Issuu

OPINION: VOTE ON LOTTERY ISSUE IS A GOOD MOVE, PAGE 4.

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THURSDAY

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QB Buchanan looks forward to big year for Tigers

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 July 28, 2016

Vol. 124, No. 151

Sports, Page 8

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Bentley calls for vote on lottery By MITCH SNEED Editor

Gov. Robert Bentley announced Wednesday that he would call a special session asking the Alabama Legislature to take up the issue of a lottery to help solve the state’s budget woes. “I am asking that each legislator allow the people back home the right to vote on a statewide lottery,” Bentley said in a released statement. “I have faith in the people of this state to make the right

and the best choice. I trust the voters and our legislators must do the same. Let’s not stand in the way and deny your rights. Montgomery doesn’t have all the answers. Let’s hear from the people of this great state about whether it’s time to approve a statewide lottery to help fund essential state services.” Alabama Senate Minority Leader Quinton T. Ross Jr. (D-Montgomery) said it’s rare that he agrees with the governor, but he is glad Bentley finally sees that an idea long favored by the state’s

Democrats is a viable option for the state. “We are pleased that the governor has decided to entertain legalized gaming after Democrats have been pushing the issue for years,” Ross said in a released statement. “We need to legalize and tax our existing gaming facilities, as well as create a statewide lottery so our state can adequately fund and expand our struggling Medicaid system and properly support our underfunded educational system. These gaming dollars can provide stability and long-term economic streams for

many of our General Fund and Education Trust Fund needs.” It is estimated that $250 million a year leaves Alabama and goes into the coffers of nearby states where gaming is legal, such as Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee. During his last two runs for office, Bentley repeatedly said he was in favor of allowing the people to vote on having a lottery. So why now, when he is facing lawsuits over improper spending, an See LOTTERY • Page 2

AUGUST 8: Registration deadline nears for city voters

Sun Festival turns into ‘Son’ Festival Gold City Quartet, Matt Papa featured in Faith Night concerts By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Faith Night takes center stage at Sun Festival tonight with performances by Christian artists at Strand Park and Benjamin Russell High School auditorium. Sponsored by Radney Funeral Home and Daniel Yates and Lynn Patterson, the night has become a feature attraction of the annual Chamber of Commerce summer festival. “We started out a long time ago before Sun Festival ever came doing the community concert and collecting food for the food bank,” said Randy Anderson, owner of Radney Funeral Home. “When Sun Festival came along, we got on board with Celebrate the Son and also helped to sponsor the Praise in the Park and got involved with that, too. We’ve traditionally raised between 1,200 and 1,400 pounds of food every year. We collect canned food items at both venues, at Strand Park and at BRHS. “Last year we had about 800 people at Benjamin Russell for Celebrate the Son. We’re thinking this year we may pack it out. It holds about 1,100 people.” The music starts at Strand Park at 6:30 p.m. with Matt Papa, a Christian recording artist, songwriter, worship leader, See FAITH • Page 3

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Plenty of festival fun Above, body guard Quin Burroughs,16, tries to look on as Bradley Stewart, 16, left, Corley Woods, 18, and Matthew McClure, 16, lip sync to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A” Wednesday evening at the Sun Festival’s Lip Sync Battle in Strand Park. Right, local magician Carl Kelly performs a magic show at the Cooper Recreation Center. See page 7 for a schedule of today’s Sun Festival events and the clue to the Pie in The Sky Treasure Hunt.

Do you want your voice heard in the Aug. 23 municipal elections? You still have time to register to vote if you have not already done so. Under Alabama law, voters must be registered at least 14 days prior to Election Day to be eligible to cast a ballot. That means that to vote, you must be registered by Aug. 8 to vote in the Aug. 23 elections. How and where can a person register? Tallapoosa County has a variety of ways to register for voting. The Tallapoosa County Courthouse is located on 125 North Broadnax St. in Dadeville and is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents in Alexander City might want to visit See VOTE • Page 3

Tallapoosa County schools prepare for opening Lake Levels Lake Martin

Institute Day gets new look; DHS kicks off open houses

Board makes final moves prior to school year

489.27 Reported on 7/27/16 @ 6 p.m.

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443

The Tallapoosa County Board of Education made several last-minute personnel moves at a specially called meeting on Wednesday at the board’s central office building. “These will be the last changes that we need to make prior to the school year unless something comes up,” said Tallapoosa County Schools Superintendent Joe Windle. All board members – Windle, Chairman Martin Johnson, Randy Cliff Williams / The Outlook Anderson, Michael Carter, Karen White and Matilda Woodyard-Hamilton – were Dadeville Elementary third-grade teacher Kayla Claybrook painted her classroom this week and spent Wednesday cleaning and dusting present for the meeting. See BOARD • Page 3 items in it.

