had been vital to making Horizons Unlimited a success for the members throughout the Lake Martin area, including a similar program in Sylacauga that the Alexander City group modeled themselves after. “We could not do this without the cooperation and support of the Board of Education,” she added.
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Monday, according to the release. Images of the man moving about the store were captured on the store’s surveillance camera system. He was wearing a dark colored hoodie with the drawstring pulled tight to hide his face, a pair of dark pajama bottoms with white squares on them and a pair
of black tennis shoes with a white stripe. “The individual was inside the store for approximately 4-plus minutes and exited the rear door,” Abbett said in a released statement. Abbett did not say what led to developing Kepner as a suspect, but
said he has been charged with charged with third-degree burglary and second-degree theft of property. He was booked into the Tallapoosa County Jail awaiting a bond hearing. Court records show that Kepner is currently on bond for domestic violence assault stemming from a December arrest.
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Friday, January 5, 2018
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Today is January 5, 2018
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A handful of New Site senior citizens braved the cold temperatures Thursday to enjoy socializing and playing games at the New Site Senior Activity Center. Late Thursday morning, the seniors, along with senior center director Jan Kennedy could be found playing Uno. From left to right, Tommy Bramlet, Avis Cleckler, Martha Bryan, Joyce Perry and Jan Kennedy.
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HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Craigger Browne will present “Tribute to Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 8 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
January 8-9
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days January 8-9. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
Saturday, January 13
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
BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale on the lower level of the Dadeville Library Saturday, Jan. 13 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fill a grocery bag for $5 or three bags for just $15. MLK PRAYER BREAKFAST: The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer breakfast will be Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Stephens Elementary Gym at 8 a.m. Tickets are $10. FAMILY GATHERING: The Norris, Holley and Edwards families are gathering at the Bud Porch Building in Alexander City Saturday Jan. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. Bring a dish. There will be door prizes. Contact Linda Nix for more information at 256-786-9279.
Monday, January 15
MLK CELEBRATION: The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will be Monday, Jan. 15. It will start with a parade at 9 a.m. beginning at Stephens Elementary School and a program at the Stephens Elementary School gym at 11 a.m. Need your business to
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Tuesday, January 16
BEEKEEPING COURSE: The 2018 Beginner Beekeeping Course will start Jan. 16 and will be on Tuesdays through Feb. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Dadeville Recreation Center. Cost is $45 for adults and $35 for students Call the Extension Office at 256-825-1050 and the deadline for registration is Jan. 11. COMPUTER CLASSES: The Adelia M. Russell Library is offering computer classes in 2018. One program is for beginners, with a separate advanced program for individuals seeking to move beyond the basics. The advanced class is aimed at anyone wanting to improve their skill set and/or enhance their employment opportunities. The basic classes will begin January 16, 2018, and the advanced classes will begin January 18, 2018; each session will last approximately one hour (3 p.m. to 4 p.m.) and will meet for four straight weeks. Classes will be small and the atmosphere will be relaxed. To sign up simply come by the Adelia M. Russell Library. For more information, call 256-329- 6796. There is no cost to attend.
Sunday, January 21
256.267.0518
HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING: The Tallapoosee Historical Society will meet at the Historical Museum on the square in Dadeville on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 2 p.m. Dr. Charles Mitchell will be the speaker.
He will present “A Pictorial History of Alabama Agriculture.” While working at Auburn, Dr. Mitchell accumulated lots of old photographs related to Alabama agriculture. Several years ago, he began organizing them and realized that these old pictures could actually tell the chronological story of Alabama’s agriculture from the Creek Indians to modern production. He will share these photographs with the Tallapoosee Historical Society Please make plans to attend. The meeting is open to the public, there is no admission fee and free refreshments will be served.
