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OPINION, PAGE 4: GAINING GRANT DOLLARS IS GOOD NEWS

THURSDAY

THE

SPORTS, PAGE 10: Benjamin Russell student headed to All-Star game

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

July 13, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 138 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

BEAR UPDATE: By MITCH SNEED Editor

It was a story that captivated residents last summer – a wayward bear traveling across the area just looking for its next meal, never showing any propensity to harm anyone or anything along the way. It was a year ago today when that young male black bear was spotted eating from a backyard bird feeder at the home of Candis Birchfield in the Union Community. That was after the bear made headlines

Jacksons Gap makes plans for new town hall Council is slowly moving ahead to purchase building By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Jacksons Gap’s Town Council is attempting to improve the town’s image not only for visitors but for its residents. The council is looking into purchasing the old radio station property for the purpose of moving the town hall for safety concerns, creating a park for residents and having space to build a bigger building for court. “The building that is out there would be for town hall,” Mayor Jeff Walker said. “We would purchase a metal building for court.” Walker explained that court is a huge issue. “Court is our main concern,” Walker said. “We don’t have enough room. If you came by here last night, the church parking lot was covered up with cars for court.” Some were questioning why not go to Highway 280, but costs and safety were an issue there for others. “We are also looking at having a park,” Councilmember Heather Glenn said. “Having children near 280 is not a good solution. Though no official action has been taken by the council, the group is forging ahead with a possible purchase. “We need to make a motion to See TOWN HALL • Page 3

Man who shot last summer’s wayward bear fined, given 2 years on probation

several times previously, having first been spotted in Coosa County, then multiple times over several days in Tallapoosa and Chambers counties and into Lee County before being tranquilized and tagged in Opelika in late June and taken to the Tuskegee National Forest. Shortly after the bear was tagged and released, there were sightings near Tuskegee and reports of a bear being hit by a vehicle as it crossed Interstate 85. The bear managed to make its way off into the woods beside the expressway.

Apparently on July 13, 2016 when Birchfield and her daughters videotaped the bear eating and lounging in the sun, it was on its way back to where it came from. After that there was a signing near the lake and another along Highway 280 in Coosa County. Then, for months it seemed that it had just vanished back into the deep woods from where it came. That was until late fall when state wildlife File / The Outlook officials say that 22-year-old Matthew Gage This bear, seen eating from a bird Stewart of Talladega shot and killed the feeder, was killed by a hunter last See BEAR • Page 3 fall.

Kayaker’s body found Last year for Kitty Dark Art Camp? in Tallapoosa River By CARMEN RODGERS Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Tiara Trotter, 13, of Slidell, Louisiana works on one of the murals with Annie Bartol at Kitty Dark’s Art Camp. For more photos from the art camp, see page 5 inside.

Children still having fun even with camp’s uncertain future By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

For 15 years area children have been returning to Kitty Dark’s Art Camp and this year might be the last. “We started because there was no art offered in the schools,” Dark said.

“We wanted to do something for the community kids to get some art in their lives. We wanted them to at least gain some appreciation for art and maybe some art skills.” This year is a little bitter sweet. “I hate to say this but this is See ART • Page 5

Officials with the Tallassee Police and Fire Departments confirmed that the body of a missing kayaker was recovered Wednesday morning. Charles Edward Stewart, 31, of Tallassee was recovered from the Tallapoosa River and pronounced dead Wednesday after becoming displaced from his kayak Tuesday on the river below Thurlow Dam. Stewart was recovered without a personal flotation device. Officials say the accident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. Tuesday, but the first call for help came at 5:20 p.m. Tuesday. Immediately, multiple agencies assisted with the search and recovery effort. Officials said ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division and Aviation Unit were assisted by the Tallassee Fire Department, Tallassee Police Department, Friendship Fire Department, Elmore County EMA, Haynes Ambulance, Haynes Lifeflight, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, Division Delta Dive Team, Montgomery Fire Department Dive Team, Search and Rescue of Elmore County, See DEATH • Page 3

Opening show of ‘Our Town’ set for Friday night and emphasizes the importance of relationships in life. Patti Smith of Alexander City “Our Town” opens tomorrow at The directed the production, with Libby Arbor, featuring a cast of 25, including Glass as assistant director and Denise guest appearances by members of Graves as producer. Actors include the audience. The play, which won a Mike Morehouse, Steve Thomas, Pulitzer Prize for playwright Thornton Jake Owens, Keith Garrett, Susan Wilder, is produced by Alexander City McCrispin, Mollie Barrett, Robert Theatre II (ACT II) and will run for Reams, Raylee Moore, Allie Reams, five performances at The Arbor on Skye Walker, Carter Buttram, Rodney Green Street across from First United Meadows, Minnie Jones, Aubrey Methodist Church. Culver, Larry Jennings, Marcelle Tickets for the production are $15 Smith, Scears Barnes and Doug and are available at the website at Roberts. Each performance also will www.act2fineartscenter.com and at the feature a guest appearance by one door. Three evening performances on of the following members of the July 14, 15 and 20 will start at 7 p.m., community: Jim Peace, Mayor Jim and two matinees on July 22 and 23 Nabors, Roger Holliday, Henry Foy will start at 2 p.m. and Kenny Dean. The play portrays the daily For information, visit the ACT II lives of people from a small town website.

By BETSY ILER TPI Magazine Editor

Today’s

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Betsy Iler / The Outlook

(From left) Mike Morehouse, Susan McCrispin, Steve Thomas, Rodney Meadows, Mollie Barrett (on the ladders from left), Raylee Moore, Robert Reams and Skye Walker rehearse a scene from Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town.”