Prior to the start of the school year for Tallapoosa County Schools on Wednesday, Aug. 3, the school system will hold its annual Institute Day on Tuesday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Dadeville High School auditorium. Usually, Tallapoosa County Superintendent Joe Windle uses the opportunity to provide teachers with updates on requirements, new processes, etc., but this time he plans to do things differently. “Most institutes are informationproviding opportunities, because we have the entire workforce together in See SCHEDULE • Page 3

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Sweet man sours marriage by calling his wife fat

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Staff

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

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

Management 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.

Postal

Information

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281. SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law

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Thursday, July 28, 2016

The Outlook

WHATLEY MONUMENT Company

Better Service A Family Tradition 1049 Hillabee Street Alexander City, AL C.M. “Mike” Whatley, Owner

DEAR ABBY: I am a large, overweight woman. I have been in the process of losing weight for more than five years. I got married three years ago to an amazing guy. He’s the sweetest man I have ever met. Something he said recently really bothers me. He said he thinks I’m fat. While I know I’m fat -- and admit it out loud -- I never thought it was appropriate for your significant other to say it to you. I am at a loss as to what to do because he is right, but it hurts my feelings that he not only thinks it but says it. I have tried talking to him about how it makes me feel, but he just shrugs his shoulders. He sees nothing wrong with calling me fat. What do you think? -- BIG GIRL IN CHAMPAIGN, ILL. DEAR BIG GIRL: If you call yourself fat, then it’s possible your husband didn’t think his doing so would hurt your feelings. Straighten him out. And when you do, tell him what other terms you would prefer

DEAR ABBY Advice

he use (i.e., “big and beautiful,” “bountiful and bodacious,” etc.). Point out that whether it is a large or small amount, getting weight off is difficult. Also, it’s not unusual for people who are hurting to eat more in order to compensate. He married you when you were heavier, so he should be aware not only that you’re making progress, but also that you need his support. DEAR ABBY: I’m 30 and have lived with my boyfriend, “Shane,” for two years. We spend lots of time together, our families socialize and we have a good relationship. My problem is Shane’s use of social media. He takes a lot of pictures and posts them online

while we’re together, but I am never in them and he never mentions that I’m there. Example: We took trips to Las Vegas, New York and Jamaica. He posted dozens of pictures of himself, but none of us together. When we go to nice restaurants, he shoots pictures of the food and solo selfies, but never mentions that I’m there, too. He has female friends I have never met who comment on all his fabulous adventures. It appears to me that Shane has created an online image as an exciting, jet-setting single guy. But when I say that, he tells me I am being “immature.” I am considering ending the relationship because of this. What do you think? -- OUT OF THE PICTURE DEAR OUT OF THE PICTURE: When a couple has been living together for two years and spends the majority of their time together, their friends usually know they are involved. That Shane has

cultivated an image of himself online as fancy-free seems strange to me, too. It may be that he is self-centered, or that he’s not as committed to your relationship as you would like him to be. When you tell a person something bothers you, and that person not only doesn’t do something about it but blames you, it’s a red flag. But if everything else in the relationship is as fine as you say, it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. I assume you have a social media presence of your own. I suggest that you fill it with lots of pictures of Shane, the two of you together and the places you’re going together. 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 Mrs. Cindy Edwards 1962 - 2016

Funeral Service for Cindy Edwards, 53, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Friday, July 29, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Langley Funeral Home. Bro. Robert Green will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 28, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Langley Funeral Home. Mrs. Edwards passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She was born on October 29, 1962 in Opelika, Alabama to Alford and Linda

Lottery

Pritchard. Mrs. Edwards loved spending time with her family and enjoyed watching the grandchildren play ball. She was an entrepreneur and loved arts and crafts. She and her family spent many wonderful vacations at the beach. She is survived by her husband, Van Edwards of Alexander City; daughters, Kandi Patterson (Ricky) and Cheri Edwards; son, Tink Edwards; grandchildren, Ricky and Ramsey Patterson; mother, Linda Pritchard; brothers, Sonny Pritchard (Melissa), Lynn Pritchard (Laura), Brandon Pritchard; sister, Sherry Barnett (Wayne); nephews, Matthew, Andrew, Robbie (Amanda) and Eli

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investigation into potential illegal activity involving his use of state funds to carry on with a former top aide, does he think the time is now for a lottery? He used the 70s leisure suit to answer that question. “Many states surrounding Alabama created lotteries years ago, and they’ve enjoyed much success.,” Bentley said in a column released to newspapers statewide Wednesday. “I likened a lottery to a leisure suit, a trend that was once all the rage in its heyday, but maybe had lost its luster in modern times. “Well, sometimes when the leisure suit is the only thing you’ve got left hanging in the closet, you have to suck in your gut, and squeeze into that thing, no matter how ill-fitting it may be. “ The reaction by Outlook readers on social media was positive about the potential of a lottery coming to a vote of the people. “I think we should have a lottery,” Beth Reyes said. “Many people will drive over the state line to get a lottery ticket, so why not let our state thrive from the benefits of a lottery.” Phillip Thornell agreed. “Why have they waited so long to do this?” Thornell asked. “I think the lottery is good if the money is used appropriately.”