Monday, January 22
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: E. Paul Jones will present “Reverend Maxwell” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 22 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
Monday, January 29
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Marilee Tankersley will present “Wetumpka Impact Crater” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Jan. 29 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
Monday, February 5
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Glen Willis will present “Forgotten Alabama” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 5 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
Wednesday, February 7
SITE REVIEW: Central Alabama Community College will host a site review for continuing accreditation of its Associate Degree in Nursing program by the ACEN on Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. in Building J of the Childersburg Campus. For further information go to the CACC homepage at www.cacc.edu ENGLISH LEARNER’S CLUB: The Adelia M. Russell Library is hosting the English Learner’s Club starting Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration starts Jan. 3. The club will help speakers of other languages learn, develop and improve English skills, learn American slang, idioms and other useful phrases and work on fluency activities and interview questions. For questions call 256-329-6796 or visit the Adelia M. Russell Library.
Monday, February 12
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Peggy Shores will present “Songs from the Heart” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 12 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
Monday, February 26
HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Dr. James Hansen will present “Neil Armstrong” to Horizons Unlimited Monday, Feb. 26 starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Board of Education. Horizons Unlimited membership is $20 per person or $30 per couple. Registration for winter quarter begins 1 p.m. Jan. 8.
Wednesday, March 29
VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans March 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School Auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston. Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards. Visit auburnveteransproect. weebly.com/east-alabama-vietnamveterans-welcome-home-cermony. html. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance by either emailing Blake Busbin at wbbusbin@auburnschools. org or by calling Auburn High School at 334-887-2120.
April 9-10
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days April 9-10. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for 2nd, 3rd, and Weekend Shifts for Direct Care. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
July 16-17
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days July 16-17. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
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October 15-16
THROW AWAY DAYS: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission are holding Throw Away Days October 15-16. Dumpsters will be located at the Alex City Annex at 395 Lee Street, Double Bridges on Highway 63, the Old Daviston School on Highway 22, the Camp Hill Town Hall at 309 Holley Ave. and the Union Community Center at 4191 Highway 50. Dumpsters will be available at no charge to residents.
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Ongoing Events
AMERICAN LEGION: Post 339 in Cottage Grove is open every Friday night from 8 p.m. until with fried chicken and fish. Music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. SCV MEETING:The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets every third Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at J.R.’s Sports Bar & Grill. Visitors are welcome. AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: The Lake Martin Amateur Radio Club meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Airport Terminal Building with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Interested persons may contact Michael Courtney at 256-825-7766 or Mike Smith at 256-750-5710. TALLAPOOSA PATRIOTS: The Tallapoosa Patriots meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Professional Commons. For more information contact Sherry Sellers at thyra899@gmail.com or at 256-2342528.
256–234–4198 196 Thompson Ridge Road Alexander City, AL
LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
Friday, January 5, 2018
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REBELS SILENCE GENERALS
Defense is difference for Rebels
By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Reeltown’s Tre Tre Hughley, right, tries to get the ball up the court against Horseshoe Bend’s Nywanski Russell (5) and Nalijah Heard during Thursday night’s area matchup.
Reeltown boys hold down Generals up a lot of second-chance shots, and (Shaw) was just getting easy layups. When you give up those easy For the second time this layups, there’s nothing season, Horseshoe Bend’s boys basketball team made a you can do because you’re fighting from behind. We’ve late push against Reeltown. gotta get bodies on people. But just like the first time We do it all the time in around, the Rebels clamped down defensively, converted practice, so it’s just a matter of doing it in a game.” on some clutch shots and From the get go, Shaw’s captured a 73-66 victory. offensive prowess on display. Eric Shaw was the He knocked in 13 points in star of the show for the the first quarter alone and Rebels (5-3), as he poured never let up. in 35 points and nearly When the game did outrebounded the Generals become close — the single-handedly. He grabbed Generals (7-4) pulled with 20 off the glass, and three points with six minutes Reeltown finished with a remaining — Shaw came 37-28 edge on the boards. “We actually played pretty up big with a pair of free throws followed by a steal good, but rebounding killed and fastbreak layup to give us,” Horseshoe Bend coach Reeltown a lead it never Chad Kison said. “We gave By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
