OPINION: AN INTERIM PASTORATE IN AN ADVENTURE, PAGE 4.
THE
FRIDAY
LET’S PLAY BALL! Alex City 12U team vies for state championship.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 June 24, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 127 www.alexcityoutlook.com
See Sports, page 8.
BEARING DOWN
Board votes to transfer Wilcox By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Randy Stroup / Special to the Outlook
Randy Stroup was in his boat just south of the River Bridge when he caught these images of the bear crossing the river near the River Run subdivision at about 6:45 a.m. Thursday morning. He caught images of the bear’s swim and climb up rocks and into the woods.
Wandering bear creates a buzz on trek across county By MITCH SNEED and CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writers
After a day filled with calls reporting a black bear being spotted eating out of trash cans, growling at animal control officers, crossing rivers and taking a casual swim, Thursday brought more sightings from Tallapoosa County residents. Just before 6 a.m. a resident on Turtleneck Road reported seeing a black bear in his yard and about a half hour after that Whitney Shores said the bear crossed in front of her as she drove on Elbert Road. “So this morning on my way to work, I had to stop to let a big black bear cross the road,” Shores wrote. “I was so stunned I couldn’t get a picture until it was already hitting the woods. Needless to say I didn’t need my morning coffee to wake up.” The bear was spotted less than a half-mile away, then a resident on Midway Circle near Jackson’s Gap called in a report of seeing the bear in a yard near a home there. Alexander City Animal Control Officer Ken Vernon responded to that call and said it appears the bear is covering a lot of ground quickly. See BEAR • Page 3
“I have seen deer, gators, snakes and even fish in the water, but never a bear. It was pretty cool to get that close and see it first hand. I guess a giraffe in the water could top it but I haven’t seen that yet.”
— Randy Stroup INSIDE:
• Track the bear’s path through the area, Page 3 • Cartoonist Jerry King’s take on the bear sightings, Page 4 • Residents sound off on bear’s visit on social media, Page 4
Despite making his case in a prevote transfer conference to remain in his position as director of online learning and alternative programs for the Tallapoosa Board of Education, the board voted unanimously on Thursday to transfer John Wilcox from that position to Reeltown School as assistant principal and teacher. The vote was preceded by a one-hour executive session in which Tallapoosa County Superintendent of Education Joe Windle said the board asked questions about Wilcox’s current role and what it entailed. “The conversation went in-depth about the online learning program, the alternative programs and how they worked and the expectations for the See EDUCATION • Page 3
Country music legend John Conlee to perform in Dadeville STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Country music legend John Conlee (Mr. Rose Colored Glasses), a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, will be performing on Friday, July 29, at 9 p.m. at the Rodeo Club Lake Conlee Martin Event Center in Dadeville. During John Conlee’s 40-year career in country music, he has brought to audiences such classic See MUSIC • Page 3
Bunn recovering after double lung transplant progress over the next few days. She really still needs our prayers. “A surgery like this is a big Tallapoosa County’s Ashley change for the body to go through, Bunn had waited nearly two full so she is really fighting hard and years for a double lung transplant battling through that as her body due to cystic fibrosis. gets used to the new organs.” Last Thursday, doctors at A Facebook group called Duke University Medical Center Breathe for Bunn has become a performed the surgery that family clearinghouse for updates on how and friends believe will give the Bunn is progressing as well as 24-year-old woman a second chance additional events that are planned at a normal life. for her benefit. “It was something that we have Just two days after surgery, all been prying for and the prayers a video was posted with Bunn were answered last Thursday,” walking down the hall at Duke. said Ashley Benton, who has been She had the help of a walker and working with the family and others was still using oxygen, but friends to help coordinate fundraising to were excited to see the early help offset the expenses associated improvement. with the process. “The doctors and Benton said that she undergoes Mitch Sneed / The Outlook the staff there have been wonderful. a battery of tests each day and is Ashley Bunn rides in a golf cart at a 2015 fundraising event. The 24-yearAshley’s still in the unit there and See BUNN • Page 3 old received a double lung transplant last week. they hope to see some additional By MITCH SNEED Editor
Lake Martin
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Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom
Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Audra Spears Graphic Artist, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Graphic Artist, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Graphic Artist, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
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DEAR ABBY: My 21-yearold son, “Evan,” recently moved out to be with his girlfriend. They live in a small apartment and cannot afford a lot beyond the basics, including internet. They spend every moment at my house when they are not working. They use our internet, eat our food and drink our beverages. I know this may sound terrible, but I want my freedom! I don’t feel I should be obligated to give them free food and internet every day, considering that they show up with new phones and new speakers in their cars. When I try to discuss it with them, they accuse me of being “mean.” They don’t comprehend why I feel taken advantage of. If they would come to visit with me instead of just hanging around, I’d welcome it. But neither of them hardly speaks to me while they’re here. How do I approach this without making Evan and his girlfriend feel completely unwelcome? -- MOM NEEDING SPACE IN TEXAS
Mr. Phillip Myron West July 2, 1970 – June, 21, 2016 Funeral Service for Mr. Phillip Myron West, 45, of Alexander City and Gulu, Uganda will be Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.
