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Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 July 8, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 137 www.alexcityoutlook.com
ROOFTOP ROLLOVER Crash slows traffic on South Central, Page 2.
Extensive report on city funds expected next week By MITCH SNEED Editor
A volunteer working at the request of State Auditor Jim Zeigler has finished a preliminary probe into allegations of financial irregularities in Alexander City governmental operations. Zeigler confirmed Wednesday that he received an estimated 1,000 pages of information from Linda Hilyer, a volunteer that he asked to investigate a complaint filed late last summer by Alexander City City Council member Tony Goss. Zeigler said while the initial complaint was over pay raises granted to some employees without council
approval as required, he instructed Hilyer to look into other areas as findings warranted. “To call it an audit wouldn’t be accurate,” Zeigler said. “Ms. Hilyer completed a very extensive report on complaints about city government operations in Alexander City. I am completing a summary, but I certainly think it’s safe to say that there were things found that at least need further, in-depth investigation if not more serious action.” Zeigler would not talk about specific findings, but The Outlook has filed a request under the Alabama Open Records Act for a copy of the report and additional findings. Hilyer said she worked through Alexander City City
Clerk Harriett Scott and City Attorney Larkin Radney through a series of requests to obtain information and documents during her investigation. “I sought information related to issues raised in the original complaint, issues that had been raised previously and irregularities that came to light during the process as well as those that were uncovered by reports in the media,” Hilyer said. “There were items that I requested which I felt were necessary to give a complete picture, but some of those items were not furnished.” Examples of information that was denied was information on vendors and spending related to grants the city has received from state and federal funds, Hilyer See REPORT • Page 2
Alabama sales taxes rank fourth highest in country
Chamber clears board member to run for office By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
The Board of Directors of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce has cleared the way for an employee to run for public office. The board voted 11-1 to allow employees to run for office if the executive committee votes unanimously it. “We have a staff member, Jacob Meacham, who is interested in running for public office,” Chamber President Ed Collari explained at Thursday’s board of directors meeting. “He has not put his name in the hat officially.” Prior to the vote, the chamber’s bylaws and policy manual would have required Meacham to resign his position at the chamber to run for office. “Any officer, director or employee shall resign that office upon becoming a candidate for public office,” Collari read from the policy manual. Kenneth Boone, chairman of the board of directors of the Chamber presented See CHAMBER • Page 2
State trails only Louisiana, Tennessee and Arkansas By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer Cliff Williams / The Outlook
TRAINING DAY Rescue squad
Above, onlookers observe as Ken Cowart, right center, goes over the safety procedures for the training session at a recent exercise at Church of the Pines. Left, Jerry Whetstone attaches his regulator to an air tank while getting ready for dive training.
trains for rainy day By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
For years Ken Cowart and Jerry Whetstone have been volunteers with the Alex City Rescue Squad. In that time they have responded to many calls, often after disasters. But the pair of men have a set of skills that sets them apart. They are part of the rescue squad’s diver team. Recently, they went to the Church of the Pines to train. “Anytime we don’t have anything going on, we get together See DIVERS • Page 3
Alabama has the fourth highest combined state and average local sales tax in the nation and the second highest average local sales tax, according to a recent report by the Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy research organization. Alabama’s combined state and average local sales tax rate is 8.97 percent, ranking it behind only Louisiana (9.98 percent), Tennessee (9.45 percent) and Arkansas (9.30 percent) among the nation’s highest. The state’s average local sales tax is 4.97 percent, ranking it behind nly Louisiana (4.99 percent) as highest in the nation. What makes Alabama’s combined state and local sales tax rate so high is high local rates. Alexander City’s 10 percent sales tax rate is a good example. While several cities in the state share the 10 percent rate with Alexander City (including Birmingham, Montgomery and the portions of Huntsville in Madison County), only four have higher rates – portions of Arab in Cullman County at 13.5 percent, Brookwood in Tuscaloosa County at 11 percent and Fort Deposit and Hayneville, both in Lowndes County at 10.5 percent. See TAXES • Page 3
Big changes coming to WAXC morning show lineup 489.63
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Reported on 7/7/16 @ 7 p.m.