relinquished. “The team just set me up,” Shaw said. “Tre Tre (Hughley) is a shooter, so everybody went out on him. That left me open in the paint, so I got a lot of easy layups.” Reeltown coach Jonathan Gardner said, “He’s understanding that we have to go through him, like I always said. He doesn’t shy down against anyone. He’s dependable, and he just plays ball and he plays hard no matter what.” Offensively, Horseshoe Bend did have a strong showing, though. It put up its second-highest point total of the season and, just like the first matchup, didn’t go down without a fight. The Generals even led
late in the second quarter behind some strong play by sharpshooter Nalijah Heard. After Horseshoe Bend took the lead, though, Reeltown immediately responded, but a halftime buzzer beater by Trace Meadows cut the Generals’ deficit to 41-36 at the break. Immediately out of the locker room, Reeltown looked invigorated, going on a seven-point run to start the third quarter. The Rebels were helped along by a highpressure defense that caused seven turnovers in the third period and 21 in the game. “We got a little sloppy with the ball early on,” Kison said. “Our point guard knew he was making mistakes, but he corrected See BOYS • Page 10
Coming off just a two-win season but not graduating any seniors, Reeltown’s girls basketball team wasn’t exactly sure what to expect this season. But after easily defeating Horseshoe Bend, 53-28, the Rebels have doubled their win total from a season ago and are showing improvement every step of the way. “It actually feels great,” Reeltown’s Diyanna Newton said. “We came off a bad seasonlast year, and we’re already off to a good start. Plus, we’ve got two area wins now.” Improvement for Reeltown (4-4, 2-1) was never more apparent than in Thursday night’s win. Although the Rebels had already beaten the Generals (2-5, 0-3) once this season, it was much more of a dog fight. In the previous meeting, Reeltown escaped with a 46-35 victory, but Thursday, the game belonged to the Rebels from the opening tipoff. “They did put a lot more pressure on us this time,” Reeltown senior Ashlynn Thomas said. “But we found our ways to work around it. We still put up points, and our defense is what really did it tonight.” Defense has been the secret ingredient to Reeltown’s turnaround this season. Thursday, the Rebels finished with a staggering 18 steals, including six from Newton and four each from Taniya Haynes and Thomas. The Rebels are averaging 12.8 steals per game and have continued to stress defense throughout the year. “We’re talking more on defense and rotating correctly,” Newton said. “We’re just knowing where to go, and that’s been a big difference.” Reeltown coach Will Solomon added, “We really pride ourselves on defense, and that’s in any sport. If you can play good defense, you can stay in any game. We’re getting more and more confident, and we’re also getting confident with each other. They’re really starting to play well on the floor with each other See GIRLS • Page 10
Game of the Week JOE MCADORY Columnist
Is UGA on the brink of taking Alabama’s throne?
A
uburn knocked Georgia off the SEC throne in the 1980s. Florida knocked Alabama off the SEC throne in the 1990s. LSU, Florida and Auburn shared the throne again in the 2000s, before Nick Saban snatched it with authority in 2009 and the Crimson Tide has mercilessly ruled ever since. That said, are we about to witness another SEC football coup d’etat, a revolution, a red and black renaissance aimed at toppling the Crimson Empire? Georgia has the defense, the firepower, the senior leadership, an air of destiny on its side — and Saban’s former right-hand man in Kirby Smart, to not only pull this off but potentially hold on to the championship belt for a while. Whatever blueprint Saban had for building success in Tuscaloosa was apparently duplicated in Athens. Build a hard-nosed defense. Move the chains with imposing running backs. Develop an intelligent quarterback to manage the offense and make key throws when called upon. I watch Nick Chubb and Sony Michel and see Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram. I watch Jake Fromm and I see Greg McElroy. I watch Roquan Smith and I see C.J. Mosely. Granted, this Georgia team cannot match most teams that Saban put on the field from 2009 to 2016, but the similarities of a budding dynasty are striking. Oh yeah, Georgia currently has the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation. Saban used to do See MCADORY • Page 10
Dadeville, Reeltown face hoops rematch By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Reeltown’s boys basketball team will be looking to avenge a nine-point loss to rival Dadeville tonight when the Rebels host the undefeated Tigers. The girls game had to be cancelled, so the boys varsity game should begin approximately 6 p.m. Despite one game Thursday night against Loachapoka, the Tigers (6-0) haven’t actually played since hosting the Rebels on Dec. 15. Reeltown, on the other hand, had a strong showing at its holiday tournament, defeating Pike Road and Holtville in narrow victories. The Rebels also faced off against Horseshoe Bend on Thursday, so more consistent playing time could work in Reeltown’s favor. “We had a good holiday tournament, then I gave the guys a couple days off,” Reeltown coach Jonathan Gardner said. “They were ready to get back at it, work hard and ready to play at home. We haven’t had a lot of home games, so it’s good to be hosting them.: The last time the teams met the Tigers escaped with a 55-46. Down by double figures in the third quarter, the Rebels slowly but surely chipped away it and eventually cut the deficit to three points. But it was too little too late.
