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OPINION, PAGE 4: HOLIDAY SHOWCASES WHY OUR AREA IS TRULY BLESSED

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July 6, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 133 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

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Commissioners to consider electronic poll book system Tallapoosa County Probate Court Judge Leon Archer said that Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill has sent A new electronic voters database or all counties information, strongly urging poll book that has proven to decrease counties to look at ways to implement wait time for voters at the polls has been the program. tested in 22 counties across the state and “Traditionally we have used the now may be considered for use here in old computer paper books and voters Tallapoosa County. would have to come in and wait for poll By MITCH SNEED Editor

workers to look up their name and then lay a ruler down and mark them off,” Archer said. “We have some very good poll workers who do a great job, but that just takes time no matter how good the people you have are. With this it’s as simple as a scan and you can get voters to the polls.” According to a letter from Merrill,

the system reduced wait times for voters by as much as 75 percent in testing during the 2016 General Election. He is strongly urging all counties to find a way to have the new system in place as quickly as possible. “These systems have also been shown See POLL • Page 3

Sabal Trail Pipeline is operational

Tallapoosa County escapes holiday with no traffic fatalities

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

7 of 8 statewide traffic fatalities involved failure to use seat belts

Officials with the Sabal Trail Pipeline announced in a Wednesday press release that the pipeline was fully operational as of Monday and will deliver approximately 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to the Southeast once future compression expansions occur. If 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day seems large, it is. According to the American Gas Association, 1 billion cubic feet is enough to service 4 million homes annually. The project means an economic boost for the area. Tallapoosa County Administrator Blake Beck sees the boost but wants to caution area residents about the tax revenue the county will see from it. “There is no question about the economic and employment boost from the project,” Beck said. “There are still some questions about the property tax. The $1.1 million is a number they are putting out there. We will have to wait to 2018/2019 to see what the real property value is with the correct assessment.” Even if the $1.1 million property tax number is correct, Beck says the county will not see all of that. See PIPELINE • Page 3

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

PATRIOTIC YOUTH

Audra Spears / The Outlook

Students from Jacob’s Ladder wave flags and wear patriotic colors at their annual Fourth of July parade that took place Wednesday in Alexander City.

While Tallapoosa County escaped the long holiday weekend without a single traffic fatality, the rest of the state was not as fortunate. Three words best describe the common denominator for the state’s Fourth of July holiday travel period traffic fatalities: no seat belts. Seat belts were available but not in use in seven of the eight deadly traffic crashes Alabama State Troopers are investigating from this year’s extended holiday weekend, which began at 6 p.m. Friday, June 30, and ran through midnight Tuesday, July 4. The eight fatal traffic crashes consisted of a pedestrian killed in Madison County, a 12-year-old passenger killed in St. Clair County, and six drivers killed in Baldwin, Cherokee, Escambia, Marshall, St. Clair and Talladega counties. These deaths bring this year’s Trooper-investigated traffic crash total to 328 as of July 4, which is eight more than during the same time period in 2016. This year, vehicles were equipped with seat belts for 272 of the individuals killed, but only 95 were using seat belts at the time of the crashes. In fact, more than two-thirds of those killed so far in 2017 were not using seat belts. Among the 328 fatalities were seven children ages 5 and younger, and at least two of the children were not restrained. See TRAFFIC • Page 3

Bank Walkers to headline Strand Sessions tonight So they swapped with July’s scheduled performer, Rachel Wilson, who was able accommodate the change and provided a great night of The Lake Martin Young music at the Fermenter’s Market. Professionals will host its fourth This month’s event kicks off at 6 Strand Sessions event of the season p.m. in Strand Park. tonight from 6-9 p.m. in downtown Guests are invited to bring a lawn Alexander City’s Strand Park. chair, cooler and enjoy the beautiful The live-music event will feature atmosphere of downtown Alexander Lake Martin area favorites, The Bank City while listening to some great Walkers, a five-piece rock band with live music. a set list that could cover Johnny There is no admission charge for Cash, Tom Petty and all the genres in the concert. between. Strand Sessions are sponsored The Bank Walkers are fresh off a by Bice Motors, Dark Insurance, performance at the July 4 Fireworks Distinct Home Inspections, Extravaganza at the Lake Martin Lake Martin Area Association of Amphitheater. REALTORS, Lee Marketing Group, Although The Bank Walkers Music Depot, Russell Medical – were set to perform at June’s Strand Total Healthcare, TowBoatUS Lake Sessions event, inclement weather Martin, and USAmeriBank. caused the music to move indoors.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

File / The Outlook

The Bank Walkers will headline the free Strand Sessions concert tonight. The show is set to begin at 6 p.m.

Today’s

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Man faces choosing between job and his dream lifestyle

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

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

How to Submit Obituaries

Thursday, July 6, 2017

The Outlook

Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

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

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

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DEAR ABBY: I’m a 47-yearold man. I live alone in a small city in New York. I have a good job. I have been with the company for years and my bosses take good care of me. However, I want to live a semihomesteading-type life on my own property, providing myself with my basic needs. I cannot do this in the area where I live because of strict zoning. I’m torn between leaving my job to move and live the life I dream of, or staying where I am and trying to get as close as I can to that lifestyle. Can you help me? -- TORN IN NEW YORK DEAR TORN: The questions you need to answer are can you AFFORD to live your dream right now and, if not, how long will you have to wait until you can achieve it? Your next move should be to talk to your CPA or to a certified financial planner and see what it will take to make your dream