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Wedding date forces difficult decision for maid of honor

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Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Postal

Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

How to Submit Obituaries

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 Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com

Attorney at Law

135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

825-9559

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

DEAR ABBY: My best friend is getting married next year and I am supposed to be the maid of honor. I am Jewish, and she scheduled her wedding on the first day of Passover. This also means her rehearsal dinner will be during my family’s first Seder. How do I explain to her that for the first time in my life, she has broken my heart? It seems her family doesn’t understand that Jewish holidays are as important as theirs. She is asking me to choose between my beliefs, my family and our friendship. What do I say to her, or should I just decline to be in her wedding? With 52 weekends in a year, I feel like she could have found another day. -- BROKENHEARTED IN BOSTON DEAR BROKENHEARTED: Your friend was under no obligation to time her wedding date to avoid conflicting with your religious ritual. If you are wise, you will put aside the tempta-

DEAR ABBY Advice

tion to lay a guilt trip on her. Explain that you will be unable to be part of her wedding party the same way you explained it to me. Because you are strictly observant, you should make clear to her why this religious observance takes precedence over her wedding. DEAR ABBY: As my children have grown older, I have regarded myself as matriarch of the family, giving advice and help where I think it’s needed. Lately, though, I’m afraid my relationship with them may have taken a turn for the worse. I can’t seem to stop criticizing. Recently they sat down with me and told me they dread

coming to visit, are sick of my “mother-in-law” treatment of their spouses and collectively wish I’d check my tongue. I meant well, but my kids are right. The problem is, I’m afraid I can’t stop. Trying to hold my opinions back leaves me anxious and depressed. My family is pretty normal, and I don’t want to alienate anyone. But I am having difficulty dialing back these habits and don’t know where to turn. -- CRITICAL MATRIARCH IN UTAH DEAR MATRIARCH: When the urge to criticize becomes overwhelming, bite your tongue or leave the room. The only exception would be if you see an impending disaster. I’ll share with you some advice my mother gave me years ago: The most unwelcome advice in the world is that which is unasked for. Take it to heart and your relationship with your adult children and their spouses may improve.

DEAR ABBY: I’m planning to travel to another state in September and trying to save up for the plane ticket. The issue is, I’m going during my birthday. I’d like my family to help me with the cost of the trip, even if it’s only $5 to $10, instead of buying me gifts. How do I go about telling them that, instead of gifts, I’d prefer money without sounding ungrateful or pushy? I just would really like help paying for my trip. -- FAMILY HELP DEAR FAMILY HELP: Because you would prefer cash to tangible gifts, a way to approach this would be to confide your preference in your mother or another close relative and let that person spread the word. Good luck! 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.

Life long sojourners

Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.

Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.

SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON

Thursday, July 13, 2017

The Outlook

Ms. Angela “Neicy’ Denise Leonard Bohannon Funeral service for Ms. Angela “Neicy’ Denise Leonard Bohannon 56 of Alexander City, AL; 1 p.m.; Saturday, July 15, 2017 at First Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL. Burial, Alexander City Cemetery, Alexander City, AL. Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services.

Mr. Ronald Keith Maxwell Funeral Services for Mr. Ronald Keith Maxwell will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at Wright’s Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in New Life Memorial Gardens.

Your Future DĂƩĞƌƐ ƚŽ hƐ͘ WŽĂƌĐŚ ŝƐ ƉƌŽƵĚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ŝŶ WŽĂƌĐŚ ŝƐ ƉƌŽƵĚ ƚŽ ďĞ Ă ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ ŝŶ ůĂďĂŵĂ͛Ɛ ƉƌŽŐƌĞƐƐ͘ tĞ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶ ŽĨ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŽƚŚĞƌƐ͘ WŽĂƌĐŚ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϭϯ͕ϬϬϬ ũŽďƐ ƚŽ ůĂďĂŵŝĂŶƐ͕ ƉĂǇƐ ŵŝůůŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƐƚĂƚĞ ƚĂǆĞƐĞĂĐŚ ǇĞĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ůĂďĂŵŝĂŶƐ͕ ƉĂǇƐ ŵŝůůŝŽŶƐ ŝŶ ƐƚĂƚĞ ƚĂǆĞƐĞĂĐŚ ǇĞĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŬĞƐ ĐŚĂƌŝƚĂďůĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŝďƵƟŽŶƐ ƌĞĂĐŚŝŶŐ ŶĞĂƌůǇ Ψϴ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ĂŶŶƵĂůůǇ͘

Submitted / The Outlook

River Road Baptist Church in Alexander City observed Senior Adult Day at the Sunday morning service May 7. Six people were recognized with a total of 337 years of service to their local church. Pictured from left to right are Juanita Baker, 61 years, Bobby Baker, 60 years, Linda Trussell, 58 years, Walter Thompson, 55 years, Margaret Thornton, 50 years, and Annette Rice, 53, years. The pastor of River Road Baptist is Dr. Albert Pike.

Obituaries William (Bill) Benjamin Chambers, Jr. 1930 - 2017 William (Bill) Benjamin Chambers, Jr. died peacefully at his home on July 11, 2017 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Bill was born on December 13, 1930 in Lynchburg, VA to Naomi Sandidge Chambers and William B. Chambers. He is preceded in death by his parents and his only sister, Linda Chambers Faunce (Bob) of Richmond, VA. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Betty; his son William III (Phyllis Creech) of Reidsville, NC; his daughter Jane Chambers House (Brad) of Greensboro, NC; two granddaughters and one great-grandson. Bill was raised in Lynchburg, VA and attended the College of William and Mary. In his senior year, Bill set the NCAA record for individual rebounds

Mrs. Nanci Irene Hales 1949 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mrs. Nanci Irene Hales, 68, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Wayne Cowhick will officiate. Burial will follow in the Alexander City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 14, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00

(51) in a single game – a record which still stands. After an unsuccessful try out with the Minneapolis (now Los Angeles) Lakers, Bill coached at Warwick High School in Newport News (VA) High School, where he won two Virginia High School Basketball Championships. He then returned to his alma mater where his William and Mary coaching record (113-110) was the most wins until 2016. Bill left coaching in 1966 and went into cells with Converse Rubber Company. After several years, he moved into management with Converse in Boston. He returned to the south and became a sporting good salesman in Florida, selling mainly Russell Athletic uniforms and soft goods. In 1990, Bill was appointed Vice-President of Sales for Russell Athletic in Alexander City, AL. Bill retired in 1994, and he and Betty spent many years enjoying road

trips throughout the United States. He also spent many hours playing golf and fishing with his good friends at Willow Point. His many health problems limited his last years, but his perseverance and fighting spirit were an inspiration to many. Visitation will be at Radney Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on August 1st. Contributions can be made to: The Tribe Club/Basketball (College of William and Mary, P O Box 399, Williamsburg, VA 23187; the Carlisle Enrichment Foundation (510 E. Samford Ave., Auburn 36830), or the charity of your choice. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.

p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Hales passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at University of Alabama Hospital (Birmingham). She was born on May 5, 1949 in Framingham, Massachusetts to Meredith W. Hodgman and Lillie Irene Hodgman. She was an active member of Alex City Methodist Church. Mrs. Hales enjoyed needle work and fishing. She is survived by her husband, Amos Walls Hales of Alexander City;

step-daughter, Tammy Hales Hubbard (John) of Dacula, GA; niece, Kathryn Thigpen (Richard); and nephew, Matthew Phillips (Annie). She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com.

Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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Thursday, July 13, 2017

The Outlook

Death

continued from page 1

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, as well as civilian bystanders. The search began Tuesday evening and had to be suspended overnight due to lack of visibility. The search resumed Wednesday morning and officials recovered body at 10 a.m. near the ASE boat launch. According to Tallassee Fire Department Assistant Chief David Rodgers, the initial call reported that two individuals had put in at the below Thurlow Dam. One individual was in a canoe and the other was in

Bear 315-pouind bear while hunting in the Talladega National Forest. Stewart was arrested on Dec. 9, 2016 and charged with shooting a black bear, a Class A misdemeanor. “It was really sad to hear that’s what happened,” Birchfield said. “After all he had been through, to be killed by someone who knew that they weren’t supposed to be shooting at a bear was uncalled for. People asked me about it all the time. Until then, I would find myself looking out that back window, just hoping to see him again. It was just sad news to hear.” But what became of that charge? Court records show that Stewart plead guilty earlier this year to

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a kayak. The caller reported that the two individuals encountered rough rapids and both individuals were ejected. “They were both wearing a lifejacket at the time that they exited their vessels,” Rodgers said. “One victim was able to get to the rocks and get himself out of the water. The other victim was floating in the middle of the river and could not make it to the edge. That was the report we were given (Tuesday) night.” Following the report, a surface

continued from page 1

“hunting, or possession of protected birds or animals during closed season.” Under a plea agreement, Stewart was fined $250, ordered to pay court costs of $250 and a six-month jail term was suspended. According to court records, Stewart was also sentenced to 24 months supervised probation by Clay County District Court Judge James E. Malone. The maximum sentence for the crime is up to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine. “I understand how the process works, but I would have thought that the financial penalty would have been much more severe,” Birchfield said. “It’s really a slap on the wrist.”

search was initiated while Haynes ambulance and ALEA’s aviation unit searched from above. After an extensive search, officials were forced to suspend their efforts until daylight due to limited visibility. Overnight, dive teams and other assets were put on standby. The search resumed just after 8 a.m. At about 10 a.m., the ALEA aviation unit was on site and located what later proved to be the victim from the air. Following the sighting, Tallassee Fire and Rescue located the body by boat.

“We were able to deploy our dive teams that were on site and they made the victim recovery in approximately seven feet of water,” Rodgers said. Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene and his body turned over to the Elmore County coroner, according to a TFD press release. According to Tallassee Police Department Chief Matthew Higgins, preliminary indications are that the incident was a tragic accident but said the investigation is ongoing.

Town hall

continued from page 1

purchase the building,” Glenn stated. “We were going to hold off to see if we were approved for the loan,” Walker said. Walker explained that the finance committee met with the property owner issues with the property and possible loans. “The building owner brought the blueprints,” Walker said. “We discussed what we thought we might need including clearing the land, sewage lines and the building itself – plumbing and air conditioning as well.” The loan is driving the process. “A lot of this contingent on the loan,” Walker said. “We were going to go with USAmeribank. What we decided to do was go with the Municipal Funding Corporation because of the

town to get the loan. So we are submitting the paperwork. Kathleen has done the paperwork.” Councilmembers seemed happy with the idea of the Municipal Funding Corporation. “Hopefully we can get a better rate,” Glenn said. Tax records show the total market value of the property as $83,960. At last month’s meeting, the council was given a $6,500 value on the timber on the property but that value could vary as timber prices are volatile. Walker explained that he was in contact with Express Yourself about building a sign advertising the town property on 280 for sale and that the design would be done in the next couple weeks.

The town’s emergency siren was subject to a brief discussion as members of the council said they had not heard it with recent weather. It was learned the system needs batteries and the town staff was waiting on a quote. Dana Ford was absent from Tuesday’s meeting. The council also: • approved minutes from the last meeting. • approved payment of bills. • is looking for donations for the School Supply Drive. • is beginning the planning for the Family and Fun Day Oct. 28 with the possibility of including a Trunk or Treat. The next meeting of the Jacksons Gap Town Council is August 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Celebrating a

Milestone

File / The Outlook

Randy Stroup was in his boat just south of the River Bridge when he caught this image of the bear crossing the river near the River Run subdivision in June of 2016.

Public Meetings 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. 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. Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m. Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville. Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday. 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. Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a premeeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall. Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.

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.

Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Caldwell Center at 6:30 p.m. Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend. Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton. New Site City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall.

w w w. a l e x c i t y o u t l o o k . c o m

Proud community partner for 125 years!

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Face the pressure and enjoy the moment Today’sQuote

View

Gaining grant dollars A is good news

n recent months our newspaper has been filled with headlines of projects funded by grant dollars. We’ve reported on road paving funded by state grants with local matching money, fire equipment paid for by Federal Emergency Management Agency grants, money for electrical upgrades, state money to help fund new pre-k programs and even money to help those living in poverty with utility bills. Most local governments operate on very tight budgets. They do well on managing day to day, but to do anything extra the funds are hard to find. So when agencies make grant funds available, local officials have to have projects ready and waiting so that they can be first in line when the call comes. Our area has a pretty good track record of getting its fair share. Longtime Alexander City Community Relations Director Randy Thomas was a master of jumping through the hoops and navigating the governmental red tape to bring funds home. We are seeing the same success from several municipalities, the county, non-profit agencies and public safety departments. It’s great to see these groups be able to address some big needs through grant money. We realize that these grants come from dollars that residents put in on the front end in the form of federal and state taxes and, in the case of the grant for electrical improvements, from money paid in utility bills. Still, to receive these grants there are proper procedures and in some cases reams of paperwork in order to qualify. It’s takes persistence, patience, initiative and hard work to bring those dollars back home. It takes being connected to state and federal agencies and knowing where to look and which agencies may be making grant funds available. It appears that local groups are doing a great job and showing all those traits. We applaud officials in Alexander City, Dadeville and Tallapoosa County who have worked hard to get their fair share of these grants.