Some big changes are coming to the local television scene as the five-year run for Good Morning Lake Martin will end after Friday morning’s broadcast and a familiar face will be back on the morning airwaves. WAXC-TV will end the morning show that began in 2012 and will bring back “The Front Porch” with Kenny Dean in the 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. time slot. Dean will bring back the show that he did in the mornings for 15 years and WAXC’s evening show “At Home with Kenny Dean” will end after Monday night’s show. Station owner John Kennedy said Steve “Cubby” Culberson had an opportunity to start a new chapter in his life working with a cluster of senior living communities in the Auburn area. Kennedy said with his departure, the time seemed right to change direction. “Cubby is everything you want in a morning show Submitted / The Outlook anchor, but more importantly he is everything you Sean Bland, Doug Roberts and Steve “Cubby” Culberson will say goodbye for the last time today want in a friend,” Kennedy said. “Cubby announced as ‘Good Morning Lake Martin’ will sign off for the last time to make way for the return of ‘The Front See TV • Page 3 Porch’ and Kenny Dean beginning Monday.
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Obituaries Ms. Linnie Sue Ransaw
Mr. Douglas Graham
Funeral service for Ms. Linnie Sue Ransaw 75 of Alexander City, AL; Saturday, July 9, 2016; 11 a.m.; New Elam #1 Missionary Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL. burial in church cemetery.
Funeral service for Mr. Douglas Graham will be Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Marietta Baptist Church at 12:00 Noon. Burial will follow at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.
Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.
Friday, July 8, 2016
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DEAR ABBY: On a recent trip out of state, my husband became ill. The hotel we stayed in referred us to a nearby urgent care walk-in clinic. The nurse took his blood pressure, which was very high. The “doctor” never took his temperature or mentioned the high blood pressure to us. He prescribed six drugs and we went on our way. My husband was happy; I was not. When we returned home, I looked up the doctor’s name on the internet. Actually, he was a physician’s assistant, not a medical doctor. Abby, what should people do if they become sick while traveling? -- TRAVELING MEDICAL EMERGENCY DEAR T.M.E.: You have asked an excellent question, one that may help many other people. It is always wise when you travel to bring along a list of any medications you’re taking and a copy of your medical records. Medical records are online these days and can be
DEAR ABBY Advice
emailed to you upon request. A lot of health insurance companies offer a 24-hour service to call for a referral to a physician in whatever locale you happen to be. Physician assistants are standard in many areas of the country as long as they are supervised by a physician -and in your husband’s case, there should have been an M.D. on the premises. You, as the consumer, have a right to ask questions. It would not have been out of line to inquire about the certification of the person who was treating your husband, or to ask to see the supervising M.D. If the medical emergency is dire, take no chances and call 911. If someone is really sick (having chest pains,
muscle weakness, trouble speaking), an emergency room is better than an urgent care because more expertise and testing are available onsite. DEAR ABBY: We are a married male couple. It is always awkward to use the word “husband” when I’m referring to or asked about my spouse, because heterosexuals seem to think that if I have a “husband,” then that makes me a “wife.” Nope! I have started using “husband” and not “partner” because we are legally married and have been together for 18 years. Lesbians seem to have no trouble using “wife” when referring to each other. Why then does there seem to be a problem with male couples using “husband and husband” without it seeming awkward for heterosexuals? I have experienced this problem many times, and so have other male couples we know. Is there another term
Report
Chamber
said. Hilyer was in attendance at the April 25 meeting of the city council where a failed attempt to fire city finance director Sandra Machen and a fight between Mayor Charles Shaw and Goss took place. She was called to testify in Shaw’s trial on assault charges where a judge found the mayor guilty. Zeigler said he hopes to complete a summary and make a decision on who to pass the findings onto for additional action soon. “I hope to complete that process as early as next week,” Zeigler said. “From there I would hope that the issues, some of which are of serious concern, could be addressed by the appropriate agency.”
a change to the policy manual and talked about the implications of such a change. “If you change the bylaws, you have to think how that spins out in 10 years and 15 years from now,” Boone explained. Collari told the board that he and Meacham had talked about the running for office and being able to maintain his commitment to his job at the chamber. “One of my concerns is time management,” Collari said. “We have talked about it and I think he can handle it. He is a real go-getter.” Boone explained that the executive committee of the board had changed what would work to allow chamber employees to explore running for public office. The executive committee of the Chamber consists of the current board chairman, the 1st vice chairman, 2nd vice chairman and the immediate past
continued from page 1
How to Submit Obituaries
that’s better than “husband”? -- PERPLEXED IN PHOENIX DEAR PERPLEXED: You could use the word “spouse,” but using the word “husband” is preferable. (“Partner” may be appropriate, but in my opinion, it does not accurately describe your status as a married person.) People may be jolted to hear married male couples refer to each other as husband because same-sex marriage is still new in many areas of the country. Personally, I think you should use the word “husband” and be confident in doing so. The more you do, the greater the opportunity for the larger population to become accustomed to hearing it used. 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.
