OPINION: MAKE THIS A SAFE HOLIDAY ON ROADS AND WATER, PAGE 4.
RETURNING TO HIS ROOTS
THURSDAY
THE
Former NFL player makes surprise appearance at summer reading program
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 June 30, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 131
Sports, Page 8
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Mayor found guilty of assault, wife acquitted Judge: ‘Put this behind you and move on for good of the city’ By MITCH SNEED and CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Alexander City Mayor Charles Shaw was found guilty of third-degree assault, while a judge acquitted his wife Lavern Shaw on the same charges stemming from a physical altercation with Councilman Tony Goss following a city council meeting on April 25. Randolph County Judge Clay Tinney had stern words for all involved Wednesday
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Mayor Charles Shaw, right, and his wife Lavern, left, walk from the Tallapoosa County Courthouse Annex talking with residents following their trial on assault charges Wednesday.
before handing down the ruling. “It’s obvious that you all have some serious issues going on here,” Tinney said. “No doubt about that. I think it’s terrible that we have two adults that are involved in the leadership of the city involved in an incident like this. … You all got to put this behind you and move on for the good of the city.” Tinney found Lavern Shaw not guilty, See SHAWS • Page 3
SUMMER SENSATIONS Spann visit closes out United Way Summer Reading Program
Authorities issue lookout for missing work release inmate By MITCH SNEED Editor
By ALETHIA RUSSELL Staff Writer
Much like past years the Lake Martin Area United Way charted outstanding participation in the Build a Better Reader summer reading program and the finale at Stephens Elementary School on Wednesday morning. Special guest James Spann, the lead meteorologist with ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, made an exciting, interactive weather presentation with the summer readers. Spann went over the different weather conditions and safety information for each condition. Also on the roster for the finale kickoff were surprise guests Justin Tuck,a former NFL player with the New York Giants,and Alexander City’s Michael Goggins, a former Auburn University football player on the undefeated 2010 championship-winning season. The forCathy Higgins / The Outlook mer athletes spoke to the kids about eduABC 33/40 Chief Meteorologist James Spann asks 11-year-old Carleson Richardson to video the audience at United cation and how important it is to always Way’s Build-A-Better Reader Summer Reading fi nale Wednesday morning at Stephens Elementary School for keep learning. broadcast on the day’s 5 p.m. news. As part of the morning’s finale, Spann gave a presentation about the weather See READING • Page 3 and how his first-grade teacher influenced his career choice.
Authorities have issued an alert for an inmate from the Alexander City Work Release Center that is believed to have gone missing Hunt from a job in Ashland. Shortly after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Alabama Department of Corrections reported that Robert Alvin Hunt, 33, left from assigned job location at Koch Foods in Ashland at approximately about 10:40 p.m. Tuesday. Information broadcast over police radio indicated that Hunt had clocked into work, but then went missing. Hunt was convicted See ESCAPEE • Page 2
Lake Levels Summer nutrition program has record-breaking outreach 490.16 Lake Martin
By ALETHIA RUSSELL Staff Writer
The Alexander City community witnessed a record-breaking number of participants in its summer feeding program at Stephens Elementary Wednesday morning. More than 300 children were counted in attendance at the program, which ran alongside the finale of the Building Better Readers initiative promoted by the Lake Martin Area United Way. The summer feeding program, Break for a Plate, is a state-funded program administered by the Alabama State Department of Education. After recently being ranked the fourth poorest state in the country by Alabama Possible, officials with
ALSDE and local leaders involved in the area child nutrition programs say they are pleased with the growth of the local food initiatives. The director of elementary schools for the Alexander City School system, Ellen Martin, counted an all-summer high of 306 recipients. “Just on Wednesdays with the summer program we’ve had an average of just over 200 students, not counting our adult volunteers,” Martin said. “This is our fourth year we’ve had it at Stephens, and we had it two years at Mamie’s Place Library before we outgrew that space.” Martin said she believes it is a combination of community effort and strong publicity that has See NUTRITION • Page 3
Reported on 6/29/16 @ 6 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
Today’s
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Alethia Russell / The Outlook
Above, Crystal Langley, right, and Melissa Gardner pack lunches for the participants in the summer feeding program.
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Brother with multiple issues must work them out himself
Friday
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Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com
Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@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
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 Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Jaylan Reynolds Advertising Sales Intern, Ext. 232 jaylan.reynolds@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 Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
Composing Audra Spears Composing Department, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, 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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© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Rev. Troy Holley Rev. Troy Holley of Alexander City, Al died on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at his home. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge.