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Pritchard; niece, Jessica Pritchard (Steven); great-nephew, Dillon Burns; great-nieces, Cheyenne Jordan and Chloe Pritchard. She was preceded in death by her father, Alford Pritchard. The family will accept flowers or memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society 3054C McGehee Road, Montgomery, AL, 36111. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.langleyfuneralhome. com. Langley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Local business to say thanks to law enforcement STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Lake Martin Wash & Detail, Alex City Marine, Benson’s Garage and Foshee What’s Curb Market plan to say thanks to area law enforcement officers and support personnel Friday. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, law enforcement officers are invited to Lake Martin Wash & Detail on Airport Drive near Cherokee Road for a feast of barbecue and all the fixing as the four area business hope to show their appreciation for those who lay their lives on the live to keep residents safe. “It has been a rough time for law enforcement officers across our country,” said David Stroud of Lake Martin Wash & Detail. “We wanted to show them how much what they do means to us. So along with Benson’s Garage, Alex City Marine and Foshee What’s Curb Market, we will smoke Boston Butts and have a spread for all the officers, dispatchers and other support staff. It’s just our way of saying thanks.” For more information, call Stroud at 256-749-2550.

Dadeville’s Hometown Grocery closing sale ends July 31 STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

Hometown Grocery looks to be closing just months after cutting the ribbon. Inventory is all but gone from the shelves with signs announcing that the remaining inventory is 75 percent off until July 31. The store changed its name from Piggly Wiggly to Hometown Grocery in May. Store 34 owner Mike Patel reopened the location as Piggly Wiggly in August of 2015 after the Laeman Butcher family chose to close the business. The Butchers had run the business since the 1980s and closed it in January of 2015.

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Please email resume to marketing @ alexcityoutlook.com

Dadeville council addresses dilapidated structures Tarpley wanted to amend minutes from the special called meeting. City attorney Robin The City of Dadeville Reynolds also metioned that is closer to removing ALDOT would evaluate the dilapidated structures. Paul Monroe of Monroe decision as Lafayette Street is resurfaced. The A-Trip and Associates made project will be let for bid a presentation to the Friday. Dadeville City Council at Councilperson Stephanie Tuesday night’s meeting to update them on the process. Kelley was absent from the meeting. Monroe presented The Dadeville City handouts, pictures and addresses of structures they Council also: • approved payment of think should be taken down. the bills. Monroe also provided a • approved recreation plan for the grant program center rentals. and explained that some • approved a poll worker of the structures are in resolution. historic districts and could • approved minutes from complicate things. the last regular council The council voted to meeting. establish a bank account The next meeting of the just to handle the grant Dadeville City Council will monies for the project. be Aug. 9 at 5 p.m. Councilperson Mickey By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Schedule

continued from page 1

one place,” Windle said. “But this year, we’re going to take a little different approach. We’re going to have a fun day. We’re going to try to make this a good time for our workforce. We’re going to have a comedian come in, we’re going to have music, we’re going to have skits just to make it a fun opportunity because it’s been a hard four or five years in education. We’ve taken the fun out of it. And we need to put some fun back in.” The keynote speaker for the occasion will be Jody Fuller, an inspirational and comedic speaker and writer from Opelika. Fuller, who writes a weekly column for The Outlook, said his message to teachers will be the important role they play in the lives of children. “I’ve done quite a few of these,” Fuller said. “My message is basically the same thing. The point is to show teachers how important their role is. I want to provide some motivation and laughter as they head into the school year, help them get it started on a positive note. “I’m just a poor, stuttering kid from Opelika. I thought I’d end up working in the tire plant. But I had some teachers that showed me that I could be more than that. If I had to title it, I guess it would be ‘Adapt and Overcome.’ Or another one of those sayings I had in the Army, ‘Make It Happen.’”

While the morning session will be designed to get the year started on a fun note, there is still the business of updates and new information on athletics, social media, teacher ethics and mandatory reporting that must be covered. Those will be addressed in professional development sessions set for Monday at Dadeville and Reeltown. Open houses/orientations for the Tallapoosa County Schools begin today with Dadeville High School at 6 p.m. The rest of the Tallapoosa County Schools open house/orientation schedule is as follows: • Horseshoe Bend School, Friday, July 29: Seniors meet from noon to 1 p.m., juniors from 1-2 p.m., sophomores from 2-3 p.m. freshmen from 3-4 p.m., eighthgraders from 4-5 p.m. and seventh-grade orientation begins at 5:30 p.m. • Horseshoe Bend Elementary School, Monday, Aug. 1, 6-7 p.m. • Dadeville Elementary School, Monday, Aug. 1, 5-7 p.m. • Reeltown Elementary and High schools, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2-6 p.m. On Sunday, July 31, there will be a prayer walk sponsored by local churches at each school. Horseshoe Bend’s will begin at 3 p.m., Dadeville’s at 4 p.m. and Reeltown’s at 7 p.m.

