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TUESDAY
THE CHAMBER PULSE, PAGE 6
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
Bank Walkers to headline Strand Sessions July 6
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Sylacauga man arrested for robbery, kidnapping robbery, second-degree burglary and kidnapping. As of Monday afternoon Buford remained in custody with no bond set. Alexander City Police Department Deputy Chief James Easterwood said that the incident happened at about 2 p.m. on Saturday at a home on Willow Street.
By MITCH SNEED Editor
A Sylacauga man is in jail after allegedly breaking into a home and using a weapon to rob and kidnap the woman who lived there Saturday. John Marcus Buford, 29, of Sylacauga was arrested at 4:30 p.m. Saturday on charges of first-degree
he was taken into custody a short time later. “The report indicated that the victim did not receive any injuries that required medical See ARREST • Page 3
“The man broke into a home that belonged to a person who was known to him,” Easterwood said. “She was at home and he stole some money from her and then forced her to go with him.” Easterwood said that the man did return the woman to her home later, but after the victim notified the police,
DREAMS COME TRUE
Buford
ACT II receives state grant to move forward By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Jessie Minnifield, uncle of Latrice Benson prays at the groundbreaking ceremony for Benson’s Habitat for Humanity home Sunday.
Local resident to be recipient of Habitat for Humanity’s 16th home By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
A lifelong goal is about to be a reality for Alexander City resident Latrice Benson. Sunday, Alexander City area Habitat for Humanity broke ground on their 16th home in the area and Benson will be the receipt of the home to be constructed on County Road. “I am happy, excited,” Benson said. “It is making my dreams come true. It is something I have been wanting for my children.” Larry Bates, president of the
Alexander City area Habitat for Humanity, oversaw his first groundbreaking Sunday. “One of the best things we do at Habitat is a groundbreaking,” Bates said. “It means we are about to build another affordable home for a family.” Bates explained that it was Alex City Area Habitat for Humanity’s 16th home and starts the process that was just completed. “Just a few weeks ago, we had the privilege of releasing the mortgage to the happy homeowners of another Habitat home,” Bates said. “We will
start pushing dirt once we get our building permit. Most likely after the fourth holiday.” To make sure the project starts well, Benson’s uncle Jessie Minnifield offered a prayer blessing the new homeowner, contractors, volunteers and others associated with Habitat. Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Auburn University alumnus Millard Fuller and his wife, Linda. Today, Habitat for Humanity is a world leader in addressing the issues of poverty See HABITAT • Page 3
In order to redevelop the old Bama Theater into a new fine arts center the Alexander City Theater II group wrote a grant proposal to the Alabama State Council on the Arts, looking for funding to continue moving the project forward. Recently, the council awarded a total of $228,500 to various groups throughout the state to help them with projects that advance the arts in Alabama. Of this money, ACT II received $25,000 for the design phase of the project. The grant money must be matched by the organization dollar for dollar, either in cash or in-kind services, according to ACT II treasurer Larry Jennings. It is an annual grant, and will apply to the fiscal year starting on October 1, 2017. Having these funds allows the group to continue working with Tuscaloosa-based architect Butch Grimes in developing detailed construction plans for the theater’s final design. “This finally gives up hard numbers on the ultimate cost. This will help with setting up the capital campaign project,” Jennings said. “We should have a budget for the completion of the building by the end of the year,” added ACT II President Betsy Iler. Both Jennings and Iler said that getting this grant was a highly important part of the project, as it would allow them to officially kick off the whole development process and move forward developing the old theater into a brand-new facility that would provide groups throughout the Lake Martin area a place to showcase art of all See ACT II • Page 3
Rain causes headache for area road officials By MITCH SNEED Editor
The heavy rains of last week took a toll on area roads as at least three major issues appeared after 6.9 inches of ran fell in a seven-day period, including 3.8 inches on Friday and Saturday alone. Over the last week, two separate issues on Highway 63 and one on Clay Street in downtown had to be addressed after rain is believed to have caused issues with the road. On Saturday, a motorist reported that a portion of Highway 63 North, between the Hackneyville Fire Department and Goodwater Road had collapsed. The Alabama Department
of Transportation, along with officials from the fire department, the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department as well as Tallapoosa County Emergency Management Agency and county road crews responded to help. A large corrugated metal tile that had allowed water to pass under the road collapsed just after the heaviest of showers passed through the area. As the tile collapsed, a hole about 5 feet wide and 10 feet long was created. That portion fell into what was a hole that appeared to be about 8 feet deep, taking the pavement for one lane of the Highway 63 with it. Crews worked all day Saturday and into Sunday to get the issue repaired and
Today’s
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LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443 6
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as of Sunday the road was reopened. One estimate was about 16 hours to repair the issue. City workers have been dealing with a hole in the concrete surface near the intersection of Clay and Wheeler streets in downtown Alexander City. It appears that water rushing under the road caused a void and a chunk of the concrete road fell and broke loose an 8-foot section of sewer pipe beneath it. Crews blocked the area on Saturday and worked throughout the day Monday to get the repair made and the road reopened. All that is left of the repair is a final topping after the gravel filler Mitch Sneed / The Outlook settles. City workers repair a sewer pipe near the intersection of Clay and Wheeler streets See ROAD • Page 3 in Alexander City after rainwater caused hole to form and the pipe to break.
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Widower finds companionship, but isn’t ready for romance
Wednesday
87 69 Low
High Partly cloudy
Thursday
85 71 Low
High
40% chance of thunderstorms
Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (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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Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
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256-329-1313 • 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “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.”