continued from page 1
chairman. The group offered an amendment to the policy manual that was approved by the board of directors. The policy was changed to require the executive committee to vote unanimously to allow an employee to run for office and serve as a public official. Collari went on to explain that is a disconnect between the council and the Chamber and why having a Chamber employee serve would be a great help to the Chamber. “I think it would be nice to have a tie between the city and the chamber,” Collari told the board. “I have emailed and talked with all of the council members and the mayor about Chamber initiatives and taking a tour of the incubator. Sadly, Tony Goss is the only one who has taken me up on it. There is such a disconnect there and I think it could be hugely beneficial.”
No injuries in Thursday rollover
Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
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Friday, July 8, 2016
Taxes
continued from page 1
Jared Walczak, a policy analyst with the Tax Foundation, said that, at a certain point, sales tax rates can play a part in consumers’ purchasing decisions. “Because local sales tax rates can vary so much from locality to locality, there is a point where sales tax competition can come into play,” said Walczak, “Customers may begin to structure purchasing decisions around local sales tax rates. Sometimes you see retail establishments locating in those areas where the local sales tax rates are more attractive to consumers.” But Ed Collari, president of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, said that he’s never had the subject of sales taxes come up in the recruitment of a retail client. “To be honest, I’ve never had that concern addressed with me,” Collari said. “Not to say that it isn’t a concern, but I’ve just never had that come up.” Walczak added that higher sales tax rates in southern states have their roots in those states being among the first to levy sales taxes in the Great Depression era. “Southern states have sometimes found higher sales taxes as more attractive source of local revenue,” Walczak said. “This dates back to the days of the Great Depression when some of the southern states were among the first to levy taxes on the retail sales of goods. They have continued to rely on revenue from sales taxes moreso than from property taxes.” Sales taxes as we know them today did not exist in the United States until
the Depression era, although specific sales taxes on various products were introduced on and off since the Civil War. Kentucky first enacted a statewide sales tax in 1930, and is generally credited as the first state with a modern sales tax (although the current Kentucky sales tax wasn’t passed until 1960). Following Kentucky’s example, 24 states established sales taxes of their own during the 1930s, including Alabama in 1936. Walczak pointed out higher average combined state and local sales tax rates aren’t confined to states in the south. Washington, California, Kansas, Illinois and New York all have average combined state and local sales tax rates of 8.48 percent or higher. Five states – Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon – do not have statewide sales taxes. Of these five states, only Alaska and Montana allow local governments to levy sales taxes. In addition to Delaware, New Hampshire and Oregon, other states that do not allow local sales taxes are Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia. The states with the lowest average combined state and local sales taxes are Alaska (1.78 percent), Hawaii (4.35 percent), Wisconsin (5.41 percent), Wyoming (5.42 percent) and Maine (5.5 percent).