DADEVILLE VS. REELTOWN Game data: Dadeville Tigers at Reeltown Rebels … Non-area boys basketball game only … Friday, 6 p.m. Media coverage: Follow @liziarbogast on Twitter for live updates. Check out Inside the Lines on The Outlook Facebook page for our pregame show. Teams: Dadeville enters the game 6-0 after defeating Loachapoka on Thursday night … The Rebels (5-3) are coming off a win against Horseshoe Bend. Series: The teams have met once this season with the Tigers winning, 55-46. Outlook prediction: Dadeville 62, Reeltown 58. “It took a lot out of us to get out of the deficit,” Gardner said. “We’ll be looking to try not to get in the same hole this time around.” Eric Shaw has been the offensive standout for the Rebels so far, but Gardner said he’s also been impressed by Tre Tre Hughley, who had to take over the point guard position after his brother Keke suffered an injury during the football season. Dadeville has had quite a few point contributors and has been pleasantly surprised by the work of freshman PJ Eason. Jamarion Wilkerson has been strong at point guard, and Kevin Walker has also been a consistent scorer
for the Tigers. Just like in football, both teams mean business when it comes to this rivalry game. Reeltown is hosting a Blue Out and will also be honoring some of its youth football and cheerleading squads prior to the game. “This is the first time since I’ve been here that we’ve played Dadeville during the regular season, so we get that home and away series,” Gardner said. “Their crowd was real loud when we were there, and I think our crowd is ready to return the favor.” Editor’s note: Dadeville coach Jesse Foster could not be reached for comment.
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Friday, January 5, 2018
The Outlook
Black bear sightings likely to increase By DAVID RAINER Alabama Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Interaction between humans and black bears saw an uptick last year, and that will likely be the trend for the near future, at least in one corner of the state, according to Dr. Todd Steury of Auburn University. Funded by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division’s State Wildlife Grants Program, Professor Steury, along with graduate students John Draper and Chris Seals, recently completed a multipleyear study of the black bear population in Alabama. The basic conclusions were that Alabama has two populations of black bears, one in the northeast and one in the southwest, and each population has a different legacy as well as likely future. The population in northeast Alabama, with roots from the mountains of northeast Georgia, has the potential for significant expansion. Hence, the likelihood that black bear sightings will become more common in the future. The population in southwest Alabama, which appears to be an encapsulated population, is relatively stagnant but significantly more difficult to monitor. “We think that most of Alabama, at one time, had black bears,” Steury said. “We believe two of the sub-species kind of met in Alabama, the American sub-species from the North and the Florida sub-species from the South. Of course, black bears were pretty much hunted to extinction in the state with one very small population remaining near Mobile.” Steury said the Auburn study was prompted by the fact the black bears in the MobileTensaw Delta hadn’t been studied since 1992 and by an increase in the number of bear
grow, and there are still bears coming in from Georgia. The prognosis for the southwest Alabama bear population is not so optimistic. “The habitat in southwest Alabama is disappearing,” Steury said. “And the population is not growing like it should. That is the next question we have to answer. We have some hypotheses. Those bears seem to be having good litters, but Chris is not seeing those cubs make it to adulthood. One of the aspects we’re exploring is den sites. When you think of bear dens in cold weather, what do you think about – caves or holes in the ground. In southwest Alabama, bears don’t have that.” Another concern of the researchers is the lack of new genes in the southwest Submitted / Auburn University population. “The genetic diversity in the Black bears in Alabama are being studied by using DNA collection devices, like barbed wire around a bait, as well southwest is really bad,” Steury as collaring adult bears. said. “It’s worse than any bear sightings in the Little River area These dogs are trained to find population in the Southeast as conclusive because of the bear scat. We took them into in northeast Alabama. United States.” requirements to meet the DNA areas where we knew there were profiling. “In that study in the Delta When it comes to bearpopulations of bears – Mobile, in 1992, it was a very small “We only got a good estimate human interactions, Steury said population,” he said. “There was Saraland and the Celeste a mailer was sent out to judge from 2015,” Steury said. “We some concern about inbreeding Road areas. The eco-dogs are the public