Mrs. Mildred M. Jones Funeral service for Mrs. Mildred M. Jones, 92, of Kellyton, AL; Saturday, June 25, 2016; 1 p.m.; New Elam #1 Missionary Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL. Burial in church cemetery. Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.
Mrs. Shirley Robinson Norris
Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.
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DEAR ABBY: My 15-yearold granddaughter has always
been shy and quiet. Boys at school sometimes approach her to “date.” She likes one really sweet boy who is kind of shy like she is. He held her hand for the first time recently (she was wearing gloves) and she freaked out! Now she walks around with her hands in her pockets when she’s around him. Why is she so afraid? She can’t relax and just like him. Please tell my daughter and me how to handle this. Does my granddaughter need to see a doctor? -- GRANDMA PEGGY DEAR GRANDMA PEGGY: The person you should ask about the reason for her extreme reaction after that boy held her hand is your granddaughter. She is either not ready to have a relationship with a boy -- not all teens mature at the same rate -- or she may not be as into the young man as you think she is. If she’s comfortable the way she is, don’t push her. If she indicates to you that she’s
at the First Baptist Church of Alexander City. Rev. Matt Haines will officiate. Burial will follow in the Equality Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 24, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Please join us in celebrating the life of a wonderful husband, a great father, a fantastic brother, a life of the party son, a faithful friend, and a great man of God! Mr. West passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at University of Alabama Hospital (Birmingham). He was born on July 2, 1970 in Birmingham, Alabama to Thomas Douglas West, Sr. and Barbara Walker West. Myron moved to Jemison, AL with his parents in 1977. It was there at the age of 7 he met his future wife Holly Burke. They were married June 27, 1992. Myron graduated from Faulkner State University with a degree in
Business Administration and settled in Alexander City. He and his family were members of Sixth Street Baptist Church where he was ordained into the Gospel Ministry. After answering God’s call to the mission field, the West Family moved to Gulu, Uganda where they fell in love with the Acholi people. For three years God used them to bring peace, love, and hope to a war-torn and abused people. Myron had counted the cost. He talked about it many times and joyfully gave his life for God’s purpose. “No greater love hath any man than this, that he would lay down his life for his friends.” Myron always said,” I have no retirement but Heaven.” He is survived by his wife, Holly West of Alexander City and Gulu, Uganda; son, Ryan West, U.S. Coast Guard, of Alexander City; daughter, Rachel West of
Alexander City and Gulu, Uganda; parents, Doug and Barbara West of Jemison; brothers, Tommy West, Jr. of Thorsby and David West (Andrea) of Jemison; sisters, Dora Lynn Sammons (Matthew) of Rockford and Dana Ellison (Jonathan) of Prattville; in-laws, Robert “Buddy” and Glenda Burke of Equality; brother-inlaw, Rory Burke (Dana) of Alexander City; and sister-inlaw, April Etheridge (Scott) of Pike Road. The family requests no flowers and that memorial contributions be made to The Myron West Memorial Fund, Four Corners Ministries, 715 Ave A Suite 206 Opelika, AL 36801 or @www.fourcorners.org. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. radneyfuneralhome.com.
DEAR ABBY Advice
DEAR MOM: Set some boundaries by telling Evan and his girlfriend a version of what you have written to me. Explain that they’re welcome to come over once a week or twice a month -- provided they act like good guests while they’re there. Then describe for them what that means, including staying off the internet and leaving their new cellphones in the car. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to mention that gracious guests occasionally invite their hostess OUT for a bite. That’s not being “mean”; it’s explaining the facts of life they seem to have missed while becoming the adults they are.