TV
continued from page 1
this week that he would be retiring from television to pursue other career options. While we are saddened to see Cubby leave our Lake Broadcasting family, he got a great opportunity that will be a good one for him and his family, and we wish him nothing but the best. “We’ve been blessed during the run of that show to have people like Bill Young, Wayne Cowhick and, most recently, Doug Roberts and Sean Bland. We thank each and every one of them for what they did to make the show a success. “But with that, we felt the time was right and we will launch the new Front Porch on Monday morning with Kenny being joined by co-host Lacey Howell,” Kennedy said. “It will be a lifestyles show that is informative and entertaining and we are excited about the possibilities.” In addition to Howell, Kowaliga Country’s Kevin Moon will be part of a “rotation of co-hosts.” Dean said the move back to the mornings is like coming home. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to get back on the air in the mornings and getting back on the Front Porch,” Dean said. “It’s a show that I did for 15 years and took a year off and then went to the evening show. I’m just moving across the studio from one set to another, but it does feel like I’m going home. “I’m really excited about having Lacey as a co-host. I did the show with her dad Blake Shaffer for 13 years and now it will be me and his daughter on ‘The New Front Porch.’ I’m looking forward to the feisty female perspective and I think we will play off each other really well. “I’m excited for Cubby too and wish him well. He’s a class act and it was just a great opportunity for him and it created an opportunity for me at the same time.” Culberson said it was a tough decision to move on and he said he hopes to still be involved in some events with the station and maybe a show of some sort down the road. “I have so many mixed emotions going through my head right now,” Culberson said. “It’s been 15 years +
since Gary Burkett hired me as program director at WXLM or Z-97 as most people would remember it. I have made so many memories and so many friends. I would like to thank John F. Kennedy for this incredible opportunity, to my awesome producer, ‘Bad’ Brad Easterwood, and to all of my co-hosts, Bill Young, Wayne Cowhick, Sean Bland and Doug Roberts. Most of all, I’d like to say thanks to all of our faithful listeners and viewers over the years. My goal is, and has always been, to entertain and inform the viewers and hopefully make them smile. Hopefully we have done that and made their day a little brighter.” Bland was also thankful for the opportunity to be part of Good Morning Lake Martin. “I want to thank John Kennedy and Cubby for giving me the opportunity to be a co-host on Good Morning Lake Martin,” Bland said. “During my time on the show I tried to entertain and inform people from a different perspective. How cool is it to be on TV and be asked what you think about issues everyday? “I don’t know what is next for me but I am sure you will see me in some form later on helping out in whatever way I can both at the station and in the community. Lastly, I want to thank my wife Glenda Bland and son Daniel Bland for supporting me in this venture.” Roberts said he will miss the camaraderie and all the friends he made over the last three-plus years. “It’s kind of funny. What is it they say about you don’t know how popular you are until you die and see how many people come to the funeral?” Roberts said. “I don’t know how much we will be missed, but I know I will miss being a part of that. That was the coolest thing, that people took the time to watch and then they would see you and talk to you about something you said on the show. It was really great to feel like you had an impact on people’s lives in a positive way.” Friday’s final edition of “Good Morning Lake Martin” will air from 6-8 a.m. and Kennedy said he hopes to make “a fun farewell to a show that has been a great thing for the community.”
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Under the watchful eye of James ‘Cowboy’ Bailey, Jerry Whetstone and others take part in a training dive at Church in the Pines recently.
Divers
continued from page 1
anything going on, we get together and train,” Cowart said. “We do this to make sure equipment is working and to familiarize ourselves with it so that it’s second nature.” “We have to stay ready,” Whetstone said. “You have to be ready all of the time.” The training allows them to know how each react and to have the ability to respond quickly when they get the call to help find bodies when there is a drowning and also when law enforcement is trying to find evidence. “Jerry and I went out to Fox Creek on a drowning when a storm was coming up,” Cowart said. “There was a boy who had drowned. Lightning was starting to pop all around. The training lets you know your limitations.” “We rushed because the water was going to come up,” Whetstone said. “If we had not found him or stood around and waited on the storm, he may have gotten washed out.” Cowart said. “We might not have been able to find him for a while. But we went in and found him within 10 minutes.” The countless hours of training require some help. On this mission,
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James ‘Cowboy’ Bailey was there to help. His mission today was to help the divers stay in line from a boat just like in a real rescue. “Today’s mission is find a watch,” Cowart said. “Cowboy is going to go out in the slough and drop it and help keep us in line.” With all the hours and heartache, what keeps them going? Whetstone recalled a time of finding a father who tried to rescue his sons. All three drowned. “What has repaid me for all the diving I have done over the years was the words from the grandfather of a victim,” Whetstone said. “He said, ‘thank you for finding my boys. I am thankful they did not have to stick them with the hooks to find them.’” Cowart recalled a holiday incident. “We had a rescue in Tallassee on a Mother’s Day,” Cowart said. “After recovering the body, we got a hug that day from the victim’s mother. She told us it was the best Mother’s Day gift in the world, you found my son. How do you respond to that? You can’t. That hug and statement was thanks enough.”
