OPINION, PAGE 4: AREA WAS PREPARED FOR POTENTIAL BAD WEATHER
THE
FRIDAY
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
June 23, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 124 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
McMichael discusses new communication methods
DAY OF ACTION
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
SPORTS, PAGE 9: New Site 12U makes history
County escapes damage, sees heavy rain By MITCH SNEED and CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writers
The weekly meeting of the Dadeville Kiwanis Club featured Chief Deputy David McMichael of the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department talking about new law enforcement methods being implemented by the department, as well as other issues facing the county. He began his presentation with a brief history of how law enforcement tactics have changed over the last century, from one of the first cases where fingerprints were used as evidence in Chicago in 1910 to the Sheriff’s Department getting their first bodycams in 2009. Most recently, McMichael attended a seminar teaching a method of dealing with the public, the Verbal Defense and Influence for Contact Professionals. Begun in the 1970s as Verbal Judo, the system was created by an English professor turned police officer as a way to improve communications between officers and the general public. “Many complaints against the police come from communication issues,” McMichael said. “With this, we want to talk to people, treating them with dignity and respect.” Since McMichael attended the seminar, two classes of law enforcement agents from the Sheriff’s Department have gone through mandatory classes to See KIWANIS • Page 10
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Chief Deputy David McMichael from the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department talks to the Dadeville Kiwanis Club Thursday afternoon about the department’s Verbal Defense and Influence training.
Alexander City had received 3.38 inches of rain from Sunday through 4 p.m. Thursday afternoon. A total of 1.46 inches fell on Thursday alone as the heaviest of the rain rolled through the Lake Martin area. The area was under tornado watch for a good portion of the day and tornado warning was issued for a 53-minute period that expired that expired at 3:45 p.m. A second warning was issued a short time later for an area between Jacksons Gap and Dadeville. It expired at 4:30 p.m. While rotation was spotted on radar in See STORM • Page 10
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
A tree at a home along Washington Street in Alexander City fell over roots and all with the winds and saturated ground. The tree reached on to neighboring property, but other than a flattened fence, the damage didn’t appear to be too severe. Donald Campbell / The Outlook
MillieAnn Harrell, Blair Dunn and Lillian Parker paint part of the front hallway of Alexander City Middle School during the Day of Action.
Firefighters hope United Way event has successful turnout to fill boot for MDA
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Despite the recent inclement weather Tropical Storm Cindy has brought to the Lake Martin area, Thursday’s Day of Action was one of the largest the United Way had ever held. Between Alexander City Middle School, Stephens Elementary School, Horseshoe Bend School and Central Middle School in Coosa County, 194 volunteers stood, ready to take on whatever tasks needed to be accomplished. “It is truly amazing what a wonderful community we live in. Our businesses allowed their employees to come out in awful weather to help our schools and our United Way,” Lake Martin Area United Way Executive Director Sharon Fuller said. Over 50 volunteers at Horseshoe
Bend painted and cleaned throughout the school, adding a sense of newness to the hallways in preparation for the upcoming school year. “This has just been an amazing turnout,” Volunteer Coordinator Sandra Fuller said. “We have students and parents, people from Russell Medical, USAmeriBank, some of my majorettes, people from the volleyball team and the cross-country team.” Similar scenes could be found at Stephens Elementary School and Alexander City Middle School, where another 57 and 28 volunteers, respectively, could be found sprucing up the buildings. In addition to cleaning and painting indoors, volunteers from the Boys & Girls Club were hauling away old unused wooden tables from behind Stephens Elementary School so new equipment could be put in, while another See UNITED • Page 3
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Members of the Alexander City Fire Department will be in front of Walmart between June 29 and July 1, collecting money in partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. For over six decades, the MDA has worked in tandem with fire departments across the country to raise funds to conduct medical research and provide for other key programs offered by the organization. “Over the last 20 years, more than 100 fire departments in Alabama have taken part in ‘Fill the Boot,’” State MDA Fundraising Coordinator Allison McNiell said. In 2016, the Alexander City Fire Department and 24 other fire departments See BOOT • Page 10
Fire Dept. teaches CPR to area residents valuable tool to helping save lives especially if it can be started before first responders More than 30 area arrive. residents filled the Adelia M. “It helps greatly,” Russell Library Thursday to McAlister told the group. learn CPR. “That initial response is While some were looking crucial. By giving CPR early to get the certification card to helps save lives.” meet requirements for a job, McAlister explained that all wanted to learn something early treatment while waiting that might help save a life. for first responders to arrive The Alexander City Fire helps prevent more damage Department taught the from heart attacks and might class and Fire Chief Reese be the difference in saving a McAlister said CPR is a life.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Lake Martin
Today’s
Lake Levels
Weather
490.57
87 73 High
Low
Reported on 6/22/17 @ 8:00 a.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443 6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
Most of the material was presented via video that explained the various types of CPR. McAlister responded to questions to how 911 works and explained that the department responds to all types of calls in the jurisdiction. He also explained the department responds to calls on the lake and that the Marine Patrol will often transfer the victim to them at known locations around the lake.
Starting Friday: Transformers: The Last Knight– PG-13 Wonder Woman – PG-13 Cars 3– G
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
The Alexander City Fire Department gathered at the Adelia M. Russell Library to teach a CPR class for area residents.
Page 2
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Serial father keeps chummy relationships with his exes
Saturday
84 69 Low
High Thunderstorms likely
Sunday
83 65 Low
High
40% chance of thunderstorms
Staff
Directory 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
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
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
Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@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, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
Postal
Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Friday, June 23, 2017
The Outlook
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
How to Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by Submit e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more Obituaries or information, call (256) 234-4281.
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DEAR ABBY: I recently met a 28-year-old father of three I’m interested in. He seems wonderful. He’s a hard worker, takes care of his responsibilities and is an amazing father to his children. They’re all still very little, but they’re great kids. The only thing that’s been on my mind lately is he has a lot of baggage. Those kids are from three different women. He gets along with all of them very well, to the point that they sometimes do stuff together with the children. They go out to places, or sometimes he invites them over to his place to swim in the pool. I understand that he has to maintain a healthy relationship with his exes for the sake of the children, but I never thought it would be this “healthy.” I have never experienced something like this. I appreciate him being upfront about everything,
DEAR ABBY Advice
but I can’t stop thinking about it. Am I overreacting? -- THREE’S COMPANY DEAR THREE’S COMPANY: I don’t think so. While I admire the man’s devotion to his children -- not to mention his skilled diplomatic ability -- it does appear that he has a problem making a lasting commitment to a woman. Unless you would seriously consider joining this “harem,” I urge you to religiously practice contraception. If you would like children in the future, it would be better to approach it with someone who isn’t as marriage-phobic as this young man appears to be.