DEAR ABBY: Should I be offended that my in-laws set up a college savings fund for my children but didn’t allow me -only my wife -- to be an authorized signer on the accounts? I am grateful, but I also feel slighted. Am I wrong to feel the way I do about this situation? -LEFT OUT IN CALIFORNIA DEAR LEFT OUT: Right or wrong, your feelings are your feelings. If you want to know whether they are valid, while you are thanking them for their generosity, ask your in-laws why they arranged the fund that way. 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
Funeral service for Mrs. Shirley Robinson Norris, 63, of Alexander City, AL; Monday, June 27, 2016; 1 p.m.; Early Rose Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL,
+
Friday, June 24, 2016
The Outlook
Larry Zane McMichael 1936-2016 Funeral services for Larry Zane McMichael of Dadeville will be at Alabama Funeral Homes 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 24, 2016. Burial will be in the Tallapoosa Memory Gardens immediately following the service. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until time of service at 5:00 p.m. at Alabama Funeral Homes on Friday with Bro Miles Crouch and Pastor Jamie Williams will officiating. Larry Zane McMichael, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at his home in Dadeville. Mr. McMichael was born on May 29, 1936 to Massie Nell & Lawrence McMichael who preceded him in death, and his brother Frank McMichael. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary McMichael of Dadeville, one daughter Debbie (Tommy) Minor of Dadeville, one son David (Cindy) McMichael of Jackson Gap, two granddaughters Hilary (Mark) Rasmussen and Amanda (Dewayne) Patterson of Dadeville, one grandson Jason McMichael (Ashley) of Weaver, Alabama, three great-grandsons Zane Milioto, Eli Patterson and Bryce David McMichael, two great grand-daughters Ziggi Rasmussen and Willow Patterson, two step-great granddaughters Maddie and Audrey Womack, two sisters Trudy and Caroline, and many nieces and nephews. Mr. McMichael was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church of Dadeville, AL where he served as Deacon, Choir Member and Sunday School Teacher. He loved being a Vacation Bible School Leader and working
329-1217
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
with the Church Social Committee. He also enjoyed the many trips as bus driver with his Church family and friends. Mr. McMichael had a passion to study, teach and encourage others in their walk with Jesus. Mr. McMichael was well known for being a fair and trusted auto mechanic and the “best” alignment man around. He served the public in his auto mechanic business for over 55 years. Larry loved to “hook up” his camper and hit the road with his wife, dogs and children. He looked forward to that next adventure with their traveling friends whether it was to the next bluegrass or apple festival, fiddler’s convention, or just to relax at a campground. His grandchildren were always one campfire away from experiencing the best campfire ever. Our Daddy and Granddaddy leaves us with many fond memories of our travels together. The family would like to express a special thank you and love to Ms. Geneva Russell for her care during his illness, and thank you special friends and all of his former customers for your visits, calls and prayers. Mr. McMichael will be truly missed by all those who loved and knew him. Thank you Honey, LZ, Daddy, Granddaddy for a wonderful, fulfilled and blessed life with us. Till we see you again, we will miss you. In Lieu of flowers the family request donations to The Gideons International , P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN. 37214-0800. in honor of Mr. Larry Z. McMichael. Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers are Handling the arrangements.
Mrs. Geneva Whetstone Bradford Mrs. Geneva Whetstone Bradford age 90 of Goodwater,
Alabama died Thursday, June 23, 2016, at her residence. Arrangements will be announced later by Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.
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Bear
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Page 3
continued from page 1
“He’s definitely making pretty good time,” Vernon said. “If you look from the first sighting yesterday to here on Midway Circle, that’s a pretty good stretch. For us, it’s good because it looks like he’s heading out of Alexander City.” Perhaps the most dramatic sighting was one captured by Randy Stroup at about 6:45 Thursday morning. Stroup was in a boat when he spotted the bear swimming across the river just South of the River Bridge. “I was doing early coffee and cruising and spotted him,” Stroup said. “I whistled a few times and got the lady to come outside and explained a bear is in her backyard. She got her dogs up and notified more neighbors. Just to be cautious.” The bear went up the rocky bank and disappeared into the woods. Tracking the sightings of the bear on Wednesday and Thursday morning using Google maps, the bear traveled at least 12.8 miles if it took a direct path between sightings. “People who saw the bear say when he left, he didn’t waste much time,” Vernon said. “He was running pretty hard after he was seen by residents.” Alabama Conservation Officer Sgt. Michael East said that like sightings in the past year, this bear probably isn’t native to the area, just passing through on a regular migration path. “There’s no doubt that they are expanding their range,” East said. “I’m sure that’s what we are seeing with this one too.” According to Alabama Black Bear Alliance’s Dr. Todd Steury, it is highly probable that it is a single bear. “They are not very good at hiding,” Steury said. “When they come close to a human population, they become more visible due to more people able to see them.” Steury says it is likely a male bear. “This time of year young males start moving around,” Steury said. “They are looking for a place to settle down.” Steury added that the bears seen in this area over the last couple years likely come from one of two areas. “There are two areas they come from,” Steury said. “There is a population in Central Georgia. When they travel, they leave from near the Macon area and head towards Valley before turning to Auburn and then back towards Alexander City. The other is from the Little River Canyon area. That population has just started back in the last five to 10 years, most likely coming out of north Georgia. That group has about 15 bears with females having about three cubs a year.”