DEAR ABBY Advice

a reality. Unless you are sure about that, you should stay where you are until you have enough money for a comfortable retirement off the grid. DEAR ABBY: I am a working mother of two, married for 20 years. I go to great lengths to keep a Google calendar updated, which my husband has access to any time he wishes to see it. The problem is, he rarely looks at it. Instead, he asks me daily, “What have we got going on today?” or, “What time is (blank)?” or, “Do we have anything happening the weekend of (blank)?” Sometimes he

texts me while I’m working to ask what time one of our children needs to be picked up. Abby, it drives me crazy! At any hour of any day he is one click away from all this information. It makes me feel like I’m his secretary. I have told him how it makes me feel numerous times to no avail. How can I get him to use the calendar and stop treating me like his personal secretary? -FED UP IN THE SOUTH DEAR FED UP: Here’s how: Do not react in anger. When he asks these questions, your response should be: “I don’t know, Honey. I’m sure it’s on the calendar. Why don’t you look it up?” DEAR ABBY: My son is 29. He has no vanity at all and does not care how he dresses or looks. He has always been this way. He just got married, and his wife is a darling girl. How can I make him under-

stand how important this is, not only to him but also to his wife? -- CONCERNED MOM DEAR CONCERNED MOM: It’s my observation that people who make the effort to “put themselves together” usually feel better for having done so. However, if your son is doing well at his job, happy in his relationships and in his marriage, then perhaps you shouldn’t second-guess him. The time to have impressed the importance of good grooming on your son was while he was still a minor and living with you. Now that he’s 29, face it, that horse left the barn years ago. 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. Margaret Nell Wesson 1946 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mrs. Margaret Nell Wesson, 71, of Jackson’s Gap, Alabama, will be Friday, July 7, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Langley Funeral Home. Rev. Charlie Horton will officiate. Burial will follow in the Jackson’s Gap Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Langley Funeral Home. Mrs. Wesson passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at East Alabama Medical Center. She was born on May 5, 1946 in Dadeville,

Mr. Richard Bradley Keeble 1964 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mr. Richard Bradley Keeble, 53, of Jacksons Gap, Alabama, will be Friday, July 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Langley Funeral Home. Bro. Eric Hilyer will officiate. Burial will follow in the Sandy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Langley Funeral Home. Mr. Keeble passed away on

Janice C. Wright God wiped her last tears away on Thursday, June 29, 2017. Born a fraternal twin on March 18, 1938, Janice Wright lived most of her young life in Birmingham, AL. She and her husband moved to Greenville, SC in 1972 and lived there in the same home for the next 41 years. She was a dedicated wife and mother and also a loyal and hardworking employee for more than 50 years during her employment with Fred Jones Bakery, FW Woolworth’s, Greenville Memorial Hospital and Bausch and Lomb. Before Parkinson’s entered her life she was an accomplished pianist (mastering Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue) and piano teacher, an enthusiastic gardener, a voracious reader, a gifted seamstress and an exceptional country-food cook, to name just a few of her many talents. She brought kindness and an unmatched level of understanding and humility to most of life’s situations and circumstances. Her granddaughters, who called

Alabama to Olvin Eugene Yarbrough and Irene Haynes Harris. She was a member of Dadeville Church of Christ. Mrs. Nell loved being outside, attending yard sales, cooking, but most of all being with her family was her greatest joy. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Benjamin Franklin Wesson of Jackson’s Gap; children, Danny Wesson (Sissy) of Jackson’s Gap, daughter, Tammy Hill of Jackson’s Gap, and Michael Wesson of Jackson’s Gap; grandchildren, Ryan Wesson (Amanda), Brandon Wesson, Lindsey Wesson, and Bailey Wesson; great-granddaughter, Evelyn Kate Wesson; brother-in-law, Leroy

Caldwell of Jackson’s Gap; nieces and nephews, Steve Caldwell, Audra McClure (Chris), Lecia McGlaughn, Donna Robbins, Gary Caldwell, and Jeremy Caldwell-Whaley; and numerous cousins and other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joyce Yarbrough Caldwell; and brother, Thomas “Red” Yarbrough. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.langleyfuneralhome. com.

Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at Grandview Medical Center. He was born on March 31, 1964 in Opelika, Alabama to Jesse Wood Keeble, Sr. and Betty Jean Henderson Keeble. He is survived by his sons, Dylan Bradley Keeble and Richard Canaan Keeble, both of Dadeville; siblings, Jesse Wood Keeble, Jr. of Jacksons Gap, Steven Brewer Keeble (Dell) of Savannah, GA, Samuel Thomas Keeble (Donna) of Dadeville, Carol Keeble Jones (David) of Dadeville and Mitchell Scott Keeble of New Site; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, neph-

ews and special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law, Charmaine Keeble. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be given to the Sandy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 813, Camp Hill, AL 36850. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.langleyfuneralhome. com.

her ‘Mama Wright’, loved her sweet disposition and the joyful sound of her laugh. She was a true lady in every sense, a woman of few words who possessed a kind and gentle spirit, a warm Wright and sincere smile, and treated everyone she encountered with kindness and respect. Mrs. Wright was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, James Earl Wright, as well as her parents, Elbert and Doris Cook of Pratt City, AL, and her younger sister, Jane Cook Curtis of Birmingham, AL. She is survived by her only child, a daughter, Janet Kay (David) Williams of Lake Martin, AL and Perdido Key, FL; two granddaughters, Merrill (Matt) Wiggins of Omaha, NE and Hillery (Jason) Gedeon of Frederick, CO and six great-grandchildren, Mason, Micah and Madeline Wiggins and