How to Submit Obituaries
Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@ alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
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Tuesday, June 27, 2017
The Outlook
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DEAR ABBY: My wife died of cancer four years ago. She was my best friend, and the pain of losing her was more than I could cope with. I was in a fog for about two years, just going through the motions. Eventually the fear of spending the next 20 to 30 years alone drove me to try internet dating. I met some nice women and some very strange ones, but nothing came of it. Then a year ago, an old friend introduced me to “Elaine.” We hit it off immediately. We share the same interests and offbeat sense of humor, and I have grown fond of her. She’s intelligent, kind and easy on the eyes. Our grown kids get along very well. Our mutual friend told me that Elaine said she loves me and would be thrilled if I proposed -- I guess to encourage me to the next level. My problem is, I’m still in love with my late wife. If Elaine one day tells me she loves me, how do I respond without hurting her
for you to consult a grief therapist. Because if you do, it may make it easier for you to move forward with your life. DEAR ABBY Advice
feelings or making her withdraw? I can see myself loving her in the future, but I am still silently mourning my wife. I don’t want to chase Elaine away, so please tell me what to do. -- NEW YORK WIDOWER DEAR WIDOWER: You and Elaine appear to have a communication problem. You are both adults. If she has fallen in love with you, you shouldn’t have to hear it from a mutual friend. You owe it to her to have a frank talk with her because she needs to know that you don’t intend to remarry until you are over the loss of your late wife. She may decide to stick it out and wait or, as you say, decide to move on. But at least she’ll know what she’s dealing with. It might also be a good idea
DEAR ABBY: Our friend’s adult children invited us to a birthday party they were throwing for their parent at a restaurant. As we were ordering, the server asked if the checks would be separate or couples. (This was our first clue that we were expected to pay for our dinner.) For us, it was no problem, but an elderly couple had a long discussion about how they would pay. When inviting guests to a party, is it proper to expect them to pay for their dinner? And if so, how should it be phrased in the invitation? If no mention is made, how would one inquire as to how the bill is handled? This has never come up before. Hosts (including us) have always picked up the tab. -- CAUGHT OFF GUARD IN OHIO DEAR CAUGHT OFF
GUARD: How embarrassing for that older couple, not to mention your friend. Unless it is discussed or agreed upon beforehand, a host is expected to pick up the check. (That’s what “host” means.) If guests will be expected to pay for their own drinks (or meals), then the occasion is a “no host” gathering. That the guests were expected to pay for their own meal should not have been announced at the last minute; it should have been mentioned when the invitation was issued. As to how to ask who will be paying when you are invited out, please know that asking that question isn’t rude -- particularly in light of what you experienced. 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 Mr. Alfred (Sonny) Pritchard 1960 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mr. Alfred (Sonny) Pritchard of Jacksons Gap, Alabama, will be Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Langley Funeral Home. Bro. Bill Young and Bro. Billy Wood will officiate. Burial will follow in the New Rocky Mount Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 26, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Langley Funeral Home. Mr. Pritchard passed away on Friday, June 23, 2017 at East Alabama Medical Center. He was born on August 20, 1960 to Alford Pritchard and Linda Pritchard. He was an active member of New Rocky Mount Baptist and Kellyton Revival Center. He was member of Big Buck Hunting Club. Mr. Pritchard enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. He enjoyed attending church and listening to gospel music. Mr. Pritchard was an avid Auburn football fan. He was also a very giving person and never met a stranger. His occupation was a painter until retirement. He loved reading the Bible and witnessed to everyone he ever met. He is survived by his Mother, Linda Pritchard; Wife, Melissa Pritchard of Jacksons Gap; Sons, Matthew (Christy) Pritchard of Dadeville and Andrew Pritchard of Jacksons Gap; Grandchildren, Zack
Pritchard, Jason Battistella, Allison Parker and Isabella Rose Sistrunk; Special Friend, Ralph Haggarty; Sister, Sherry (Wayne) Barnett; Brothers, Lynn (Laura) Pritchard and Brandon Pritchard; Sisterin-law, Linda Bartlett; Brothers-in-law, Van Edwards and Stanley Sims; Mother-in-law, Vernese Kellum; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Father, Alford Pritchard; and sister, Cindy Edwards. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Langley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
John David Watts Mr. John David Watts, 49, of Eclectic, passed away June 25, 2017. He was born July 2, 1967 in Pensacola, FL. He grew up and graduated from Goodwater High School and then served our country in the U. S. Army. He was an LPN at Tallassee Health and Rehabilitation and a member of Mt Hebron Church of Christ. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 28 from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Mt Hebron Church of Christ, followed by the funeral service at 2 p.m., with Minister Tommy Colley and Minister John Rice officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with Minister Eddie Pearce officiating, Linville Memorial Funeral
Home directing. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Janet “Jan” Watts; children, Jennifer Watts, Jill Watts and Jessica Watts; mother, Jeanette Watts; father-in-law and motherin-law, Eddie and Diana Pearce; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Levi and Ellen Watts; maternal grandparents, Thurman and Ina Carr; father, Glenn Watts and sister, Diana Watts. Online condolences at www. linvillememorial.com. Linville Memorial Funeral Home Eclectic, Alabama
Mr. Billy Charles McKemie 1947 - 2017 Funeral Service for Mr. Billy Charles McKemie, 70, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Thursday, June 29, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church. Rev. Mike Densmore will officiate. He will lie in state for one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. Veteran’s honors will be provided by the Alexander City Veteran’s Honor Guard at the graveside. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. McKemie passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at Lake Martin Community Hospital. He was born on February 11, 1947 in Tallapoosa County,
Alabama to Charles V. McKemie and Mary W. McKemie. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. Mr. McKemie was a very loving, caring family man. He was employed by Russell Mills and retired after 38 years. He served his country in the National Guard 214 Military Police Company and was a veteran of Desert Storm. Mr. McKemie was a train enthusiast and an avid Alabama football fan. He is survived by his wife, Ann McKemie of Alexander City; daughter, Leigh Ann McKemie Presley and husband Steve of Alexander City; grandchildren, Reed and Sarah McKemie and Tyler and Trevor Presley; brother, James V. McKemie and wife TeDo of Auburn and fifteen nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Charles Wade McKemie. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Nicholas Hoyett Mr. Nicholas Hoyett of Pelham, Alabama (formerly Goodwater, Alabama) passed away Saturday, June 24 at UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.