Through the group’s public bear reporting program, it seems to reason that this bear is likely from that Little River population. “We had a couple reports of a bear in Talladega last week,” Steury said. “We had one in Chelsea Monday, then south of Stewartville. That was the last one reported.” Steury wants to encourage the public to use the public reporting system. “The public reporting system is valuable to biologists,” Steury said. “Everyone in the alliance gets a notice when there is a new report. All that data goes into a database and is useful to studying the patterns of bears.” To report a bear sighting with the Alabama Bear Alliance go to www.alabamablackbearalliance.org/ bear-report and fill out the form. Steury said the last report the group had was the sighting near Stewartville. The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries offered these tips to help lessen the likelihood of a visit from a bear at your home: • Never feed or approach bears. • Store garbage and recyclables in sealed containers or dumpsters in a secured area. • Place trash outside on pick-up days, not the night before. • Do not feed birds or animals between April and
Education virtual academy,” Windle said. “I just provided some clarification for the board on what those programs were.” Wilcox, a 28-year veteran of public education in Alabama, told the board during the transfer conference that he had basically started the alternative programs in his current position and, “quite honestly, I don’t want to leave my baby.” He told the story of the programs’ success, saying that he’d never lost a student. “We don’t allow that,” Wilcox said. Wilcox, who served as assistant superintendent before he was moved to his current position, also listed a number of health problems, particularly spinal problems, that he felt might be exacerbated by his role as assistant principal, which requires attendance at events like athletic events, band concerts and PTO meetings that aren’t conducive to his being able to move around as he frequently needs to do. Wilcox also mentioned heart problems that have required quadruple bypass surgery, two stents and “two or three angioplasties” and that he had suffered a stroke and has an aneurysm and diabetes. “I’m not looking for a way out and I’m not looking for sympathy,”
January when bears are most active. • Always keep pet foods in a secure location. Feed pets a portion size that will be completely consumed during each meal. • Do not add food to compost piles. • Keep grills and smokers clean and stored indoors when not in use. • Keep windows closed when cooking so the smell doesn’t escape outdoors. If those tips don’t work, what should you do if you see or encounter a black bear? Experts offer these suggestions: •Do not be frightened. •Do not approach the animal. •Do not run from the bear; back away slowly. •Stand tall and upright and make loud noises. •Avoid direct eye contact with the bear. •Make sure the bear has an unobstructed direction to escape. •Never purposely feed a bear. But through all the bear madness over the last few days, Stroup may have best summed it all up. “I have seem deer, gators, snakes and even fish in the water, but never a bear,” Stroup said. “It was pretty cool to get that close and see it first hand. I guess a giraffe in the water could top it but I haven’t seen that yet.”
continued from page 1
Wilcox said. “But I think you do have to consider that the central office position has allowed me to get up and move around as I need to.” In the conference, Windle also made his reasons for proposing Wilcox’s transfer. “I always ask you to be clear in your mind,” Windle said to the board, “is the position needed and how are we going to pay for it.” Windle then explained that the growth of Reeltown’s student population (831 students at the close of the 201516 school year) makes the position, which was left vacant after the last assistant principal retired, needed. Windle also said that Wilcox would largely be paid with Foundation funds available for the Reeltown position and the board would realize a savings in other covered expenses, or OCE, from which Wilcox’s salary is currently paid. Finally, Windle said that Wilcox needed some experience in an administrative position like the one at Reeltown to help build his resume to find a superintendent’s position, which Wilcox has made no secret he would like to do. “We need to help him and give him
the opportunity to expand his resume, but, most importantly, expand his skill set,” Windle said. Wilcox said he had applied for five superintendent positions, four of which were given to local candidates. Board members made no comments prior to the vote on Windle’s recommendation for Wilcox’s transfer, which is effective July 1. In other action, the board: • Approved the employment of Curtis Sharpe and Sujindren Selvanayagam as math teachers and Gayla Payne and Katie Schmitt as English language arts teachers at Dadeville High School; • Approved the employment of Alana Garrard as a special education teacher at Reeltown School; • Approved the resignation of Debra Griffith, art teacher at Dadeville Elementary School, effective immediately; and • Approved the transfer of Belinda Siggers from Dadeville High School to Dadeville Elementary School, effective in the coming school year. The next regular meeting of the Tallapoosa County Board of Education is set for Monday, July 11, at 5 p.m.
Bunn
continued from page 1
still getting treatments as needed that are designed to help in her recovery. On Monday, Ashley’s mother Pat Bunn posted a progress report. “(Ashley) is up and walking on the unit and sitting up in the room,” Pat Bunn wrote. “She didn’t get to move to step down unit today but hopefully soon. Everyday is such a blessing, everyday we encourage her to breathe, believe and battle! She’s a tough little cookie!” Social media updates indicate that the blood flow to the new lungs is good. While there have been a few challenges, her mother wrote just two days after surgery that hearing her daughter take those first breaths was a great feeling. “Started the day with removing the breathing tube/ventilator and you all got to hear at the very same time that I did, my baby girl take her first breaths, unassisted with her new lungs,” Pat Bunn wrote on June 18. “I can tell you it was just as sweet as hearing her take her first breath and cries at birth.” This weekend Benton and others will be at Lake Fest Saturday with bracelets, koozies, frisbees and other items to help raise funds for Bunn. The Breathe for Bunn crew will be there at New Water Farms Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. New Water Farms is located at 460 Civitan Road in Dadeville.