DEAR ABBY: I recently attended a wedding after which the bride chose not to adopt her husband’s last name. After the wedding we met them for dinner. When they strolled up to the restaurant to meet us, I happily exclaimed, “Oh, here come Mr. and Mrs. Smith!” after which I was quickly informed that I was wrong because the bride was keeping her maiden name. Abby, even if a woman goes by her maiden name, is it so wrong to refer to her as “the Mrs.”? -- STEPPED IN IT DEAR STEPPED: Your mistake was an innocent one. Now that you know this couple is sensitive about their individual identities, address them by their names (“Linda” and “Robert”) if you wish to maintain a social relationship. DEAR ABBY: You
and your mother have answered many sexual questions in your column over the years. Editors back in the ‘50s were more prudish about what could be published in family papers. Did your mother have to battle with dragons to print sexual questions from her readers? -- SONNY IN ALABAMA DEAR SONNY: If she did, she didn’t mention it to me. While I agree that editors back then -- and even now -- tend to be conservative, if they disapprove of a letter, they are free not to print it. 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 Col. Cecil R. French A celebration of life for Col. Cecil R. French, age 91 of Cook Springs, AL formerly of Still Waters Community in Dadeville, AL, will be held at Tallapoosa County Memory Gardens with a Full Military Graveside Service on Monday the 26th of June French at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. John Mann officiating. Col. Cecil R. French served in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Cecil R. French was born in Birmingham, Alabama on March 26, 1926. In 1944 he served in the 899th Tank Destroyer BN in Germany. After WWII he graduated from the University of Alabama and was assigned to Heavy Tank Co, 3rd Infantry Division in 1950. He retired from the Army in 1973 with a total of 26 years on active duty. He continued his military interests by founding and serving as president of the WWII Tank Destroyer-Fort Benning Association which was later expanded to the National WWII Tank Destroyer Society of 100,000 men and 85 Combat Formations. At the age of 46 he and his wife, Doris, each earned a Master’s Degree in Art from the University of Alabama and celebrated 61 years of marriage together. Both Cecil (Bob) and his wife, Doris, are survived by two daughters, Dori French Cantley (Don) of Springville, AL and Annette French
Davis (Gerald) of Fountain City, IN; grandchildren, Adrienne Cowen (Rick), Erin Myers (Mike), Justin French Davis (Lynnette) and Bryan Davis (Jennifer); great grandchildren, Lauren and Bryce Cowen, Ashlyn and Ella Myers, Addison Davis, Noah, Piper, and Boden Davis. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Red Ridge United Methodist Church 8091 County Road 34 Dadeville, AL 36853 or Rescue K911, Inc. P.O. Box 862 Auburn, AL 36831. Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers of Dadeville are handling the arrangement.
Virginia J. Alexander Funeral Services for Virginia J. Alexander, 79 will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 24 at Kendrick Baptist Church Nixburg, Alabama. Rev. Peggie Ott will officiate. Burial will follow in Kendrick Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 23, 2017 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Wright’s Funeral Home. Ms. Alexander passed away Tuesday, June 20 at Russell Medical. She was born June 6, 1937 to Jim McConnell and Clara Lee Church McConnell. She was a faithful member of the Kendrick Baptist Church. She is the mother of four children, a stepson and grandmother. She is survived by a beloved friend and devoted caregiver Janice (Charles) Taylor. She was loved by all that knew her and will be truly missed. Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home.
256-329-1313 • 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL
Ms. Eula Smith Ms. Eula Smith passed away Wednesday, June 21 at Brown Nursing Home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.
Mr. Roger Dale Lashley 1944 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mr. Roger Dale Lashley, 73, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Radney Funeral Home. Bro. Ray Dunn will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park with Veterans Honors provided by the Alexander City Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 23, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Lashley passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at University of Alabama Hospital. He was born on May 1, 1944 in Daviston, Alabama to Loyd Lashley and Mavis Mann Johnson. He was an avid Alabama Football fan, loved his family dearly, and was a devoted family man. He loved the outdoors and spent many hours there. He worked as a salesperson for Stark Auto Parts, Darwin Dobbs, and Snap on Tools. He is survived by his wife, of 48 years, Rita M. Lashley of Alexander City; daughters, Angela Lashley Rogers (Dennis) of Tallassee and Risa Lashley Brown (Kevin) of Alexander City; grandchildren, Michael Chaffin (Sarah), Andie Lamberth, Sawyer Brown, and Dakota Brown; Sisters, Connie Lashley and Susan Waters; and step-mother, Dorris Lashley of Mims, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and step-father, Olin Johnson. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
“We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
“PROVIDING QUALITY ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION SINCE 1961”
Bill’s Electric ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
(256) 234-4555 1814 Airport Blvd • Alexander City, AL
Planning a Yard Sale? Boost your pro½ts with an ad in the Classi½eds. It’s an easy and affordable way to bring more business to your door! To place your ad call
256.277.4219 The Outlook ClassiÀeds
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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 256-4092020 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. TOPS MEETING: Take Off Pounds Sensibly is the short name for TOPS Club, Inc., the original nonprofit, noncommercial network of weight-loss support groups throughout the U.S. and Canada. TOPS offers tools and programs for healthy living and weight management, with exceptional group fellowship and recognition. Established in 1948 to champion weight-loss support and success, we’ve helped millions of people live healthier lives. Come out and visit us. Your first meeting is free. Meetings are held every Thursday @ 6 p.m. at Comer Baptist Church, 341 E. Church St., Alexander City, AL. Call (256) 4964210 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. VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers. Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256-2341134 or 256-749-3717 for more information. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a women’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
825-9559
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
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, problem-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 256-2154499 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. COMPUTER LAB: The new and improved computer lab at Cooper Community Center is now open to the community Monday thru Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. LaBrawnski Salter is the new lab facilitator. You can check email, browse the internet, build a resume, complete a project or homework, research, job search and some social media. CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery is a Christcentered 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 256496-4664. CCTS ALUMNI MEETING: The Coosa County Train School and J.D. Thompson alumni association hold monthly meetings the third Saturday of each month.
Friday, June 23, 2017
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The Outlook
Page 3
Donald Campbell / The Outlook Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
From left, Cara Tidwell, Caralina Tidwell, Scott Hunter, Harper Hunter and Harrison Hunter work cleaning walls in a hallway at Horseshoe Bend School Thursday morning as a part of the United Way’s Day of action.
Above: Day of Action volunteers move dirt and landscape in front of Alexander City Middle School Thursday morning. Below: United Way board member Dave Commander puts up strips of painter’s tape in the Alexander City Middle School office Thursday morning.