Board

continued from page 1

The personnel moves, all approved unanimously, included: • Resignations of Christina Meigs, a bus driver at Horseshoe Bend School, and Ashley Ramon of Dadeville High School, effective upon board approval; • Retirement of Ramona Heard, a lunchroom worker at Dadeville Elementary School, effective Aug. 1; • Employment of Carrie Patterson as a pre-K teacher and John Thompson and Amy Scott as bus drivers at Horseshoe Bend School, effective upon board approval; • Employment of Nina Williams as assistant principal and Delilah Mynard as a music teacher at Dadeville Elementary School, effective upon board approval; • Employment of Ronda Moreland, English and language arts teacher, Ashley Gresko as music/fine arts teacher, George Richardson as a special education paraprofessional Charlie Pullium

as a bus driver at Dadeville High School, effective upon board approval; • Transfer of Ray Porter from Reeltown High School to coordinator of alternative programs and online learning, effective upon board approval; • Transfer of Nicarra Russell from the Reeltown School lunchroom to the Dadeville lunchroom, effective upon board approval; • Approval of a leave of absence for Faye Nell Tinsley, nurse at Dadeville Elementary School, effective upon board approval. • Approved a purchased services contract for Debra Lynn, a counselor at the Tallapoosa County Virtual Academy, effective upon board approval. The first day of school for Tallapoosa County Schools is Wednesday, Aug. 3. The system’s annual Institute Day is Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Page 3

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The Outlook

Faith

continued from page 1

Hymns” I and II. The Gold City Quartet will be performing at the Celebrate the Son concert in the Benjamin Russell High School auditorium. “The Gold City Quartet is one of the oldest quartets in the country,” said Anderson of the Gadsden-based group that formed in 1980. “They are a southern male Gospel quartet that is very well respected, very tight harmony, really good talent. And they have a somewhat local guy that sings with them now. Scott Brand from Clay County is their lead singer that joined them about a month ago, so we’ll have a lot of Clay County folks coming, too.” Gold City’s latest project, “Gold City – Authentic,” features some of the group’s most popular songs from the 1980s with updated tracks and vocals featuring today’s Gold City lineup.

and author from Atlanta. Papa’s service to Christ through song, preaching, writing, and mentoring is conducted with a heart that longs to see bring people from every corner of the world to Christ. Kim Dunn, director of marketing and special events for the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce says Sun Festival attendees will enjoy Papa’s musical gift. “I have personally seen him in concert and he puts on a phenomenal show,” Dunn said. “I think that everyone will enjoy what he has to say through his music. It’s free, so we just hope that everyone will come out and enjoy it.” Papa has recorded several Christian albums including “Matt Papa Live,” “This Changes Everything,” “Look and Live,” “Your Kingdom Come,” “You Are God” and “Scripture Songs &

Vote

continued from page 1

the probate office in the C.J. Coley Courthouse Annex on 395 Lee St. in Alexander City. The Board of Registrars can also fulfill your requests in obtaining a voter registration form by calling 256825-1081. In order to register by mail, residents must provide a correct mailing address.

For residents who seek an online option, applications are available at www.alabamavotes.org. However, potential applicants are to print the form, complete the information required of the form and either mail the application to the Tallapoosa County Courthouse or take the application to the Board of Registrars.

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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

www.alexcityoutlook.com

Page 4

Our

View

Vote of the people on lottery issue is a good move

ov. Robert Bentley resorted to a time-honored political standby Wednesday. What ‘stand-by’ do we mean? When the going gets tough and you are under fire, tell the people what they want to hear. Bentley reached into a bag of tricks he has been toting around since he first ran for governor in 2010 and pulled out the old “let’s let the people vote on a lottery card.” Bentley called for a special legislative session to address the state’s budget issues and part of that is to ask the legislature to put a vote before the people on a lottery in Alabama. It’s about time. Why did it have to wait until he was facing possible criminal indictment, multiple lawsuits over questionable spending and the possible shutdown of Medicaid? According to a 2015 TargetPoint Consulting survey of Alabamians commissioned by Alabama Jobs Foundation, the majority of those questioned wanted to have a say on the matter. According to the poll, 89 percent of those surveyed favored giving voters the chance to weigh in on gambling. Support was high for legalization of gambling as well: 69 percent said they would like to see an amendment to the state constitution that would allow for gambling, and 80 percent were in favor of a lottery if the proceeds went to education. In the interest of full disclosure, the Alabama Jobs Foundation is a nonprofit group that has been pushing for legislation that would allow voters in the state a chance to approve the establishment of a statewide lottery and expanded gambling options at four dog racing tracks in the state. Regardless of the source, giving the people a vote is always a good thing. We hope it does hit the ballot. We favor letting the people decide on issues this important instead of leaving them in the hands of politicians.