FOR SALE
Music
continued from page 1
songs as: “Rose Colored Glasses” (John’s signature song), “Friday Night Blues,” “Backside of 30,” “Common Man,” “Miss Emily’s Picture,” “I Don’t Remember Lovin’ You” and more. Overall, there have been 32 single releases throughout the years with 26 of them charting in the top 20 or better. Eight of those 26 have reached the coveted No. 1 spot on the national country charts. Conlee’s fans are excited that he has returned to radio with singles “Walkin’ Behind The Star” and “Bread and Water,” released on his own RCR (Rose Colored Records) label. “Walkin’ Behind the Star” was written by Nashville recording veterans Ronnie Scaife and Phil Thomas and the lyrics were inspired by Phil’s grandfather and great-grandfather both of whom served in their local sheriff’s department. The
song had yet to be cut until recent events made it timely. The song was pitched to the Grand Ole Opry star, who was touched by the song’s honesty. “Recent deadly attacks against the people who keep us safe is unprecedented in America and I wanted to sing this song in honor of their sacrifice and willingness to serve,” Conlee said. The new CD will feature new material along with many of Conlee’s latter classics. Conlee recently celebrated the 37th anniversary of his breakthrough hit “Rose Colored Glasses,” and can be found on tour throughout 2016 as well as on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where he has been a member since 1981. Tickets can be purchased at Kowaliga Country 97.5, The Rodeo Club, online at www.itickets.com or call 800-965-9324.
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Page 4
Opinion
Your View
Outlook readers sound off on bear sighting in area “I think I’m going to camp at my other house so I can see it.” – Wanda Moore “Crazy that dude just strolled along like he owned the town. Big too.” – Jeanne Benton Daniels “There ain’t no bears in Alabama! is what I’ve always heard! LOL! Obviously there is!” – Derek Dark “It’s only passing through. Lord, folks going crazy.” – Missie Bell “If people act right, the bears will be fine. They’re just hungry and don’t usually want to hurt anyone. Southerners tend to overreact to bears just because they so rarely deal with them. Kind of like someone from Oregon dealing with an alligator.” – Rich Hayes “Soon the giant snakes from the Everglades will migrate here, thats not good.” – Bill Smith
Outlook The
Friday, June 24, 2016
An interim pastorate in an adventure
O
ne of the great adventures of being a retired minister is being called upon to serve as an interim pastor for a church. An interim pastor is exactly what the name implies. The present pastor has resigned and the church is searching for a new one, so they need a fill-in for this interim period. Every church has its own unique personality, and is filled with unique personalities, and that is why it’s an adventure. I was interviewed by one church that assured me they loved their last pastor and was having trouble letting him go. One lady on the committee stated this for the group, “We just loved him so much that we all thought we needed a time of healing without a pastor, and of course you came to mind.” What really hurt was the chorus of amens for this sister’s observation. To try and save a little dignity I tried to explain the role of an interim pastor. I told them it was like a broken window pane that needed to be replaced, but it would take a little time to get the new glass, therefore, you simply stuffed something into the crack until a new pane arrived. I guess they wanted to make up for the amens, so one older deacon said, “Oh, Preacher, I’m sure you won’t just be a stuffing. I
GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist
feel like you’ll be a real pain.” That brother needs to work on his homonyms. I was then asked if I preached long sermons and I assured them I didn’t. Another member of the committee quickly verified this by saying she had watched me preach on TV several times and I really didn’t preach long, the sermons just seemed that way. A couple of others that had watched our services on TV responded with some more amens. I just hope they amen that much when I’m preaching from the pulpit. As the interview came to an end the committee asked me about compensation. They wanted to be fair and asked me to make a suggestion. I wanted to show them how spiritual I was so I told them to just pay me what I was worth. The older deacon spoke up again, and said, “I don’t think it would be fair to pay the Preacher that little.” This business of being an interim pastor is certainly an adventure, Serving God’s people is one of the greatest callings a person can receive. There is a special place in a pastor’s heart that
can only be filled by a relationship with a congregation. Jeremiah said it was fire in his bones, Paul compared it to a marriage and John longed for this fellowship while exiled on Patmos. Every church should strive to maintain a loving relationship with their pastor. After all, God called them to the ministry and the church reaffirms this calling with their call to them. This week take time to encourage your pastor with a call, a card, or a comment that will make his life easier. He has an awesome responsibility for the souls of his congregation and needs all the positive help he can get. Your pastor needs your prayers, participation and positiveness to accomplish the job God has assigned him. Please don’t cheat yourself out of the blessing of being a blessing. Okay, this Sunday I start as interim pastor of the Lake Martin Baptist Church where I served in this capacity once before while they were without a pastor. I’ve come to the conclusion that long suffering is a quality of the church, and these fine folks are simply giving me a chance to redeem myself from the last time. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister, an Alexander City resident and a regular columnist for The Outlook.
“Looks like Sasquatch to me.” – Ben Speaks “These are just democrats disguised as bears!!!” – Patrick Murphy
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. John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-825-8403. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.
John McKelvey
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 “So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abrahams’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. ” – Romans 4:16
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“I started seeing them 13 years ago in Horseshoe Bend Park in the gap and everyone thought I was crazy.” – Elizabeth Jasmine
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.