Public Meetings Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m. Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m. Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third
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Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m. Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville. Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month. Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.
Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public. Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. with a pre-meeting at 5:30 p.m. in city hall. Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department. Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.
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Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held at the Caldwell Center at 6:30 p.m. Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend. Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton. New Site City Council meets the first and third Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall.
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Tuesday, June 27, 2017
The Outlook
Habitat
continued from page 1
housing. The concept that grew into Habitat for Humanity International was born at Koinonia Farm, a small, interracial, Christian community outside of Americus, Georgia. Koinonia Farm was founded in 1942 by farmer and biblical scholar Clarence Jordan. The Fullers first visited Koinonia in 1965. They had recently left a successful business and an affluent lifestyle in Montgomery to begin a new life of Christian service. At Koinonia, Jordan and Fuller developed the concept of “partnership housing.” The concept centered on those in need of adequate shelter working side by side with volunteers to build simple, decent houses. Thousands of low-income families have found new hope in the form of affordable housing through Habitat. Churches, community groups and others have joined together to build or repair over 1 million homes, serving more than 5 million people worldwide. Habitat for Humanity is a Lake Martin Area United Way agency. To help support the program donations can be mailed to Lake Martin Area United Way, P.O. Box 876, Alexander City, AL 35011 or give at their office at 17-B Main Street in Alexander City. For more information, contact them at 256329-3600.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Latrice Benson, center, along with her four sons breaks ground on her new Habitat for Humanity home Sunday afternoon.
Road Earlier in the week, water collecting under a portion of Highway 63 South not far from Russell Crossroads caused the pavement to rise, creating a large swell in the roadway. Alabama Department of Transportation workers bored a hole in the pavement to allow the water to escape. In all, about five of the holes that were about 4 inches across were created to make sure that the problem wasn’t too widespread. Work was done to make sure that there was no pipe under the road in that area, but officials deemed that it was just a high concentration of rainwater that caused the issue.
Act II kinds. “Our group holds the lease with the city, but part of the lease stipulates that it must be made available to other non-profit organizations,” Iler said. For example, if any of the city schools wanted to hold an art show or a play there, it would be made available for their needs. “We wanted a facility for more than just ACT II. We wanted it to be a true fine arts center for the community,” Jennings said. “It’s all about drawing people downtown,” Iler said. “People can go eat dinner or shop in some of the stores and then go to a show.” Now that these funds have been secured from the arts council, Grimes would be coming to town soon in order to spend a couple of days walking through the building, getting a better feel for what’s there and putting together the plans
Arrest Easterwood. The man allegedly used a weapon in the incident, but because the investigation is still considered active, Easterwood said few details could be released. The relationship between Buford and the victim was also not disclosed. Court records indicate that Buford has been charged at least nine times by authorities, including a 2010 arrest for child abuse and assault. In that case Buford entered a guilty plea on the assault charge and
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Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Alabama Department of Transportation employees assess the damage on Highway 63 North Saturday. The road collapsed after heavy rains washed out a drainage pipe beneath the road.
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for how best to go about transforming the structure into a showpiece for the local art community. For anyone who wants to contribute to helping the dream of turning the old Bama Theater into the ACT II Fine Arts Center into a reality, Jennings and Iler said that donation checks could be mailed to Alexander City Theater II, P.O. Box 1786, Alexander City, AL 35011. Donations would also be accepted at the group’s brand-new website, http://www. act2fineartscenter.com. “Progress wise, we want to keep people informed about what’s going on. We’re going to start seeing things developing real soon,” Jennings said. “It’s incredible. When I think about it, it just blows my mind,” Iler said. “Larry did a lot of research and put together a great grant package.”
continued from page 1
the child abuse charged was dismissed. Most of his runins with the law involved traffic offenses. The crimes that Buford are charged with are Class B felonies. If tried and convicted, a Class B felony can carry a sentence no less than two years and no more than twenty years. If a firearm or other deadly weapon is used in the crime the sentence is a minimum of 10 years. The fines associated with this conviction are no more than $10,000.
DID YOU KNOW?
According to a 2013 Pulse Survey, Tallapoosa Publishers reaches at least 86% of all Tallapoosa County.
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Our
Opinion
Holiday underscores L lake’s meaning to the area
I
t’s hard to say if the people responsible for creating Lake Martin back in 1926 when the Wesley Martin Dam on the Tallapoosa River was completed could picture what our community sees now when it looks at that incredibly beautiful water. On a holiday weekend, what Lake Martin really means to not only Alexander City, but the entire region, is accentuated even more than usual. The area’s population will swell by thousands as people from all over the state and the country flocked to enjoy what one of water lover’s favorite destinations. Get ready to see the lake covered with boats, packed with folks enjoying a holiday at the lake. Those people bring their purses and wallets with them, filled with credit and debit cards and plenty of cash. They don’t mind spending plenty of it right here. One economic impact study found that 450 jobs are generated directly through Lake martin business. The same study found that an estimated $88.7 million in retail sales were generated as a result of Lake Martin. Some say those numbers are like a tiny drop in the more than 40,000 acres of water that makes up the lake. They say those numbers are conservative when you look at the real estate and housing units that have created an enviable tax base that we all enjoy. So as we head into a weekend that is considered the busiest each year at the lake, we ask that you look past the added traffic, the high number of boats on the water and the line at the grocery store. Instead, look at all the things there are to do this weekend, because of the lake. Music, events and great food can be found all across the Lake Martin region over the next few days, not to mention all that water to enjoy on a hot summer day. From economic impact to incredible recreational opportunities – we are all indeed lucky to have Lake Martin and all it brings to the region.