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Opinion
Our View
City’s woes need to be cleaned up before election
I
t says a lot for those who have announced their candidacies for mayor and city council here in Alexander City that they are ready to serve at a time of what most would consider significant political and financial upheaval. At the same time, it would be nice if the city could begin to get some answers to some of these issues that it faces before the oath is given to the next group of leaders that voters elect. There’s a long list of looming issues that have hampered progress. • The financial mess discovered through disappearing checks and cash coming from Lake Winds Golf Course that is currently being investigated by Attorney General Luther Strange’s office. • There are two years of audits that remain undone and that stands in the way of any possible bond referendum to help with the city’s infrastructure. • State Auditor Jim Zeigler’s office took a look at financial irregularities in city government after a complaint was filed and has an estimated 1,500 pages of information with findings that have been deemed significant. • Then there are the more general, yet still seemingly systemic, problems of clarifying the mayor’s powers, opening the lines of communication between the council and the mayor and fixing problems with the city’s budgeting process so that a budget could finally be done on time. It would be a tall task for a freshly elected slate of officials to move forward with that kind of baggage. So we call on Strange, Zeigler, the current mayor and council and all those involved in providing answers to the many questions that now face the city to step up their efforts so that we might go about what amounts to a reboot of our city government or, at the very least, an emergence from what has been a persistent and debilitating funk. The work that awaits the crop of public officials that we elect in August will be difficult enough. It would be nice if the load on those who have chosen to pursue public service for us all could be lessened. We can only hope that it will and that the persons elected in August will realize that the way to minimizing that load is through communication, honesty and transparency. If and when this comes to pass, our community will be better for it.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Yes, America’s still great and here’s why. . .
I
got a little too close to the television on the night of July 4. Some industrious television reporter, it seems, had the idea of going to the dog park at Montgomery’s Shakespeare Festival grounds to ask young adults – most, I’d say, in their late teens to early 20s – if America was a still a great country. Duh! “America’s still a pretty good place to live, I guess,” said one wet-behind-theears interviewee. I immediately thought of the immortal words of Merle Haggard: “If you don’t love it, leave it,” – although that was probably a tad harsh. Still, I couldn’t believe I was hearing talk of life in these United States that was painting such an iffy picture. Yes, I know that we have seen tragedy recently. Yes, I know that we are in the midst of an election season filled with angst at both ends of the political spectrum. Yes, I know many of us are frustrated with our government at all levels, some of us are out of work and all these things have created a general malaise among Americans. But you know what? There is still no better, safer, more beautiful place to live – no place with more opportunity to better your lot in life - than the United States of America. Frankly, I’m sick of hearing otherwise. We have one presidential candidate running with the campaign slogan – it’s even emblazoned on his goofy-looking hat – “Make America Great Again.”
DAVID GRANGER Guest Columnist
Well, I guess I missed the announcement that we had given up our greatness. When did that happen? Last year? Earlier this year? In the 1990s? Nope, we don’t have millions willing to immigrate to this country simply because they want to blow it up. The vast majority see the freedom and opportunity that we take for granted, that we see as being screwed up by lawmakers who are deeply in the pockets of special interests. America is great for these reasons and far more basic ones, too. We are the most diverse and inclusive country in the world. A melting pot. A rainbow. We have been that way since our founding and become more so every passing day. Contrary to popular belief, our diversity and inclusiveness is a good thing. It gives us a sort of “hybrid vigor” not seen in other societies. Let us never get away from that. We are also kind. Despite what we’ve seen portrayed on television at recent political rallies, most Americans are willing to jump to the aid of a neighbor in need. Millions poured in to the families of the victims of the massacre at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, for example. In 2015, individual Americans donated $268.3 billion to charity. Corporations gave
only $18.5 billion. And when we don’t give money, we give time. We give time as volunteers for a plethora of causes ranging from animal advocacy groups to hospitals. We give time as mentors to young people. We give time informally, by listening to the thoughts, opinions and woes of others, sympathizing with them and, often, helping in more concrete ways. Americas is great because we are strong militarily, but we are also strong-willed. We have been challenged by war, space, human rights and civil rights and have always managed to deal with those issues and challenges forthrightly and with the right goal in mind. More times than not, we have reached our goal. So this malaise, this mistaken feeling among some that America isn’t great anymore? It’s just our next challenge. Back in 1776, the British considered the colonies’ stab at independence as little more than an ill-advised experiment, destined to fail. Two-hundred and forty years later, we’re still in democracy’s lab, working not on what will make us great again, but what will make us believe, know that we are great, that we are envied and that those are among the reasons that people abroad both seek to become a part of us and attack us. Yes, America is still great. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Granger is a staff writer for The Outlook.
John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.
Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone Emma Jean Thweatt number is 825-4207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.
George Carleton Jr.
