DON‘T MISS OUT! SEE LOCAL EVENTS ON CALENDAR PAGE 7.
THE
FRIDAY
FOR SUBSCRIBERS July issue of Lake Martin Living INSIDE!
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 July 15, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 142 www.alexcityoutlook.com
CACC merger with Southern Union, CVCC ‘paused’ By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
The merger of Central Alabama Community College with Southern Union State and Chattahoochee Valley community colleges is on hold, CACC President Susan Burrow told the college’s faculty at a hastily called meeting Thursday afternoon. “The east consolidation is on pause,” said Alabama Community College System Chancellor Mark Heinrich said in a statement. “There is no definitive timetable moving forward.” However, Heinrich said a merger of four south Alabama community colleges – Alabama Southern, Jefferson Davis, Reid State and Faulkner State community colleges – will proceed as planned. The as-of-now-aborted merger process began when
the Alabama Community College System’s board of trustees who voted on Dec. 10, 2015 to begin the planning process for the merger of the three east Alabama schools and the four south Alabama colleges. Burrow was named to lead the merger of the three east Alabama institutions and to serve as president of the consolidated college. Then in May, ACCS Chancellor Mark Heinrich emailed employees of the system that the merger, originally set to take place this year, had been pushed back to 2017. “Due to unforeseen legislative and departmental delays, coupled with key timing issues necessary to ensure that students’ financial aid packages are not compromised, it is my decision to push back the implementation of this consolidation plan.,” Heinrich’s email
read. “We will immediately begin working with regulatory bodies and accreditors to establish an agreed upon schedule to accomplish the consolidations in 2017. “This new timeline will allow us to work with The Alabama Commission on Higher Education to satisfy their requirements and continue our work with the legislature to pass broad legislation essential to the success of our full consolidation plan. Most importantly, this new timeline will allow us to make this process as smooth as possible for those whom we serve: our students.” Burrow said after the meeting that she did not know the reasoning behind the pause, but suggested it might be related to some of the issues cited in Heinrich’s May email. See CACC • Page 3
Pride of Alexander City
Board approves personnel moves, athletic supplements By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
BRHS band camp begins By CATHY HIGGINS Staff Writer
The Benjamin Russell Marching Band began preparations for the upcoming season this week with its leadership and freshman camp. BRHS assistant band director Robbie Childers estimated that about 40 returning students and 35 rookies were taking part in this week’s camp. But work on the fall football season has just begun. See BAND • Page 3
David Granger / The Outlook
From left, Darrell Cooper, Gerard Brewer, Ben Wagoner, Richard Wagoner, Randy Thomas, Sonny Wilson and T.C. Coley discuss renovation of Hamp Lyon Stadium Thursday morning.
REVAMP THE HAMP
Phase 1 of renovation set to begin April 1 By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Senior Grace Hutto, forefront, follows instructions on standing still during BRHS’s Marching Band Leadership and Freshman Camp.
The Revamp the Hamp Steering Committee set a start date goal of April 1 to begin work on the renovation of the playing surface and demolition and removal of the bleachers at Hamp Lyon Stadium. The group met Thursday morning. Members present included Darrell Cooper,
County Commission purchases site for new DHR building
superintendent of Alexander City Schools, City Engineer Gerard Brewer, Tallapoosa County Commissioner T.C. Coley, Sonny Wilson, city parks and recreation director, Richard Wagoner, director of MainStreet Alexander City, Tallapoosa County engineer David Moore and Randy Thomas, city community projects coordinator. See HAMP • Page 7
At an early Thursday morning, specially called meeting of the Alexander City Board of Education, the board voted to approve several personnel moves so that all but one would be effective by the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year. “We needed to get these done and that was the reason for the 7 a.m. meeting,” said Alexander City Superintendent Darrell Cooper. “There was only one item that wasn’t a personnel move.” The board also voted a 4 percent raise – equivalent to that approved by the Alabama Legislature in its most recent session – for supplements for some 40 coaches for fiscal year 2016-2017. The 17 personnel moves included two resignations, five transfers (all within the school system), one reassignment and nine new hires. The board approved: • Alicia Peters’ resignation from her position as English See BOARD • Page 2
One hospitalized in 280 collision Thursday morning
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
489.46 Reported on 7/14/16 @ 4 p.m.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
The Tallapoosa County Commissioners heard an update on land and plans for a new local Alabama Department of Human Resources Building and voted to officially put a resolution on the November ballot regarding Sunday Alcohol sales. At Monday’s meeting, commissioners heard from County Administrator Blake Beck who said the purchase of the land for a DHR building site was complete and that the next step would be the formation of a public building authority to issue the bonds for construction. “The site is located at the corner of Agricola Road and Highway 49 across the street from Alabama Power Company,” Beck said. “The DHR folks are happy with it and I know people here like that fact that it is still in the Dadeville area.” State DHR officials asked the commissioners to help identify a site for a new building and secure See COMMISSION • Page 3
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
Today’s
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Cliff Williams / The Outlook
A female driver was flown to a Birmingham hospital following a two-car accident at Highway 280 and Coven Abbett Road Thursday morning. The female was driving a 2003 Ford Explorer on Highway 280 East when her vehicle collided with a 2014 Ford F150, according to Alexander City Police Chief Willie Robinson. She was flown to Birmingham with severe injures. One witness on the scene was impressed with the
efforts of the Alexander City Fire Department. “I don’t think people know how skilled the firefighters are here in Alexander City,” Carlice Payne said. “I was one of the first on the scene and helped as I could, but the way they stabilized the situation and knew exactly where to use those ‘Jaws of Life’ was incredible to see. I was a firefighter for 30 years and to see how they handled that was something great to see.”