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 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and 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 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail. com. 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 334242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Kay Ivey
Steve Marshall
Mark Tuggle
Tom Whatley
Outlook The
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Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Ninety minutes is a long time
ast week, I spoke at the SEAS Educational Conference in Mississippi for 90 minutes. For a stuttering guy, that’s only about 45 minutes’ worth of material but still a long time, nonetheless. It’s a whole episode of Saturday Night Live. It’s an episode and a half of 60 Minutes. It’s how long it takes Lucy to figure out what she wants to order at a drive-thru window. Like I said, it’s a long time. Now, it’s one thing to just get up there and run your pie hole for 90 minutes, but it’s something else to hold the audience’s attention for the duration. I’ve been slotted for 90 minutes on a handful of occasions but for a variety of reasons never had to go the full allotted time. I’m usually just fine with that and thought this was going to be the case for this event. I was booked for the SEAS conference based on the recommendation of a representative from the Mississippi Department of Education who’d seen me speak earlier in the year at the Mississippi Association of School Superintendent’s winter conference. There must be lots of Baptists in The Magnolia State, because at both events, the attendees congregated near the back of
JODY FULLER Columnist
the venue. Perhaps I need to start taking a retired Sergeant Major on the road with me to move everyone up front before I start each talk. Veterans know what I mean. Performing comedy and speaking is much easier for me when I can almost reach out and touch the folks on the front row. I don’t like having that gap. I need to connect with my audience. The venue for the SEAS conference was in a small auditorium inside the Jackson Hilton. It was really nice, but there was no one on the first row. The second row, however, was comprised of three ladies sitting side by side by side. They were awesome! Once I told that first joke, I knew I had them and everyone else for that matter. I could’ve talked for three hours. It really wasn’t a speech or a comedy performance; it was a talk. I let them know my story and how much I appreciated educators and how much educators have meant to me in my life. I cut up with
them, and they returned the favor. It was just an overall good time and a great way to kick off the day. They even booked me on the spot for their Arkansas chapter’s conference next year, so I reckon I did a pretty good job. Many times, event planners bring me in to kick off conferences or to send their attendees home with a smile on their face. Sometimes they have me speak after lunch. That’s just a shameless plug and not really relevant to this article at all but something to keep in mind. Mississippi has been very good to me the past few years. I’m booked for the Mississippi Sheriff’s Association’s conference in December, just three days after the expected due date of our little girl. I’ll be sleeping at a very nice hotel away from the baby. I know I’ll miss her, but at least I should be able to get more than 90 minutes of uninterrupted sleep. Ninety minutes is a long time. 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
Today’s
Quote
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” –Thomas Edison
Today’s
Scripture
“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” —Proverbs 3:25-26
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Daily Poll Weekend Question: Do you think there are a lot of good people in Alexander City?
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Tuesday Question: Have your health insurance rates gone up?
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For July 4, let’s have some common sense
I
n the course of human events it is necessary, now and again, to renew our commitment to the principles and practices that made our country great in the first place. Our country has always held what the Declaration of Independence says about certain “Truths”: They are “self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Regrettably, we forget these simple truths sometimes. To renew our passion for the free and equal pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, we need a new declaration that promotes civility, open conversation and common sense. Look, when someone disagrees with a political position we hold, it does not make the individual a monster or something subhuman. It does nobody any good to demonize or ridicule this person - not in a country founded on freedom of speech. To renew our gratitude for the incredible freedoms we enjoy - freedoms that do not exist in many other parts of the world - is it not better to engage your political opponents in civil conversation and debate rather than to prevent them from speaking at all? Groupthink and political correctness are killing open debate in our country. Too many university students, professors and administrators
TOM PURCELL Columnist
across our great land are not only shunning individuals who dare to challenge their status quo. They are aggressively, sometimes forcefully, infringing on their right to speak freely. They are issuing authoritarian campus speech codes. If American citizens cannot openly discuss and criticize any and every idea on university campuses, then where, for goodness sakes, are they able to do so? How did we arrive at a state of affairs in this country in which a person who criticizes ObamaCare - a person who argues that libertarian and freemarket ideas can better address spiraling health-care costs and free up funds to help those in need - is smeared as someone who hates the poor? How did we arrive at a state of affairs in which someone who questions the emotions and politics of climate change is labeled as a climate denier, someone whose dangerous thinking must be shouted down and maybe even result in some kind of punishment? How did so many of our major journalists, whose role is protected by our Constitution, embrace such a pack mentality as they advocate for the political ideas and candidates
they like, and attack the political ideas and candidates they dislike? The result is that half the country cheers on their advocacy, while the other half questions the credibility of every story they report. Is this not a dangerous problem for a country that relies on its press to keep those in power honest? There is a huge divide in the country between those who think government can offer the best solutions to our challenges and those who think less government, with more individual freedoms, is the way to go. In a country as free and robust as ours, we certainly can work out our differences and find common ground. To do so, we must restore civility in our public debate, dial down the violent rhetoric, and listen to others who think differently than we do. As other parts of the world work to emulate America’s devotion to free thought and speech - as others across work to embrace the “unalienable Rights” to “ Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” - can we please get back to leading the way? Hey, the Fourth of July is at hand. I can think of no better time to embrace a new declaration that promotes civility, open conversation and common sense. Tom Purcell is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc.
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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Tuesday, June 27, 2017
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Today is June 27, 2017 Today’s Events
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM: The Reeltown High School Cafeteria will be open June 5-30 with breakfast from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to noon. Contact Nina Hollingsworth at 256-825-0746. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: The Dadeville First United Methodist
Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Tuesday, June 27 from 5:307:30 p.m. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: West End Baptist Church at 3040 Old Dark Rd. Alexander City is hosting Vacation Bible School, Galactic Strarveyors, June 26 - June 29 from 5-8 p.m. Dinner for everyone is from 5-6 p.m. and VBS will be from 6-8 p.m. There will be classes from nursery age up to adults and a van will be running. If you need a ride, you
Page 5
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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/. can call the church at 256-234-2130 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Today’s Birthdays
Jarrod Dark, Kathy Jones, Faye Johnson, Gloria Thomas, Elizabeth Price, Michelle Patterson, Rev. Tom Pemberton, Joshua Alexander and Philip Hanson are celebrating birthdays today.