Cooper, Tate and Piper Gedeon. She also leaves her twin sister, Judith Marie Cook Deegan, of Chapman Healthcare, Alex City, AL, her elder sister, Jimmie McInerney, of Birmingham, AL and younger brother, Gary (Brenda) Cook, of Jacksonville, FL, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Special thanks are extended to her pastors, Shane Dismuke of Alex City, AL and Tim Coleman of Pensacola, FL, other sweet friends who visited with her and the attentive and loving caregivers who became her friends during her residence at Chapman Healthcare in Alex City. You all know who you are. On behalf of ‘Miss Janice’, we thank you for your love and kindness. So the final chapter of her life on this earth is now written. But it is only the beginning of her glorious eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who wrote ‘Janice Wright’ in His Book of Life. We thank you, Lord, for giving us the gift of her life. Amen.

lem-solving, job acquisition, operation skills, and workplace behavior. Earn a Career Readiness Certificate and an AIDT Alabama Certified Worker Certificate. The class meets MondayThursday 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Career Center located at 1375 Junior College Drive. For more information, call Melanie Veazey at 256-215-4499 or email at mveazey@cacc.edu. OFFICE CAREERS: The Office Careers Technology program is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and was created to help dislocated workers learn new employable skills. To qualify for the programs be a dislocated worker (layoff) or a low-income family. Anyone interested in the classes should contact the Alexander City Career Center @ 256-215-4494 and ask about the WIA program. Most all dislocated workers automatically qualify for financial assistance. The program is 52 weeks and is open entry/open exit. Students learn at their own pace in a non-traditional classroom setting. Classes begin when students are approved and they may leave when they receive any or all of the certificates offered. Classes are Monday--Thursday, 8:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. (with a lunch break). All textbooks and class materials are supplied. Certificates available are receptionist, inventory clerk, data entry clerk, administrative assistant, accounting office clerk, medical office clerk, legal office clerk. CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered ministry designed to help hurting people. It is made up of regular folks who are on a journey toward wholeness; seeking recovery from life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. We meet every Monday at Vertical

Point Church, 860 Airport Drive, Alex City. We begin with dinner at 5:45, followed by large group at 6:15 & small groups at 7:15. Childcare is provided. Everyone is welcome. For more info, call Mike at 256-496-4664. CCTS ALUMNI MEETING: The Coosa County Train School and J.D. Thompson alumni association hold monthly meetings the third Saturday of each month. AMERICAN LEGION: Post 339 in Cottage Grove is open every Friday night from 8 p.m. until with fried chicken and fish. Music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. SCV MEETING:The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets every third Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at J.R.’s Sports Bar & Grill. Visitors are welcome. AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: The Lake Martin Amateur Radio Club meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Airport Terminal Building with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Amateur radio license exams are available after the meeting by prior arrangement. The club also meets on the air (Alabama Emergency Net Victor) on the first, third, fourth and fifth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on the club sponsored K4YWE repeater at 145.33 mhz with the 146.96 repeater as backup. All interested can attend our meetings or contact Tim Mayfield K4CWL at 256-329-1172 or John Phillips WI4P at 256-212-4063 TALLAPOOSA PATRIOTS: The Tallapoosa Patriots meet the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Professional Commons. For more information contact Sherry Sellers at thyra899@gmail.com or at 256-2342528.

Langley Funeral Home in Camp Hill/Dadeville is in charge of the arrangements.

Langley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Ongoing Events GRIEF SHARE: There will be a meeting of Grief Share every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church next door to Russell Medical through June 7. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS: Red Red Ridge United Methodist Church in Dadeville hosts an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting every Sunday at 6 p.m. RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7:00 am until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please call 256-409-2020 for more information. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Every second and fourth Sunday at 5 p.m. the Trinity campus of First United Methodist Church will be a caregiver support group. Call 256-786-1685 for more information. WOMEN’S MEETING: Victory Temple Holiness Church in Dadeville is hosting a women’s meeting the first Sunday of every month. Men are invited too. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a women’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. READY TO WORK: CACC can prepare you to be Career Ready with a FREE 6 to 8 week Workforce Development Course called Ready to Work. It includes computer self-paced instruction financial planning, reading and math skills, and computer basic skills as well as instructor-led module presentations on communication, prob-

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Page 3

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The Outlook

Pipeline

continued from page 1

“The county only gets about 25 percent of the collected property tax,” Beck said. “Part of it goes to schools and another part goes to the state.” Despite not collecting the $1.1 million in tax, Beck says the pipeline is still a positive for the county. “Anytime we can get jobs, we are excited,” Beck said. “And these are good paying jobs.” To that point Sabal Trail’s Andrea Grover said the construction portion of the project has put money into the local economy. “Alabama local spending on the project through contractors Pilgrim and PGI totaled over $33 million between Labor Day and Memorial Day and that does not get into what was spent in June,” Grover said. “That includes police details, heavy equipment, light equipment, fuel, housing and other things.” Grover said in June the pipeline was partially operational as it was supplying gas to Florida Power and Light to help meet the peak cooling season supplying them with 400 dekatherms a day. Now the 515-mile pipeline is in commercial

service from Alexander City to the central Florida hub in Kissimmee and will be supplying Duke Energy with 300,000 dekatherms a day starting in October once work is complete on their facilities. “Sabal Trail has successfully navigated a rigorous environmental permitting process over the past four years while working with landowners and key stakeholders to construct this new pipeline system,” Spectra Energy President Bill Yardley said. “With the completion of this project, Florida Power and Light and Duke Energy will realize needed firm natural gas transportation services to meet their power generation requirements. We are pleased to reach this critical milestone and serve our customers in the Southeast U.S.” The Sabal Trail pipeline travels through Tallapoosa, Chambers, Lee and Russell counties in Alabama. According to Sabal Trail, $3.2 million will be paid in property taxes in Alabama annually with $1.1 million of that being paid in Tallapoosa County. File / The Outlook The pipeline is owned by The Sabal Trail Pipeline is pumping natural gas. The pipeline is at full capacity and has the capability of pumping up to 1.1 Spectra Energy, NextEra Energy and Duke Energy. billion cubic feet of natural gas a day.