Donald Campbell / The Outlook
Above: Volunteers participating in the Day of Service are shown hard at work painting the wall of a fourth-grade classroom at Stephens Elementary School. Below: Members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area take one of the outdoor tables from behind Stephens Elementary School to a waiting trailer Thursday morning.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
United volunteer group did some landscaping around the car loop at the middle school, squelching through the wet dirt they were trying to spread and level. “Our volunteers have planted pots outside, pulled weeds, pressurewashed the sidewalk, cleaned inside door windows, cleaned closets, the office, library and lunchroom, and painted several classrooms,” Sharon Fuller said of the workers at Stephens Elementary. “They’ve been working hard, and I appreciate all of the volunteers that came out.” “We’ve been doing some touch-up painting in the hallways and bathrooms, as well as landscaping out front and some general cleaning as well,” Marketing Director and ACMS Volunteer Coordinator Courtney Layfield said. “It’s been very successful, given the weather. “At each school, we
continued from page 1
had to re-evaluate our plan, but each school has been flexible with our plans. Rain’s not going to scare the United Way away.” School administrators were also highly appreciative of the work these volunteers were able to complete throughout the morning. “It means so much to us and it will mean a lot to the children when they come back to school in the fall,” Stephens Elementary Principal April Neese said. “We could not get all this done without them.” “It was a great showing this morning, a big crew lined up to sign in, ready to go,” Alexander City Middle School Principal Tracie Blakely said. “They’ve been working hard and been very focused. My heart is overjoyed, and I’m thankful for the United Way.” Fuller wanted to thank the volunteers who came
out, both individuals and groups including the Salvation Army, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area, Girls Ranch, ARISE and Head Start Tallapoosa County, among many others. She also wanted to thank the sponsors who helped make the Day of Action possible, including County Commissioners Steve Robinson and T.C. Coley, The Home Depot, Russell Lands, Lake Martin Building Supply and Alabama Paper, just to name a few. As United Way
board member Dave Commander said as he stuck painter’s tape to the indoor office windows at Alexander City Middle School, “It’s about giving back to the community. The schools and school systems are very important to our area, so we want to keep them looking fresh and new.” “It just goes to show how much people care about our schools and the community,” Sandra Fuller said. “They really want to help, sometimes you just have to ask.”
Above: Sandra Fuller helps Camalia Rowell sign in to volunteer at the United Way’s Day of Action project at Horseshoe Bend School Thursday. More than 50 volunteers did work over a four-hour period at Horseshoe Bend.
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Page 4
Opinion
Our View Area was prepared for potential bad weather
W
ith Tropical Storm Cindy coming in from the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama and our area were in what some meteorologists called a danger zone for potential severe weather. As of Thursday afternoon, despite some tornado watches and a lot of rain, our area fared pretty well considering. Some scattered power outages, a few trees down here and there and localized flooding were the most serious things reported. That is great news. But something that may be lost in the weather forecast and meteorological terms is that if the really bad stuff had hit here, it appears that Tallapoosa County officials were as prepared as they could be. Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency Director Jason Moran, officials in all area municipalities and the county itself communicated and took steps to help prevent flooding before the storm hit. Moran pulled from computer models and EMA sources and communicated with people across the county. He made sure they all knew what was forecasted and what they could expect. After the tornado warnings and the most severe weather passed, first responders and utility workers rolled and helped each other check area roads and remove debris that they encountered. It was a cooperative effort that we can all appreciate. Just as our public servants were prepared, we need to do the same. So how do you prepare? Officials suggest that everyone keep a disaster supply kit in their homes in case basic services such as electricity, phone and gas are cut off. Make sure it includes items such as flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio and, of course, nonperishable, ready to eat foods that won’t take much to prepare. Statistics show that most weatherrelated deaths come when people do not heed warnings or advisories. Every individual needs to take an active interest in protecting their family, business and investing in the community’s preparedness for severe weather. By taking just a little bit of time to go that extra step, lives could be saved and tragedy averted in our county one day. Stay informed and prepared. Your safety depends on it.
Know Your
Officials Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334-242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Kay Ivey
Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and Luther Strange his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-3922006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. Mark Tuggle His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334Tom Whatley 242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Outlook The
We are responsible for our decisions
I
’ve decided that I hate to make decisions. As a matter of fact, I’ve decided not to make any more decisions, but of course, I might change my mind later. The older I get the harder it is to decide whether to even get out of bed or not, much less handle the big stuff. Being married means I’m relieved of most of the responsibilities of making decisions, as long as I decide my wife is right. Let me give you an example of this thought process. Recently, I was contentedly sitting in my lounge chair watching Braves’ baseball when my wife came in and innocently asked if I wanted to go shopping with her. With this simple question the time of decision came that would affect my well being for the next week or so. On the one hand, I could easily say no and continue to sit comfortably in my chair. After all, her demeanor was sweet, innocent and she had a smile on her face when she asked. So, on the surface it would look like an easy call to stay put. However, being a married man of 53 years I knew the alternative response to my decision. A no would probably mean the doghouse for a week because I never go anywhere with her and when I do I complain the whole time.
case of a real emergency…” So, it was only a test, but thank heavens I made the right decision. Lately, the news has carried story after story of imporDR. GERALD tant people making the wrong HALLMARK decisions. The thing that has Columnist struck me so forcefully is their refusal to take responsibility On this point she is absolutely for those decisions. It is really right because she drags me through all the ladies cosmetics not their fault according to their reasoning, but someone forcing and underwear in the stores. These journeys into Lady Land them into cheating, lying and always unnerve me that I’m in covering up. When this comes out I am some sort of alien environment reminded of an old TV series and have no business being called The Flip Wilson Show. there. Wilson would do something As I sat there I could hear the clock ticking on the mantle outrageous and then in all seriousness look at the camera with the clarity of a countand state, “The devil made me down. She was standing there do it!” We are created in the waiting, smiling with her eyebrows slightly arched in antici- image of God with a free will to choose right from wrong; pation of my earth shaking decision. On the other hand, it therefore, this gift makes us was the sixth inning, the top of accountable to society, and ultimately to God. After all, our the order was coming up, we free will is the very image of were down one run and two guys were on base. Tough call, God granted to us in Genesis. I’ve made another imporhuh? tant decision. I think I’ll quite Finally, I made a decision worthy of Solomon. I stand up, writing and go get a coke, or maybe a snack cake, then look her right in the eye and tell her I would be thrilled to go again, maybe some ice cream. I hate decisions so I’ll just get all with her. With this announcement her smile widens and she of them and sit back down. says to sit back down because Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a she wanted to know if I really retired minister who lives in wanted to go. What does that TV public announcer say, “This Alexander City. His column is a test. It is only a test. In the appears here each Friday.