Today’s Anniversaries
Judy and Gary Shivers celebrate their anniversaries today.
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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Brown Nursing Mitch Sneed / The Outlook and Rehabilitation Even with the sun shining bright, remnants of the weekend rains caused some issues Monday morning. The Alexander City Fire Department and the Light Department were called to Adams Street after a limb fell on power lines and began to smoke and
Rehabilitation Services spark. Crews cut the limb off the line and had the problem addressed in just a few minutes. •Physical Therapy Williams, pastor of Peace and VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wednesday, June 28 •Occupational Therapy Family Worship Center on Sewell FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Goodwill Baptist Church in Kellyton. •Speech Therapy Pastor of Almighty God Baptist Street is hosting Vacation Bible Creek State Park is hosting a field 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
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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 movie 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 256-794-0172 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
has been made
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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, 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. JEWELRY SALE: The Russell Medical Auxiliary is hosting the Masquerade $5 Jewelry Sale in the Russell Medical Community Room June 29-30 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, June 30
...with the right kind of advertising.
•Alexander City Outlook •Dadeville Record •Wetumpka Herald •Eclectic Observer •Tallassee Tribune
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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.
Friday, July 7
Thursday, June 29
June 29-30
Many a small thing
Church is Rev. Lorenzo Caldwell.
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 noon. 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
MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night July 7. God’s Not Dead will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.
Saturday, July 8
NIGHT HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a night hike July 8 at 7:30 p.m. under the light of the full moon to learn about nocturnal animals and how they survive in the dark weather permitting.
Sunday, July 9
WELLNESS DAY: The Beacon of Joy Seventh Day Adventist Church is hosting a community health and wellness day at Strand Park July 9 from 3 -6 p.m. There will be live performances, family fun and healthy snacks. For more information, call 256-749-5943. FAMILY REUNION: The Willoughlby Reunion will be Sunday, July 9 at the Daviston Community Center. All family and friends are welcome.
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 StillWaters Entrance– Highway 49 Items that can not be placed in the dumpsters include: liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, TVs, computers, propane tanks, hazardous or medical waste.
July 10-12
CHURCH REVIVAL: Liberty United Methodist Church in Hackneyville is hosting revival July 10-12 at 7 p.m. Rev. Mike Densmore, Rev. Josh Sammons and Rev. James Long will be delivering messages. Everyone is welcome.
July 13-15
School July 13-14 from 6-8:30 p.m. and July 15 from 9 a.m. to noon with a parents program July 15 at 11 a.m.
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KIDS AND YOUTH CAMP: The Tallapoosa Baptist Association camps will be held July 13-16 at Camp Alamisco on Lake Martin. Youth Camp is for those who have completed grades 7-12. Kids Camp is for those who have completed grades 3-6. The theme is “Following Jesus.” Jeremy Simpson of FBC, Alex City will be the camp pastor. Campers will enjoy playing crazy games, kayaking, swimming, “the blob,” crafts, skits and much more. The cost until June 23 is $85 per camper. After that, the cost is $95 per camper. The final deadline to register is June 30. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.tallapoosabaptist.org under the Resource tab. For more information, please call 256825-4441.
Friday, July 14
MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night July 14. God’s Not Dead II will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.
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FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a field and forest hike July 19 at 9 a.m. The walk is for all ages. Meet at the outdoor classroom across from the beach.
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Friday, July 21
MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night July 21. The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.
Saturday, July 22
STARGAZING: The Auburn Astronomical Society will set up telescopes to look at the night sky July 22 at 6 p.m. on Hospice Point near the silo at Wind Creek State Park.
Sunday, July 23
CHURCH HOMECOMING: Rock Springs Baptist Church in Jacksons Gap is hosting homecoming July 23 at 10 a.m. Pastor Jamey Williams will bring the message and The Dyes will provide the music. Dinner will be served and everyone is invited.
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Wednesday, July 26
FIELD AND FOREST HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a field and forest hike July 26 at 9 a.m. The walk is for all ages. Meet at the outdoor classroom across from the beach.
Friday, July 28
MOVIE NIGHT: River of Life Worship Center is hosting a movie night July 28. WWJD II The Woodcarver will start at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will be sold.
For Consistent Advertising
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Page 6
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
The Outlook
PULSE
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
Bank Walkers to headline Strand Sessions July 6 STAFF REPORT Alexander City Chamber of Commerce
The Lake Martin Young Professionals will host its fourth Strand Sessions event on Thursday, July 6th from 6-9 pm in downtown Alexander City’s Strand Park. The live-music event will feature Lake Martin area favorites, The
Bank Walkers, a five-piece rock band with a set list that could cover Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and all the genres in between. Although The Bank Walkers, were set to perform at June’s Strand Sessions event, inclement weather caused the music to move indoors, and they swapped with July’s scheduled performer, Rachel Wilson,
who was able accommodate the change and provided a great night of music at the Fermenter’s Market. This month’s event kicks off at 6 pm in Strand Park. Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair, cooler and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of downtown Alexander City while listening to some great live music. Be sure to follow the Lake Martin
Young Professionals on Facebook for the latest updates on the event. Strand Sessions are sponsored by Bice Motors, Dark Insurance, Distinct Home Inspections, Lake Martin Area Association of REALTORS, Lee Marketing Group, Music Depot, Russell Medical – Total Healthcare, TowBoatUS Lake Martin, and USAmeriBank.