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‘Love child’ plans approach to half-brother he never met
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com
Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com
Management 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
Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales Intern, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@alexcityoutlook.com
Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (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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Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
How to Submit Obituaries
Friday, July 15, 2016
The Outlook
© 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.
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DEAR ABBY: My husband, “Pete,” is an only child. His mom, who was married, had an affair with a married man, which resulted in his birth. His mother’s husband put his name on the birth certificate, but as a kid, Pete had contact from time to time with his biological father. Both dads have since passed away. Pete has known for years that his biological father had an older son, but he doesn’t know if the son knows he exists. Pete now thinks he may have found his half-brother online and wants to reach out to see if he wants a relationship. How do we even begin to broach this with the half-brother? Is it worth it? Could it cause more damage than good? If you were my husband or his halfbrother, would you want to pursue this? -- FAMILY MATTERS IN TEXAS DEAR F.M.: The decision about whether to contact a long-lost relative is a very personal one. For some people, the experience is a happy one, but not for others.
DEAR ABBY Advice
Because your husband and his (possible) half-brother are both adults, I can’t see how reaching out would be harmful to the man. A way to do it would be for Pete to send him an email or a letter, explain who his biological father was and ask if there is any interest in further contact. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I divorced 10 years ago. There were no children involved. After the divorce, we would occasionally get together for a meal. It was during those times that we managed to work through our issues and move forward with our separate lives. Since then, we have remained in contact occasionally to say happy birthday or update the other on work. We are also
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DEAR ABBY: There’s an ongoing debate among my group of friends about using the word “texted.” When I used it, I was corrected, chastised and told that it is NOT a word. Five years ago, when my daughter was a teenager,
I started hearing it used frequently. I realize that “text” is not a verb, however, times have certainly changed, and many new words and expressions have been added to our vocabulary. Would it only be correct to say, “I sent a text”? Please settle this for us. -- BUSTED BY THE GRAMMAR POLICE DEAR BUSTED: The English language is constantly evolving, and with the rapid advances in technology, words are added to the lexicon every year. According to Dictionary.com, “texted” is, indeed, a word and you have been using it correctly. However, because a picture is worth a thousand words, rather than tell your friends you got the information from me, consider sending them a descriptive emoji from the both of us. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Obituaries Ms. Melinda Reana Voss 1971 - 2016
Mrs. Christine Billingsley 1932 - 2016
Funeral Service for Ms. Melinda Reana Voss, 44, of Palm Coast, Florida, will be Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mellow Valley Baptist Church. Randy Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 15, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. She will lie instate at the Church for one hour prior to the service. Ms. Voss passed away on Monday, July 11, 2016 at The University of Florida Hospital. She was born on July 18, 1971 in Alexander City, Alabama to Danny Lee Voss and Diane Jones Fargason. Reana was a 1989 graduate of Mellow Valley High School. She loved the beach and watching sunrises and sunsets there. She was an accomplished artist, enjoyed singing in church, and fishing. She was a wonderful aunt and loved her nieces and nephew. She also loved her special dogs, Max and Bagel. She is survived by her mother, Diane Fargason (Donnie) of Cragford; father, Danny Voss (Patti) of Alexander City; sister, Kristi Fargason Athey (Scott) of Marietta, GA; brother, Erik Fargason of Cragford; special aunt, Sandy Jones of Palm Coast, FL; and grandmother, Mary Alice Fargason of Ashland. She was preceded in death by her grandparents. Pallbearers will be her cousins. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions to one’s favorite charity. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Christine Billingsley, age 83, of Goodwater passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at her residence. She was born on October 12, 1932 in Tallapoosa County to Calvin A. Ogles and Mamie L. Smith Partika. She was a longtime member of Goodwater Baptist Church. She was an excellent seamstress and retired from Russell Corporation with 35 years of service. Mrs. Billingsley loved her family very much, especially her granddaughter and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed family gatherings during the holidays. She is survived by her daughter, Betty Billingsley Ware of Goodwater, AL, granddaughter, Erica Smith (Timothy Wilson) of Goodwater; great-grandchildren, Yazmin Wilson and Richard Wilson; sisters, Ruby Shaw and Shirley Stanford, both of Sylacauga; numerous nieces and nephews; special niece, Heather Stanford of Alabaster; and sister-in-law, Ruby Ogles of Goodwater. She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Jacob Partika, Berney Ogles, and Harlin Ogles. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. 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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friends on Facebook, but our contact does not involve discussion of love interests, family, etc. Eight years ago, I met a wonderful man who accepts me for who I am. He also understands and supports the type of contact I have with my ex. My beau and I have finally decided to take the plunge and be married. What is the etiquette for letting my ex-husband know that I am remarrying? I know there will be photos posted to Facebook by friends in common. -- SECOND TIME AROUND IN UTAH DEAR SECOND: Convey that information personally. Because you are on speaking terms, call him and share the happy news. I think he will appreciate hearing it straight from you, just as you would if the situation were reversed.