Friday, June 23, 2017
Today’s
Quote
“Never be a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of you future. You will never be the same.” —Robin Sharma
Today’s
Scripture “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” —Joshua 1:9
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Daily Poll Thursday Question: Has the recent rain forced you to reschedule outdoor events?
No— 55% Yes—45%
Friday’s Question: Has your home or property suffered any damage during this week’s storms?
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Despite headwinds, legislative season was a success
T
he possible impeachment and eventual resignation of a governor create a gale wind that can quickly transform into a hurricane. Such a tempest was the setting for the 2017 session of the Alabama Legislature. The outcome – resignation, and now, a fresh start at the Capitol under Governor Kay Ivey – has been extensively covered in the media. Understandably, less ink has been spilled on the significant policy achievements of the legislative session, but Alabamians have a right to feel proud of the work done by their legislative representatives this past spring. First, the basics: the Legislature fulfilled its primary constitutional duty by passing balanced budgets for the General Fund and the Education Trust Fund. Conservative Republican legislators stood up for taxpayers by approving these budgets without any tax increases. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 General Fund budget includes an increase of $3.3 million for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to put thirty new state troopers on the road. Of all the functions of state government, public safety is paramount, and I was glad to support the targeted increase for state troopers. The budget also increases funding for the courts, including for juvenile probation officers, some of whom who were in danger of being laid off. Meanwhile, most of the large state agencies, including
million for dual enrollment programs, which are essential for giving our students the realworld tools they will need for employment after graduation. CLYDE Along with the budgets, the CHAMBLISS Legislature passed a number Columnist of substantive bills, including: autism therapy insurance Medicaid, Corrections, and coverage, a Constitutional the Department of Human Amendment declaring Resources, were level-funded. Alabama a right-to-life state, Since Alabamians elected religious freedom protections a Republican majority to the for faith-based adoption House and Senate in 2010, agencies, a ban on assisted fiscal discipline has defined suicide, a bill to require civics the budgeting process for both testing, a protection of historic state agencies and our schools monuments, a measure to and universities. For example, shorten death penalty appeals, in 2011 the Legislature the legalization of midwifery, a established the Rolling tax credit for the revitalization Reserve Act, which forces the of historic buildings, and Legislature to annually set an update to the Alabama aside a portion of the Education Jobs Act to give cities more budget’s revenue growth in an flexibility when recruiting new emergency fund. Because of businesses. that fiscal discipline, proration All in all, 1,030 bills were – the sudden, mid-year slashing introduced and approximately of school budgets – hasn’t three hundred were passed occurred since 2010. by both chambers of the The FY 2018 Education Legislature and sent to the budget is the beneficiary of Governor’s desk. such disciplined spending Despite headwinds, I am over the past seven years. At encouraged that conservatives $6.4 billion, it is the largest in the Alabama Senate and Education budget since 2008, House led the way in in and provides funding for one moving our state forward hundred and fifty additional during the 2017 session. I teachers, along with a $13 am proud of our work and million increase to build one I am grateful for the strong hundred and twenty-two new leadership of Governor Ivey. classrooms for First Class, Alabama’s voluntary Pre-K Republican Clyde Chambliss program, which was recently represents all or parts of named the best Pre-K system Autauga, Elmore, Chilton, in the nation by the National Coosa, and Tallapoosa Institute for Early Education Counties in the Alabama Research. I was also happy Senate. to support an increase of $11
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.
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Fired: A dark variant of ‘It was 20 years ago today...’
or an associate salesman/“sub-rep” for an (independent) manufacturer’s representative organization based in Birmingham, the initial anomaly was a definitive example of the soullessness of the Information Age. He had made a longer-thanusual territory run the previous day (over 400 miles). The following morning, he had tried to e-mail his orders into the out-of-state headquarters of the manufacturer the Birmingham group represented. “A line came up on the screen that said ‘User ID revoked,’ like I didn’t exist anymore,” he recalled. And as far as the manufacturer was concerned, that was exactly the case. The date was June 17, 1997, but to fully understand this chronicle, you have to back up about two months. The Birmingham business was family-owned, and was in its third generation. They’d sold this particular brand of merchandise in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle since the 1920s and had won several sales awards from the company
WILLIE MOSELEY Columnist
in recent times. And at a semi-annual convention in mid-April, the second-generation rep was given a diamond-encrusted lapel pin for selling the line for 50 years. Eight weeks later, an employee from the manufacturer’s headquarters flew into the Birmingham airport, having asked the two primary reps (the thirdgeneration rep and his partner) to meet him there. And he abruptly informed the twosome that his company felt like its goals were in another direction, which included opening a (perceived) “factory direct store” in Birmingham, and announced “I’m here to terminate our relationship.” The entire rep organization was fired right there in the airport, after having sold the brand for over 70 years. The manufacturer’s employee then
turned around and flew back to the corporate headquarters. The so-called “termination” occurred on June 16, while the associate rep was out on his sales route, oblivious to what had happened in Birmingham. His first indication something was wrong was the aforementioned “User ID revoked” message on his computer the next morning. The new rep for the territory turned out to be a former racquetball partner—or maybe it was some other kind of sports associate—of the company’s new CEO. The second-generation rep already had health problems, and observers recounted that he had sort of a hideous grayish pallor following the “termination.” He was seen wandering through the warehouse, talking to himself. The partnership between the two primary reps was dissolved and the associate rep was fired. Obviously embittered, he had described having to file for unemployment for no valid reason as humiliating. The second-generation rep died five months after his organization was “terminated”
in the airport. The new rep/crony of the new CEO lasted about a year. Stores in Alabama and the Florida Panhandle complained that they weren’t getting proper service and the new guy was moved to another territory. The so-called “factory direct store” in Birmingham lasted about a year and a half before the partnership between the manufacturer and an area retailer was, er, terminated. The third-generation rep kept the Birmingham rep business and warehouse open, and hired the associate rep back after about six months. Things weren’t the same, however. “I never told him I wanted to go back to work for him,” the associate explained. “He called me about coming back on a part-time basis, and next thing I knew, he showed up at my house with samples.” The Birmingham operation struggled. Lines came and went, and the rep business and warehouse finally closed in 2003. The third-generation rep continued as a self-employed rep, and the associate rep had to file for unemployment
again. He later found a job in a different career field. They probably had different versions of why the Birmingham business finally closed, but my perception is that they didn’t harbor any permanent ill will towards each other. The travails of the company that had “terminated” its association with the Birmingham sales group in 1997 were also fascinating to monitor, as numerous factories were closed and thousands of workers were laid off. The decline was even noted in a brutal story in The New Yorker. Such narratives abound in contemporary America and one can only hope former employees can somehow land on their feet. But there’s also the primary cause of the second-generation rep’s passing in late 1997. For all of the advances in modern medicine, doctors and/or coroners have yet to be able to diagnose a broken heart. Moseley is a columnist for Tallapoosa Publishers