Sun Festival week is right around the corner You can learn about By ED COLLARI Alexander City Chamber of Com- sailing, fishing all while enjoying live merce CEO We are less than a month away from Sun Festival week in Alexander City. Kicking things off this year with live music and good time at Friday on the Green at Russell Crossroads on Friday, July 14 courtesy of our friends at Russell Land. But don’t stay up to late on Friday night because the inaugural Slip N Slide 5K will take place on Saturday morning, July 15 in downtown Alexander City. A perfect way to get your festival week started as the Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch our 5th Annual Sun Festival, which includes 50+ events over nine days. The foundation of this week-long event was to unite and celebrate our community. That purpose continues this year and I can’t think of a better time in our city, our nation and even our world to come together and celebrate with one another. We encourage you to browse through the long list of events and find a few that peak your interest. Invite your family, friends and neighbors and celebrate together. On Sunday, July 16, we are hosting a Family Day at the Lake at Wind Creek State Park. If you’ve never been to Wind Creek, this is your chance to experience this wonderful, local treasure. All park entry fees will be waived for this special day and we will be hosting canoe and paddleboard races along with a beach volleyball tournament.
music and food. Speaking of, we will also be hosting a hot dog eating contest. And this is just one day of nine during Sun Festival. During the week, our Pie in the Sky Treasure Hunt will continue each morning thanks to US Ameribank. Follow us on Facebook, check out the Alexander City Outlook or The Front Porch or listen to Kowaliga Country every morning for the clues to win $200 daily or the $1000 grand prize. It’s a jam packed week of fun with KidFest events throughout and something for everyone each evening. The Dog Parade and Lip Sync Battle take place on Monday, July 17 followed by Glow Golf on Tuesday. We will host Praise Night on Wednesday evening at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium along with a Young Professionals Trivia Night on Thursday. Similar to the years preceding, we ramp up our nightly entertainment with another installment of the Battle of the Band on the night of Friday, July 21 with the winner opening for Moon Taxi on Saturday evening, July 22 in Strand Park. These are just a handful of the events the Chamber will be hosting throughout the week. Please review the entire list and join us as we celebrate our community and the people that make it so great. I’d like to personally thank our City Council and Mayor for their continued support of
the Sun Festival. Chief Turner and his team at the police department are extremely helpful in making sure all events are run smoothly and safely. Of course, Sun Festival would not be
possible without the support of the business community and all of our great sponsors. Including the Chamber staff, our ambassadors and event organizers, there are hundreds of others that assist with
making it such an amazing week. Let’s reward everyone’s support, hard work and dedication by coming together this week and celebrating our city, our community and our
people. After all, it’s the people that make Alexander City great! I hope everyone enjoys the 5th Annual Sun Festival and I look forward to seeing each of you throughout the week.
Don’t just live IN Alex City… LIVE Alex City! Show your AC pride all summer long with this “Live Alex City” tee. All proceeds benefit the Gateway to Education Scholarship, which provides Benjamin Russell High School graduating seniors up to 64 credit hours of free college tuition to Central Alabama Community College. Tee shirts are by the brand “District Made,,” made with a blend of 50 percent polyester, 25 percent cotton and 25 percent rayon. Available online at www.alexandercitychamber.com or by order at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce (175 Aliant Parkway | (256) 234-3461).
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
PULSE
Spots now available in Leadership Lake Martin Class ‘17-18 By KIM DUNN Alexander City Chamber
Leadership Lake Martin is a 10-month leadership-training program designed to inform, inspire, and empower community leaders throughout the Lake Martin area. The comprehensive classes provide emerging leaders with a broader understanding and heightened awareness of the problems, opportunities, and resources in our area. The Class of 2017-18 will embark on their journey starting Tuesday, August 22, with an orientation and reception hosted by the Leadership Lake Martin Alumni Association. They will then attend their mandatory twoday retreat on Sept. 20 and 21. The class members will participate in class days one day a month October 2017April 2018. Classes include Education Day, City of Alexander City Day, Criminal
Justice Day, County Government & City of Dadeville Day, Health Care Day, Economic & Community Development Day and Legislative Day. In addition, the class members will be divided into project groups where each group will work together to complete a community service project of their choosing. The program culminates in May with Graduation. Since the inception of Leadership Lake Martin, there has been well over 300 local leaders participate in the program. Graduate and Board Member Bree Walton said, “Leadership Lake Martin was a wonderful experience for me. It has impacted my life in many different ways. The class gave me the opportunity to meet and connect with business professionals and community leaders that I may not have met otherwise. The classes gave me an insight as to how the city and county government works as well as how the local law enforcement and
public safety departments operate. This experience has led me to not only serve on the Leadership Lake Martin Board, but also convinced me to serve as a council member in my community.” Graduates are encouraged to join the Leadership Lake Martin Alumni Association. The association hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the reception for the new class following orientation. A portion of their dues also goes to provide scholarships to individuals that are interested in the program but unable to pay the full tuition on their own. The Leadership Lake Martin Board of Directors is comprised of active members of the alumni association and responsible for planning the retreat and class days throughout the year. If you are interested in learning more about Leadership Lake Martin, we encourage you to give us a call at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at 256-234-3461.