few weeks ago, I stood on the field at Suntrust Park, the new home of the Atlanta Braves and sang the Star Spangled Banner. It was stressful and exhilarating. I thought you might enjoy the backstory. I sing with my two sons and my daughter-in-law Rachel. We are called The Waters Singers. I know it’s not terribly imaginative, but it’s what it is. We sing anytime we are together. We have performed at churches, state fairs and even an Opry House about an hour outside of Atlanta. We sang the National Anthem a few years ago at Turner Field, the former home of the Atlanta, Braves. It was a bucket list thing for me. I called my sons and daughter in law, and they all said sure, let’s do it. There is an audition process, and on the other side of that, there is singing at the actual game. We nailed it. It was a good experience. Fast forward three years. Now, the Braves are in their first season in their new facility called Suntrust Park. They contacted us and wanted to know if we wanted to sing the Anthem at a game again, and we said absolutely. We arrived at the stadium three hours early for our sound check. We walked down on the beautifully manicured field,

Atlanta, Georgia. “This is it. Watch your sons, and Rachel and don’t drag,” I thought. “Oh say can you see.....” When we finished, RAY there was a thunderous WATERS applause, and as we walked up Columnist the stairs into the stands, people were hugging us and saying, took our microphones, and sang. The echo was brutal, and “That was beautiful!” Even our very knowledgeable musical our harmony and tempo were friends told us, ‘Great job.” horrible. We could not hear Were they just being nice? each other at all. It sounded Maybe, it had come together. like a jumbled mess to me. Maybe it wasn’t as bad as I had Panic set in. But the audio feared. Maybe it was a miracle. engineer said it was OK. I have listened to the The other singers, all in their recording a dozen times, and 30s seemed relaxed during the three hours we had to wait it wasn’t discordant the way I had imagined it might be. before we sang again. I am It was not our best work, but 55 and a slight perfectionist. I was not relaxed. I was anxious it wasn’t bad. In fact, it was pretty good. Overcoming and worried. I don’t like obstacles, we sang in the new humiliating myself in front of stadium before hundreds of people. Why did I agree to do friends and tens of thousands this? of Braves fans. No one At 7:15 we walked out there knew the pressure we on the field at Suntrust Park. were feeling to listen to each For this performance, we had decided we would watch each other and harmonize with other’s lips, and we would not some pretty extreme hearing limitations. But we did it. And let the echo cause us to drag. I am sure glad we did. Now It would be 1 minute and 30 please forgive me if I want to seconds either way. Sink or just sing in the privacy of my swim, let’s do this thing. The den or shower for a little while. voice over the loudspeaker said, “Now, would you kindly That was a lot of pressure on this 55-year-old. remove your hats as you stand to your feet as we honor Ray Waters is a minister, America with the singing a motivational speaker and a of our National Anthem led syndicated columnist. by The Waters Singers from

represents District 1. His phone number is 256392-0344. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.

Bobby Tapley

Buffy Colvin represents District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663. Her address is 786 I Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.

Buffy Colvin

Scott Hardy represents District 3. His phone number is 256-4962450. His address is 549 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.

Scott Hardy

Eric Brown represents District 4. His phone number is 256-3972011. His address is 1421 Parrish Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.

Eric Brown

Tommy Spraggins represents District 5. His phone number is 256-234-3609. His address is 1539 College Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.

Tommy Spraggins

Tim Funderburk represents District 6. His phone number is 256-825-2993. His address is 1431 River Oaks, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.

Tim Funderburk

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” —Matthew 7:13-14

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Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Has all of the recent rain required you to mow your lawn more often?

Yes — 74% No — 26%

Thursday Question: Do you think criminals in Alabama get tough enough sentences?

Mission

How to

A patriotic day with the Harvesters

Bobby Tapley

Scripture

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Officials

Jim Nabors

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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.

Know Your Jim Nabors is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256329-1320 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 1695 Magnolia Street Alexander City, AL, 35010.

“It’s better to be silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.” – Abraham Lincoln

ast week, I stood outside the entrance to the Epworth Center at Auburn United Methodist Church. A few minutes later, I moved over to an outside bench. A few minutes after that, I moved to a comfortable seat just inside the door. It was hot. I needed some conditioned air. No matter where I was, I kept seeing two of my favorite things: happy people and covered dishes. I was there to speak to the Harvesters, a group of seniors who gather monthly for fun, fellowship, and food. In fact, the food is so good that it’s referred to as “the best lunch in town,” and neither my plate nor my stomach will argue with that. There was enough home-cooked food to feed an army, and it was delicious. The only thing missing was pear salad—not that I’m a fan of pear salad. It’s just not very often I attend a church potluck anywhere in Alabama where pear salad isn’t on the table. It was a gathering of seniors, after all. Who thought pear salad was a good idea anyway? To me, it’s up there with Tussy deodorant. But, I digress. The Harvesters were such a fun group to be with. I must’ve had a couple of dozen tell me they were frequent readers of my column. Some stated it’s the first thing they turn to when they get their paper each Sunday morning. I appreciate their comments greatly and am thankful for