Every day is Internet security day, password selection is crucial B eing safe online is important every day. There may be days devoted to internet security awareness, but you need to be careful every time you go online. Do you know what it takes to be safe online? You probably connect daily to get information, shop, socialize, or work. Every time you go online, you need to avoid the risk of theft or fraud. Here are some tips to use while visiting the Social Security website and the other websites you use. ͌ Use Strong Passwords-Strong passwords have at least eight characters and include capital letters, numbers, and non-letters Every Day Is Internet Security Day characters. These passwords make it harder for someone to hack your account. ͌ Don’t Recycle Passwords--
KYLLE’ D. MCKINNEY Columnist
Although it requires effort to think of new passwords constantly, it provides safety when you do. What if you use the same password for every site and you lose your password? If someone finds it, they could get access to all your accounts. Many people choose to reuse don’t be one of them. ͌ Take Advantage of Multifactor Authentication--Many websites offer the option to use a second factor or method in addition to just a username and password to ensure that only
you access your information. Using more than one factor to establish identity makes it harder for someone to get into your account and steal your personal information. Beginning June 10, 2017, Social Security requires multifactor authentication to access a my Social Security account. Customers choose whether to receive a one-time security code to either their phone or email in order create a new account or sign into their account. Visit this link to find out more about how to secure your personal my Social Security account: www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/ verifyandprotectid.html. Consider using multifactor authentication whenever it’s offered to protect your information. ͌ Read Scam Alerts--For information about fraudulent
activities related to Social Security, you can find information at our blog Social Security Matters under the Newsroom section at blog. socialsecurity.gov. One way to avoid identity theft is to create your own my Social Security account, if you haven’t already. When you have an account, no one else can set up an account using your information. Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General investigates fraud involving Social Security and they publish Fraud Advisories at oig. ssa.gov/newsroom/news-release. The Federal Trade Commission website publishes information about scams that appear in the news atwww.consumer.ftc.gov/ scam-alerts. You’ll want to be aware of current scams to avoid being tricked. ͌ Review Your Online Accounts
and Credit Reports--Just as you review your earnings record with Social Security for accuracy at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ myaccount, you should review your bank and credit card accounts for accuracy. Get a free copy of your credit report available annually from the three credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) at www. annualcreditreport.com/ and check it for incorrect entries. Protecting your identity can be daunting. Guarding your personal information requires investing some time, but is worth it. Discourage theft and fraud by adopting these security practices when you use the internet. Kylle’ D. McKinney is a public affairs specialist with Alabama Social Security.
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CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Today is June 23, 2017 Today’s Events
MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night June 23. The Climb will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: God’s House Church in Hackneyville is hosting “Campout - Getting S’more
Friday, June 23, 2017
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of Jesus” Vacation Bible School June 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There will be hotdogs, roasting marshmallows, S’Mores, fun and campfire Bible stories. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School June 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and June 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The theme is Super God, Super Me, Super Possibilities. SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM:
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/. The Reeltown High School Cafeteria will be June 5-30 with breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to noon. Contact Nina Hollingsworth at 256-825-0746.
Today’s Birthdays
Crystal Langley, Mattie Woodruff, Holley McCain, Lounell Sherrer, Irene Beasley, James Driggers, Glenda Lyons and Letecia Waltonare celebrating 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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Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
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Starshine Faces, just one of the fantastic performers that Mamie’s Place Children’s Library scheduled for summer fun, presented a “Build a Better World” program Tuesday, June 20th. Using the children’s book, The Three Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas, the children were guided to work together and always do the right thing. With character face painting and balloon art as props, the children laughed, played, learned and were encouraged to “Build a Better World.”
Saturday, June 24
TURTLE AND TORTOISE DAY: Wind Creek State Park is hosting turtle and tortoise day June 24 at 9 a.m to take the place of turtle races of the past. It is sponsored by Wind Creek State Park, Alabama Department of Natural Resources and the Auburn Museum of Natural History. Learn about gophers and tortoise with live animals, children’s activities, turtle egg race, turtle dasy and more at the campground playground. FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Saturday June 24. Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips and soft drinks. WOMAN-LESS BEAUTY PAGEANT: The Weogufka Center is hosting a woman-less beauty pageant Saturday, June 24. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with concessions. Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. SUMMER BAZAAR: There will be a Summer Bazaar to benefit the Lake Martin Laubach Literacy Council and Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama June 24 behind Karen Channell State Farm and in the office of VCCA. LMLLC will be selling softly used hard back and soft back books. VCCA will be selling plnats for $1 to $3, baked goods including pound cakes and sourdough bread, chances to win a hand crafted Adirondack love seat and flea market items. Individuals will also have items such as jams and jellies and other hand made items. There are still a few spaces left and it you would like to set up a table with your goods contact Carley at carleyatvcca@gmail.com CAR WASH: The New Site Cal Ripken 12U All Star Baseball team is holding a car wash June 24 at Hall’s Propane in New Site to raise funds to attend the state tournament in Florence . For those that would like to make a donation to the team can call coach Thomas Turner at 256-3974326.
Sunday, June 25
•Alexander City Outlook •Dadeville Record •Wetumpka Herald •Eclectic Observer •Tallassee Tribune
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FAMILY REUNION: The 100th Mann Family Reunion will be June 25 at 11 a.m. at Rocky Mount Primitive Baptist Church. All descendants of John Branch Mann will gather for a covered dish lunch and fellowship. For more information, call Judy Burgess at 256-216-6108. FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY: GAP Fellowship Church will celebrate friends and family day Sunday, June 25 at 2:30 p.m. with special guest Pastor Curtis Seals of Lily Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Talladega. Lou and Marilyn Benson are the pastors of GAP Fellowship Church. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Oak Chapel Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting its homecoming June 25 at 10 a.m. the 11th Hour will be singing.
June 25-27
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The Dadeville First United Methodist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Sunday, June 25 to Tuesday, June 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
June 25-29
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: West
End Baptist Church 3040 Old Dark Rd. Alexander City is hosting Vacation Bible School, Galactic Strarveyors, June 26 - June 29 from 5 pm to 8 pm. Dinner for everyone is from 5-6 p.m. and VBS will be from 6-8 p.m. There will be classes from nursery up to adults and a van will be running. If you need a ride, you can call the church at 256-234-2130 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Monday, June 26
MINISTERIAL MEETING: The Alex City Ministerial Association will meet Monday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. The church is located at 1098 King Street in Alexander City.