Today’s
Scripture “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’” – Acts 18:9-10
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Letters to the Editor
Reader thanks community for their support Dear Editor,
The family of the late Mr. Luther “Yank” Maxwell Jr. acknowledge our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of our friends and family for their
unselfish acts of kindess and love during these past weeks and expressions of comfort and hope at this time. Special thanks go to the neighbors, family, Brown Nursing Home and staff, Russell Hospital and staff and
Armour’s and staff. With love and kindness, The Maxwell Family Alexander City
Hillary leaves email scandal unscathed and rich Dear Editor,
John McKelvey
“ A part of kindness consists of loving people more than they deserve.” – Joseph Joubert
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Officials
Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Steve Robinson Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.
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How to
Know Your T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s T.C. Coley Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill community. His phone number is 212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.
Today’s
Well, well, the queen of denial has been exposed for the arrogant lying fraud that she is. In 16 years, she and Bill managed to go from “broke and in debt” to a huge fortune of over $100 million. Amazing what a good speech will pay, even Chelsea gets $75,000 a speech, Bill gets $500,000, Hillary gets $250,000 to $350,000 each speech. Wow, the rich do get richer as average Americans get poorer. Apparently, Hillary needs help in her campaign, Obama seemed to struggle as he went on and on about how great Hillary is in everything she does, as Secretary of State, even the most qualified candidate ever for president. Really? Fired up, ready to go! Seems like we’ve heard that one before and look where it got us. Middle East on fire,
no reset with Russia, creation of monstrous radical Islamist group called Isis, and here at home average Americans continue to struggle to survive hoping for a better life, even as Democrats fight to legalize 15 million illegals who will compete openly for jobs, government benefits, schooling, health care, on and on. As usual, average Americans are being left behind. Hillary has bragged that she will continue Obama’s policy. As such, she is warning us that nothing will change. Industry will continue to leave, cities will continue to struggle, schools will continue to fail and our $20 trillion debt will continue to skyrocket. Get ready, America! If Hillary wins, you lose. Political hacks will carry on with their failed policies. Now, FBI Director Jim Comey exposed Hillary’s four
years as Secretary of State as “grossly negligent” and “extremely careless,” stated Hillary and her aides had a lax security culture. He shredded her and exposed her for not recognizing highly sensitive classified material. 101 emails were classified, seven were “top secret.” His findings were that she was grossly incompetent, extremely careless, unqualified to handle America’s problems. She failed and should be fired, not hired. Wake up, America! This country belongs to us, not political hacks. Step up, be counted, make a difference, show the world that we are still a great country. We are at a crossroads and Hillary’s road is a dead end. Annette Lynch Alexander City
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A couple hundred people took in the Young Professionals Strand Session Thursday night with Rexton Lee. The organization has been sponsoring a concert on the first Thursdays of the month during the summer at Strand Park.
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: God’s House Church on Highway 63 North in downtown Hackneyville is hosting vacation Bible school July 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and July 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. All ages are welcome.
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July 9
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July 8-9
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YES I CAN: Teresa Harrell Moten is hosting a mentoring camp at Nathaniel H. Stephens School from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be a free lunch.
July 14 - July 30
GOSPEL SINGING: Oak Chapel Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting a gospel singing July 9 at 6 p.m. with the McKameys. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast July 9 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost is $6 a plate with pancakes, sausage and/or bacon. All you can eat dine in with to go plates available.
July 10
MEN AND WOMEN DAY: Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church is hosting Men and Women day July 10 at 2 p.m. Special guest is Rev. Dr. George C. McCulloh of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. REUNION: The Willoughby reunion will be Sunday, July 10 at the Daviston Community Center. All family and friends are welcome. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Submerged June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17 and July 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served.
July 10 - July 13
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Calvary Heights Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible school July 10 - 13 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There is a kickoff party and pre-registration July 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Hillabee Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible School July 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
July 10-14
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Ray Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible School July 10-14 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be music, crafts and snacks.
July 11
256.234.3481
July 13-15
CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery at Vertical Point will be celebrating its first anniversary from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a cookout and ice cream social, followed by a special program of music, cardboard testimonies and more. Everyone is welcome! The church is located at 860 Airport Dr, Alex City. For more information, contact Mike at 256-496-4664 or check us out on Facebook.