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JOBS available
The Outlook in Alexander City (alexcityoutlook.com) is a multi-media news and sales organization that is located
in Alexander City, Alabama. The Outlook and its sister publications have been the voice of central Alabama since 1892. Alexander City enjoys steady growth along with a list of many recreational opportunities.
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Board
language arts teacher at Alexander City Middle School; • Lauren Nix’s resignation from her position as a pre-K lead teacher at Jim Pearson Elementary School; • Lisa Pemberton’s transfer from her position as registrar at Alexander City Middle School to registrar at Benjamin Russell High School; • Kimberly Griggs’ transfer from an auxiliary teaching position at Jim Pearson to a teaching position at Stephens Elementary School; • Laura Cotney’s transfer from special education teacher to pre-K special education teacher at Jim Pearson; • Malinda McDaniel’s transfer from special education paraprofessional at Jim Pearson to a similar position at Stephens Elementary; • Kenyatta Simmons’ transfer from a teaching position at Stephens Elementary to an instructional coaching position at Radney Elementary; • Ashley Ramon’s reassignment from pre-K auxiliary teacher to a kindergarten teaching position at Jim Pearson; • New hires of Jenna Brown as pre-K lead teacher, Ronda Moreland and April Moncrief as pre-K auxiliary teachers and Brittney Kelly as counselor at Jim Pearson; • New hires of Molly Davenport as health science teacher, Angie Pearce as science teacher and Charles Linderman as social science teacher at Benjamin Russell; • New hire of James Robinson as social science teacher at Alex City Middle School; and • New hire of Matthew Leahey as senior Naval ROTC instructor at Benjamin Russell. All new hires are effective Aug. 1, except Leahey’s which is effective Nov. 1. Leahey must finish his service commitment before beginning employment at BRHS. The next meeting of the Alexander City Board of Education is set for 5 p.m., Thursday, June 28, in the board meeting room, located in the Alexander City Schools Central Office building at 375 Lee St.
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Qualifications Ideal candidates will have 2 plus years of outside sales experience. Most importantly, the candidate will have a demonstrated track record of achievement and be able to work in a fast paced and deadline oriented environment. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Candidates must have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including basic computer skills for Microsoft office suite including Google for email, scheduling, and documents. Our outside sales positions require you to have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
Please email resume to marketing @alexcityoutlook.com
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law
As an Advertising account executive you will be expected to develop new business and maintain an existing account base of clients by selling a variety of advertising products and services. Some of our advertising products include print, online and mobile editions of the newspaper, magazines, inserts, direct mail and email marketing. This role is critical to supporting the over all revenue objectives at out organization. Our Account Executives use a consultative sales approach to identify the marketing and advertising needs of their clients in order to make effective recommendations. At the close of sale, this position requires you to complete detailed paperwork to fulfill orders that include placement of ads, the creative message, and reports to communicate campaign performance.