256.234.4281
DEAR ABBY: My brother, “Chris,” is going through a divorce and lost his business. He is now lashing out at our mom and me when she spends time with me. When I tried to express my sympathy, Chris attacked me via direct message, saying I have a “charmed life and don’t care about anyone -- including him and our cash-strapped parents.” It started when Dad gave me a car he wasn’t using before we learned about my brother’s misfortune. When I tried to return it, Dad refused. Because I stopped responding to him on the internet, Chris is now complaining to Mom about my “selfishness.” He says if the situation was reversed, he would have moved heaven and Earth to help me. Abby, Chris has a job. He
DEAR ABBY Advice
lives with our folks and pays token rent. My husband and I work, but I have had a salary cut, we have two kids to support and a mortgage to pay. We’re in no position to provide the financial assistance my brother expects. My parents suspect that he’s still giving money to his soon-to-be ex. My husband says Chris is trying to manipulate me and that I need to go on with my life, but I’m worried that the longer this goes on, the harder it will be to heal the rift. I’m also worried about how this is affecting our parents.
-- GRIEVING IN NICOSIA, CYPRUS DEAR GRIEVING: You cannot heal a rift you didn’t create, and you also can’t “donate away” Chris’ resentment. He’s unhappy for a number of reasons and is taking it out on you not because you’re a bad sister, but because you are within striking distance. Your brother needs to work out his difficulties himself. A family meeting -- including your husband -- might clear the air so all of you are on the same page. Your brother needs to understand why the financial help he seems to expect is unrealistic and will not be forthcoming. DEAR ABBY: Is there any way to counter a stranger’s mean or hurtful remark (racist, age-related or sexist) in a mall or store? I feel I have
on October 19, 1931 to John Terry and Flora Harris Coleman. Rev. Coleman served the Lord in ministry for nearly 60 years. He will be missed by his family and a host of friends who loved him dearly. He always put God first, family second and himself last. He loved to laugh and was always ready with a joke. He is survived by son, David (Karen) Coleman; daughter, Deloris (Gawen) Boone; brother, Ray Coleman. Grandchildren, Leslie (Chris) Loftin, Bethany (D.J.) Gamble, Brett (Jessica) Boone,
Rev. Walter Lee Coleman Funeral Services for Rev. Walter Lee Coleman will be Friday, July 1, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Eagle Creek Baptist Church. The body will lie in state 1 hour before service. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 30, 2016 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Bass Funeral Home. Rev. Larry Cummings and Rev. Freddie Senn will officiate. Burial will follow in the Eagle Creek Cemetery. He passed away June 29, 2016, at Chapman Healthcare. He was born
Mr. Henry Floyd Knight 1918 - 2016 Mr. Henry Floyd Knight, Sr., born to George Washington and Mary Catherine Knight, on March 31, 1918 at Barfield, AL (Clay County), died June 26, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and their wives, 4 sisters and their 3 husbands. He is survived by his wife, Wanda R. Knight; sons, Henry F. Knight, Jr. (Pamela) and Marvin R. Knight (Bernadette), and 4 grandchildren. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, July 1, 2016 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Funeral Services will be at First United Methodist Church on Friday, July 1, 2016 at 2:30 pm with Dr. T. Michael Morgan and Rev. John Verciglio officiating. Burial will follow in the Alexander City Cemetery.
Daniel Coleman, Kayle (Jessica) Smith, and Katie (Chris) McCrane. Great Grandchildren, Aiden Gamble (Crackerjack), Luke Loftin (Rooster), Baxlee Boone (Lulu), Lillie Loftin (Liza Jane), Charlie McCrane (Sam) and Brynlee Boone (Flossie Mae). He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Coleman; his parents and brothers, Winfred, Gerald, John, Isaac and James. Bass Funeral Home and Cremations directing.