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alladega means a lot to a lot of people. For some people, it’s an Eric Church song. For some, it’s NASCAR at its finest. While for others, it’s the home of the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB)—others like me. Make no mistake about it. I’m a big fan of Eric Church. Being from Alabama, how can I not like NASCAR? In fact, if I ever have a kid, I’m going to name him or her Dale, Dale Jr. or Ricky Bobby. Furthermore, my dad’s brother, Herbert Lee, built the museum there. Speaking of my dad, he was an alumnus from AIDB. My dad, a barber by trade, was a juvenile diabetic and lost his eyesight in his late twenties. Since the demand for blind barbers is limited, he needed a new career option, so he enrolled in the Business Enterprise Program (BEP) at AIDB where he acquired the necessary skills and training to operate a business. The BEP provides participants who are legally blind with the opportunity to operate their own food service or vending facility. The BEP provides initial training for potential licensees and ongoing counseling and management services to established operators. My dad managed vending machines at many government buildings in Montgomery. In February, I appeared on Good Day Alabama from
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
Birmingham to help promote a fundraiser for Workshops, Inc., which is an organization working with people with disabilities in preparing for and finding employment. On air, I mentioned how this fundraiser was special to me since my father participated in a similar program at AIDB. Even though he was blind, he went to work every day, setting an incredible example for his two sons and stepdaughter. The trickle-down effect of these programs are seldom seen by people from the outside looking in. Later that day, I received an email from a representative from the school inviting me to be their guest speaker at an upcoming alumni event, which turned out to be June 4. I was honored and moved to the point where I was having my own vision problems due to the amount of fluid pouring from my eyes. It seemed full circle. Although I was stoked about the opportunity, I was a bit nervous. I just didn’t know how it was going to be performing with a significant number of blind people in the audience. Well, let me tell you something. My anxiety diminished as soon as I got there because these folks were awesome and ready to
laugh. A sense of humor can get us through a lot in this crazy world we call home. They particularly loved some of the funny stories involving blindness, most notably the story of my father teaching me to ride a bike. Let’s just say when you cross a blind father and a stuttering kid for bicycle lessons that bad things are bound to happen. The good news was that I learned to ride that bike real quick. I met some really cool people. The president of the alumni association is actually the BEP operator at Workshops, Inc. I also met the man in charge of the BEP who was able to give me personal information on my dad’s condition and training. Furthermore, a lady came up to me after the program to let me know she had completed the program with my dad. It was a special evening that I won’t soon forget, so on this Father’s Day, I give a special salute to Randall Fuller, who passed away in 1981 when I was just eight years old. He wasn’t with me for very long, but it’s not about how long you’re here. It’s about what you do while you’re here. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www.jodyfuller.com.
The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
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June 24
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: River Road Baptist Church at 148 Dean Road is hosting vacation Bible school June 24 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for ages 3 to 11. A meal will be provided.
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Bonnie Wilson had a great class of potential artists for a class of Summer Reading at the Adelia M. Russell Library on Tuesday, June 21. The theme of “Exercise Your Mind” was certainly applicable as the art class learned from a talented and educated artist. The class was able to even apply some techniques that artists use to make a better impact for the viewer like principles of depth and stroke techniques to make beautiful, unique paintings that can be treasured as a keepsakes.
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church is hosting vacation Bible school June 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and June 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please join as we enjoy Joy in Jesus.
June 24-25
Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
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June 25
LAKE FEST: New Water Ministry is hosting Lake Fest June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with arts and crafts, food vendors and more. The event will be at New Water Ministry, 460 Camp Civitan Road, in Dadeville. WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop June 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover dogwoods, pink and white. It is good for beginners or advanced watercolor artists and is led by Dottie Holdren. Supply list is given on payment of workshop. Call 256-377-4918 with questions. FAMILY GAME NIGHT: The Bibb Graves School is hosting a family game night June 25 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. CHOIR ANNIVERSARY: Peace and Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church in Kellyton is having a combined choir anniversary June 25 at 5 p.m. MUSTER DRILL: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is hosting a muster drill June 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will get a front row seat to what it was like for militia members during the Creek War of 1813-14 and the War of 1812. At 11 a.m. Michael Seibert from Southeastern Archeological Center will provide a presentation on the many techniques used to identify the location of Creek barricades used during the battle of Horseshoe Bend. RABIES CLINIC: Dr. Caldwell of Animal Care Center in Dadeville is hosting a a rabies clinic at the Daviston Fire Department from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15a.m. in New Site at Hall Propane from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and in Perryville across from East Building Supply from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
June 26
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MANN FAMILY REUNION: All descendants of John Branch Mann will meet the fourth Sunday, June 26, for the 99th family reunion at Rocky Mountain Primitive Baptist Church. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a covered dish lunch to follow at noon. There will be more fellowship to follow in the afternoon. The church is located three miles southwest of Daviston on County Road 79. For more information contact Judy Burgess at 256-216-6108. FRIENDS AND FAMILY DAY: GAP Fellowship Church at 1600 Highway 22 West is celebrating Friends and Family Day June 26 at 2:30 p.m. with special guest Pastor Curtis Seals of Lily Hill Missionary Baptist Church. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Centerview Baptist Church in Camp Hill is celebrating the 10th pastoral anniversary of Pastor Gary and First Lady Petrena Hardy June 26 at 2 p.m. Pastor Shawn Jones Sr. of The New Thing Empowerment will be the guest minister. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Word of Truth Ministries is hosting 10th anniversary services for Pastor and Elect Lady John L. Cook Jr. Sunday, June 26, at 2:30 p.m. Guest speakers are Bishop and Elect Lady Larry Johnson
of Temple of God Church. Please RSVP by June 15.