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Friday, July 15, 2016
The Outlook
Page 3
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Commission help identify a site for a new building and secure the property last July. The city of Dadeville was also active in the search. The Agricola Road site was identified three months ago and the county and the state did all the prep work including surveys and deed searches in advance of closing on the property. The building will actually be paid for by the state, using a system where the county secures bonds using the state’s credit rating. The county would actually own the building, but would lease the building back to DHR and the rent paid by the agency would repay the bonds. A vote to establish a building authority could come as soon as the August meeting of commissioners. In another move, the commissioners approved
CACC
continued from page 1
placing a vote before the voters on Sunday alcohol sales. The commissioners had led the way in getting legislation approved that would allow for the vote. Rep. Mark Tuggle (R-Alexander City) crafted the legislation so that cities could sign on to do the same without having to get another bill though the legislature. With Monday’s vote, county voters will get the chance to make their feelings known on Nov. 8. Voters in Dadeville, New Site and Alexander City will vote on Sunday sales resolutions during municipal elections on Aug. 23. On other agenda items, the commissioners: • Approved warrants and purchase orders. • Approved a move by highway department to seek annual bids. • Went into executive session for an update on
continued from page 1
“At this point, it’s just too complicated,” she said. Burrow also said she did not know why one merger was paused and the other allowed to continue. “That is a question that you would need to ask Dr. Heinrich,” said Burrow. “I don’t know.” Burrow said the pausing of the merger process would allow her and the CACC faculty and staff to “focus our efforts back to business at hand at CACC.” “Focusing on one institution is certainly a lot more simple and easier than focusing on three,” Burrow said. “This will allow us to concentrate on our students here at CACC without distractions. We have a lot of great potential here, a lot of great students.” The merger was rife with controversy from the beginning. Almost immediately after the announcement of the merger Southern Union officials, alumni and, in particular, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, were critical of Burrow’s role in the
Band
merger, suggesting she would favor CACC as the administrative headquarters of the consolidated college. Fuller, an outspoken proponent of making Southern Union the administrative hub of the consolidated college, wrote letters in March to the ACCS board, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education (ACHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Fuller’s letter to the ACCS board questioned the ability of Burrow and trustee Susan Foy of Alexander City to remain objective during the merger process. His letter to ACHE and SACSCOC questioned the transfer of authority over community colleges from the State Board of Education to the ACCS, questioned Burrow’s appointment of the consolidated college saying there was no public record of such appointment and called the decision and process to consolidate the institutions “hasty” and “accelerated.”
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“All next week is music camp,” Childers said. That’s when all 140 band members will spend the entire week learning music for the season. “This year’s theme is ‘Millennial Anthems,’” Childers said, “with music from the Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance and Evanescense.” Once band members have the music down, they can then look forward to adding another layer of practice. “The following week is band camp,” Childers said. Leading all three weeks of preparation is BRHS band director Dale Bloodworth, along with Childers and fellow assistant band director Gregg Coggin and marching band assistant Britt Wingler. The Wildcats first game is at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 against Central of Clay County High School in Lineville.
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an potential economic development opportunity that was presented by Lake Martin Area Economic Development Alliance Director Don McClellan. • Heard from Beck on preparation for the fiscal year 2017 budget. • Heard from resident Larry Corley about concerns over road conditions and other items on Roberts Drive. • Heard a presentation from Ella MacFiggen of Prosperity Again Through Health about a 2016 wellness program in September, which is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. The program is called “Let’s Move” and is part of Michelle Obama’s national initiative to increase physical activities and improve eating habits of children.
PATH presents
HEALTHY RECIPE CHALLENGE Who: Children between ages 8-12 What: Good Nutrition Recipe, made with locally grown produce Where: Pickup registration forms at Alexander City Chamber or Dadeville Chamber. Online @ www.alexandercitychamber.com or www.dadeville.com Judging based on:
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Change is a difficult thing
Opinion
Our View
Beat the heat with some summer fun
W
ith the dog days of summer upon us, many may be tempted to retreat to the conditioned air of their home and escape and take prolonged dips in the waters of beautiful Lake Martin to stay cool. But there are a number of activities, many of them outside, that are worth braving the heat for a short period to enjoy. And all of them provide chances to mingle with your townsfolk and enjoy some decidedly summertime activities. We’ll start with something that doesn’t require that you endure the heat – the Alex City Theatre II’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace, which features performances at 7 p.m. tonight and Saturday night and 2 p.m. on Sunday at the BRHS auditiorium. Then next weekend, well, who doesn’t enjoy a rodeo? The cowboys and cowgirls will take to the arena at the Sportplex with the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area Rodeo. Not only will there be ropin’ and ridin’, but other attractions as well, including cool drinks at the concession stand. And don’t forget the fourth annual Sun Festival, one of the highlights of our city’s entertainment year, sponsored by the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce. Sun Festival kicks off July 23 and features more than 60 events, including something for everyone. There will be treasure hunts, a pageant, a parade, movie, events at the lake – too much to mention here. But we’ll take the liberty of mentioning just a couple. You can celebrate our savior on Thursday with the Celebrate the “Son” concert at the BRHS auditorium. And you can enjoy the sounds of a country music superstar with the culmination of the eightday event, a concert from Jana Kramer July 30 at the Sportplex. So get out and enjoy the summer. The activities just might take your mind off the summer heat. You will be entertained, see old friends and make some new ones in the process.