the cherry. I call that “highdolla” pear salad. Then there was the guy who told me the same stuttering joke that every JODY man over 60 has told me FULLER for the past 10 years. “Have Columnist you heard the one about the their support. stuttering Bible salesmen? They are a patriotic Stop me if you’ve heard this group, too. The gathering before. I never stop them took place the day following and never will. If they are Independence Day, but the laughing, I am laughing. room was decked out in This was a great group of my favorite colors. No, it folks who help out their fellow wasn’t orange and blue. It Harvesters, their church, and was decorated in red, white, their community in countless and blue. The club president ways. Most of all, they’re just gave a short talk on freedom a great group of folks who get and then we sang three of together for fun, fellowship, my favorite songs: Sweet and food. Who doesn’t like Home Alabama, We are the that? They’re an active group, Champions, and Brown Eyed too, with trips planned to Girl. I kid. Actually, we sang Georgia and South Carolina The Star Spangled Banner, over the next couple of My Country, ‘Tis of Thee, and months. I’d encourage anyone America the Beautiful. I sing to start or get involved in a terribly but I love belting out similar group at their church. these beautiful songs. I had a wonderful time. I I talked to a lot of people. was only supposed to talk for One lady told me I was about 20 minutes but wound much more handsome in up running my pie hole closer person than I am in the photo to thirty. No one got up to accompanied with my column. leave during my set, but as That’s not something I hear soon as I was done, a handful every day, but I’ll take it. Who of them jumped up and made doesn’t like a compliment? A a beeline to, well, you know. brief discussion with another They were seniors, after all. member resulted in the revelation that she graduated Jody Fuller is a comic, from Dadeville High School speaker, writer and soldier with my mother in 1968. with three tours of duty in There was also the lady who Iraq. He is also a lifetime told me she meant to make stutterer. He can be reached pear salad but was out of at jody@jodyfuller.com. For cherries, and to her, pear salad more information, please visit just wasn’t pear salad without www.jodyfuller.com

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

What’s your

Opinion?

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

On the Web

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 (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.

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Page 5

County board of education receives annual audit report offer. “We offer more personal service with all local people,” Blasingame said. “We intend to be visible with things like The Tallapoosa County Board of sponsorships.” Education received the findings of the “Our philosophy is doing business annual audit during Monday night’s locally when we can. The timing is meeting. Nikki Morrison from the right to make a move to go local,” Alabama Department of Examiners Superintendent Joe Windle said. reported that there were no major The board also discussed the discrepancies found during the audit, following items: though the board was cited for several • A resolution to include a three issues. These included a ticket sales mill Ad Valorem tax on the ballot in discrepancy in Reeltown, purchasing a Tallapoosa County during the special vehicle over $15,000 without advertising call election in December was approved and accepting sealed bids and a few and signed by all of the board members. financial statements where funds had • Minutes from both the June 12 and been incorrectly coded. No money June 29 meetings were approved. was reported to be missing, just small • A motion to pay the June 2017 bills errors where it had not been correctly was approved. recorded. • The monthly financial report for Further financial matters were also June was approved. taken into consideration, with the • A motion to terminate the contract board approving River Bank & Trust of a Dadeville teacher was approved. as a depository for some of the board’s • The board approved hiring Brannon accounts. River Bank representative Phil Bynum as an elementary teacher at Blasingame was on hand to talk to the Horseshoe Bend, Patricia Burley as board about what the institution could a special needs teacher at Reeltown By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Elementary School and Joie Knight as a teacher at Dadeville Elementary School. • The board approved the transfers of Reeltown High School Secretary Melia Hall to Reeltown Elementary School as a secretary and bookkeeper, Jennifer Futral from the Reeltown lunchroom to an aide position in the Reeltown High School ACCESS Lab, Sandy Wills from the Reeltown ACCESS Lab to secretary at Reeltown High School and Reeltown Elementary School Assistant Principal Kathy Ledbetter to the central office, assisting Dr. Corinne Garrett as Director of Federal Programs. • The Tallapoosa County Foster Care Plan and Dispute Resolution Policy, a plan regarding the enrollment of students who are either homeless or in foster care, was approved. • The updated student handbook for the 2017-2018 school year was approved. “We primarily looked at the dress code. We wanted to simplify it and make it easier for the principals to enforce,” Windle said. • Updates were given regarding the various construction projects

Art probably our last year,” Dark said. “When we started in town there were no other camps in town.” The increase in camps in area is not the only issue. “Now there are 100s of camps vying for the same children. Our attendance has been dropping over the last four years and it is just not viable.” Dark does not think other art programs are hurting the camp. “I don’t think art in the schools is hurting,” Dark said. “But we are thrilled

throughout the system. The Dadeville High School football bleachers and the roof at Horseshoe Bend were completed and waiting on a final inspection. The weather had impeded the progress on the roof at Dadeville Elementary, but it was roughly 50 percent completed. The new HVAC units at Horseshoe Bend were in place, and the remaining ductwork and wiring was estimated to take only another week. The old light poles at the Reeltown football field had been removed, the new poles had been installed, and installing the electrical wiring had begun Monday. Lastly, the footings had been poured and the plumbing had been completed on the new concession stand and bathrooms at the Reeltown softball field. •It was reported that $2.65 million had been collected through the one-cent sales tax, averaging $126,417 taken in per month. The next meeting of the Tallapoosa County Board of Education will be Monday, August 7, beginning at 5 p.m. in the board room of the Board of Education building.

continued from page 1

to have an arts program in the schools now.” Even first-year camper Tiara Trotter is not happy about this week being the last. “I am sad it is the last one,” the 13-year-old Trotter said. “It is real fun. I helped kids and painted murals.” Not knowing if it is the year or not, children taking part in the camp were still having fun. “This fun,” 7-year-old Grayson Kelly said. “It is cool.”

“I love it,” Hailey Jones said. “It’s fun. You get to paint, you get to dance, you get food. I had paint on my face yesterday.” Dancing is a favorite of many students. Dark said that Christy Moncrief has been teaching the creative movement part of the camp for the last four years and the students were performing Friday at noon for parents. “She has been teaching hip-hop,” Dark said. “The kids are really enjoying it.”

Other help comes from older children. “Our volunteers are students from Alexander City Middle School and Benjamin Russell High School. They get community service volunteer hours.” Even first-year teacher Annie Bartol likes the camp. “I am already attached to some of the students,” Bartol said. “I am going to cry. I have their phone numbers and will be keeping up with them making sure they are behaving.”

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Top left: Matthew Jones, 6, of Birmingham plays with shaving cream after creating an art transfer with water color. Middle left: Children and volunteers work on painting faces onto their masks created by paper mache. Bottom left: Grayson Kelly, 7, of Goodwater paints on one of the group projects. Top right: Macie Jackson, 7, left, and Grayson Kelly, 7 get paint for their paint brushes. Middle right: Lucy Phillips, 5, of Alexander City gets help with Modge Podge project from rising Benjamin Russell High School ninth grader Macy Daniel. Bottom right: Hailey Jones, 13, of Alexander City works on one of the group projects Tuesday.