Mr. Knight was retired from the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission at the end of an outstanding career with the U. S. Government agencies. He was a World War II Veteran. He was discharged from the Army in Berlin, Germany for employment as a civilian with the office of Military Government as an organization and personal management specialist. In this position, he prepared translation of the Potsdam Agreement into function, organization and instructions basic to the new German government and economy. Later, he returned to the U. S., where he met and married Wanda Rawls, a native of Alexander City. After 1 year of employment with State Farm Insurance and manager of the Dollar Jewelry Store, he decided to return to employment with the U. S. Government. Mr. Knight received his advanced education from Snead Academy and Jr. College (Now Snead College) and the University
of Alabama. Mr. Knight, upon his retirement and return to Alexander City, offered his experience and skills to the city and community. He served in a number of volunteer services and organizations including First Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school for many years. He served as a commissioner for the Alex City Housing Authority for over 25 years as commissioner and chairman. He was instrumental in the establishment of many volunteer agencies in Alexander City. He was the chairman of the construction of the first Habitat for Humanity Housing, chairman of the Meals on Wheels, chairman for City Beautification Agency, and active in other volunteer agencies. The family will accept flowers but prefers memorial contributions be made to The First United Methodist Church, 310 Green Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Memorial messages
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in Chambers County of manufacturing a controlled substance on Jan. 14, 2015. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a light blue shirt. He is described as a 5-11 white male who weighs about 185 pounds. Hunt has brown hair and blue eyes. Officials ask anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Hunt, to notify their local law enforcement agency, the facility from which the inmate escaped or call the Alabama Department of Corrections at 1-800-8318825. Just two week ago, Robert Anthony Frye experienced one hour of free-
may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Shelley E. Burns Mr. Shelley E. Burns of Jackson’s Gap, Alabama died June 28, 2016 and arrangements will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.
Mr. Henry “Snow” Parker Funeral service for Mr. Henry “Snow” Parker 76 of Coosa County, AL; Friday, July 1, 2016; 11 a.m.; New Style Missionary Baptist Church, Nixburg, AL. Burial in church cemetery. Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.
continued from page 1
dom after escaping from the Alabama Department of Corrections Alexander City Work Release Center. Frye was recaptured a little over an hour later by the Alexander City Police Department. “Officers with the Alexander City Police Department apprehended state inmate Robert Anthony,” Bob Horton, Alabama Department of Corrections said. “The public’s response to the escape, and local law enforcement’s partnership with the Alabama Department of Corrections, led to the recapture. The inmate faces charges for the escape.”
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Shaws
continued from page 1
saying there was no evidence that any contact she may or may not have had with Goss caused any injuries. On the other hand, Tinney said that testimony and video left no doubt that Shaw went around the table and punched Goss, causing injury. “I understand that there may have been an element of provocation involved,” Tinney said. “There’s no question at all that Mr. Shaw went around that table as many have testified and struck Mr. Goss. So I have no choice but to find him guilty.” Tinney sentenced Shaw to 30 days in jail, but suspended the entire amount of time. He will serve 12 months on unsupervised probation. He was also ordered to pay a $250 fine, pay a bond fee of $100 and $25 to the crime victim compensation fund. Shaw will also be responsible for the court costs when that amount is determined. The Shaws declined comment after leaving the courtroom. The mayor leaned into the lens of a television camera and then covered the lens with his hand. He then deferred to his attorney Thomas Radney. “The judge needed to hear all the facts,” Radney said. “We are absolutely pleased that Mrs. Shaw was found not guilty. We are not pleased in the decision related to the mayor. We are disappointed that the judge found him guilty in light of the fact that two years worth of provocation was proved. The mayor is willing to accept the decision of the court and go back to work for the city.” State witness Lt. Durell Alford of the Alexander City Police Department wore a body camera on the night of the altercation. The judge viewed about four minutes of the video that was captured during and after the altercation. The video was viewed by the witness, the attorneys and the
judge, but was shown on small screens and was not visible to the gallery. But portions of the audio could be heard. A voice that was identified as Mayor Shaw’s could be heard at one time saying, “He is going to get an ass whopping,” and “He raised his voice to my wife and said what the hell are you doing? I turned to him and hit him.” At no time during the portion of the video that was shown in court could Goss be heard using profanity towards Mrs. Shaw. The Outlook filed an open records request previously for a copy of that video, but was denied on the grounds that the investigation was ongoing. The Outlook renewed that request following the trial Wednesday. None of the witnesses called by the state or the defense could confirm that they ever heard Goss use profanity towards the mayor’s wife. Mr. Shaw maintained after the incident and in the two public apologies that Goss cursing his wife was why he struck the councilman who has announced he will run against Shaw in the upcoming mayoral election. Witnesses said there was a heated exchange that was centered around an attempt to dismiss City Finance Director Sandra Machen and emails that Goss had exchanged with the mayor. But all those who said they saw the fight unfold, said that Shaw clearly threw the first punch after rushing around the conference room table. Radney quizzed Alexander City Police Chief Willie Robinson about the incident and why he didn’t make an arrest that night. “As law enforcement, when you witness a crime, you choose whether or not to make an arrest?” Radney asked. Robinson responded “Yes.”