perception of bears. estimated there were 85 bears, expensive to run, but they can because of how small it “What we found out is that but the estimate said there get us a lot of data. I think it was. Part of our goal was to could be as many as 165. So it’s people like bears,” he said. reexamine this population to see was about 1,000 samples in two still a fairly small population. “They want to have bears in months of work.” how they are doing. The other Alabama. Generally, they Obviously, that is not a great Steury said the team reason for the study was the were not supportive of lethal estimate, but we’d be very increased sightings around Fort also erected hair snares in management controls except in surprised if there are 200 bears Payne, and we wanted to know virtually every township in extreme situations, where there down there. if there is a viable population up Mobile County, about half of was clear danger to people.” “The interesting thing is there or just an occasional bear Washington County and most Steury said it is rare when Chris Seals, the graduate of Baldwin County. In the traveling through the area.” large predators do anything student working that area, said north, hair snares were placed Bear sightings in Heflin and other than flee when they come there are what he calls bear in almost all townships between superhighways, these riparian Oxford made headlines last in contact with humans. Interstates 59 and 20. year and prompted residents in “They can’t risk being areas, rivers and corridors where After all the data was those areas to voice concerns these bears move. So we can get injured,” he said. “If they’re about the animals being close to collected, the analysis started. injured, they can’t hunt. They a lot of DNA in those areas.” The results gave researchers public recreation areas. can’t feed themselves and The story in northeast population numbers, genetic Steury said his team, which they’re going to die. They have Alabama is bears are finding included Thomas Harms, WFF’s diversity, points of origin no idea how hard or easy we suitable habitat to establish and connections to other bear Large Carnivore Coordinator, would be to kill. home ranges and expand the populations. used a variety of methods to “They have no idea how population. Steury said the DNA data gather bear data. The population dangerous we are, which is “The bears are breeding,” indicated the population in density numbers were derived what basically keeps us safe. Steury said. “We have seen northeast Alabama more than from a DNA study. If they get into somebody’s numerous examples of sows doubled, going from about 12 “We used two methods to food or people start feeding with two or three cubs on our bears to 30. The results from gather the DNA information,” game cameras. We feel like the them, that’s when they become Steury said. “One was eco-dogs. southwest Alabama were not problems.” population there is going to
Girls and again, it goes back to roles.” Role playing has been another key to success. Reeltown typically plays nearly every girl on its roster every night, and not only has that helped keep other players fresh, it’s also shown everyone they can contribute in some way. “We’ve got girls that come in and might not play but one or two minutes per game, but they know they’re important and they’re playing hard,” Solomon said. The last big factor in Reeltown’s turnaround has been its ability to spread the ball around offensively. There’s not just one player other defenses have to focus on. While no Rebel is averaging double figures this season, there are four players with at least four points or more per game. Thomas leads the way with an average of 9.9 points per game, while Mikaya Jones has 7.8 ppg and Taniya Haynes has added 6.3 ppg. Ariyana Stoneback has also scored 4.1 points per game, and a trio of others are averaging at least a bucket. “We all just work as a team,” Thomas said. “In
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practice, we work on every little thing, so when one person is off, we work as a team and make sure we’re still getting the points. We all just do the best we can.” That also goes back to chemistry and experience with each other. “I didn’t graduate any seniors last year, and these girls really worked hard during the offseason,” Solomon said. “They’re a lot stronger and a lot faster and a lot more experienced. There’s not somebody they’ll look at and say, ‘Well, I don’t know if I want to give her the ball or not.’ They’re confident in each other’s abilities, and that really speaks volumes that when things are going bad, they pick each other up.” Although the Rebels are off to a hot start, there’s still work to be done. But this year, they seem excited for what’s to come. “It’s really exciting because this is some of our players’ last year, and we’ve been here forever,” Thomas said. “It’s just exciting to actually have more wins than what we’ve had in the past few years, and we’re ready for what the outcome is gonna be.”