Friday, July 15, 2016
M
y sweet wife has gotten this wild idea that it’s time to retire my lounge chair. Such an idea is totally foreign to my thinking, but to her there is an aesthetic purpose to all the great room furniture. I’m a function man myself when it comes to furniture. I believe if it holds me up, is comfortable and paid for, then leave it alone. She says I’m set in my ways and just don’t like change. I remind her of all the years of service that fine chair has provided to get into its present state. Oh sure, the material is frayed, the color is faded and the thing is beginning to lean to the left. However, there are a lot of good years left in that old boy. On top of all this is the fact the chair has a history. There is a stain on the arm from last year’s Christmas party, a tear in the footrest from my hunting boots and a broken spring in the seat from celebrating Alabama’s last National Championship. There is even a handprint on the control lever from the time I rebuilt the lawn mower engine. Yes sir, this thing has the feel of a fine antique and the security of an old friend. So what if my wife says it’s ugly, out of date and needs to go. I asked her if this was a person how she
GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist
would feel about them. I know I heard her mumble something about me, but she swears she was just clearing her throat. Her position is that it has served its usefulness and it’s time to move on. To accept her logic means I would have to admit that my lounger is just a chair to be used, and then discarded. Ever since she started this business of maybe changing I have clung to that old chair even tighter. Deep in my heart I know things change and move on, but she is talking about my chair and now I’m almost paranoid about this whole thing. It’s gotten to the point I’m questioning her motive and wondering is there is some secret, hidden agenda. Change is a scary thing for all of us. We get secure and comfortable with the familiar. When change comes, or is even suggested, we often retreat into a defensive mode without really realizing we’re doing it. The idea of something new means readjustments and a replacing of the
familiar. It’s difficult on any level to accept this as the natural progression of things. When Jesus was explaining true faith He made the analogy of not putting new wine in old skins. He was saying that a radical, new way of thinking was in order if people were going to understand Christianity. The old ways had served their purpose, but now needed to be replaced. He knew this was a hard saying because John’s gospel records that many walked with Him no more. So, faith is the ability to assimilate change even when you don’t know the final outcome. It truly is a hard thing for many people. I’ve been shopping with my wife to consider a new lounge chair. Boy, how things have changed! The new ones are bigger, softer and sturdier so maybe, just maybe, I’ve been overreacting to this idea of change. Of course, if my old chair has to go I don’t want to be at home when it happens. I don’t want it to know I had anything to do with this change. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister, an Alexander City resident and a regular columnist for The Outlook.
John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.
John McKelvey
George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.
George Carleton Jr.
Today’s
Scripture “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” – Titus 2:7
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Thursday Question: Do you think a special legislative session is needed this year?
Yes – 7 No – 8
Friday Question: Would you consider pickiing up a new indoor hobby to beat the dog days of summer? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
How to
Subscribe The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
Letters to the Editor
Reader thankful for excellent monitoring of water quality Dear Editor, I want to thank Mr. Shelby Richardson for keeping his eyes on our water. I want to congratulate you on a job well done. Water is a necessity. We need it in many ways. You never know how important it is until you are without it. I feel for the people in north Alabama, so many have lied to the people for so long and now the people are suffering. You have to be accountable and honest to the people.
I said that in order to say this, Alexander City you should invest in the long term protecting of our water supply. Give Mr. Richardson what ever tools he needs and not just fix for two or three months. Let’s start really fixing things that will last years. You will get more out it and save money because of it. I love water. I drink a lot of it ever since I was a child. Water keeps you healthy and strong.
It’s when you substitute other liquids is when your system starts to break down. So water is a main commodity food as well. So we thank Mr. Richardson for his hard work in keeping this water safe and free from contamination for this community. Thank you again for keeping our water protected. Arlean Wyckoff Alexander City
There are some big names moving among our small towns Dear Editor,
Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone Emma Jean Thweatt number is 825-4207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville.
“ What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens.” – Ellen Glasgow
Mission
Officials
Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Steve Robinson Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.
Quote
Our
Know Your T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s T.C. Coley Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill community. His phone number is 212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.
Today’s
It is amazing what a small world we live in. One of the secrets that has eluded much of the public in Alabama is the fact that one of our highest profile First Ladies was, in fact, a native of Alabama! Lady Bird Johnson, wife to President Lyndon B. Johnson, was born and lived in Alabama until age 13. Lady Bird was born Claudia Alta Taylor to Minnie Patillo and Thomas Taylor in Autauga County, Alabama. Her maternal grandfather, Luke Patillo, owned a business in Oxford, Alabama and resided at 112 Gray Street, Oxford *. Luke fathered two sons and a daughter, Minnie Patillo, who
attended Oxford College (no longer operational). Minnie Patillo married Thomas Taylor of Autauga County in 1900 and begat a daughter, Claudia Alta Taylor, Lady Bird Taylor Johnson. Lady Bird resided in Billingsley, Autauga County, Alabama, until age 13 when her mother died and then moved to Texas to be raised by an Aunt. Lady Bird continued to spend summers in Alabama until age 20, and actually enrolled in the University of Alabama for one summer in 1928. She eventually received a degree in journalism from St. Mary’s College and soon thereafter met and married an aspiring politician,
Lyndon B. Johnson. Upon her father’s death,Lady Bird inherited a significant estate, much of it in Alabama. Over the ensuing several years she made many trips back to her native state that continued well beyond President Johnson’s retirement. With Lady Bird’s death on July 11, 2007, her holdings in Alabama passed to her two daughters who still maintain ownership of real estate in Autauga County. Sources for this information: Alabama Pioneer; July 11, 2016 edition and The Anniston Star, 1963 James W. Anderson Talladega, Al 35160
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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!