Know Your

Officials

Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010.

Charles Shaw

Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.

Bobby Tapley

Sherry Ellison-Simpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.

Sherry Ellison Simpson

Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.

Bob Howard

Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.

Billy Ray Wall

James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-3299758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.

James Spann

Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.

Tony Goss

Outlook The

Thursday, July 28, 2016

These conventions were unconventional

onald Trump and his family took charge of the GOP Convention last week. His sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump Jr., and daughter Ivanka Trump Jr., were great. I kid, but if anyone else were to name all his kids “Donald Trump Jr.” in a George Foreman-style child-naming scheme, it would be Donald Trump. One thing was clear: Against the backdrop of immense wealth, which often makes raising good kids harder, The Donald has raised some good ones. The liberal media were on heightened alert to jump on anything Trump did. It was show time – and serious – for CNN, which elevated its investigative drive-by media reporters to Full Blitzer, knowing they could rest later at the DNC convention. But nothing came of it. It turned out that the Trumps are a solid and rather normal family. “Bummer,” says MSNBC. “Well, we can continue to call them racist, since they are white.” Ivanka Trump wore a $138 dress and looked post-baby great. Contrast that to Hillary Clinton, who gave a speech in New York on income inequality in a $12,485 Giorgio Armani tweed jacket. Aside from the fact that Hillary always looks like she has her jacket on backwards, this tells the real story. People who earn their own money spend it wisely. Grifters like Hillary, who pretend to care about the “little people,” have no qualms wearing ostentatious $12,000plus outfits. The way that outfit looked on Hillary, Armani must be planning on getting a Department of Defense contract to make tents. During the GOP convention, Trump had great African-American speakers, presumably because polls in swing states show that Trump is polling at less than 1% with blacks. I

RON HART Columnist

examined those poll numbers, and they seem high. African-Americans long ago sold out to the Democrat Party, no matter what it does. This is sad and not well thought-out. I hope some of them see Dinesh D’Souza’s new documentary, Hillary’s America; it documents how, from Abraham Lincoln to now, Republicans were the real champions for black causes. Democrats control their blind loyalty by repeating lies about Republicans, so blacks are a lost cause for Trump. However, he is counting on getting some Mexican legal immigrant support, since they tend to be like Republicans: hardworking, entrepreneurial and family-oriented. And once they become more assimilated and have to do all these U.S. holidays with the family, they might warm to the idea of a wall to keep their in-laws out of America. Debbie “Blabbermouth” Schultz, who reminds every American male of the ex-wife from hell, was caught cheating Bernie Sanders and fired from the DNC. We all know her “Super-delegate system” is rigged to help the old political hacks. Yet, in the grand tradition of Lois Lerner Democrat ethics, Wasserman did not lose her job. Hillary hired her -- not for her personality, for her silence. This should outrage all Americans. There are two things we Americans can no longer handle: arrogant, out-oftouch politicians and portion control. Debbie Wasserman Schultz continued to do

what Democrats do best: deny. She said, “I was fair to both Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bernie Unelectable Sanders…I mean Bernie Sanders.” What sort of crazy primaries do the Republicans run, allowing an outsider with the most votes to win? This is why Bernie supporters, who value authenticity, won’t willingly get into the get-away clown car Hillary is driving. The GOP convention had themes: Make America Safe, Work, First, Great, etc. The Democrats had to come up with a convention theme, too. I suggested room service and hookers charged to lobbyists. But they seldom listen to me. The first night Bernie Sanders showed up at the Democrat Convention, he wandered onstage in his bathrobe. And Michelle Obama said, “Don’t let anyone tell you this country is not great.” I must have missed the day she became “proud of her country.” Maybe it was on her first $5 million vacation to Spain on Air Force One. The Democrats will continue their hollow refrain that anyone not for them is therefore a racist. Remember when Obama said at a previous DNC convention, “There is no black America, no white America, no Latino America…”? Well, after seven years of Obama, there is now. This will be an interesting election. Watch Hillary and The Donald debate in Las Vegas in October. It should favor Hillary, since Las Vegas is a city whose whole existence is based on people making bad decisions. Advantage: Hillary. A libertarian op-ed humorist and awardwinning author, Ron’s a frequent guest on CNN. He can be contacted at Ron@ RonaldHart.com or @ RonaldHart on Twitter.