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Reeltown’s Eryn Wells (14) puts the pressure on Horseshoe Bend’s Caly Carlisle.
McAdory that, too. Funny thing, though. Every time a college football program seemingly either surpasses Alabama or has the Crimson Tide cornered, it pays dearly. Will Monday’s game be a figurative changing of the guard in the SEC or will Alabama toss another wannabe in the garbage can? AU running game grounded: What in the world? Auburn rushed for a combined 405 yards in wins against the national championship game participants, but mustered only 90 against Central Florida in the Peach Bowl. I don’t care if the Golden Knights are unbeaten. This team wasn’t 13-0 by virtue of its defense. UCF allowed its opponents (pretty weak schedule, too) an average of 159.9 yards rushing per game, including 212 to Connecticut and 282 to Memphis.
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Just saying. Kerryon gone: I’m sure you’ve heard the news, but Auburn junior running back Kerryon Johnson announced his intention to enter the upcoming NFL draft. What a great career this young man has had. Now the question is: who will tote the rock in 2018? Kam Martin figures to be the popular choice, but does he have the size to run between the tackles 25 to 30 times per game? He has explosive initial burst and is a home run threat. Malik Miller has size, Devan Barrett has speed, and incoming freshman Asa Martin has promise. I look forward to seeing redshirt freshman JaTarvious Whitlow this spring as well. The pick: By rule, I never pick against Alabama. Why? Alabama seemingly wins 99 percent of the time, so why not be 99
percent correct? Funny thing, though. Every time we think Georgia’s on a roll, Alabama rips the Bulldogs’ hearts out. There was the blackout beat down of 2008. There was the Athens whipping of 2015. There was the 2012 SEC Championship Game. Come to think of it … Alabama hasn’t lost in Georgia’s state capital in 21 years. But for the first time in ages, I see a team that could possibly stand toe-to-toe with Saban’s tough guys. Plus, Georgia has that team of destiny feeling this time around. Georgia 20, Alabama 16. Now that I have picked against Alabama, the Tide will surely win. Joe McAdory is a communications editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.
Boys
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some. We got sloppy again in the third, but came back and came within three. They’ve got some clutch shooters and some guys that can play.” Both Hughley and Lance Cole came up with bigtime 3-pointers down the stretch to help Reeltown pull away for good. “We stressed the intensity of our defense late,” Gardner said. “We went into a man instead of a matchup zone, so we were trying to get them to play fast which caused some turnovers late.” In addition to Shaw’s big game, Cole and Lio Lewis also finished with 10 points apiece. Trey O’Neal added 10 rebounds. For the Generals, Heard led the way with 25 points and was one rebound shy of a double-double. Cade Worthy added 14 points, and Nywanski Russell followed closely behind with 13. Meadows also had nine rebounds.
SPORTS CALENDAR Friday, Jan. 5 High school boys basketball Benjamin Russell at Sylacauga, 7:30 p.m. Dadeville at Reeltown, 7 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Ranburne, 7:30 p.m. High school girls basketball Benjamin Russell at Sylacauga, 5:30 p.m. Dadeville at Reeltown, 5:30 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Ranburne, 6 p.m. High school
wrestling Benjamin Russell at Hoover tournament, 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 High school wrestling Benjamin Russell at Hoover tournament, 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8 High school boys basketball Benjamin Russell at Dadeville, 4:30 p.m. High school girls basketball Benjamin Russell at Dadeville, 3 p.m.