Wednesday, June 28
FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a field and forest hike June 28 at 9 a.m. The walk is for all ages. Meet at the outdoor classroom across from the beach. MOVIE: There will be free viewing of an environmental and other movies for teenagers at the Cooper Recreation Center Wednesday, June 28. Adults, please allow and advise your teenagers to come. Event is open to teenagers ages 13-17. Movie starts at 2 p.m. and questions and discussions will be afterward. Check it out! For more information, please call Ms. Dean at 256-7940172 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Thursday, June 29
EMERGENCY PERSONNEL DAY: Wind Creek State Park is hosting an emergency personnel day June 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit with emergency personnel from the surrounding area and see their vehicles and learn about how they are important to they community. SUMMER ARTS PRESENTATION: The Dadeville Summer Arts program is presenting “The Wizard of Oz,” June 29 at 9 a.m.
June 29-30
JEWELRY SALE: The Russell Medical Auxiliary is hosting the Masquearade $5 Jewelry Sale in the Russell Medical Community Room June 29 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and June 30 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, June 30
CHILDREN’S NATIVE AMERICAN ACTIVITIES: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will present Children’s Native American Activities June 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to teach children how to create clay pots and play Native American games. Meet at the Wind Creek State Park clubhouse at the campground playground. MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night June 30. Beyond the Mask will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.
Saturday, July 1
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT: The 2nd Annual Lake Martin Championship Cornhole Tournament will be Saturday, July 1 at The Rodeo Club. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and includes a T-shirt while supplies last. Bags fly at 12 p.m. The first tournament is a blind draw
for $25 a person and the second tournament is bring your own partner at $20 a team. There is a guaranteed $1,000 in prize money. For more information contact the Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce or The Rodeo Club.
Sunday, July 2
CHURCH MEMORIAL: The Almighty God Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting its 37th Church Memorial Sunday, July 2 at 2 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Robert Williams, pastor of Peace and Goodwill Baptist Church in Kellyton. Pastor of Almighty God Baptist Church is Rev. Lorenzo Caldwell.
Wednesday, July 5
FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a field and forest hike July 5 at 9 a.m. The walk is for all ages. Meet at the outdoor classroom across from the beach. MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday July 5 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.. Please bring a covered dish and a small donation.
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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.
C
“WE’RE THE PROFESSIONALS”
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.
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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 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be live performances, family fun and healthy snacks. For more information call 256749-5943.
July 10-11
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 Still Waters 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 13-15
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Family Worship Center on Sewell Street is hosting Vacation Bible School Thursday, July 13 and Friday, July 14 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 15 from 9 a.m. to noon with a parents program Saturday, July 15 at 11 a.m.
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LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
Friday, June 23, 2017
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DAVID RAINER Columnist
Recreational snapper anglers gain an additional 39 days
F
ishing buddy Todd Kercher posted a video last weekend many feel justifies the significant extension of the red snapper season for private recreational anglers in federal waters. Todd took his family out in the Gulf of Mexico to catch a limit of snapper, two per person with a 16-inch minimum. What he captured on video was what many snapper anglers have been screaming for the past few years. As Todd tells one family member they have a limit in the boat, they start throwing the leftover bait into the water. A red snapper feeding frenzy ensued with 10- to 15-pound red snapper attacking the bait with such fervor they were coming completely out of the water, or “skying” as Todd called it. The reason Todd and his family were able to enjoy the phenomenal red snapper fishing was the result of a unified effort by a diverse group including the affected anglers, Gov. Kay Ivey, Alabama Congressmen, city councils and mayors in Gulf Coast communities and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). When National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries announced earlier this year the private recreational sector would get only a three-day season, the above groups were disgusted to the point of anger. A little more than a month ago, the groups began to come together to encourage the U.S. Department of Commerce, which oversees NOAA and its fisheries, to reconsider the season in federal waters. Those efforts paid off last week when NOAA Fisheries and the Gulf states reached an agreement that if the states forego snapper seasons in state waters out to the 9-mile boundary Mondays through Thursdays, the federal private recreational season would be extended from three days for an additional 39 days. The season is set for each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day and includes July 3-4 and Labor Day. The charter-for-hire’s 49-day season, which runs through July 19, and the commercial sector’s Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) system are not affected. Chris Blankenship, who has gone from Alabama Marine Resources Director to DCNR Deputy Commissioner to Acting DCNR Commissioner this year, said the negotiations have been in progress for much longer than a month. “We started trying to work with the new administration not long after (Commerce) Secretary (Wilbur) Ross was appointed,” Blankenship said. “That has been very beneficial. Congressman (Bradley) Byrne also lined up the help from other Gulf Coast Representatives, like Steve Scalise and Garrett Graves from Louisiana, Matt Gaetz from Florida and Steve Palazzo from Mississippi. They met with the Secretary’s staff to urge them to extend the red snapper days. “Then Governor Ivey sent a See SNAPPER • Page 10
Submitted / The Outlook
Red snapper season has been extended for an additional 39 days.
Submitted / The Outlook
Top: This year’s New Site 12U All-Star baseball team is the first to advance to the Cal Ripken state tournament. Team members include, front row, from left, Thompson Gamble, Klark James, Christian Brown, Dakotah Howard, Braden Phillips, Calvin Mangram, Kole Evers; back row, assistant coach Tony Jones, Brier Hardy, Luke Jones, Gaines Thomas, head coach Thomas Turner, Jacob Turner, Gunner Thomas, Keegan Sharpe and assistant coach Chris Brown. Bottom: New Site third baseman Sophia Price goes up for a catch during an 8U All-Star game last weekend.