Poll

continued from page 1

present identification, have it scanned and then the system would take care of the rest. “Everything I have heard has been nothing but positive,” Archer said. “The Secretary of State’s Office and other judges who were part of the pilot really say it works well.” Archer has asked

that consideration be put on the agenda for the Tallapoosa County Commissioners meeting on Monday. He said his office has some funds left from the Help America Vote Act grant , but it would require some additional money from the county as well. “There is a cost to

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Troopers assigned to the Marine Patrol Division also are investigating one drowning on Lewis Smith Lake, in Winston County. Officers patrolling Lake Martin were very busy. According to numbers released Wednesday, Marine Patrol on Lake Martin issues a total of 82 citations including three for boating under the influence and five for minors in possession of alcohol. A total of 111 warnings were issues and officers helped assist nine boaters over the long holiday weekend. Many a

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to virtually eliminate the user errors which often exist with the cumbersome paper rosters,” Merrill wrote in a letter to the state’s probate court judges. Merrill also said that it could be valuable because of new laws that prevent crossover voting during runoffs. Voters would have to

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Holiday showcases why our area is truly blessed

he holiday weekend in the Lake Martin community was another prime example of why we are blessed to live where we do. Great events put on by volunteers, fun at Lake Martin and instances where the good in people shone through made the 2017 Independence Day weekend a memorable one. In Hackneyville Saturday night a crowd that was estimated at about 2,500 filled the grounds of the community center to listen to great music, socialize, have fun and see an incredible fireworks show. The event is one of the largest fundraisers for the Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department and this year’s event was a great way to start the weekend. Even through intermittent showers, there was a festive mood throughout the six-hour celebration of America’s freedom. From kids making big splashes on an aquatic slide, to adults clapping their hands and dancing to the music, there were plenty of Kodak moments. The same mood was present Monday night at Benjamin Russell High School as Marshall Street Church of God and the city welcomed another capacity crowd for Alexander City Celebrates Freedom. The music of Raised in Glory and 7eventh Time Down was a great precursor to another spectacular fireworks display. It was a near flawless night of family fun and cooperation where community spirit and national pride were on display. “It was just incredible,” said Pastor Rick Levell of Marshall Street Church of God. “I can’t thank everyone enough. From the volunteers, the media, the sponsors and to the people for coming out and enjoying this with us – we couldn’t ask for more. We have truly been blessed.” The Russell Lands Boat Parade on Tuesday again drew a wealth of boats that went all out with their creative displays of aquatic patriotism. The weekend was again capped by one of the South’s most elaborate fireworks shows at the Lake Martin Amphitheater where thousands were treated to Lake Martin acting as a massive reflection pool for the pyrotechnic artistry above. The entire weekend, the quality of the events and the spirit shown by everyone who organized and attended the holiday happening again showed that our people are our greatest resource.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Mixing it up can make life even better

ast week my wife Jane and I flew down to Key West for a few days of rest. Our plan was to start at the most southern tip of the country and then drive through the keys to Miami and then on to West Palm. Our plan was to unplug and enjoy each other’s company on a quick five-day trip. I thought three things we did made the week extra special. First, we rented a Mustang convertible for the week. Jane shopped around and found a great deal for the car. We paid $22 a day. It made us feel like we were in our 20s again. While on vacation in Florida, rent a convertible. It will put a little pep in your step. Going to dinner each evening was fun in our red sports car. Second, we stayed in an Air B&B in Jupiter, Florida for three nights. We mostly stay in hotels when we travel, but we are both intrigued by the Air B&B phenomenon. On this trip, Jane found an interesting listing. The home was 20 minutes from the beach. It had a lake and a pool. On their property were rabbits, ducks, cranes, peacocks and an alligator. We would have a private room and bath separated from the main house. It was a little different for us to be in Florida and not stay near the beach but we thought we’d give it a try, and

RAY WATERS Columnist

it was fantastic. Every time we walked out of the house, we would be delighted by the antics of the peacock who seemed to want to impress the cranes. Peacocks have elaborate feathers to show dominance and to attract peahens for mating purposes. There were no peahens so the peacock would walk up to the cranes and display his beautiful feathers and turn around to give the cranes a look at his backside. He was working it, and the cranes were not interested. It was hilarious. The rabbits with the white tails were plentiful and would let us get close before they would scamper off. We did not see the alligator, which was OK by me. Staying in this setting was beautifully refreshing for us. It was different scenery than we had enjoyed in Florida before. It also was less expensive than any hotel we stayed. The host was a lovely lady who with her husband and son had recently relocated from San Francisco. She was helpful but not overbearing.

The third thing that was special on this trip was the opportunity to try to stand up paddleboard. I had watched people do this for years. They stand on a board that looks like a surfboard while holding a paddle. With perfect balance, they slowly propel the board across the water. It has always looked to me lovely and deliberate and meditative. At our Air B&B, they had one paddle board, so I was going to get to check something off my bucket list....except I did not have enough coordination to stay afloat. I had fallen 10 times before I passed the board over to my nonathletic wife figuring she too would fall and we’d move on to something else. But she didn’t fall. She perfectly stood balanced on the water and paddled the board across the lake. I was happy for Jane and a little bummed for me. Later we showered and headed out for dinner. My inability to get up on the board was a distant memory. I was in Florida with my sweetheart, and we were driving a 2017 Mustang convertible. Amazing! Ray Waters is a minister, a motivational speaker and a syndicated columnist. His column appears here each Thursday.