“Why?” Radney asked. “They are city leaders,” Robinson said. “I wanted to let them cool off.” “Do you believe Mr. Goss provoked Mayor Shaw?” Radney asked Robinson. “They have had a lot of heated conversations,” Robinson responded. Radney launched a spirited cross-examination of Goss. Questioning him about reporting issues involving Shaw to the ethics commission and filing a complaint with the state auditor. He also asked why he had hired attorney Bob Echols and if he was planning a civil lawsuit against the mayor and his wife. “It’s all bout the money isn’t it Mr. Goss?” Radney said. “That’s why you hired an attorney so you can sue Mr. Shaw, isn’t it?” “I haven’t made a decision on that yet,” Goss said. “I will allow my attorney to advise me on that.” Goss testified he was now fearful in leaving his home, saying he was approached by Shaw’s relatives at the hospital and was “screamed at” on the night following the incident. He also testified to one other encounter where he claimed a relative drove through a business where he was visiting the owner. After the trial, Goss left without making comment. Assistant District Attorney Michael Weldon who prosecuted the case said he hopes Wednesday’s events will allow all parties as well as the city to move forward. “This has been very tough on everyone,” Weldon said. “The judge heard the evidence and saw it for what it was. I think his words at the end were appropriate. Hopefully everyone can now move on.”
Nutrition
continued from page 1
allowed the summer feeding program to reach more children each year. “We’ve got a unique thing here in that of course we have our summer feeding, but then you add on the learning experience with it,” Martin said. “We want kids to have books in their hands, – not just the nine months that we’re in school, we want them in the summer. And we want them to be fed.”
The program serves several other community programs including daycares and faith-based programs, as well as delivering meals to satellite sites in the surrounding area. “Summer is such a short time but we make sure we get the nutritional value in the children during the summer, and we’ve kind of failed in that aspect in Alabama. But we have picked up tremendously
and almost tripled participation,” said Danielle Turk, an education specialist in child nutrition programs for the ALSDE. “Getting the word out and the branding the program has helped that.” Alabama Possible reports Tallapoosa County’s food insecurity rate as a whole is at 18.8 percent, with 28.6 percent of children considered food insecure. The chair-
person of the End Child Hunger in Alabama Task Force, Dr. Harriet Giles, accompanied organizers at the Stephens summer feeding site Wednesday. Giles said she encourages everyone to get involved with ending child food insecurity as a collective much like how the task force operates to support local initiatives that address food insecurity. “Everything goes
Reading
together, you can’t tease anything out,” Giles said. “It’s food security, being well educated, good health and job training. When we talk about how to address food insecurity and who solves it – it’s not one sector that solves it. It’s not
corporate America or all education; it’s not all agriculture. Every discipline has something to contribute in every sector to insuring that people are well fed and that they have the potential and opportunity to achieve their goals.”
continued from page 1
The four-week program usually averaged around 200 students per session, but reached 315 at the finale Wednesday morning. The top three readers were recognized in an award ceremony at the finale as well. First place reader Christian Johnson logged 390 minutes of reading this summer. Second place reader Lane Vasquez read 180 minutes, and third
place reader Travis Edward read 145 minutes. “I would like to thank everyone who played a role in the success of this year’s program,” Hardy said. “The joint efforts of our Executive Director Sharon Fuller, Pediatric Associates and the Alexander City Board of Education ensured that the students involved in Build A Better Reader had a positive experience.”
Hardy said he would also like to give a special thanks to all that volunteered during the four weeks of the program. “The successfulness of the program is in direct correlation to all the hard work they put in,” he said. “I would also like to commend program administrator JeriLynn Martin for being the mastermind behind all the activities that took place.”
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
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Make this a safe holiday on roads and water
D
uring the Independence Day holiday, travel is part of the game. Whether it is going on a trip or hitting the water for fun with family and friends to celebrate, arriving to your destination safely is important. That’s why state, county and local law enforcement officials say that they will be stepping up their presence, including several checkpoints to focus on seatbelt and DUI enforcement. Celebration is fine, but if that involves alcohol, please plan ahead, It doesn’t take much alcohol to find yourself in a world of trouble. For an adult, a blood alcohol content of .08 or above is over the limit. Depending on the timeframe in which the alcohol is consumed and the weight of the individual, this amounts to about 2 ½ beers. For individuals under the age of 21, .02 is over the limit, not to mention underage possession laws. So this holiday, allow some extra time to get where you are going and don’t be in a rush. If you are going to drink, drink responsibly and have a designated driver. What is true on the roads, is even more important for those on the lake. Traffic on Lake Martin will be at its highest point of the year, so being attentive and operating a safely equipped watercraft, with a clear head, is a must. Make sure that everyone has a life jacket, that the boat has a fire extinguisher aboard and that all the lights are in working order. Slow down and keep a safe speed where you will have time to react if it becomes necessary. For those venturing to the fireworks show on July 4 by boat, Marine Police remind boaters to use proper light and stay late to avoid the dangers of being rushed. So have fun, but let’s make it a safe holiday in the roads and water.