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Today’s Birthdays
July 15, 2016
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Judy Brown, Ken Griffith, Cameron Pouncey, Katie Pouncey, Ashley Brewer, Melana Cox, John Livingston and Gyovantaye Tucker are celebrating birthdays today.
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The Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area is hosting its 10th annual Lake Martin Area Rodeo July 22 and 23. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. The PCAsanctioned rodeo is run by Brett Woody, Bar W Rodeo Company.
July 10-14
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Ray Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible School through July 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be music, crafts and snacks.
July 13-15
YES I CAN: Teresa Harrell Moten is hosting a mentoring camp at Nathaniel H. Stephens School from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be a free lunch.
July 16
SUMMER BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale in the library basement at 205 North West Street from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, July 16. The Friends will supply plastic bags for you to fill to the brim for $5 each or buy two bags and get the third one free! Books include fiction, non-fiction, classics, art, romance, cookbooks, decorating, selfhelp, religion, history and politics, beautiful coffee table books, and books to read to your children this summer. We also have several boxes of books recently donated for children and young readers. All proceeds go to improve the library. Call 256-825-7820 for information. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School is hosting a trade day July 16 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. OWL LADY: The Owl Lady will do a live bird of prey educational demonstration at the Camp Hill Town Library Saturday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Come see the owl and learn about other raptors. This is part of an ongoing series of library summer activities. It’s free for all ages. Free cookies and punch. The Camp Hill Library is at the corner of Main Street and Holley Avenue in downtown Camp Hill. DOUBLE HITTER: Come learn new fun educational game called Legends of the Game. The game teaches American History from 1865-1955. The Negro Leagues rose from the ashes of segregation to become one of the most
significant chapters of American History. While forever changing the way our national pastime was played, the Negro Leagues, more importantly changed America. Legends of the Game illustrates how baseball reflected and led the social shift in race relations in America. An autograph session will follow the presentations at 10:00 a.m and 11:15 a.m. by the inventor Rick Mosley at Alabama Street Makers Market. Come early to sign your children up for a Homer Run Derby Contest.
July 17
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Hatchet Spring Baptist Church is celebrating its 109th anniversary Sunday July 17 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Fredrick Jemison of Tallasahatchie Baptist Church in Childersburg. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Submerged June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17 and July 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its 136th Anniversary Sunday, July 17 at 2:30 p.m. The guest minister is Rev. Bernard Harris of Mt. Lovely Baptist Church. The pastor is Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware, Jr.
July 17-21
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Comer Baptist Church is hosting Submerged Vacation Bible School July 17-21 from p.m. to 8 p.m. for ages 4 through the 6th grade. For a van pick up call 256-234-2236 or 256-749-1926.
July 18
INDUSTRIAL AUTHORITY MEETING: The Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority will have its quarterly meeting on Monday, July 18 beginning at 10 a.m. in the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center
Executive Board Room on the campus of CACC.
July 19
RETIREES MEETING: The Tallapoosa County Education Retirees Association (TCERA) meeting will be Tuesday, July 19 at the Alexander City Board of Education at 10 a.m. The program will be “Safe Driving.” Please bring school supplies. CIVITAN CLUB: The Alexander City Civitan Club is hosting an organizational meeting July 19 at the Lake Martin Area United Way building with a social at 5:30 p.m. and meeting at 6 p.m.
July 22
FLAG RETIREMENT: The Clay County VFW Post 9581 is holding a flag retirement ceremony July 22 at 4 p.m. at the Bibb Graves School.
July 22-23
RODEO: The Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area is hosting its 10th annual Lake Martin Area Rodeo July 22 and 23. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. The PCA-sanctioned rodeo is run by Brett Woody, Bar W Rodeo Company.
July 23
BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves School is hosting bingo night July 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. GOSPEL SINGING: The Taylor Family Gospel Singers is celebrating 23 years of gospel singing at Centerview Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill Saturday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m. BACK TO SCHOOL JAMBOREE: Free school supply starter packs will be given to area children July 23 at 10 a.m. at DARE Power Park. You must attend to receive your packs - Only 1 pack per child. This event is hosted by Adams Chapter OES #685 and Community Sponsors. Everyone is invited!