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

Bobby Tapley

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

Buffy Colvin

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

Scott Hardy

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

Eric Brown

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

Tommy Spraggins

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

Tim Funderburk

Today’s

Scripture

“Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” —John 17:3

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Thursday Question: Do you think the speed limit on Highway 22 in New Site should be raised? 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

Today’s kids need a taste of 1970s summertime

Bobby Tapley

“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” – Swami Sivananda

Mission

Officials

Jim Nabors

Quote

Our

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

Today’s

h, summer is upon us. That means the media are publishing a spate of articles that offer tips to parents on how to make their kids go outside and play - some of the articles encourage parents to let their kids experience a 1970s childhood. I grew up in the Pittsburgh suburbs in the 1970s, and it truly was a glorious time to be a kid in America. We went on bike hikes deep into the hills, visiting the game reserve in the county park to feed the buffalo (there really were buffalo there!). Or we’d find the steepest hill and race to the bottom. Some days, we’d play baseball from dawn until dinner. Or we’d go down to the creek and build a dam out of rocks, then catch frogs, crayfish and minnows. One of my favorite activities was building shacks and forts. With all the new houses going up nearby, we were able to scarf some scrap materials and use our imagination to design and build our own little dreams. Or we’d dabble in a little mischief. It was a primitive hunting instinct that led us to whip rotten pears at moving cars. Everyone once in a while, a driver would screech to a halt, cuss, then chase after us. We’d escape by running through a dark, 500-foot creek aqueduct that ran under the neighborhood. The only real rules for kids then were that we were given lots of trust until we

TOM PURCELL Columnist

messed up, and that we be home for dinner. I still hear my father’s booming voice ricocheting off the hills: “Tom, dinner! Tom, dinner!” Some families used bells or horns to call their kids home. And summer dinners were grand. My father grilled up chicken or pork chops, while my sisters and I brought the salad, vegetables and potato salad out from the kitchen. My mother made sun tea most days and after several hours exploring the woods, those summer dinners always hit the spot. After dinner, we’d listen to broadcaster Bob Prince announce the Pirates’ games - “You can kiss it goodbye!” he’d say when Wilver “Willie” Stargell smacked one into the upper deck. And after cleaning up, we’d head on up to the woods. We’d play the games we invented until darkness settled over the hills. Too few kids are experiencing such activities playing outside these days. Thus, they’re suffering from Nature-Deficit Disorder, a term coined by journalist Richard Louv in his book “Last Child in the Woods.” Louv spent 10 years traveling around America, interviewing parents, kids, teachers, researchers and others to learn about

children’s experiences with nature. His findings: During the last 30 years, our sensationalist media have “scared children straight out of the woods and fields.” Parents are afraid to let kids out of their sight - afraid their kids might get hurt. Add to that the advent of television, video games and the internet, and the result is this: Kids aren’t getting out much anymore. And because they’re not getting out, they’re withdrawing from nature - the chief place where they use all five of their senses at once. “We don’t yet know why it happens, but when all five of a child’s senses come alive, a child is at an optimum state of learning,” Louv told me. “Creativity and cognitive functioning go way up.” The consequences of withdrawing from nature are not good. Kids lose their sense of being rooted in the world. They’re more likely to experience stress, hyperactivity, attentiondeficit disorder and other modern maladies. Thankfully, there is a solution: Allow today’s kids to get a taste of the glorious ‘70s childhood experiences their parents got to enjoy not so long ago. Tom Purcell is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Send comments to Tom at Tom@ TomPurcell.com.

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

What’s your

Opinion?

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

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Thursday, July 6, 2017

The Outlook

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FOURTH ON THE LAKE

Crowds take to Lake Martin for the long Fourth of July holiday weekend

From Jaybird Creek to Parker Creek and from Chimney Rock to Kowaliga, residents and visitors took to Lake Martin for the long weekend by jumping from ‘Chicken Rock’ to lounging on and around anchored boats, to taking in the boat parade and fireworks. Photos by Cliff Williams and Mitch Sneed

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CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE

Today is

July 6, 2017 Today’s Events

BOOK SIGNING: Mary Helen Brown will visit the Adelia M. Russell

Thursday, July 6, 2017

The Outlook

Library Thursday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. to discuss her newly published book “Headed for Home.” Books will be available for purchase by cash or check for $15 and Brown will be available to autograph books.

Today’s Anniversaries

Marlene and Denson Jones and Teresa and Dale Burns are celebrat-

Submit calendar items:

Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/.

ing their anniversaries today.

Today’s Birthdays

Laci Garrett Gordon, Rebecca Hutcherson, Edwina Owens, Rhonda Beasley, Kelley Wills, Margaret Alford, Kenny Hughes, Tommy Veazey, Tom McCoy, Avery Madison Long, Todd Hayes, Barbara Branch Parker and Ziyun McCowan are celebrating their birthdays today.

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700

The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow

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

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook

One of the hottest items at America Celebrates Freedom Monday night were the cool tastes offered up by Kona Ice. The line stretched more than 75 people deep at one point just before 7enth Time Down took the stage.

Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com

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

Lawn Care Darrell Brooks, Owner Cutting •Edging Weed Eating •Mulch Weed Control

Friday, July 7

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

Saturday, July 8

NIGHT HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a night hike July 8 at 7:30 p.m. under the light of the full moon to learn about nocturnal animals and how they survive in the dark weather permitting. YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP: Bridge Builders will be hosting a youth football camp for grades first through eighth July 8 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Sportplex. For more information contact Hudson Hinton at 256-750-1140 or Tommie Kelly at 256-786-0542.

Sunday, July 9

WELLNESS DAY: The Beacon of Joy Seventh Day Adventist Church is hosting a community health and wellness day at Strand Park July 9 from 3 -6 p.m. There will be live performances, family fun and healthy snacks. For more information, call 256-749-5943. FAMILY REUNION: The Willoughlby Reunion will be Sunday, July 9 at the Daviston Community Center. All family and friends are welcome.

meeting of the Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will be July 13 at 1 p.m. All are invited to see how they can be involved in our community library.