Know Your
Officials
Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Charles Shaw
Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
Bobby Tapley
Sherry Ellison Simpson
Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.
Bob Howard
Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.
James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-3299758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.
What happened to civil discourse?
W
hen did having a difference of opinion transition from being just that to hatred and stupidity? Whether discussing race, politics or college football, there are some issues many Americans simply can’t discuss in a civil manner. Discussions on race can become violent. Just say something negative about Dale Earnhardt and race fans will lose their mind. Lambasting individuals with opposing views is un-American. It baffles my mind and needs to change. Listening to and tolerating different points of view should be one of the great perks of living in the greatest country on earth. As long as they are expressed respectfully, personal attacks have no place in civil discourse. People are serious about college football in our state – quite frankly, too serious. Sure, I want Auburn to win every game, but when they lose, I know the sun is still going to rise the next day. A win or a loss will not impact my life in any manner. If we were as passionate about things that really matter – things that impact our lives – perhaps we wouldn’t be competing with other southern states in the “Battle for the Bottom” of things of actual importance: health, education, elected officials, etc. I wrote a guest column for al.com on the two Alabama football players recently arrested for drug and weap-
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
ons charges, both of which were eventually dropped. The district attorney’s reason for dropping the charges even made Paul Finebaum’s head spin. Days later, more information was released. I simply wrote about the need for them being held accountable for their actions, specifically the weapons charges. There weren’t any negative comments when I posted the article to my social media. In fact, most Bama fans were in agreement, while others informed me of the sanctions Coach Saban and the university levied against the two student-athletes, which were quite stringent, I must say. However, when it comes to the comments on al.com, that’s a different story. If you want to read them, I encourage you to first hide the women and children. My mama, a Bama fan, was furious. I expected some backlash because some fans just have too much Bama in them. To be fair, I’m sure the same can be said for some Auburn fans – some. Some think if you love one team you must instinctively hate the other, which is simply ridiculous. I was born in 1972, six months before the “Punt Bama Punt” game, so my Auburn fandom was off to a good start. Of
course, Bama went on to win for the next nine years, which was not easy, as I was the only Auburn fan in my house. Most folks don’t like fence riders, and make no mistake about it; I’m not a fence rider. I’m Auburn all the way, but why waste hatred on a game? It’s just football and many of these kids were just a signature away from playing for another team – perhaps my team. I don’t think they should have been kicked off the team, much less sent to prison, where they likely would have become part of the system. I’m sure they are good young men. We all make mistakes. I just wanted them to be held accountable. I’m a military man and believe in good order and discipline and make no apologies for it. When Auburn players mess up, I want them to be held accountable, too. For some rabid fans, it’s all about football. Believe it or not, I actually care about these young men and their future. I wish them nothing but the best, but I want to see them doing well 20 years down the road – not just on Saturdays in the fall. 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, visit jodyfuller.com.