Offer honest, blunt but sound advice

received this message from a fellow stutterer last week. Hey Jody! I was wondering if you’d be willing to chat with someone here at the American Institute for Stuttering (AIS) about stuttering life in the military. She’s interested in pursuing officer training school with the Marines but has had some not so great experiences related to stuttering so far and interested in speaking with someone who has been through it. Any tips/advice would be appreciated. When I first started my military journey 24 years ago, I had no idea I’d be able to influence others with issues relating to stuttering and the military. It is such a privilege to be in this position. I sent her the following message: My name is Jody Fuller. Sara from AIS asked if I’d reach out to you. While I’m not affiliated with AIS, I do appreciate their commitment to the stuttering community, so I’d be happy to help you in any way. Just a little background on me. After four years as an Army medic, I returned home, went to school, and graduated one month before 9/11. Shortly after, I applied for Army Officer Candidate School (OCS.) One of the recruiters overheard me talking and made an insensitive comment saying I’d never be more than a staff officer because of my stutter. Before OCS, I had an

Some might think that’s wrong, but it does indeed matter. The severity of a “disability” directly impacts a unit. Imagine JODY FULLER being on guard duty and Guest the enemy is breaching the Columnist compound. You have to be able to effectively comofficer mock me to my face. municate, as it can literally In OCS, I had an officer tell become a life or death situme I couldn’t be an officer ation. The same thing can because I stuttered. After all be said of those with poor that nonsense, as a second vision, hearing, etc. lieutenant, I was assigned I know people who as the platoon leader of the weren’t allowed to serve in third largest platoon in the uniform for a variety of reaUnited States Army and sons, but those who wanted deployed them to Iraq—not to serve found other ways to bad for a stuttering guy serve. In many cases, they who’d never be more than a are doing and giving back staff officer. far more than they likely I tell you all of that for a ever would have done in reason. Those three incidents uniform. occurred within a year of I’m not sure if this is any each other, and in 24 years of the stuff you wanted to of service are the only three hear or not. If you have any negative incidents I ever specific questions, please let experienced regarding my me know and I’ll be happy stutter. All my evaluations to help. have been stellar. Ultimately, If someone asks you for it’s about what you do, not advice, I encourage you to what you say or how you do so but to also be honest say it. and blunt, if necessary. We I deployed to Iraq two should consider it an honor more times with the National and privilege when others Guard. In 2014, I transferred seek our counsel. After all, to the Army Reserves and they could’ve asked anywas promoted to major, body. which again, not trying to sound arrogant, is not bad Jody Fuller is a comic, for a poor, stuttering kid speaker, writer and soldier from Alabama who started with three tours of duty in out as a private. Iraq. He is also a lifetime If you want to serve, then stutterer. He can be reached I encourage you to serve, at jody@jodyfuller.com. For but here is the blunt truth. more information, please Whether they will accept visit www.jodyfuller.com. you or not depends on the severity of your stutter.

Today’s

Quote

“Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Today’s

Scripture “This is the message you have heard from the beginning. We should love one another.” – 1 John 3:11

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Thursday, July 28, 2016

CommunityCalendar Season Speaks

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July 28, 2016

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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

Tara Wilson and Amanda Riddle teamed to find Wednesday’s Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt Medallion. They located the golden disc worth $200 at Mother Goose Day Care on Scott Road and will be entered into the drawing for $1,000 to be given away Saturday’s Jana Kramer concert at the Sportplex.

July 29

GOLF FUNDRAISER: The BRHS Boys and Girls Golf teams are hosting a golf tournament at Lakewinds Golf Course July 29 starting at noon. It is a four person scramble, each player gets three mulligans, a throw and a power drive. It costs $400 a team

July 29 - July 31

BEREAVEMENT CAMP: Camp I Believe will be at Children’s Harbor July 29 - 31. It is a bereavement camp for children ages 7 - 14 that have lost a loved on. It is an overnight camp and is free for qualifying applicants. Contact Julia Bassett at Julia. Bassett@gentiva.com.

July 30

SUMMER READING PROGRAM FINALE: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is hosting a finale for the summer reading program July 30 at the Sportplex Gym at 10 a.m. with games and a kids lunch. NIGHT IN PEARLS: The Gloria Boleware Show is hosting An Elegant Night in Pearls, an All White Attire, at the Passion Church July 30 at 6 p.m. Special guests include: Regeneration Mothers Of Praise, Brothas Keepers Motorcycle Club, Charlene Benton, Rickey Young, Mary Lee Davis, Sistas For A Cause, Callie Willis, Debbie Bryant, Sonya Huntley, Sandra Whitehill,Quandara Ingram, Shanesia Burden, April Ross, Lisa Marbury, Darlene Wilson, Deitrick Lawson Sr., Sis Gertrude. BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT: There will be a back to school event Saturday, July 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Jeter Park in Opelika for children from Lee, Tallapoosa, Chambers counties. The kids will receive a word of encouragement for the school year and will also receive school supplies. Refreshments will be served. Children need to be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

SUN FESTIVAL 2016

Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL

Today’s Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt Clue The Sun Festival Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt, sponsored by USAmeriBank, is worth $200 each day. Each daily winner is entered in the drawing for $1,000 to be given away at the Jana Kramer concert. If you find the medallion, call Kowaliga Country and then bring the medallion to the Outlook offices to pick up a check and have your picture made for the next day’s paper. Good luck hunters!!