Hamp Wagoner acknowledged that some people in the city had been “frustrated” with the progress of the project, but said many of the delays have been unavoidable. “I know people are frustrated with the progress, but it wasn’t like the county engineer and the city engineer could just take equipment over there and start digging,” Wagoner said. “They had to have surveys, lines drawn, plans where power’s going to be, plans where water’s going to be. I mean it just goes on and on. And then when it was determined 100 percent that it sat on school property, it had to go through the Alabama Building Commission. So I think it’s about normal.” With much of the survey work completed by Foresite Group, the committee settled on April 1 as a start date for work on Phase 1 mainly due to weather concerns, according to Brewer. “That’s the main reason,” Brewer said. “Most folks, if given the choice, will start a project around then, especially one that’s going to include so much dirt work.” The estimated price tag for the field work and bleacher demolition is $175,000. Currently, after paying Foresite, the group has on hand some $7,759 dedicated to the project.
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continued from page 1
Cooper said the school board could likely contribute as much as $100,000 by Oct. 1. Coley said there was a possibility of the county commission providing some funding out of the commissioners’ discretionary accounts. Wagoner spoke to efforts he and others intend to make to get the alumni associations of the University of Alabama, where Lyon played football, and Auburn University to contribute. “Auburn may be interested because of Jimmy ‘Red’ Phillips connection to the stadium,” Wagoner said. “He played there and he was every little boy’s hero in Alex City when he played for Auburn and the Los Angeles Rams.” Wagoner also added that he has a meeting with Jim Byard, the director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and a representative of the Alabama Tourism department and others on July 18 to explore the possibility of getting grant money to help fund the project. “Jim has a connection to Alex City,” Wagoner said. “Of course, his mother grew up here, she went to Benjamin Russell and she was a cheerleader there. We’re hoping Jim has some ideas of some things we can look at.” Wagoner also said he planned to approach though
Alabama State Arts Council. “This project can fall into some of the (arts council’s) categories because it is a multiuse facility and they do contribute to brick and mortar projects,” Wagoner said. Cooper said that public contributions are likely to increase as work at the facility begins. “I think one of the big things is that you’ve got to move some dirt,” Cooper said. “I’ve had experience before, trying to get something done, but once we start moving dirt, then we were rolling and people were excited about it and wanting to contribute.” The group also discussed the possibility of having an outside contractor advise them on the best types of dirt to be used so that the fields will drain well, but made no final decisions on that. “We don’t have some of the equipment that others do, so that limits us a little bit,” Brewer said. “But we could have someone look at it bearing in mind the equipment that we do have.” The group also discussed the need to level the playing field. One end of the stadium has an elevation five feet lower than the other.
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CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
Friday, July 15, 2016
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Sports
Calendar Ongoing
Alexander City Parks and Recreation Cheerleading registration, through July 29, Cost is $65, Season starts around September 10th and lasts for 6 weeks. Then we will have 2 weeks of playoff games, a cheer competition and a Super Bowl.
Rebels getting ready
July 23
Alex City Junior City Golf Championship, Lake Winds Golf Club, Call the pro shop at 256-825-9860 to sign up.
July 26
Sun Festival Hittin’ the Links Glow in the Dark Golf Tournament, 5:30 p.m. at Lake Winds Golf Course. Registration is $27 per person for the fourman scramble. Entry includes green fee, cart, glow supplies and dinner. Prizes for first, second and third-place teams. Register with the Alex City Chamber of Commerce at 120 Tallapoosa St., calling 256-234-3461. For more information, email jacob. meacham@alexandercitychamber.com.
July 29
Benjamin Russell Golf Tournament, Lake Winds Golf Club, Call the pro shop at 256825-9860 to sign up. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch then shotgun start at 1:15 p.m. and awards at 5 p.m. Entry fee $400 per team and must be received before tournament and made payable to BRHS Golf Team. Tourney includes three mulligans, a throw and a power drive per player. For more information, call Wes Tate at 256750-0953.
July 30-31
Alex City Golf Championship, Lake Winds Golf Club, Call the pro shop at 256-825-9860 to sign up. The $85 fee includes green fee and cart. Tourney will be Flighted Forward Tee Division and includes tee gifts, lunch each day, skins game each day and closest to pins. Overall champ receives an exemption for 2017 and their own parking space.
Aug. 5
Alex City Youth Soccer registration for ages 3-15, 5:308 p.m. at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex gym, birth certificate required, $60 fee includes jersey.
Aug. 11-Aug. 20
Tackle Football registration for age divisions: 5-6 yr old flag football, 6-8 yr olds, 10U and 12U (Playing age as of Sept. 1st). 8 week season. The league consists of 6 cities. The first 6 weeks is regular season. Then, there is a two week playoff to decide the top two teams in each age group. These top teams will then play in the Tallapoosa County Super Bowl.