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Calendar Girls will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players July 14 - July 30. For ticket information call 334-8681140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
July 16
SUMMER BOOK SALE: The Friends of the Dadeville Public Library will host a book sale in the library basement at 205 North West Street from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, July 16. The Friends will supply plastic bags for you to fill to the brim for $5 each or buy two bags and get the third one free! Books include fiction, non-fiction, classics, art, romance, cookbooks, decorating, self-help, religion, history and politics, beautiful coffee table books, and books to read to your children this summer. We also have several boxes of books recently donated for children and young readers. All proceeds go to improve the library. Call 256-825-7820 for information. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School is hosting a trade day July 16 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July 17
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Hatchet Spring Baptist Church is celebrating its 109th anniversary Sunday July 17 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Fredrick Jemison of Tallasahatchie Baptist Church in Childersburg. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Submerged June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17 and July 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its 136th Anniversary Sunday, July 17 at 2:30 p.m. The guest minister is Rev. Bernard Harris of Mt. Lovely Baptist Church. The pastor is Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware, Jr.
July 18
INDUSTRIAL AUTHORITY MEETING: The Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority will have its quarterly meeting on Monday, July 18 beginning at 10 a.m. in the Betty Carol Graham Technology Center Executive Board Room on the campus of CACC.
July 22
FLAG RETIREMENT: The Clay
County VFW Post 9581 is holding a flag retirement ceremony July 22 at 4 p.m. at the Bibb Graves School.
July 22-23
RODEO: The Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area is hosting its 10th annual Lake Martin Area Rodeo July 22 and 23. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. The PCA-sanctioned rodeo is run by Brett Woody, Bar W Rodeo Company.
July 23
BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves School is hosting bingo night July 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. GOSPEL SINGING: The Taylor Family Gospel Singers will be at Centerview Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill Saturday, July 23 at 5:30 p.m.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
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Dr. Douglas Stewart Alexander City, AL
256-215-5596 American Board of Podiatric Surgery Certi¿ed Diabetic Shoes Hospital Surgeries Total Nail Care Hammertoes, Bunions, Corns and Calluses Sports Injuries
July 24
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Submerged June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17 and July 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Goodwater is celebrating its 127th Anniversary Sunday, July 24 at 3 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware Jr. The pastor is Melvin Irvin.
July 26-28
CHURCH REVIVAL: Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Waverly is hosting revival services July 26-28 at 7 p.m. nightly. Rev. Melvin Kelley is pastor. Guest speakers ill be Rev. Jimmy thomas, Rev. Henry Cooper and Rev. Clyde Fielder.
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By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com
July 27
HEALTH FAIR: Weatherman James Spann will be at the Bibb Graves School July 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a health fair.
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.
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CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
Friday, July 8, 2016
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Sports Briefs
Burns named new AU men’s tennis coach AUBURN – Possessing tremendous experience in professional and collegiate tennis, Bobby Reynolds has been named head men’s tennis coach at Auburn University, athletics director Jay Jacobs announced today. Reynolds had a 12-year career playing professional tennis, retiring in 2014. In 2009, he reached a career-high ranking of No. 63 in singles and No. 46 doubles. Reynolds appeared in 17 main draw grand slam events in singles and 20 main draws in doubles. Twice, he advanced to the third round of a grand slam event in singles (2005 Australian Open, 2008 Wimbledon) and did so four times in doubles. He was the 2012 MVP of World Team Tennis and the league’s male rookie of the year in 2010, leading the Washington Kastles to four Mylan WTT world titles from 2011-14. The most decorated player in Vanderbilt tennis history, as a junior, Reynolds led the Commodores to the 2003 NCAA Final and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Reynolds finished the 2003 season ranked No. 1 in the nation in singles and was named SEC Player of the Year. He chose to forgo his senior year and pursue professional tennis. Reynolds completed his degree in human organizational development from Vanderbilt in 2015. His wife, Dr. Josie Reynolds, was a two-time All-American in the heptathlon at Vanderbilt and holds the school’s high jump record. They have two sons, Parker and Mason.
Hooshyar named Auburn associate head coach
AUBURN – After becoming the ITA National Women’s Assistant Coach of the Year, Chris Hooshyar has been named Associate Head Coach for Auburn women’s tennis, head coach Lauren Spencer announced Thursday. Hooshyar was a volunteer assistant coach at Southern Methodist University before coming to Auburn in 2013. He played at SMU from 2006-2010 during the same time Spencer was head coach. In his third season at Auburn, the assistant from Manchester, England, has helped lead the Tigers to many program firsts. Finishing this season 24-8 (9-4 SEC), Auburn set program records for single season wins and single season SEC wins. The Tigers also hosted a NCAA Regional for the first time in program history. After taking over the team’s fitness this season, Hooshyar worked to build one of the most physically fit teams in the SEC. Finishing 25-28 in matches that reached the third set last season, the Tigers went 38-20 in the same scenario this season.