Page 7
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
NEW MEMBERS: ALEXANDER CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MAY • CoolBird Marketing, LLC 175 Aliant Parkway, Alexander City, AL 35010 888-588-3764 • Fermenter’s Market on The Green 149 Alabama Street, Alexander City, AL 35010 334-310-5818 • New York Life 1619 Morningside Park Drive, Montgomery, AL 36117 256-750-1126 256-786-0314
Page 8
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Tuesday, June 27, 2017
The Outlook
Happy Fourth Of July, America! On July 4, 1776, the Founding Fathers of the United States of America signed the Declaration of Independence declaring that the 13 colonies were an independent nation free from control by the British Government. These 13 original colonies, which are now states, were Virginia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The colonists wanted freedom from laws passed by the British Government which they felt were unfair, especially tax laws. Revolting against a tax on tea, a group of colonists known as the “Sons of Liberty” disguised themselves as Native Americans and threw around 350 crates of tea from three British East India Company ships into Boston Harbor in December 1773. This act is known as the Boston Tea Party. The British Government responded to the revolt by passing laws that increased royal control. The colonies rallied together, and a colonial committee decided to convene the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in September 1774. 7KH ¿UVW &RQJUHVV GHPDQGHG WKDW %ULWDLQ UHSHDO DOO RI WKH XQIDLU ODZV WKH\ KDG SDVVHG VLQFH DQG they called for a colonial boycott of British goods. The Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775, and ended in victory for the United States with the Peace of Paris Treaty which was signed on September 3, 1783. In 1870, the United States Congress passed a law making IndeAmerica, Boston, Boycott, Colonists, SHQGHQFH 'D\ DQ RႈFLDO KROLGD\ DOWKRXJK FHOHEUDWLRQV RQ WKDW GD\ ZHUH DOUHDG\ YHU\ FRPPRQ England, Freedom, Independence, Liberty, Militia, Redcoats, Revolt, Rights, 7KH KROLGD\ DOVR NQRZQ DV 7KH )RXUWK RI -XO\ EHFDPH DQ RႈFLDO SDLG )HGHUDO KROLGD\ IRU DOO government employees in 1938. Today, the holiday has become a staple of summer activities. Taxes, Tea, War )LUHZRUNV DUH VHW Rႇ LQ PDQ\ WRZQV DQG FLWLHV WR PDUN WKH RFFDVLRQ DQG SDUWLHV DQG SLFQLFV are common.
American Word Search
July 4 Crossword Time
American Bald Eagle Color It!
Fireworks Safety Fireworks are a tradition for many people, but they are also very GDQJHURXV 1HYHU VHW Rႇ ¿UHworks!! An adult should handle DQG OLJKW WKH ¿UHZRUNV DW DOO WLPHV It is never okay to play with them or use them alone. Stay safe!
Crossword Ans: Across-3)Picnics 4)tea 8)Boston 9)Native Americans Down-1)IndepenGHQFH ¿UHZRUNV WKLUWHHQ 5)Liberty 6)taxes 7)Boycott
How Many Words Can You Spell From The Word Patriotism? __________________ __________________ __________________
Across Clues: 3. People have these on July 4. 4. Sons of Liberty dumped this out. 8. Which city was site of Tea Party? 9. Sons of Liberty dressed as what? Down Clues: 1. Colonists wanted this from England. 6HW Rႇ DW QLJKW WR FHOHEUDWH 4. The number of original colonies. 5. Group named the Sons of _____. 6. Colonists said ___ were not fair. 7. Act taken against British goods.
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Tuesday, June 27, 2017
The Outlook
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The Outlook
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com
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Tuesday, June 27, 2017
www.alexcityoutlook.com
LUKE ROBINSON Columnist
STATE CHAMPS
Obscure summer ramblings
H
ow many random – some more obscure than others – comments can I make before I hit my word quote for this column? Let’s find out! 1. People get mad about Nick Saban’s $11 million salary while the NBA’s Brook Lopez just got traded to the Los Angeles Lakers toting a $22 million price tag annually. Nick Saban is a financial goldmine for the University of Alabama and the state, while I am pretty sure a lot of you reading this don’t know who Brooks Lopez is. It’s not a shot at Lopez – he should get all the market will allow – but it is a reminder that everything is relative. 2. The NBA Draft failed to capture my attention again since there were no local stars involved, but next year may be a different story. I have seen mock drafts with Alabama’s Collin Sexton predicted as high as the sixth pick and Auburn’s Mustapha Heron and Austin Wiley in the first-round mix as well. 3. My 7-year-old son Walker stayed at work with me the other day because I didn’t have a sitter. He hung out in an unused office. He enjoyed it so much that he made everyone fill out random paperwork, he literally wore out the pager button and he required everyone to call him “Mr. W.” He even guaranteed $100 checks for everyone since “he was in a good mood”. When we got home that afternoon, he turned to me and said, “Wow… I can’t believe I work at Robinson Iron now!” 4. In case you missed it a few weeks ago, I predicted Oklahoma State to be in the College Football Playoff next year. Who says I don’t take chances? 5. How in the world is Alex City just now getting a Dairy Queen? I know we used to have a few smaller ones littered throughout random areas of town, but we were in a “Blizzard” drought for well over a decade. Thank God it is here now though; I was worried we were all getting dangerously skinny. 6. Alabama received a commitment from the best prospect in the state last week in cornerback Jalyn ArmourDavis of Mobile. There had been some hand-wringing from fans about the surprising lack of commitments so far, but Armour-Davis may start a trend. The Tide won’t wind up with the No. 1 class this year, but it will be close. 7. I hate cold cuts. 8. If Benjamin Russell rising senior linebacker Benjamin Hendrix were 3 inches taller, I have no doubt he would highly coveted in recruiting circles. I have not verified this fact, but I am pretty sure he can bench press the old Frohsin building. 9. For those of you who want more home and home games in football with traditional powers, I have bad news for you: the neutral site games are here to stay. The schools just make too much money to go the other route. Alabama has FSU in Atlanta this year, Louisville in Orlando in 2018 and Duke in Atlanta again in 2019. There are already talks for games in Dallas, Houston and Orlando again for the three years after that. 10. Meanwhile, Avery Johnson has done an incredible job beefing up the Tide’s hoops slate. Texas, Oklahoma and Arizona are all on the docket with a few other great games scattered about as well. Johnson has far exceeded anyone’s expectations with what he would do for basketball in Tuscaloosa. 11. My daughter went to the pet store with a friend and now wants a hamster. 12. Herschel Walker was just named by Athlon’s as the best college player of the last 50 years. I agree with them, especially since I now know how hard it is for Georgia to get over the championship hump. 13. Thirteen…. 13 random comments I can make before my word quota. Thanks for obliging me with this experiment. Luke Robinson is a regular columnist and president of the Lake Martin BAMA Club.
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
New Site’s 8U All-Star softball team had a police escort back to town and was greeted by fans after winning the state championship on Sunday night.