June 27
MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: The next meeting of the Alexander City Ministerial Association will be Monday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Haven Memorial United Methodist Church. The church building is at 354 Christian Street. All Christian ministers are invited. There will be a report from the nominating committee. Plans will be made for a prayer vigil to be sponsored by the association. Renewing a prison ministry will be considered. At each meeting there is time for sharing news from churches, mutual encouragement, and intercessory prayer. For more information contact Bill Middlebrooks, secretary at 256-2343371.
June 27 - July 1
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Faith Temple Church and Faith Christian Academy present Vacation Bible School 2016 “Barnyard Roundup” Monday June 27 through Friday July 1 fro 8 a.m. until noon each day. The children will explore five Bible accounts that show how Jesus graciously gathers us together to be with Him – with His abundant provision and saving protection now and forever. For ages K-4 through 6th grade.
June 29
OPEN HOUSE: Bodyworks Massage and Spa is hosting an open house June 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 2828 Dadeville Road in Alexander City.
July 2-3
ARTI GRAS: Russell Lands is hosting Arti Gras at the Russell Lands Town Green July 2-3.
July 7
STRAND SESSION: The Lake Martin Young Professionals are hosting Rexton Lee for the next Strand Session at Strand Park, July 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
July 9
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.
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.
July 14 - July 30
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.
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.
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.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
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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.
September 20
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Sept. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
September 24
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a watercolor workshop Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover birch trees in a snow scene. You can register at Wine Emporium or by calling Dottie Holdren at 256-377-4918.
September 29 - October 15
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: Young Frankenstein will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players Sept. 29 - Oct. 15. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot. com.
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Friday, June 24, 2016
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Sports Briefs
AU’s Michael Johnson named All-American AUBURN — Former Auburn senior Michael Johnson has been named a Golfweek first-team AllAmerican and a PING secondteam All-American following a sensational senior campaign that saw him win a school record three tournaments and break the single season scoring average school record at 70.37. Johnson, a semifinalist for the Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus Awards, becomes Auburn’s seventh All-American under head coach Nick Clinard, and only the fifth first-team member in school history joining Buddy Gardner, Chris Spratlin, Ian Steel and Blayne Barber. Johnson, who was also named first-team All-SEC and PING All-Southeastern Region, is the second consecutive All-American along with rising junior Ben Schlottman earning honorable mention All-America honors last season. The Birmingham, Ala., native won medalist honors at the Primland Collegiate, Mobile Sports Authority Intercollegiate and Schenkel Invitational and was ranked No. 1 by GolfWeek for a majority of the season. His five career wins are second only to Jimmy Green for most in school history while his 70.37 stroke average ranked second in the SEC and sixth nationally this season. Johnson is currently in Formby, England, to begin at the Arnold Palmer Cup where he will compete as a member of Team USA Friday through Sunday.
Alabama Football Tops Athlon Sports Preseason AllAmerica Team
TUSCALOOSA — A day after naming 14 Alabama players to its preseason All-SEC team, highly-regarded college football publication Athlon Sports placed eight Crimson Tide players on its preseason All-America teams. The Tide’s eight selections leads the nation along with the eight chosen from Clemson, the team Alabama defeated in the 2016 College Football Playoff Championship Game. Alabama’s four first team selections – sophomore wide receiver Calvin Ridley, junior offensive tackle Cam Robinson, senior defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and junior punter JK Scott – is the most among all programs. Seniors Reuben Foster (linebacker) and Eddie Jackson (safety) were named to the second team while junior tight end O.J. Howard and senior linebacker Tim Williams were named to the fourth team. Athlon’s All-America teams are based on how players will perform in 2016. Career statistics and awards matter in the evaluation, but choosing players for the 2016 AllAmerica team is largely based on predicting and projecting the best for the upcoming season.
Auburn’s Horace Spencer has successful meniscus surgery
AUBURN — Auburn sophomore Horace Spencer’s surgery on his left meniscus was successful. The surgery was performed by Dr. Jesse Pace at Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital in Phenix City on June 14. The Philadelphia native averaged 5.1 points, 4.9 rebounds and ranked third in the SEC with 2.1 blocks in 18.1 minutes last season. Playing in all 31 games, he started 18 and led all SEC freshman in blocks. His 65 blocks were the fifth-most in a singleseason in Auburn history. In the final six games of the season, Spencer averaged 8.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. He had a career-high seven blocks to go along with six points and five rebounds in Auburn’s win at Arkansas and had a careerhigh 13 points, five rebounds, three blocks and two assists and a steal at Mississippi State.