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Cody Harper delivers a pitch toward the plate for the Warriors during Tuesday’s first Adult Softball League game.
Parks and Rec sports continue Sign up opportunities are available for autumn sports leagues
By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Enthusiasm for involvement in sports in our community is evident by the ever increasing participation in activities presented by the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department. “Every league seems to be growing,” said Alex City Parks and Rec Director Sonny Wilson. That’s especially true for the Adult Softball program, which had enough participants in the summer league to form 24 teams. The league wraps up this month, with a playoff tourna-
ment beginning Tuesday. But the fun continues in the coming months as registration for Adult League Fall Softball begins Aug. 23. “We’ll go on into the end of August and early September,” Wilson said. “Then we’ll form the teams and start the season.” Registration is $45 and the season will last for 10 games. Preparations are also underway for fall sessions of youth sports. One activity that has registration underway through July 29 is cheerleading for ages 6-12. Registration cost is $65 for the six-week season that starts Sept. 10. The cheerlead-
ers will also take part in two weeks of playoff games, the Tallapoosa County Tackle Football Super Bowl and a cheer competition. While Wilson could not pinpoint the exact number of kids registered for cheerleading so far, he was encouraged by the participation. “We’ve had a good turnout,” he said. Those cheerleaders will stir the crowds at the tackle football games. Registration for tackle football is set for Aug. 11-20. Age divisions are 5-6 year-old flag football, 6-8 year olds, 10U and 12U (Playing age as of Sept. 1). The six-city
Alex City PGA Juniors tee off for fourth match
Blue team aims to continue winning streak over Green By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Alabama diving coach Pat Greenwell retires
TUSCALOOSA – After serving on The University of Alabama swimming and diving coaching staff for 29 seasons and leading Crimson Tide divers to two individual NCAA championships, 69 All-America honors and 21 Southeastern Conference titles, Pat Greenwell announced this week that he is retiring from the University and coaching. Greenwell, who started with the Crimson Tide in the fall of 1987, was named SEC Diving Coach of the Year six times and coached UA divers to eight SEC Diver of the Year honors. Greenwell most recently coached Tide alumnus Aaron Fleshner at this summer’s United States Olympic Team Trials in Indianapolis, where Fleshner, a three-time U.S. national 1-meter champion, earned a pair of top-10 finishes. Greenwell’s student-athletes won two NCAA championships.
league’s season is eight weeks, the first six of which fill the regular season. The final two weeks consist of a playoff deciding the top two teams in each age group, which then play in the Tallapoosa County Super Bowl. But there’s still time to enjoy summer sports. Several golf tournaments are slated for later this month at Lake Winds Golf Club. Alex City Junior Championship is July 23, Benjamin Russell Tournament takes place July 29 and the Alex City Championship tees off July 30-31. To sign up for any of these, call the pro shop at 256-825-9860.
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Cole Taylor, 13, of Dadeville, prepares to make his first swing during Thursday’s PGA Juniors match at Lake Winds Golf Course.
With a bright, shining sun and a light breeze, the weather set an ideal stage for Thursday’s PGA Juniors match at Lake Winds Golf Course. “We’ve got a nice, positive day today,” said the league’s coach, PGA Pro Jim Gunnells. “I like it.” However, with only 12 competitors showing up, that made for a lineup of about half the size of last week’s rain-soaked match. The two-person scramble format set three teams of two players together, with Green and Blue teams facing off at each hole. “Blue team has won every match so far,” Gunnells said before the match began. While on the fairway, the pro gave the young golfers some encouragement. “I want to see birdies and eagles today,” he said as the competitiors prepared to tee off. Thursday’s match was the league’s fourth of the season. “Next Tuesday is our last match,” Gunnells said. The season ends with a finale the following week. “We have a fun day on the 18th,” Gunnells said. That fun will include a lunch of pizza and play on a slip and slide. Once the season is over, a group of all stars will be selected for a team to play in Montgomery. Results from Thursday’s match were not available at press time.