Page 6

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CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Today is July 13, 2017 Today’s Events

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

FRIENDS OF LIBRARY: The next meeting of the Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will be July 13 at 1 p.m. All are invited to see how they can be involved in our community library. ANNUAL SESSION: Early Rose District Congress of Christian Education is holding its 58th Annual Session July 11-14 at 9 a.m. daily at the Great Bethel Missionary Baptist

Thursday, July 13, 2017

The Outlook

Church. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Family Worship Center on Sewell Street is hosting Vacation Bible School July 13-14 from 6-8:30 p.m. and July 15 from 9 a.m. to noon with a parents program July 15 at 11 a.m. KIDS AND YOUTH CAMP: The Tallapoosa Baptist Association camps will be held July 13-16 at Camp Alamisco on Lake Martin. Youth Camp is for those who have completed grades 7-12. Kids Camp is for those who have completed grades 3-6. The theme is “Following Jesus.” Jeremy Simpson of FBC, Alex City will be the camp pastor.

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/. Campers will enjoy playing crazy games, kayaking, swimming, “the blob,” crafts, skits and much more. The cost until June 23 is $85 per camper. After that, the cost is $95 per camper. The final deadline to register is June 30. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.tallapoosabaptist.org under the Resource tab. For more information, please call 256825-4441.

Today’s Birthdays

Beverly Hutto, Betty Carol Graham, Terrance France, Wayne Davis and Rhonda Eakin are celebrating their birthdays today.

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care. Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing

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

Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Members and coaches from the 10 and under girls softball Alexander CIty All-Stars were recognized by the mayor and city council Monday night for winning the state championship late last month. Team members include Grace McCary, Cheyenne Morgan, Emily McWaters, Katie Davis, Alana Tolbert, Raliegh Caldwell, Trinity McGhee, Macie Knox, Reagan Taylor, Jordan Embry and Airionna Ware. Coaches include Chris Knox, head coach Lee McWaters and assistant coach Stacey Davis. The team will now play in the NSA Southern Nationals July 24-27 in Foley.

Friday, July 14

MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night July 14. God’s Not Dead II will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.

Saturday, July 15

TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on July 15 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available. BOOK SALE: Friends of the Dadeville Public Library is having its summer book sale July 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can fill up a bag of books and get it for $5. Hardback books are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents.

Sunday, July 16

HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Tallapoosee Historical Meeting on Sunday, July 16 at 2 p.m. features talks about the restoration of Smith Mountain Fire Tower and the proposed Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association education center at the Tower. The meeting will take place at the Society’s museum on the town square in Dadeville. Refreshments will be served. The public is invited. CHURCH HOMECOMING: New Hope Baptist Church on Highway 63 South is hosting a homecoming Sunday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. All for Him will be singing and covered dish lunch follows at noon. For more information, call Lou Ann Fuller at 256392-5218. WOMEN’S DAY: Bread of Life ACOP Church at 1476 Highway 280 is hosting its annual women’s day program Sunday, July 16 at 3 p.m. Elder Netherland Tuck is pastor. Guest speakers will be Sis. Jennifer Taylor, National Secretary Secretary ACOP. CHURCH SINGING: The Johnny McDonald family will be singing at Marshall Street Church Sunday, July 16 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

ART SHOW: Members of the Artists Association of Central Alabama will be presenting their art work and paintings in a show at the Comer Museum in Sylacauga July 20 from 6-8 p.m. There will be music, wine drinks and refreshments. There will also be an art demonstration by Dottie Holdren.

Friday, July 21

MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night July 21. The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.

Saturday, July 22

STARGAZING: The Auburn Astronomical Society will set up telescopes to look at the night sky July 22 at 6 p.m. on Hospice Point near the silo at Wind Creek State Park. BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo Saturday, July 22 from 5-8 p.m. The event will begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips, and soft drinks.

Sunday, July 23

CHURCH HOMECOMING: Rock Springs Baptist Church in Jacksons Gap is hosting homecoming July 23 at 10 a.m. Pastor Jamey Williams will bring the message and The Dyes will provide the music. Dinner will be served and everyone is invited.

Wednesday, July 26

CHURCH REVIVAL: God’s House Church on Highway 63 is holding revival July 16 at 6 p.m. and July 17-19 at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Bro. Tom Harris. The pastor of God’s House Church is Bro. Roger Green.

FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a field and forest hike July 26 at 9 a.m. The walk is for all ages. Meet at the outdoor classroom across from the beach. HEALTH FAIR: A Summer Safari Health Fair, hosted by The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Senior Services Department will be held at the Bibb Graves High School in Millerville Wednesday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be health screenings, health education, refreshments, door prizes and more. Special guest will be Brian Peters, meteorologist from ABC 33/40. This event will be indoors and free to the public. For more information contact Tabitha Royal, BSW, service coordinator at 256-751-3740 or email ROYAL.TABITHA@AIDB.ORG.

July 16-20

Thursday, July 27

July 16-19

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Comer Baptist Church, located at 341 East Church Street, will be hosting its Galactic Starveyors Vacation Bible School July 16-20 from 5-8 p.m. for ages 4 years old to 6th grade. For more information, call 256-234-2236 or 256-749-1926.

Tuesday, July 18

RETIREE MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Education Retirees will meet Tuesday, July 18 at 10 a.m. at Catherine’s Market. The program will be on pre-paid funeral arrangements.

GOSPEL QUARTET: The Carolina Boys Quartet will be at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium July 27. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The concert is presented by Radney and Langley funeral homes and admission is one non-perishable food item donation to benefit the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center and Loaves and Fishes.

Friday, July 28

MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night July 28. WWJD II The Woodcarver will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.

Wednesday, July 19

FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a field and forest hike July 19 at 9 a.m. The walk is for all ages. Meet at the outdoor classroom across from the beach.