Reader: It’s time to pay attention to what’s right, not appearances Dear Editor, While watching TV one morning with my better half I mentioned that BP was putting out a lot of commercials on safety. I wondered what the affect would be if an equal amount of money was spent on safety in the field. You know, real safety, not just the appearance of safety. A former CEO of Russell Hospital, brought this to Dr. BB’s attention several years ago. An issue about patient care came up and the CEO said, “It’s not quality care, it’s the appearance of quality care that’s important,” We have especially seen this in Obama care. It’s true in every profession. In government policy it’s not about controlling violence, it’s the appearance of controlling violence, i.e. gun control rather than tracking people who are the most likely perpetrators of violence. It’s a
sad commentary on our society today that appearances are vastly more important than actual quality of anything. I don’t know how we can get back to quality safety in industry, in medical care, in education or governmental policies that support taxpayers rather than taxpayers supporting appearances, but it is going to take huge masses of people insisting on change before anything happens. Also, I have just listened to the Press Conference on the Bengazi Investigation. It was brought out that this was planned by the administration in advance and someone even called the settling of Chris Stevens in Bengazi a suicide mission. There was a meeting at 7 p.m. in Washington, three hours after the attack had begun, Smith was dead, Stevens was
Billy Ray Wall
Dear Editor: These days we hear a lot about the prohibitive cost of education. It is most discouraging to constantly hear the media decrying those having to borrow to get a degree only to face a lifetime of debt. Nevertheless, there are a little-known solutions! There are no less that 17 colleges and universities that offer free tuition. This list includes several of the top schools in the U.S-many on the U.S. News. & World Report Annual list to the nation’s top schools. Take a look: • Berea College, Berea, Kentucky requires student to work one quarter per year in a co-op program. • College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout Missouri also offers free tuition with a work co-op requirement. • Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. No tuition for members of families with incomes
below $60,000. • Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. Tuition free for members of families with incomes below $60,000. • Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts. No tuition charged for members of families with incomes below $60K. • M.I.T. Cambridge, Massachusetts. Tuition free for income below $75,000. • Stanford University, Stanford, California; free tuition for family incomes below, $60,000 • Texas A&M University, College Station, TX; No Tuition for incomes below $60,000. • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC; Tuition waived for members of families with incomes not exceeding 200 percent of the Federal Poverty level. • Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN; No tuition for members of families with
missing and the discussion in Washington was about how to minimize the negative impact on the administration, whether anyone sent in was to go in uniform or street clothing, nothing about how the Ambassador and his guards were to be rescued. The focus of this incredibly callous administration, while four men were being sacrificed on the altar of Obama’s and Clinton’s legacy, was not about quality support, but the appearance of quality support. Two people objected to Dr. BB’s commenting on Michael Savages’ assessment of Liberals as having a form of mental illness. I prefer to think of these people in the Obama administration as mentally ill rather than normal. Sherry Sellers Alexander City
incomes below $40,000. • Yale University, New Haven, CT; Tuition free for families below $65,000. • Princeton University, New Jersey; No specific family income threshold requirement. Student should never exclude consideration of our nation’s service academies. By choosing the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N Y; U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO; the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD or the Coast Guard Academy, an applicant can not only receive a quality education but earn a modest income as well. The student applicant must enter his consideration wisely and know that opportunities do abound for a college education. James W. Anderson Talladega
Tony Goss represents
Letter writer’s observations were on target
District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
Dear Editor, I would like to commend Dr. Sellers for the good job that he is devoted to. But something kind of touched my heart. We are all
James Spann
Tony Goss
human believe it or not. Love and hate cannot occupy the same house. Surely we know love and hate are light years apart, but Dr. Sellers made his choice.
Today’s
Quote
“Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.” – Irving Berlin
Today’s
Scripture “Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:6
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Anyone can afford a college education
Sherry Ellison-Simpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
But surely we are not leaving any of the little ones behind. Billy Strickland Alexander City
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CommunityCalendar Season Speaks
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Eric and Emily Gregg, Scottie and Mary Jewell Knox, Faye and Johnny Baker and Chris and Pat Baker are celebrating anniversaries today.
June 30, 2016
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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 2-3
Hillabee Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible School July 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
July 13-15
July 3
YES I CAN: Teresa Harrell Moten is hosting a mentoring camp at Nathaniel H. Stephens School from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be a free lunch
from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Goodwater is celebrating its 127th Anniversary Sunday, July 24 at 3 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware Jr. The pastor is Melvin Irvin.
July 14 - July 30
July 27
ARTI GRAS: Russell Lands is hosting Arti Gras at the Russell Lands Town Green July 2-3. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Submerged June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17 and July 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served.
July 6
SCHOOL LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves School is hosting its monthly luncheon July 6 at 11 a.m.
July 6-8
YES I CAN: Teresa Harrell Moten is hosting a mentoring camp at Nathaniel H. Stephens School from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be a free lunch.
July 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 8-9
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: God’s House Church on Highway 63 North in downtown Hackneyville is hosting vacation Bible School July 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and July 9 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. All ages are welcome.
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, selfhelp, religion, history and politics, beautiful coffee table books, and books to read to your children this summer. We also have several boxes of books recently donated for children and young readers. All proceeds go to improve the library. Call 256-825-7820 for information. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School is hosting a trade day July 16 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July 17
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.
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Hatchet Spring Baptist Church is celebrating its 109th anniversary Sunday July 17 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Fredrick Jemison of Tallasahatchie Baptist Church in Childersburg. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Submerged June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17 and July 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served.
July 10
MEN AND WOMEN DAY: Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church is hosting Men and Women day July 10 at 2 p.m. Special guest is Rev. Dr. George C. McCulloh of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. REUNION: The Willoughby reunion will be Sunday, July 10, at the Daviston Community Center. All family and friends are welcome. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Submerged June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17 and July 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dinner will be served.