THE CLUE

You spin me right round, baby Right round like a record, baby Right round, round, round You spin me right round baby…. Shake your groove thing Shake your groove thing, yeah yeah

Today’s Schedule Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt 6:05 a.m. Tallapoosa County Monster Mural 8 a.m. Strand Park Fun in the Sun 9 a.m. – Noon Airport Pavilion Celebrate a.m.erica’s Heroes 10:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Bill Nichols Vet. Home KidsFest Get Your Art On 1– 3 p.m. The Cottage Gallery KidsFest Build Your Own Sundae 2:30 – 4 p.m. Carlisle’s Drugs Sunset Hike 6 p.m. Heaven Hill Celebrate the “Son” 7 p.m. BRHS Auditorium Praise in the Park 6:30 p.m. Strand Park FAMILY REUNION: The Annual Mahan-Yates-Jarvis Family Reunion will be held at the Rocky Creek Fellowship Hall on July 30 at 11 a.m. Please bring your covered dishes and enjoy the fellowship with family and friends. CHURCH YARD SALE: Bethel Baptist Church on Youngs Ferry Road is hosting a yard sale July 30 from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. BENEFIT SINGING: An evening of music a benefit concert for the Old Red Hill School Saturday, July 30, 2016 in the Red Hill School Auditorium on Alabama Highway 229 in Red Hill. Acts include Cecil Malone

& Montgomery Junction at 3 p.m., Cowboy Bill and Company at 5 p.m., and The Kevin Adair Band at 7 p.m. Donations will be welcomed at the door to help replace the roof the old school building. Food, soft drinks, coffee and a family atmosphere will be offered. YOUTH BASH: Bay Pine Baptist Church is hosting a youth bash July 30 at 5 p.m featuring music by 49 North and a message by Bro. Willie Alexander. The will be hamburgers and hot dogs following the service. Everyone is welcome.

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Thursday, July 28, 2016

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JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist

MAKING IT COUNT

What ifs are more fun than actual reality

hat if? That’s one of the biggest questions in sports, particularly by fans who prefer to speculate the hypothetical once they have digested reality. After watching three Iron Bowls last weekend, I couldn’t help but ponder the hypothetical. Who knows ... Alabama might not have captured the national championship last season, the Kick Six would not have happened, and Auburn’s legendary First Time Ever home game with the Tide in 1989 could have ended with an Alabama victory. What if? Let’s start with the most recent Iron Bowl. Yeah, Alabama won 29-13, which appears lop-sided on the scoreboard, but anyone who closely watched this game knows it was much closer. But what if receiver Richard Mullaney doesn’t make the save of the game in the back of the end zone? You don’t remember? Following Daniel Carlson’s second field goal, Auburn led 6-3 late in the first quarter. On the ensuing kickoff, Alabama returner Damien Harris — who figures to play an integral role in the Tide’s running game this season — let the ball bounce at his feet and into the end zone. Hello. That’s a live ball. If Mullaney doesn’t recognize this, Auburn could have recovered and led 13-3. Not saying that locks the game up by any means as Auburn led Alabama 33-21 the year before, but strategies might have changed. Who knows what might have happened? Instead, Alabama drove 67 yards and tied the score at 6 on Adam Griffith’s second field goal. What if Auburn defensive back Blake Countess intercepts Jake Coker at midfield and returns it for a touchdown? Trailing 12-6 late in the first half, Auburn was practically given a touchdown when Coker threw to Countess in the left flat. Nobody would have caught Countess and Auburn would have led 13-9. Instead, he dropped the ball and Griffith kicked his fourth field goal moments later for a 12-6 lead. What if Arie Kouandjio wasn’t flagged for a false start early in the fourth quarter of the 2013 Iron Bowl? Tied at 21-21, Tide kicker Cade Foster made a 28-yard field goal (amazing, isn’t it?), to give Alabama the apparent lead. However, the lineman was called for movement (I didn’t see it), nullifying Foster’s kick and forcing a 33-yard try, which failed. Moments later, A.J. McCarron’s 99-yard touchdown pass to Amari Cooper put the Tide ahead 28-21. If Foster’s successful kick was not nullified, Alabama would have led 31-21 and the Kick Six would have never happened. Now let’s kick it way back to 1989. Jordan-Hare was absolutely rocking after Lectron Williams rushed 12 yards to give the Tigers a 24-10 lead with 9:36 remaining. Auburn assumed control of this Iron Bowl in the second half after a tight first half and momentum was clearly on the Tigers’ side. However, there was still time for Alabama as quarterback Gary Hollingsworth, who threw for 340 yards, was slinging it all over the field. Except he also slung it to freshman Tiger linebacker Darrell Crawford at the Tide 30. The oddity here wasn’t the interception. The oddity was that officials gave Crawford credit for catching the ball. He didn’t. Crawford had a great career on the Plains (man was he tough), but there is no way he caught that football. He never had control and the ball squirted to the ground. Crawford pounded his fists to the grass in frustration. He knew. Instead, Auburn was given possession deep in Alabama territory and Win Lyle kicked a field goal for a 27-10 lead on the way to a 30-20 victory. Had the right call been made, we will never know if Hollingsworth would’ve directed Alabama to a score, slicing Auburn’s lead to 7. What if? Ahh, the hypothetical.... Sometimes it’s more fun than reality. Joe McAdory is communications editor at the Auburn University Harbert College of Business and is the former sports editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Above, Margarius Buchanan, standing center, counts on the support of his fellow Tigers. Below, Buchanan’s versatility results in scores on the board for Dadeville High.