New Site 12U makes history By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
For the first time in history, New Site is taking a 12U AllStar baseball team to the Cal Ripken state tournament. After placing third at the district tournament last weekend, New Site got a chance to continue its journey when runner-up Lineville elected to take its team to the 11U state tournament instead. “I’m excited for them,” New Site coach Thomas Turner said. “It’s gonna be a good experience for the kids, and it’ll be something they’ll remember as they grow older.” New Site got off to a great start at last week’s tournament, defeating Lineville 11-3 in Game 1. Klark James, Luke Jones and Jacob Turner combined for the win on the mound, and Gunner Thomas smacked a home run
during New Site’s first at-bat of the game. “The whole team just kept on hitting from there,” Thomas Turner said. The tides turned for New Site in the second game, as it lost 15-4 top-ranked Roanoke. The game was tied 2-2 for the first four innings, but a couple of errors cost New Site a few runs in the fifth and Roanoke opened the game up from there. Lineville got the best of New Site in the losers’ bracket final, 3-1. “Hitting wise, we were getting some hits but we couldn’t string them together,” Turner said. “In the last inning, we tried making a rally and we got our run.” Turner said New Site played a strong defensive game throughout the tournament, making just six combined errors See 12U • Page 10
Lake Martin tournament a success
By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
More than 25 water skiers gathered at Porter’s Branch last weekend for the Lake Martin water ski slalom clinic and tournament. The participants began on Friday with a slalom clinic instructed by Bob Schouten, a U.S. Senior World Team member and Alabama state record holder; Payton Phillips, a nationallyranked competitor; and Kate White, the 2016 Girls 2 state champion. Once all water skiers completed the clinic, they were given a handicap score that would be used for the tournament, which was hosted Saturday. For the tournament, the skiers were divided into teams of five with one competitor serving as the
Submitted / The Outlook
A number of youngsters participated in last weekend’s Lake Martin water ski slalom tournament hosted at Porter’s Branch. Pictured are, front row, from left, Mary Elizabeth Bice, Robert Bice, Will Schouten, Hayes McKell, Jackson Clifford, Jake White, Trevor Grazette; back row, Joseph Schouten, Kate White, Alex Seton, See TOURNAMENT • Page 10 Lindsey Elrod and Payton Phillips.
Shawn Jennings to transfer to South Alabama By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
After redshirting at the University of Alabama last season, Dadeville graduate Shawn Jennings plans to transfer to South Alabama. Jennings Jennings, a linebacker at Alabama, announced the commitment to USA on Twitter but has not officially signed yet. Because of NCAA transfer rules, Jennings will not be allowed to play for the Jaguars in the 2017 season but will have three years of eligibility after that. Jennings is the younger brother of Anfernee Jennings, who still plays for
by you Starting in the fall, the Alexander City Outlook will be looking to introduce a Two Alex City teams settle for 2nd new sports column written by you, the A pair of Alex City All-Star softball athletes and coaches. teams will join the 10U and 12U teams We want to hear about your fondest at their respective state tournaments. sports memories, your best recruiting The 8U All-Stars begin their journey on Friday at Anniston, while the 6U will stories and your most embarrassing moments. Do you have a strong opinion play Saturday in Oxford. Both squads on high school sports in the area? finished second at last weekend’s NSA Have you ever had a great anecdote to Area tournament at the Sportplex. tell about your team’s latest road trip? Dadeville’s 9-10 AAA baseball team Sideline Stories will be the perfect place fell just short of a state bid by losing to for you. Smiths Station on Tuesday, 9-6. Contact sports editor Lizi Arbogast at “We didn’t hit the ball well, but it was 256-234-4281, ext. 228, lizi.arbogast@ a fun game,” Dadeville coach Michael alexcityoutlook.com or on Twitter @ Ward said. liziarbogast for more details on this upcoming opportunity. Introducing a new column written Alabama.
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Friday, June 23, 2017
The Outlook
Kiwanis
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understand and be able to use VDI during interactions like traffic stops and other similar instances. “We’ve had two classes so far, and everyone has been giving good feedback for the classes,” he said. “Some of them said they wished that they had gotten this training during academy.” Giving these officers the training that can help keep them from making
mistakes, VDI promotes personal, organizational, legal and emotional safety. McMichael said that all officials within the Sheriff’s Department would be going through this training, though it is a rather lengthy process, and each class can only hold so many officers. “We have between 12 and 16 officers per class,” McMichael said. “It’s a
16-hour class. They have to do a lot.” Following his presentation, the club members asked him several questions revolving around other issues the Sheriff’s Department has been dealing with, including crystal meth, the DARE program in county schools and other similar topics. Though the national news outlets seem to focus on the negative stories
involving the police, McMichael reminded his audience that there are thousands of interactions the police are involved with every day that end positively and are never reported. “We’re the only department in the county doing this right now,” McMichael said. “It all starts with showing people dignity and respect.”
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an area west of New Site and east of Goodwater, no actual sighting was reported, according to the National Weather Service. The same was the case with the later warning. Damage was light with only a few trees downed and pooled water being noted in some areas. Trees were down on Eagle Creek Road and Ridge Road but roads were
already passable by the time county crews arrived. The rain has all of the creeks and rivers full but Alabama Power says that Lake Martin is good shape and no gates at Martin Dam are open. “Lake Martin is currently operating at 490 feet 7 inches,” said Alabama Power spokesperson Jacki-Lyn Thacker Lowry. “The rainfall has fallen at a pace that
has allowed us to manage the reservoir effectively.” The National Weather Service prediction has the sun returning Friday with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms and the weekend being cloudy with 70 percent chance of thunderstorms Saturday and 40 percent Sunday. Alexander City City Engineer and Public Works Director Gerard Brewer
said that the department took some preventative measures in advance of the rains and cleared some problem storm drains to help avoid potential flooding. “As of (Thursday) afternoon we hadn’t had anything major,” Brewer said. “We had our guys out on the roads to look for water pooling and making sure things were safe and passable and while there was a lot of rain, it wasn’t too bad.”
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from the South Alabama region were among the approximately 1600 departments that partnered with the MDA to raise $24 million. Another great aspect of these funds raised is that they stay local, working in the area to have the greatest possible impact. “Here in south Alabama, the money is used to help send kids to MDA summer camp,” McNiell said. “It costs $2,000 to send one
child to camp for a week.” Held at Camp ASCCA each summer, McNiell described it as being a barrier-free summer camp, where children with muscular dystrophy and other muscular diseases can enjoy the same experiences that children without these conditions can. “We’re getting to send 70 kids to camp this year from throughout south Alabama,” she said. “As the
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in three games. New Site will begin its state tournament on Thursday in Florence, and is accepting donations to help fund the trip. The team will also be hosting a carwash on Saturday at Hall’s Propane in New Site. “I’m hoping this is going to be a good building block for New Site and for the kids,” Turner said. “I hope they’ll be able to see their baseball abilities and see the possibilities and have that
carry over to the high school team.” New Site girls keep streak alive: For the third weekend in a row, New Site’s 8U AllStar softball team defeated Alex City in a tournament. Last weekend, it was at the NSA Area tournament at the Sportplex. The victory advanced New Site to state, which begins Saturday in Anniston. The girls are currently ranked No. 2 in the state.
funds we raise grow, more kids in our area have the ability to attend.” The money raised through events like these not only has a positive impact on the children who get to attend Camp ASCCA each summer, but also touches those who are out collecting the money. “We’ve participated for a long time in this,” Alexander City Fire Department Chief Reese McAlister
said. “We feel good that the funds we raise stay close to home at Camp ASCCA.” As a way to help the firefighters see for themselves how much of an impact the money they collect has, several members of the department will be traveling to Camp ASCCA on June 28 to visit with the campers. “It really touches the heart, getting to see that, and the campers get really excited to see us, because
what young child doesn’t enjoy seeing a fire truck?” McAlister said. During ‘Fill the Boot’ weekend, members of the Alexander City Fire Department will be in front of Walmart from noon until 4 p.m. on June 29 and 30, and 8 a.m. to noon on July 1. “We try to keep two at each door if we can,” McAlister said. “Our goal this year is to raise $4,000.”