July 10 - July 13
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Calvary Heights Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible school July 10 - 13 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. There is a kickoff party and pre-registration July 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:
PUBLIC NOTICES
July 22
FLAG RETIREMENT: The Clay County VFW Post 9581 is holding a flag retirement ceremony July 22 at 4 p.m. at the Bibb Graves School.
July 22-23
RODEO: The Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area is hosting its 10th annual Lake Martin Area Rodeo July 22 and 23. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex. The PCA-sanctioned rodeo is run by Brett Woody, Bar W Rodeo Company.
HEALTH FAIR: James Spann will be at the Bibb Graves School July 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a health fair.
July 29 - July 31
BEREAVEMENT CAMP: Camp I Believe will be at Children’s Harbor July 29 - 31. It is a bereavement camp for children ages 7 - 14 that have lost a loved on. It is an overnight camp and is free for qualifying applicants. Contact Julia Bassett at Julia.Bassett@gentiva. com.
July 30
SUMMER READING PROGRAM FINALE: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is hosting a finale for the summer reading program July 30 at the Sportplex Gym at 10 a.m. with games and a kids lunch. NIGHT IN PEARLS: The Gloria Boleware Show is hosting An Elegant Night in Pearls at the Passion Church July 30 at 6 p.m.
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 334868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
October 18
July 24
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School Submerged June 26, July 3, July 10, July 17 and July 24
PUBLIC NOTICES
FOOT Specialties
Dr. Douglas Stewart Alexander City, AL
256-215-5596 American Board of Podiatric Surgery Certi¿ed Diabetic Shoes Hospital Surgeries Total Nail Care Hammertoes, Bunions, Corns and Calluses Sports Injuries
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MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
July 23
BINGO NIGHT: Bibb Graves School is hosting bingo night July 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
October 22
CHRISTMAS CARD WORKSHOP: The Artist Association of Central Alabama is hosting a Christmas Card Workshop October 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wine Emporium. The cost is $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers. The class is limited to 12 prepaid students. The workshop will cover dogwoods, pink and white.
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256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
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CATHY HIGGINS SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
Thursday, June 30, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
A few thoughts about AU’s Penn State matchup I
f you haven’t heard, Auburn will play Penn State in 2021 and 2022, marking the first time the Tigers have faced the Nittany Lions since the 2003 Capital One Bowl in Orlando. The series is the latest, and arguably most interesting, non-conference matchup scheduled by the powersthat-be within the Auburn Athletic Department. It sure beats playing Clemson again. Here are a few rambling thoughts about the series, and non-conference series, in general. * Penn State gives the Tigers a Big 10 foe, which moves the game from a regional to a national stage. I’m pretty sure that the last time Auburn played a regular season game against a team now in the Big 10 was 1982, when the Tigers hosted Nebraska. But back then, the Huskers were in the now-defunct Big 8, making the Penn State series even more of an anomaly. The Pac 10 came calling when Auburn faced Southern Cal in 2002 and 2003, and Washington State in 2006 and 2013. Oregon and California are scheduled to meet the Tigers in the near future. ACC opponents, particularly Clemson, are somewhat common. Kansas State recently represented the Big 12 on Auburn’s schedule. * Auburn is no stranger to Big 10 teams in bowl games. Since 2000, the Tigers played five Big 10 teams in seven bowl games (Wisconsin three times, Penn State, Michigan, Nebraska, and Northwestern once each). * Recent Power 5 additions to the Tigers’ regular season schedules are a welcome sight. Playing eight conference games and four lightweights can be monotonous. It’s good to bring schools to Auburn that season ticket-holders don’t often get the chance to see. Folks can get tired of LouisianaMonroe, Arkansas State and Louisiana Tech. * The 2021 Auburn-Penn State game will be played in State College, Pa., with the Nittany Lions visiting Jordan-Hare in 2022. Auburn hosts Georgia and Alabama in 2021, so games that season at Penn State and LSU bring some balance. Auburn’s home schedule for 2022 appears to feature LSU, Penn State, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Missouri. * Much has happened since the Tigers and Nittany Lions last met. On the 2003 New Year’s Day in Orlando, Joe Paterno and Jerry Sandusky were head coach and defensive coordinator for the Lions. Tommy Tuberville’s Tigers won, 13-9, giving Auburn a 9-4 final record and plenty of momentum heading into the 2003 season — one that many believed would be a championship season on the Plains. Penn State, once a perennial championship contender, has been very pedestrian since that meeting and might consider it fortunate to even have a football program in the wake of the Sandusky investigation. * As of now, Auburn’s only nonconference game for 2018 is Alabama State. I expect at least two other non Power 5 conference opponents and then possibly a Power 5 school with the second game in the series possibly in 2023 or beyond. Finding opponents is tough. I’d like to see Georgia Tech at some point. Perhaps another date with an in-state school, such as Troy, UAB, Jacksonville State, Alabama A&M or Samford, would help share some state dollars. Then again, maybe Jacksonville State should be left alone. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at the Auburn University Harbert College of Business and is the former sports editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.