July 13-15

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Family Worship Center on Sewell Street is hosting Vacation Bible School July 13-14 from 6-8:30 p.m. and July 15 from 9 a.m. to noon with a parents program July 15 at 11 a.m.

July 13-16

KIDS AND YOUTH CAMP: The Tallapoosa Baptist Association camps will be held July 13-16 at Camp Alamisco on Lake Martin. Youth Camp is for those who have completed grades 7-12. Kids Camp is for those who have completed grades 3-6. The theme is “Following Jesus.” Jeremy Simpson of FBC, Alex City will be the camp pastor. Campers will enjoy playing crazy games, kayaking, swimming, “the blob,” crafts, skits and much more. The cost until June 23 is $85 per camper. After that, the cost is $95 per camper. The final deadline to register is June 30. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.tallapoosabaptist. org under the Resource tab. For more information, please call 256-825-4441.

Friday, July 14

July 10-11

256.267.0518 Many a small thing

has been made

large...

...with the right kind of advertising.

•Alexander City Outlook •Dadeville Record •Wetumpka Herald •Eclectic Observer •Tallassee Tribune

256.234.4281

How to add a calendar item: Participate in your

THROW AWAY DAY: The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership is partnering with the Tallapoosa County Commission to provide dumpsters for public use at the following locations on Monday, July 10 through Tuesday, July 11. The dumpsters will be at the Alexander City Annex– 395 Lee St., Double Bridges– Highway 63, Eagle Creek Fire Department– 90 Old Shepard Rd., Camp Hill Town Hall– 309 Holley Ave. and StillWaters Entrance– Highway 49 Items that can not be placed in the dumpsters include: liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, TVs, computers, propane tanks, hazardous or medical waste.

July 10-12

CHURCH REVIVAL: Liberty United Methodist Church in Hackneyville is hosting revival July 10-12 at 7 p.m. Rev. Mike Densmore, Rev. Josh Sammons and Rev. James Long will be delivering messages. Everyone is welcome.

July 10-14

ART CAMP: The Kitty Dark Kids Art Camp will be July 10-14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Radney School for children in grades 1 through 6. The cost is $125 and includes all supplies, lunch, snack and t-shirt. For more information contact Jamie Dark at 256-794-0688.

Tuesday, July 11

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

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

USHER MEETING: There will be an Early Rose District Usher meeting July 11 at 5 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center.

July 11-14

ANNUAL SESSION: Early Rose District Congress of Christian Education is holding its 58th Annual Session July 11-14 at 9 a.m. daily at the Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

Thursday, July 13

FRIENDS OF LIBRARY: The next

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

Saturday, July 15

TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on July 15 from 7:00 until 2:00. Refreshments are also available. BOOK SALE: Friends of the Dadeville Public Library is having its summer book sale July 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can fill up a bag of books and get it for $5. Hardback books are $1 and paperbacks are 50 cents.

Sunday, July 16

HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Tallapoosee Historical Meeting on Sunday, July 16 at 2 p.m. features talks about the restoration of Smith Mountain Fire Tower and the proposed Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association education center at the Tower. The meeting will take place at the Society’s museum on the town square in Dadeville. Refreshments will be served. Public is invited.

July 16- 19

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

July 19

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

Friday, July 21

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

Saturday, July 22

STARGAZING: The Auburn Astronomical Society will set up telescopes to look at the night sky July 22 at 6 p.m. on Hospice Point near the silo at Wind Creek State Park.

Sunday, July 23

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

Wednesday, July 26

FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a field and forest hike July 26 at 9 a.m. The walk is for all ages. Meet at the outdoor classroom across from the beach.

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Thursday, July 27

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

Friday, July 28

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

Saturday, July 29

$500 GIVEAWAY: The Goodwater Disable Veterans Organization is having a $500 giveaway July 29 at 2 p.m. at the Goodwater Disable Veterans Organization, 7882 U.S. Highway 280 in Goodwater. First prize is $250, second is $150 and third is $100. Donations are being accepted by calling Richard McElarth at 256-2764776, Renell Hill at 256-839-6915, Wade McElarth at 256-749-9100 or Willie James Gaddis at 256-861-6177. Proceeds will be used to help feed Veterans. YOUTH FOOTBALL CAMP: Bridge Builders will be hosting a youth football camp for grades first through eighth July 29 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Sportplex. For more information contact Hudson Hinton at 256-750-1140 or Tommie Kelly at 256-786-0542.

Wednesday, August 2

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

Thursday, August 3

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

For Consistent Advertising

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Thursday, July 6, 2017

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Thursday, July 6, 2017

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The Outlook

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Seniors are proud Americans Rural Southern life gets into your blood

roud to be an American is installed at birth in Senior Citizens. Raised with the knowing of the importance of respecting the American Flag and that freedom was granted through the giving of lives. Family values and a moral upbringing were the foundation of their youth. Professional developers of today’s society often forget the contributions that Senior Citizens make each day. They shop, they use services (which employ people), and they pay taxes. They also volunteer; in fact, many organizations would be hard pressed to function without their older volunteers. Seniors also give generously: they make more charitable donations per capita than any other age group. Those in office need to acknowledge the awareness of how important it is to make sure Seniors have necessary services to continue to thrive. The definition of the word thrive according to Webster’s dictionary is to flourish, to gain in wealth or prosper and to progress toward a goal. Take the word flourish, through the ACPR Active 50+ Center the flourish of a member or members lives can be seen, heard and felt after they have become a part of any activities or special events that are offered. To gain in wealth for our members is the gaining of more social involvement, uplifting