Thursday, July 20

Saturday, July 29

$500 GIVEAWAY: The Goodwater Disabled Veterans Organization is having a $500 giveaway July 29 at 2 p.m. at the Goodwater Disable Veterans Organization, located at 7882 U.S. Highway 280 in Goodwater. First prize is $250, second is $150

and third is $100. Donations are being accepted by calling Richard McElarth at 256-2764776, Renell Hill at 256-839-6915, Wade McElarth at 256-749-9100 or Willie James Gaddis at 256-861-6177. Proceeds will be used to help feed veterans. YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP: Bridge Builders will be hosting a youth football camp for grades 1-8 July 29 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Sportplex. For more information, contact Hudson Hinton at 256-750-1140 or Tommie Kelly at 256-786-0542. BENEFIT SINGING: All for Him will be be praising God with the Pritchard family. Sonny went home and those of us that wait for our time to join him will be rejoicing and singing praises for a blessing to fall on his wife and children in their time of need. Please come out and join us at Kellyton Revival Center July 29 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. BENEFIT SINGING: Mt. Siani Baptist Church in Waverly is hosting a benefit for Edger Tug Woody July 29 at 5:30 p.m. Host Star Wonder gospel singers will be performing. Rev. Cory Hughley is pastor. BACK 2 SCHOOL DRIVE: The Jacksons Gap Back 2 School Drive is Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jacksons Gap Fire Department. There will be food, fun and school supplies for students who can’t afford them. Donations are being accepted through July 25 at the Jacksons Gap Town Hall

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Wednesday, August 2

OPEN HOUSE: Horseshoe Bend School is hosting an open house for high school students. Time is to be determined.

Thursday, August 3

OPEN HOUSE: Horseshoe Bend School is hosting an open house for elementary school students Aug. 3 from 5:30-7 p.m. OPEN HOUSE: Dadeville Elementary School is hosting an open house for elementary school students Aug. 3 from 5-6:30 p.m. OPEN HOUSE: Reeltown Elementary School is hosting an open house for elementary school students Aug. 3 from 2-6 p.m. OPEN HOUSE: Reeltown High School is hosting an open house for high school students Aug. 3 from 2-6 p.m.

Friday, August 4

ALZHEIMERS CONFERENCE: The 15th Annual Alzheimer’s Professional and Family Caregiver Conference will be Friday, August 4 at Frazer United Methodist Church in Montgomery. UAB research specialist Dr. Rita Jablonski-Jaudon will be discussing strategies to deal with dementia patients with non-drub interventions. For more information, call 334-3994342 or 334-233-2139. $20 general admission or $55 for professionals needing CE credit.

Saturday, August 12

CHURCH FESTIVAL: Centerview Baptist Church County Road 89 in Camp Hill is hosting a church festival Saturday, Aug. 12 starting at 9 a.m. There will be fun, food and games for everyone. The pastor is Rev. J. Harrison.

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LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

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Thursday, July 13, 2017

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JOE MCADORY Columnist

Odds favor Alabama in tough SEC

aul Finebaum picked Alabama to win the SEC. Lindy’s SEC Football preseason magazine picked Alabama to win the SEC. So did Athlon’s. This is where I’m supposed to stick my neck out there, go against the grain, and announce to the world the Crimson Tide will not win the conference title – or even make it to Atlanta for that matter. Auburn has become a trending West team with new quarterback Jarrett Stidham, and LSU has a new, growling head coach who once starred as Ole Miss’ head coach in “The Blind Side.” That said, give me Alabama. Why? Odds most often favor Nick Saban and I most often side with the odds. Why? Because the combination of quarterback Jalen Hurts, Bo Scarbrough and friends at running back, and receiver Calvin Ridley give the Crimson Tide arguably the most explosive collection of offensive weapons I can remember. Why? Despite the heavy losses on defense, Alabama will continue to put five star performers on that side of the ball. A few other thoughts as SEC Media Days kicks off the season … LSU has seemingly had almost equal raw talent to Alabama over the past decade, but coaching hasn’t been effective. The Bayou Bengals visit Tuscaloosa Nov. 4 in a game that could decide the SEC West. Running back Darius Guice, who was more electrifying and game-changing than Leonard Fournette last season, returns. Until LSU has an effective passing game, it will fall short of Bayou Bengals’ fans expectations. I really like the talent Auburn is bringing back — and bringing in — with Stidham. If the defense can overcome the losses of Carl Lawson and Montravius Adams and Stidham is the real deal, then look out. Should these parts come together, then Auburn will be certainly capable of winning the West and the SEC. But ‘if’ is a big word and is subject to hope and uncertainty. One thing that’s certain is Auburn’s brutal schedule. The Tigers must play at two Death Valleys (Clemson and LSU), has three-consecutive road SEC games in the second half of the season and finishes with Georgia and Alabama. This could be the toughest schedule in America and could be the ultimate factor in whether Auburn wins 10 games or eight. What about the SEC East? Should Georgia win at Notre Dame in September, it will become ESPN’s darlings, again, and probably zip into the Top 10. Nick Chubb is back. So is Sony Michel, Jacob Eason and a stiff defense. The Bulldogs should roll into Jacksonville on Oct. 28 with a chance to all but lock up the division with a win against the Gators. But Florida has had Georgia’s number of late, so … Kevin Sumlin was a hot name in coaching a few years back, making Texas A&M an immediate SEC contender. A few mid-level bowl games later and the Sumlin’s seat has grown warm in College Station. If Texas A&M gets off to a slow start, it will be interesting to see what happens in October and November. Did you know Missouri led the SEC in yards per game last season? The Tigers return quarterback Drew Lock and 10 offensive starters, so expect a ton of points in Columbia. Once Missouri remembers how to play defense, it will be sneaky dangerous. SEC wild guesses: East – 1. Georgia, 2. Florida, 3. Tennessee, 4. South Carolina, 5. Missouri, 6. Kentucky, 7. Vanderbilt; West – 1. Alabama, 2. Auburn, 3. LSU, 4. Arkansas, 5. Texas A&M, 6. Mississippi State, 7. Ole Miss. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