Dadeville QB Margarius Buchanan makes the most of time on the gridiron By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Dadeville High School senior Margarius Buchanan is set to be an integral ingredient in the Tigers’ recipe for success on the gridiron this fall. After all, his exploits over the last two seasons earned him the Player of the Game Award 13 times, with all except two presented in 2015. “He’s a versatile athlete,” said DHS head football coach Richard White. Thanks to that versatility, Buchanan, who wears the No. 1 jersey, knows just how to rack up points for the Tigers. In his varsity career he has scored a total of 213 points over 30 games, 177 of which were last year. The key to Buchanan’s success doesn’t lie in knocking heads. Instead, it’s in his ability to gain ground on the field. “He’s more of a runner,” White said. Thanks to Buchanan’s ability to move the ball, in 2015 he had 23 rushing touchdowns. Receiving three, he also had 7 conversions. Buchanan also had an average of 118.3 rushing yards per game in 2015. Three of Buchanan’s touchdowns in 2015 resulted from his nine receptions of the

SUPER 12 season. But the quarterback has proven moving the ball can also mean making passes count. He completed 78 passes in 2015 with 1,399 passing yards for the entire season and an average of 107.6 yards per game. He also ended the season with nine passing touchdowns under his belt. On defense Buchanan also intercepted the ball four times last fall. But the athlete’s fancy footwork doesn’t end there. Last year alone Buchanan attempted 13 field goal kicks and converted 7 for the Tigers. By the time the season was done, he had kicked off 12 times in 13 games, sending the ball a total of 449 yards and averaging 37.4 yards per kickoff and reaching a long of 45. Buchanan did stumble a little last year, emphasis on little, as he had five offensive fumbles and lost two of those. Nonetheless Buchanan dominated as quarterback. But he was also the opposing team QB’s nightmare while on defense. Throughout his 30-game varsity career, the cornerback made a dozen solo defensive tackles and

29 assists for a career average of 1.4 tackles per game. As the 2016 football season is just weeks away, White intends for Buchanan to once again get hold of the ball and move it down the field. “He’s going to tuck it and run,” White said. “That’s any quarterback’s dream,” Buchanan said. While the senior does plan to make his time on the field count, he stresses that the

unity of the team is what will make the Tigers a success this fall. “We’re all going to go out there and work hard,” Buchanan said. “We’re brothers too. We’re all really the same and want to win ball games. The ultimate goal is to win.” The chance to do that this fall is what Buchanan most looks forward to. “I’m excited about this upcoming season,” he said.

Golf tourney gets illuminating results Enthusiasts turn out for glow-in-the-dark Sun Festival event By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Cathy Higgins / The Outlook

Greg Worthy watches the path of his ball after hitting it off the ridge at the first hole Tuesday evening at the Sun Festival Hittin’ the Links Glow in the Dark Golf Tournament at Lake Winds Golf Course.

Tuesday evening ended with the golfing team of Jerry Sanders, Greg Worthy, Michael Coley and Elvin McManus shooting 15 under par and winning the Sun Festival Hittin’ the Links Glow in the Dark Golf Tournament. Some 45 golfers turned out Tuesday evening for the event. “We had 11 teams of four and one extra,” said Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ed Collari. Part of approximately 60 events scheduled during the Sun Festival, Collari deemed the golf tourney a success even before anyone teed off. “This was actually more well received than we had hoped,” he said. “We’ve actually been turning people away.” Collari said organizers will look at how to accommodate more participants next year. Set at Lake Winds Golf Course and co-sponsored by Nationwide Insurance-The Daughtry Agency, the tournament consisted of two portions in which teams of four golfers played nine holes beginning at 5:30 p.m. Then they broke for a dinner of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs while organizers prepared the course for the second half of play. That portion started after dark and featured the final nine holes with a glow-in-the-dark twist in which players used glow-in-the-dark-balls and illuminated flags marking the holes. “I’m excited about it,” said Collari, who was competing in the tourney. “I’ve never played glow-in-the-dark golf before.”