RETURNING TO HIS ROOTS Former NFL star Justin Tuck speaks at Stephens Elementary School
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
Above, attendees at the United Way’s Summer Reading finale, attendees wait to meet two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Tuck. Below, after addressing more than 300 youth Wednesday, retired NFL star Justin Tuck chats with Boys & Girls Club of Goodwater Unit Director Sharonna Hayes. By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Recently retired NFL star Justin Tuck shared some words of wisdom with more than 300 Alexander City youth Wednesday morning during United Way of Lake Martin’s Break the Plate summer reading program finale at Stephens Elementary School. The two-time Super Bowl champion said that while growing up in Tallapoosa County, one thing took priority. “I realized there was nothing in life I could do without getting a good education,” Tuck said. He then compared that notion with the concept of constructing a home. “When you’re building a house, you have to begin with the foundation,” Tuck said. The 32-year-old reinforced that message by explaining that getting an education is the basic first step in achieving any dream. “I’m a proven example of the fact that it doesn’t matter where you come from, if you have a dream you can achieve it,” Tuck said. “I grew up right here, on County Road 71. I’ll never forget that. It made me who I am today.” He pointed out that in to get that education, the program’s young attendees need to listen to their teachers. “Every time these teachers ask you to do something, you’ve got to do it,” Tuck said. “They do this for you guys.” The Central Coosa County High School graduate explained the motivation behind such advice. “All I want is for you to reach your potential,” Tuck told the kids. With his football career behind him, Tuck’s focus has shifted toward ramping up his efforts to help youth do just that. “Being retired gives me the opportunity to do more things that I want to do, like philanthropy and charity work,” he said.
That includes giving more attention to his foundation, Tuck’s RUSH for Literacy, which he started more than six years ago in an effort to support various community literacy initiatives. “We work with Title I schools,” Tuck said, explaining that part of that work includes providing grants to boost those schools’ reading endeavors. The former New York Giant and Oakland Raider is also looking to continue his own education.
“On August 8th, I’m going back to get my MBA from Walden,” Tuck said. With that degree, the Notre Dame alum is hoping to start his own business in the next five years. While Tuck is grateful for his NFL career, he has no plans to include football in his future. “I’ve played football all my life,” he said. “It’s given me the skill set to do other things.”
Lily Johnston qualifies for subregional golf match Dadeville PGA Junior golfer takes 2nd place in Prattville By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor
Cathy Higgins / The Outlook
During Wednesday’s Alexander City League match at Lake Winds Golf Club, PGA Junior Lily Johnston waits to play on the 10th hole.
PGA Junior golfer Lily Johnston of Dadeville is heading for Louisiana in a little over a month to play in the 2016 Subregional Qualifying Match for the 2017 Drive, Chip & Putt Championship. She qualified for the match after coming in second place in the 12-13 age bracket at the local qualifying match at Robert Trent Jones Course at Capitol Hill in Prattville on June 5. There, she had a score of 81 by chipping 31 and putting a 50. Johnston, who turns 12 next month, has been playing golf at the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department PGA Junior League since she was 7 years old. “My dad really got me into the sport,” she said. Her father Wayne Johnston is not a golfer, himself. “But I thought this would be something she could do and enjoy for the rest of her life,” he said. It proved to be a good decision, as Lily took to the sport.
“I like how you never know what’s next,” she said. “Any shot can be a new shot.” The young golfer finds herself quite alone in her enthusiasm for golf at home. “My friends are not huge into the sport,” Lily Johnston said. But that doesn’t stop them from supporting her in the sport. Lily’s friends also encourage her to join in with the junior varsity football fun this fall. “This fall I’ll be the new Dadeville Junior Varsity mascot,” she said. As for her golfing, Lily plans to continue that into her college career. “I’d like to go to Auburn,” she said. In the meantime, Lily is focusing on her next match. “I really am excited,” she said. The subregional is slated for Aug. 9 in Advondale, Louisiana, which is situated near New Orleans. If Johnston moves on from there, she will then be eligible to play in the Regional Qualifying Match in Pone Verde Beach, Florida on Sept. 10.