Submitted / The Outlook
Above, pictured is the Alex City 12U team. Below, Carson Riddle pitches during a previous game.
READY TO PLAY BALL
Alexander City 12U Baseball team is set to vie for state championship on home turf this weekend By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
The Alexander City 12U baseball team is gearing up for some big competition as the 12U Babe Ruth-Cal Ripken State Tournament kicks off this weekend at Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. Organizers deem the state championship the biggest 12U tournament in 15 years. It’s no wonder, as 19 teams will join Alex City for four days of competition starting Saturday. Those opposing teams include Citronelle, Lineville, Attalla, Grand Bay, Roanoke, Sylacauga, Atmore, Spanish Fort, Phenix City, Brewton, Jackson, Mims, Florence Blue, Childersburg, Sweet Water, Matthews Park, Monroe County, Florence Silver and Lincoln. Alex City 12U head coach
Brian Tate is feeling good about the team’s performance. “We’re going to play some good baseball,” he said. Tate said that while any opponent can play a good game, a few teams set to play this weekend are weaker than others. But he’s confident in Alex City’s skills. “I think we can finish in the top four or five,” the coach said. To do so, the home team needs to be strategic. “Offensively, we’ve got to hit the ball,” Tate said. “Defensively, we’ve got to be smart when we’re pitching.” Doing so in their own surroundings could ease some of the stress from the competition. “I think we’ll be more comfortable playing at home with all the parents and grandparents supporting us in the
crowd,” Tate said. The coach also believes the Sportplex, itself, is a positive factor in the Alex City 12U’s readiness to play a good game. “I’m looking forward to playing here,” Tate said. “We’ve been to places like Mobile, Gadsden and Florence. But the Sportplex is one of the nicest facilities in the state.” While all the teams will be vying for the state championship, they’ll take some time out to enjoy some camaraderie at a welcome banquet for the teams and their families
Saturday at Russell Pool. The event is set for 7:30-10 p.m. and will feature a live music performance. Food will also be served. The evening will culminate with a fireworks show at 9:30. The tournament will be played in five pool brackets. Alex City is in a pool with Citronelle, Lineville and Attalla. The home team’s initial games are set for 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday. Semifinals begin at 9:30 a.m. Sunday and then at 10 a.m. Monday.
Upcoming tournament impacts area economy By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
While the Alexander City 12U team gears up to compete in the upcoming state tournament at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex, the event’s impact on the community expands beyond the pride of backing the home team. Alexander City Council member Sherry Ellison Simpson points out that the tournament is drawing 22 teams from all over the state to the community. “All of our hotels and motels are full,” she said. That’s because each team brings approximately 30 people when players, coaches and family members are factored in. Thus, this particular tournament has attracted about 660 folks to the area. One hotel impacted by the event is Hampton Inn Alexander City. “We are practically sold out,” said the hotel’s manager, Laurie Moon. Moon said the 61-room hotel is undergoing renovations on one of its three floors, rendering a third of those rooms unbookable. “But even if we weren’t, we’d still be nearly sold out,” she said. Hampton Inn is located within walking distance of Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. With that ideal locale in mind, one north Alabama team planned the trip to Alex City well in advance. “The Florence team went ahead and booked their rooms when they were here for the tournament last year,” Moon said. Jacob Meacham, vice president of business development at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce, sees such influx of visitors as a positive. “Anytime we can draw visitors to the Alexander City and Lake Martin area, it’s a good thing,” he said. Meacham said that in addition to staying in area hotels, those tournament visi-
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Housekeeper Tabecial Rowe changes sheets on a bed at the nearly sold-out rooms at Hampton Inn Thursday morning.
tors end up eating in area restaurants and shopping in the city’s stores. “That’s the goal of hosting a tournament like this,” he said. The tournament’s economic impact on the city can best be gauged when Alexander City’s June sales tax figures are tallied and the month is compared with others throughout the year. However, Meacham likens it to another recent event the city hosted. “When we welcomed the Carhartt Bass Tournament back in the fall, we had about 200 entered,” he said. “They estimated that to be close to seven figures. I think it would probably be close to that.” Meacham also said it’s a good opportunity for area businesses to be ambassadors for Alex City. “I think it’s just a great time for our local businesses to put their best foot forward,” he said, “so we can continue to attract similar events and tournaments
moving forward.” Simpson points out that while the tournament is a large one, the Sportplex regularly hosts such events. She also credits Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson with laying the groundwork that made such endeavors possible. “He did a lot of footwork to start this a couple of years ago,” she said. That footwork included visiting both area hotels and restaurants to provide all the information that tournament and event visitors might need. Wilson and his staff continue ensuring that visitors enjoy their trip by daily maintaining the Sportplex. “It’s a lot of work for our Parks and Recreation staff,” Simpson said. But it’s work that pays off. “It brings in money to our city,” she said.