Tournament captain. The winning team’s captain was Joseph Schouten, and members included Alex City’s Brian Bice and Trevor Gravette as well as Alex Seton and Jake White. They had by far the best performance as a team, scoring 14.5 points more than their average from the clinic. Points are
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awarded based on how many buoys a skier can complete at different boat speeds. Now in its sixth year, the tournament, which is sponsored by Russell Marine, has grown over the years, according to Bob Schouten. This year, they had a total of 27 skiers with at least four participants totally new to the
sport. Gravette learned how to ski just one week prior to the tournament. Competitors ranged from 8-yearold Hayes McKell to the oldest participant, Jess Wiswall, a Tallasee native in his 60s. It also gained a good mix of both males and females and brought competitors from
all over Alabama. Georgia’s Barb Kazmieczak traveled the farthest for the tournament. In addition to the handful of beginners, there were also quite a few very strong competitors. Schouten estimated eight skiers who were ranked in the top 30 in the American Water Ski Association.
Snapper wonderful.” Boyd’s constituency includes a great number of private recreational fishermen and one of the largest charter fleets on the Gulf Coast. He said some are extremely happy and some are apprehensive. “From the private rec guys, there’s nothing but ecstatic excitement,” Boyd said. “From the charter guys, they’re worried about what it might do to them next year.” Boyd said Blankenship was a crucial coordinator to make the snapper season extension a reality. “Chris can’t get enough kudos,” Boyd said. “He’s the quiet hero who brought other state commissioners to the table. It’s hard enough to get a family to agree on anything, much less four different commissioners from four other states with different agendas.” Blankenship said negotiations for the extension included several options including Saturday and Sunday plus the holidays, but the addition of Fridays to the season prevailed. “In order to get Fridays, the five states had to agree that they would not open a season in the fall,” Blankenship said. “Alabama and Florida felt it was more important to get the 39 days and not have a fall season. Mississippi and Louisiana agreed to do the same thing. Texas catches a very small percentage, ½ of 1 percent, of the quota during their fall season. So we were able to work out the details for 39 days, primarily through the
cooperation of Alabama and Florida, which account for the majority of the red snapper catch. “We realize not everybody is happy about giving up some of the state days. But we surrendered 23 days in state waters, where we have hundreds of (artificial) reefs, to get 39 days in federal waters, where we have thousands and thousands of reefs. We thought that was a fair trade.” Blankenship hopes this process will reset the way the Gulf states work with the Commerce Department and NOAA Fisheries. “All the states felt like this was a new opportunity, not just for 2017 but the future, to work with Congress and the Department of Commerce to find long-term solutions,” he said. Blankenship said Scalise, who is recovering from a serious gunshot wound in an assassination attempt last week, was at the forefront of the negotiations. “We pray for his speedy recovery,” Blankenship said. “This is an important issue to him. We hope he will get back to work soon. We look forward to working with him, as the Majority Whip, to pass a longterm fix in Congress.” Blankenship said without the data gathered through the Alabama Red Snapper Reporting System, known as Snapper Check, the argument for an extension would likely have not been considered by Commerce.
“To the Commerce Department’s credit, they gave states the benefit of the doubt,” he said. “They compared the data from Snapper Check and MRIP (Marine Recreational Information Program). They were open to looking at the data. They recognized the disparity in the data and decided the private recreational fishermen needed some relief. It was a bold move on their part and very appreciated by the recreational fishermen.” One of those private recreational anglers is Marcus Kennedy of Mobile, who made it clear he felt the private rec guys were “getting the short end of the stick” in my column a little more than a month ago. When we talked last Friday, he had just returned from a quick trip into the Gulf to catch a limit of snapper. “It looked like a normal weekend, which is good,” Kennedy said of the number of boats in the artificial reef zones. “When you’ve got the season spread out, you won’t have everybody trying to get out at the same time. I think this is the best we could have hoped for. We basically traded the remaining state days for 39 days in federal waters. I’ll take the federal season every time. That’s good for Alabama.” Kennedy agrees the Snapper Check data is far more accurate than the federal estimate. “The state catch surveys have consistently been two to three times less than NOAA’s catch estimate,” he said. “Therefore, this season is more in line
with what the actual catches are instead of the inflated numbers NOAA has been using. Everybody I fish with is glad we got the extension, but they know it’s not a long-term solution, and we’re probably going to have to go through the same fight next year.” To be ready for further negotiations, Blankenship said it is crucial Alabama anglers report all their catches through Snapper Check, which offers three ways to comply. The easiest way is to use the Outdoor Alabama app for smartphones. Online reporting is available at www. outdooralabama.com, and paper reporting slips are located at select boat ramps. Kennedy said there is an abundance of large snapper, 25-plus-pounds, and plenty of 2- to 4-pound snapper on the reefs he’s fished lately. And he’s glad he doesn’t have to stay in state waters to fish for Alabama’s premier reef fish. “It’s bad when you have to cram it all into one weekend, when the weather might be bad,” he said. “Now we can breathe a little easier and not be under the stress that you have to go. It’s supposed to be an enjoyable outing. You want to go when the weather is nice, not when the federal government says you have to go.” David Rainer is employed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He writes a weekly column titled Outdoor Alabama Weekly.
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letter to the White House and actually talked to President Trump about red snapper while she was in Washington for a meeting about infrastructure. Then we had resolutions from Orange Beach, Dauphin Island and the Baldwin County Commission, along with a letter from Senator (Luther) Strange. It was a very concerted effort to get this extra time.” Blankenship believes the main reason the Commerce Department responded to the requests of such a diverse group was the unified message. “We were all asking for the same thing,” he said. “We wanted weekends, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. All the resolutions and letters were very similar. I think having that good community effort and single message helped this to be a success.” Orange Beach City Councilman Jeff Boyd echoed Blankenship’s assessment of the teamwork. “I think this is the greatest indication that the average voice was heard,” Boyd said. “It was heard all the way to the White House and Department of Commerce across many states. It showed that a team effort can absolutely be successful. Congressman Byrne was just by here, and we were talking about the work done by Chris Blankenship, Governor Ivey, Senator Strange’s letter and Senator (Richard) Shelby in the budget hearings. With that, we were able to gain enough momentum and energy to make it happen. I think it was
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