CORLEY HOLT Senior Moments

of spirits and overall well being. Prosper through living an activity lifestyle with others helps increase life span and build a support, trust and caring system. Having a goal big or small simply helps to know that there is a something to strive for and to look forward to tomorrow. The ACPR 50+ Active Living Center offers a variety of goals or opportunities were members can thrive. Creating seasonal activities, social gatherings and ongoing programs is the Parks and Recreation goal for those 50+. We want retirees to know that they are loved, they matter, are appreciated and that they are important to the Sportplex, City of Alexander City, the community and in our surrounding areas. God Bless America and May the Lord- continue to guide us for the betterment of all. Until next time keep a smile on your face and love in your heart. Holt writes about the events and people of the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s 50+ Club.

ope your Independence Day Fourth celebration was Happy and fun for you and your family. No matter the weather, as long as you can be with the ones you love and eat well all is good. Seems as though some coughs and cold-like symptoms are making the rounds again, I hope that passes you by. Happy Birthday to Patti Granger today, July 5th. It all happened so quickly, but sometimes life is like that. My dearest friend Pat Garnett, just about three miles from me for years, has now just sold her home on Highway 63 and is in the process of moving back to her Mother’s old home in Odenville which is close to Pell City. That’s about 70 or so miles from here. The elderly parents of Jean Moe-Prince are moving up here from Florida, one of those residential fun places like “The Villages,” to live close by their two daughters, Jean being one of them. This rural area is a great place to live. Ron and I love it here and never want

ROSIE MORGAN Nixburg/ Equality

to leave. Rural Southern life seems to get into your blood once you settle here, neighbors watch out and care about you, even bring a dish if they know you are sick. Sunday, June 25th, the Equality United Methodist Church had a farewell service and luncheon to honor the interim Pastor Pete West. To that end, the choir had adapted the song, “He Made a Change” and made it “Pete Made a Change,” making it a fun way for the church members to show appreciation for the time he spent there leading the church. Equality UMC will have welcomed Rebecca Scott and husband Alan Scott, as they moved into the Parsonage and became fulltime residents of Equality. New Pastor Scott served her first (Patriotic) Sunday service on July 2nd. She will be graduating

from Asbury Theological Seminary on May 20th with a Masters in Divinity degree. Now Rebecca is a Provisional Elder and will apply for Ordination in 2019. She says, “I love to study scripture, preach, and teach; my passion is Spiritual formation.” Becky and Alan married last July, he is retired from the telecommunication field. They were both looking forward to this move to a new community, and building new relationships. Ms. Peggy Shores of Equality and St. Louis, stopped by to meet me at my shop, Nixburg House on Saturday. Peggy is a world-class professional performer, she helps and plays the piano for Equality’s EPAC, and helps at EUM Church when she can, like she did for the special Independence Day Music on Sunday. Super to meet her, like me she loves to talk, shares wonderful stories, and is the perfect listener, too. My cousin Elisa sent me an e-mail this past week to say where she lives in Croydon close to London; they were having weather up to 91 degrees, and her

poor little Yorkie, Lulu was panting all evening and through the night. Elisa lives up five flights of stairs in a 3rd floor flat, with no air-conditioning! The Chit Chatters Ladies group met on the last Thursday of June at Cazadores Mexican Restaurant in Alex City. We all enjoyed the food and, of course, the ChitChatting. Those ladies attending this month were: Yvonne Myers; Edna Martin; Pat Garnett; Lynda Moseley; sweet Betty House, and Betty’s sister Wanda (Nonie) Edge visiting from Finemont close to Cullman, Alabama, Jackie Dean, Patti Self, and Rosie Morgan. You are welcome to join us next time, Thursday July 27th, (My Mummy’s Birthdate) when we will meet at Sho’Nuff BBQ in the Roses’ shopping center at 11 a.m. We’d love to have you join us. Until next week, keep smiling. Rosie Rosie Morgan writes on the events and happening in Equality and Nixburg. Her column appears here each Wednesday.

LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228

lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

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Thursday, July 6, 2017

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2017 All-Area Softball Team Player of the Year

Co-Coaches of the Year

Bright future ahead for Blasingame

Hilyer dominates season, Caldwell soars in playoffs

By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

With all the accomplishments under Kynsley Blasingame’s belt, she was the obvious choice for the 2017 Outlook Softball Player of the Year. A six-year varsity player for Horseshoe Bend, Blasingame helped the Generals to third in the Class 2A state tournament this season and her season culminated with the 2A Pitcher of the Year honor. “She was just solid as a rock,” Generals coach David Caldwell said. “You knew every game what you were going to get with her. In the two years I got to coach her, she threw maybe one or two wild pitches. She was just that consistently over the plate.” Blasingame’s pitching stats spoke for themselves. In 238 1/3 innings of work, she allowed just 36 earned runs for an ERA of 1.057. She gave up 129 hits, 66 walks and fanned 406 batters – 1.70 outs of every inning she pitched were strikeouts. Now with a stellar high school career on her resume, Blasingame is headed to Troy University, a Division I program that will boast a strong pitching staff. Westminster Christian’s Annie Willis, the Class 4A Pitcher of the Year, is also committed to the Trojans. “I’m so excited to pitch with her at Troy,” Blasingame said. “I’m excited to have a strong pitching staff and have that competition because it’ll only make me better. My goal right now is to just really get better this offseason, make my strengths stronger and work on my