KEEPING UP TRADITION

Jayde Trapp headed to North-South All-Star game

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

When Jayde Trapp’s seventh-grade girls soccer coach moved her to goalkeeper, she was the opposite of excited. “I wanted no part of that,” Trapp said. “I said, ‘No, I’m tired of being a goalie.’ But he told me I had to do it, and ever since then, you cannot get me out. That is my spot.” Fast-forward several years, and Benjamin Russell’s starting goalkeeper is heading to one of the top all-star games in the state. On Tuesday, she’ll be one of the only four goalkeepers in Alabama to play in the North-South All-Star game in Montgomery. “It’s just a great accomplishment for an individual player to be able to say you were part of the all-star team,” Benjamin Russell coach Lee Wagoner said. “Only 18 from the south and 18 from the north, so 36 rising seniors out of the state of Alabama are selected; that’s an awesome accomplishment.” Trapp is the most recent in a long line of Wildcats to be selected to the NorthSouth game. Wagoner said for the past six years, at least one Benjamin Russell girls soccer player has been selected. And Trapp was a well-deserved selection. “Jayde is a tremendously hard worker,” Wagoner said. “She works from the weight room to the practice field; it’s unmatched by anyone on the team. She sets the standard on what hard work means in my opinion. As a program, we want to continue this tradition of getting exposure for our athletes. I think across Alabama, by getting this recognition, it shows the soccer community we’re doing very well here in Alex City.” Trapp has been playing soccer since she could walk. Since she was 2

Gary Cosby Jr. / Tuscaloosa News

Benjamin Russell goalkeeper Jayde Trapp goes high to make a save on a corner kick during the postseason. Trapp has been selected to play in next week’s North-South All-Star game.

years old, Trapp has been familiarizing herself with the game, and she’s played every position on the field. During seventh grade, she moved to goalkeeper and she has been a starter for Benjamin Russell since midway through her sophomore year. Wagoner said she probably could’ve started as a freshman, but he had another goalkeeper already in net. “I just love the adrenaline every single game,” Trapp said. “I’m their eyes and their ears because I can see everything. I’m in the center of the field, and I’m like the last resort. My team depends me a lot, and it motivates me to do my best.” Trapp’s best season was her sophomore year when she posted 10 shutouts. As a junior, Benjamin Russell touted a young roster and Trapp stepped into a leadership position well. Wagoner said she has a great eye for how things are developing on the field

and she’s not afraid to give direction to the defenders and midfielders about where they need to be to make plays. “As she developed into that vocal role, she grew leaps and bounds at being a leader back there,” Wagoner said. “When a goal happens, she’s good at shaking that off and getting her teammates back in line. As a goalkeeper, you gotta have a short memory. With having a small senior group next year and being a longtime starter, I’m expecting that leadership to continue.” Trapp leaves for Montgomery on Monday where she’ll participate in a series of practices and run-throughs with her soon-to-be South teammates. The girls will then have some team bonding sessions, including a pool party, before the game takes place at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Emory Folmar YMCA Soccer Complex. “A lot of us have met each other but playing for

different teams,” Trapp said. “Now we’ll have to put our differences aside and work together. We’re all coming together for the same sport, and it should be real easy because we know what we’re doing out there. We’ll just have to connect with each other very quickly and trust in each other.” In addition to just getting back out on the field again, Trapp said she is excited for the recruitment possibilities this game presents. While she said it would be easy for her to get an academic scholarship if need be, what she really wants is an athletic scholarship. “Soccer and riding horses is my whole life,” Trapp said. “I really want to go and get scholarships to play soccer. I want you to put your school’s name across my shirt; that whole game is about getting exposed to colleges and coaches being there, so I’m excited for the recruitment game, so to speak.”

Horse show a smash for Alex City four events they entered. McConnell, who rode Smokey, won the 12U Pony Pole Bending for horses 54 inches and Despite threats of rain throughout the under, the Pole Pending Open, the 12U afternoon, Alexander City Horse Riding Pony Barrels for horses 49 to 54 inches, Club’s horse show went off without a and the 12U Pony Area Race for horses hitch on Saturday. 54 inches and under. From a costume contest to judged Smith and her horse, Hank, took first events to timed challenges, the horse in the 12U Stake Race, the 12U Youth show at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Pole Bending, the 12U Youth Barrels featured nearly 70 events and a and the 12U Arena Race. countless number of steeds flocked the Mattie Cogar earned first in her four ACHRC area. events and placed second in another. There were a handful of riders who She had the top spot in the 18U Adult won multiple events, including two who Showmanship at Halter, the English collected five first-place prizes. Walk-Trot Open, the Western Walk-Trot Caitlyn Harris competed in seven Open and the Walk-Trot for first- and different events, winning five and second-year riders. Cogar showed on placing second in the others. Riding on Good Girls Rule. Bud on Tap, Harris won the 17-andThree others – Regan Clopp, Alexis under Youth Halter, the Three-and-Over Miles and Kristi Norris – each won Wester Halter, the Gelding Western three events apiece. Halter and the Color Halter. She also Clopp, who rode Colossal Clu and won the walk-trot on One Asset Shy in Real Men Wear Pink, was first in the the 12-and-under division. 17U Showmanship at Halter, the 12U Also capturing first in five events Pony Showmanship at Halter and 12U was Emma Sanford, who rode Ms. Pony Halter, both for horses 54 inches Goody Good Bar in all five victories. and under. Miles placed first in the Her best events were the Senior Horse Barrels Open on Diesel and the 13-17 Western Pleasure, which the horse had Stake and Area races on Annabell. to be 6 and over, the 13- to 17-year-old Norris rode Max’s Blue Lady to win Walk-Trot, the Color Horse Western the Junior Horse Western Pleasure for Pleasure, the 17U Youth Western horses 5 years and younger and the Pleasure and Western Pleasure Open. Ladies’ Western Pleasure, then showed A total of three competitors won four Hunter’s Gold Bar to win the Two-Yearevents. Pyper McConnell and Alexis Old Snaffle Bit. Smith were unstoppable, winning all Other multiple event winners were By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Tim Craft shows his horse during the Western Gaited Lite Shod event at Saturday’s Alexander City Horse Riding Club show.

Katie Batson on Luke at Little Me (18U English Pleasure, Huntseat Pleasure); Melissa Mitchell on Bold Score (18U Western Gaited Flat Shod and Ladies’ Racking); and Becky Siniard (Western Gaited Lite Shod and 18U Ladies’ Trail Pleasure) on Jose’s Black Star and Shady Dale, respectively. The Alex City Horse Riding Club has one show remaining on the schedule, which will take place July 29, while the East Alabama Horseman Association youth show will be held this Saturday.