Alex City, New Site bring home state championships By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Victory was sweet for a pair of local youth sports teams at the National Softball Association Alabama state championships. For the first time in history, New Site brought home a state title by winning the 8U All-Star championship, and Alexander City added to the local celebration with a championship in the 10U All-Star state tournament. Alex City was unstoppable in its first two games, earning a pair of shutouts to start the tournament. In an 18-0 defeat of Marbury, Reagan Taylor and Katie Davis combined for a no-hitter. Taylor needed just 20 pitches to finish out two innings and strike out five; Davis finished out the frame with a one strikeout final inning. Game 2 was a 14-0 victory over Holtville. The offense generated a total of 12 hits, including doubles from Jordan Embry, Emily McWaters, Grace McCary and Raliegh Caldwell. In the circle, Taylor fired two innings and McWaters closed it out and had one hit and three strikeouts in an inning of work. In the quarterfinals, Alex City topped the Diamondslayers, 12-5. Taylor threw the complete game in 85 pitches, 47 of which were strikes. She allowed five hits and had five strikeouts. At the plate, Macie Knox led the way with two doubles and four RBIs, while Caldwell followed right behind with three RBIs. Arionna Ware smacked a triple. Alex City had a sweep of Oxford in the semifinal and final, 8-4 and 10-1 respectively, to finally reign supreme. In the semifinal, Taylor went to work again firing 52 pitches, 32 for strikes, and allowing just six hits in four innings. Offensively, Taylor, McWaters and Ware each scored a pair of runs. McWaters had three singles, Ware notched a single and a double and Davis and Taylor each ahd two hits and two RBIs. Taylor once again was a stud in the circle in the championship; throwing 36 strikes on 56 pitches. She struck out three and walked five. From the plate, Ware had two doubles, three RBIs and a run scored, while McWaters also plated three runs on two singles. Knox had two singles, and Alana Tolbert generated two
Submitted / The Outlook
Alex City’s 10U All-Star softball team won the NSA Alabama state championship on Sunday evening. Team members included, front row, from left, Grace McCary, Cheyenne Morgan, Emily McWaters, Katie Davis, Alana Tolbert, Raliegh Caldwell; middle row, Trinity McGhee, Macie Knox, Reagan Taylor, Jordan Embry, Airionna Ware; back row, assistant coach Chris Knox, head coach Lee McWaters and assistant coach Stacey Davis.
RBIs. “As coaches, we knew these girls were exceptional girls who had the determination and fight to be the best,” Alex City coach Lee McWaters said. “All we had to just give them the opportunity to show it, and they did.” New Site’s 8U All-Stars didn’t have quite as smooth a run after falling to the losers’ bracket in the third game of their tournament run. In Game 1, New Site got off to a great start, defeating Chelsea 17-2, before turning around and taking down Alex City, 7-3. New Site then suffered a tough loss at the hands of the then-undefeated JD All-Stars, 10-6, to drop to the losers’ bracket. Immediately, New Site responded with one of its biggest victories of the tournament, 15-4 over Columbiana, to earn its way back to the championship. In extra innings, New Site finally took down JD, 5-4. “With our bats against the wall facing elimination, our girls were able to topple the undefeated JD All-Stars for their
first loss in four tournaments,” New Site coach Scott Peavy said. “It was a hardfought, nail-biting, extra-inning win that really was the cornerstone of the entire championship run.” Offense was the name of the game in the ultimate championship game, during which New Site defeated JD for the second game in a row, 15-9. “I really can’t say enough about what the girls have accomplished competing as the smallest town in all of the state and being able to win,” Peavy said. “This is what it’s all about and the smiles on the girls’ faces is what make this worth its while.” New Site’s championship team was escorted into town by a police car and a firetruck and was met by a large group of fans at the home field on Sunday night. “Huge performances by every single player on this team contributed to this,” Peavy said. “Gracie Deason was the player of the tournament after acquiring multiple hits at crucial points throughout the tournament, especially the championship games.”
Dadeville Majors win district title By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Dadeville’s 11-12 Majors All-Star baseball team had no issues at the Dixie Youth League District 10 championships on Saturday. The Majors outscored their opponents, 69-6, to earn the District 10 title. “We had great pitching, and it’s just an excellent bunch of boys,” Dadeville coach Travis Etchison said. Dadeville got off to a great start, defeating local rival Reeltown, 8-1, to start the tournament and continued from there. The Majors beat Tuskegee, 19-1, and Beulah, 14-3, to advance to
the championship. The title game was the biggest victory for Dadeville, as it won 29-1 over Tuskegee. Walker Spraggins had an amazing feat, hitting three leadoff home runs in the tournament. Dadeville advances to state, which begins July 13 in Troy. Alex City 5U goes 2-2: Alex City’s 5U T-ball team split four games at the state tournament this weekend in Daphne. After losing the first two games Saturday, Alex City stormed back to win both games Sunday. Trent Pressley, Rylee Dunham, T Lawson, Ryan Jones, Caleb Rollins and
Chandler Daniels all had eight or more RBIs throughout the tournaments, and AC coach Bryan Pressley said Easton Marable, Jones, Lawson and Naz Riley were standouts defensively. Alex City defeated Daphne, 26-25, and Robertsdale, 31-24. “I’m proud of each kid,” Bryan Pressley said. “Each kid improved and became a better ballplayer.” 12U girls battle back: After a loss on the first day, Alex City’s 12U AllStar softball team battled back with a pair of wins on Sunday. It shut out Chelsea, 15-0, before beating Weaver, 13-2, but ran out of gas
against Prattville, 7-3. Alex City finished fourth at state. On Saturday, the first game came down to the wire, but Alex City was defeated by Prattville, 4-3, in extra innings. Alex City 6U girls take second: Two losses for Alex City’s 6U softball team on Saturday gave them second place overall at the state tournament. Alex City 8U girls: Alex City’s 8U All-Star softball team won its first game against Millbrook, 6-2. Unfortunately, it couldn’t keep it up in an 11-3 loss to Columbiana to settle for fourth at state.