Neck-and-neck for the area’s best softball team, Reeltown and Horseshoe s Bend both had extremely successful B seasons. s While the Rebels were the regular season champion in the rivalry, the s Generals went further in the AHSAA G Class 2A tournament. Both squads were C directed by second-year head coaches, and d Reeltown’s Kelli Hilyer and Horseshoe R Bend’s David Caldwell are the 2017 B Outlook Softball Co-Coaches of the Year. O “I came in last year and noticed a lot of talent here at Reeltown,” Hilyer said. “My ta big b thing was to instill a team atmosphere – you y have to do your best for the team – and the th ladies just accepted whatever I asked of them th to do and ran with it. It’s just amazing how h much talent there is here.” The expectations were a bit higher for fo the Generals, who advanced to the state st tournament last season as well. But Caldwell never let that pressure get to him. C “The biggest thing was our attitude all a year was taking games one at a time and a not really too much into early season wins w and losses,” Caldwell said. “From my m experience at Dadeville, that’s always been a good formula. It mattered how you b were w playing at the end of the year, so you can’t get too emotional about early season c success or early failure.” su Reeltown finished with a 35-11-1 record with w accomplishments such as the area championship and the Elba Tournament c crown under its belt. The Rebels also c captured three out of four victories over the c Generals. G “This year, I think the girls were very excited about going to Elba and coming out e of o that tournament as the victor,” Hilyer

weaknesses.” Caldwell said he has no doubts Blasingame will make a strong Division I pitcher, especially after she has time to develop a strong change-up. “She’s got that long tall frame, and she’s a hard worker,” Caldwell said. “She’s a competitor. She doesn’t like to lose, and that’s one of those things that’s hard to teach people because it just comes naturally with her. Couple that with her work ethic, the sky is the limit for her. Even if she doesn’t have early success to the point where she needs to put in double time, she’ll do it because she won’t settle for mediocre.” And she’s certainly gotten used to being one of the best.

Outfield:

First Team

Morgan McGuire ire

Catcher:

Reeltown

Katlyn Jaye

Nearly l unstoppable ppabl bl at the h plate, l McGuire racked ked up a .483 batting average with 44 singles, five doubles, four triples, iple two home runs and 24 RBIs. s. She S also accounted for 69 runs scored core and drew 37 walks, putting her on-base percentage at a staggering .611 on and a slugging percentage of .647.

Reeltown Jaye was one of the area’s top hitters with a batting average of .433. She smacked 42 hits in 97 at-bats and struck out just 11 times. She hit eight doubles, two triples and a home run and had 26 RBIs. Jaye had a .987 fielding percentage, committing only two errors all season compared to 157 putouts.

Third baseman: Madison Huff Dadeville

Outfield: Danielle Mitchell Horseshoe Bend As a leadoff batter, Mitchell had an on-base percentage of .270, scoring 25 runs, good enough for second on the team. She was also third on the Generals with 16 RBIs and finished with a batting average of .208. Mitchell committed just two errors all season.

Outfield: fie Asia a McWaters ers r Benjamin Rus Russell ll

Nicknamed “Pearl,” Huff was one of the Tigers’ top hitters this season, finishing with a batting average of .462. She smashed a team-leading eight home runs. Huff also played multiple positions this season, including catcher and shortstop, when Dadeville was suffering from injuries.

McWaters rss led l d the h Wildcatss with a .416 batting ng g average. a She had 37 hits, hit including 11 doubles and five triples, dou and plated 20 runs. She also led the team with 34 runs scored, and in the field, McWaters had a .929 fielding percentage with a hand in three double plays.

Utillitty: t Kayli Ho Hornsby o Reellto tow wn A shortstop, h Hoorn o nssby b finished fi i h d the season with a .4 .4009 batting average and a .59 91 sllugging percentage. She raack kked up a teamleading 45 RBIs aand nd n scored 55 runs of her own. Hornnsbyy led the team with 19 doubles and a also finished with a fielding peerceentage of .864.

Shortstop: Quanesha Presley Dadeville Leading the Tigers with a staggering .487 batting average, Presley hit four home runs and had a .925 fielding percentage. “Quanesha was the leader on the field where everyone looked to her to make the play or get the key hit,” Dadeville coach Magan Ford said.

said. “They played (eight games) back-toback, and whatever I asked any of the girls to do, they were on top of it. If I asked you to be a courtesy runner for one game, you just be the best courtesy runner you can be. They embraced that.” Meanwhile, Horseshoe Bend was second to the Rebels in the area tournament before finishing second at regionals and third in state. The recipe to success under Caldwell wasn’t quantity but quality. “I would rather have crisp one and a half hour practices than three hour practices where you get just as much done,” Caldwell said. “We’ve changed our philosophy by demanding more concentration for a lesser amount of time, and that’s worked really well.” Both teams should be back for more next season. Horseshoe Bend graduated three seniors, while Reeltown lost just four.

First baseman: Ivy Vickers

Second baseman: Shay Johnson Benjamin Russell Vickers finished the season with a .941 fielding percentage and was part of five double plays. She had the second-best batting average (.257) of any Horseshoe Bend starters, collecting 15 RBIs and 17 runs scored on 29 total hits. Her on-base percentage was .344.

Horsehoe Bend Vickers finished the season with a .941 fielding percentage and was part of five double plays. She had the secondbest batting average (.257) of any Horseshoe Bend starters, collecting 15 RBIs and 17 runs scored on 29 total hits. Her on-base percentage was .344.

Honorable Hon norable Mention: Benjamin Russell – Taylor Phillips (P/1B), Taylor McVey (1B/DH), Taylor Latham (3B/C), Jayme Marbury (OF) Dadeville – Tiffany Rice (OF), Autumn Davis (1B) Horseshoe Bend – Taylor Walton (C), Sydnie Catrett (2B), Cheyanna Howard (SS) Reeltown – Makenzie Baker (3B), Kelsey Jaye (2B) Central Coosa – Alexis Dennis, Alisa Rawls