Aug. 12
Alex City Youth Soccer registration for ages 3-15, 5:308 p.m. at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex gym, birth certificate required, $60 fee includes jersey.
Aug. 13
Alex City Youth Soccer registration for ages 3-15, 5:308 p.m. at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex gym, birth certificate required, $60 fee includes jersey.
Aug. 23
Alexander City Parks and Recreation Youth Fall Softball registration, 5-7 p.m. at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex Gym, cost is $45, tryouts Aug. 25 for 10-game session. 2016 Bridge Builders Youth Football Camp for ages 6-12, $10 per camper, registration 7:30 a.m. and includes lunch and guest speaker. Features Brad Ford, Dadeville High alumni and former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Detroit Lions and Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster. For more information, contact Bro. Hudson R. Hinton at 256-329-8782.
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During spring practice in May, Kolby Coan (14) runs the ball flanked by Alex Giddens (22) and Blake Baker (75). The Reeltown Rebels open football season at home on Aug. 18 against Notasulga.
Reeltown High prepares to host season opener against Notasulga By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
The Reeltown Rebels will come into the 2016 looking to improve on last year’s 6-5 overall record. But they’ll be doing so with a fair number of sophomores and even a couple of freshmen in the lineup. “We are young in some places but we have a good bit of experience up front on both sides of the ball,” said Reeltown head football coach Matt Johnson, who returned to his alma mater after the retirement of legendary coach Jackie O’Neal. “We are looking to lean on those guys as
we know in this game it starts up front with o-line and d-line.” In some cases, that means building from the ground up, especially in key positions. “We did lose some key players from last year and we are continuing the process of developing guys to step up in some of those roles especially at the quarterback position,” Johnson said. “We are young and not bringing a load of experience at that position so as of now that is the biggest question mark.” But the Rebels will remain
consistent where it counts. “We will continue to be a runheavy team as that is in their blood here,” Johnson said. “We will run the ball, look to control the clock, play good defense and we always put a lot of stock in special teams.” By running the ball, the Rebels plan to eat up a lot of ground this fall. “This is a game of real estate and special teams is where the most real estate is
lost and gained,” Johnson said. “We must continue to improve in that area and take pride in it.” The team has already been putting in the work required to make those improvements. “The players have bought in to what we are doing and have really worked hard this summer,” Johnson said. The Rebels will continue working until their home field season opener on Aug. 18 against Notasulga. “We have much to work on before Notasulga comes here that first week, which is good,” Johnson said. “Good teams do not peak in July.”
‘Meet the Coach’ continues at Mamie’s Place Summer reading program features youth soccer league coach Josh Tucker By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
After taking a week off in honor of the Independence Day holiday, Mamie’s Place held its fifth installment of “Meet the Coach,” part of its summer reading program bearing the theme, “Ready, Set, Read,” Wednesday morning. Josh Tucker of the Alexander City Youth Soccer League was this week’s featured speaker. He read two picture books that focused on soccer. In addition, Tucker discussed the science of the game. “Your brain is a microcomputer,” he told the young readers. One focus of science Tucker pointed out was the use of physics in the sport. “Physics can help you dribble, pass and score,” he said, explaining the concept of spin. “Spin makes air flow faster on one side of the ball faster than the other side.” Tucker also encouraged the young attendees to practice soccer on their own if they are interested in playing soccer. “It’s not that hard,” he said. With the help of athletes from the Alex City Youth Soccer League, Tucker also gave some tips on the points and led an exercise. Cathy Higgins / The Outlook Before closing the program, Tucker Alexander City Youth Soccer League coach Josh Tucker reads a oicture book about soccer during pointed out that registration for the Alex Wedensday’s installment of “Meet the Coach” at Mamie’s Place. City Fall Soccer is set for next month for ages 3-15. “Per age group there are usually four ALEX CITY YOUTH LEAGUE FALL SOCCER REGISTRATION teams,” he said. “They’re broken apart by at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex gym: two years.” 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug 5 Tucker explained that games are held 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug.12 in September and October, with the first 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 13 game kicking off Sept. 8. “Everything is pretty much finished need to bring their birth certificate,” he by Halloween,” he said. “Depending on this year.” Tucker anticipates the games to be said. the weather, we could be finished by fall The cost of registering for the fall league played in an improved setting this fall. break.” “They’re installing lights in the new is $60. According to Tucker, the number of par“The league provides the jersey,” Tucker ticipants makes for the formation of 16-20 field,” he said. For newcomers looking to play soccer said. “The child provides their cleats and teams. shin guards, which they have to wear to all “Last fall we had 175 kids play,” he said. this fall, Tucker offers some advice. practices and games.” “If they’ve never played before, they “We’re expecting to meet or exceed that