Issuu

OPINION: CHAMBLISS DISHES ON 10 HIGHLIGHTS FROM LEGISLATIVE SESSION. PAGE 4.

HOUSTON BOUND

THURSDAY

THE

Marbury picked for softball showcase.

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 June 9, 2016

Vol. 124, No. 115

Sports, Page 8

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Benoit to headline Friday night Jazz Fest lineup By MITCH SNEED Editor

Submitted / The Outlook

New Orleans native Tab Benoit will bring his Swamp Blues sound to Strand park Friday.

Ready for some cool Jazz on a hot Alexander City night? Relax – Jazz Fest is upon us. One of the state’s most decorated music festivals will kickoff at 6 p.m. Friday night at Strand Park with local favorites Hinton Bloom, also known as the Jonathan Bloom band. Band mates Jonathan Bloom, Brian Hinton, Wade Allen and Andre Sumbry have been performing across Alabama for years. They have shared stages with the

likes of Willie Nelson, the Allman Brothers and Charlie Daniels. They are excited to bring their sound described simply on their Facebook page as “really good music” – to the Strand Park stage. Following Bloom at 7:30 p.m. will be Mobile-based instrumental band Roman Street. Brothers Noah and Josh Thompson head up the group, which grew from casual college jam sessions into a full band. Roman Street fuses jazz, Latin and flamenco styles into a unique musical experience that’s not to be missed.

By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer

Memorial service for Thomas ‘Toot Toot’ Marbury today at 3 p.m. Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Below, Alexander City TV personality Kenny Dean reads Lily Brown’s Paintings to area children at Stephens Elementary School who are taking part in the United Way Reading Program. Above, Carter Lashely, left, 9, Ryder Mobley, 9, and Lathan Simmons, 7, who attend the Harbor Learning Academy, read from the book that Mobley checked out during the United Way Reading Program Wednesday.

By MITCH SNEED Editor

The United Way’s Build a Better Reader program is off to a great start with area children building bird houses and other small projects from Home Depot. But just what do hammer and nails

Alexander City will say goodbye to one of its favorite sons today. A memorial service for Thomas “Toot Toot” Marbury Jr. will be held at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Alexander City. Following a procession to the Great Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery through the streets of Alexander City, the family will welcome visitors to a special Marbury repast at the Cooper Recreation Center following the service. Marbury had been hospitalized for serious injuries that he received on May 22 when he was struck by a vehicle as he crossed Tallapoosa Street in downtown Alexander City. Officials said it appeared that Toot Toot had walked in front an approaching Nissan Pathfinder as he made his way from a baccalaureate service

See READING • Page 3

See MARBURY • Page 3

READ ACROSS THE CITY Build a Better Reader program gets hands on

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Lanier and volunteers make trails better for hikers long time,” Steve Missildine said. “I am retired and like to have something to do. It gets me out and moving.” Some might mistake him for a prison The friendly crew had gathered to guard watching the chain gang on the help make the trails more accessible by side of the road by the way he leads a cutting some of the spring growth. trail maintenance crew. “We work on the trails about once a “You will need to use a regular weed year,” Lanier said. “Usually, in June we eater here,” Jimmy Lanier told his crew will go through and cut back bushes and Wednesday morning at the base of things that have grown up. We cut them Smith Mountain. “There are too many back then and it usually works out so rocks to use that one.” that you do not have to cut again until Harold Banks, who is more known the next year.” for paddling the waters beneath the trail When Lanier gives instructions, system, made a joke about Lanier before everyone listens and the results are the work crew set off to clear some of trails that many enjoy. Experience has the trails on Smith Mountain Wednesday taught Lanier how to do things on the morning. trails of the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail “He is such a slave driver,” Banks Association, a group Lanier founded. said with a smile. “I don’t know, I guess I have a Lanier is able to recruit for his crew. knack for laying out trails,” Lanier Getting them to the work site and to said. “I don’t want just an easy trail, I bring along weed eaters and loppers. want a some easy parts and some with “I have been knowing Jimmy for a See TRAILS • Page 3 By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

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Community to say goodbye to ‘Toot Toot’

MainStreet Farmer’s Market kicks off Saturday Alexander City’s MainStreet Farmer’s Market will kick off its 13th year on Saturday, June 11, from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Broad Street in downtown Alexander City. “It’s that time of year again,” said Richard Wagoner, noting that many of the same vendors from the farmer’s market’s past will be on hand this year to sell their produce and other items. “There will be a lot of familiar faces,” Wagoner said. “Funny thing is, the farmers look forward to it almost as much as the customers do. Farming can be a lonely life. There’s a lot of work involved and not a lot of time for a social life. So you’ll see the vendors shaking hands and exchanging hugs, just generally glad to see each other again.” Wagoner said that among the vendors expected on Saturday and their wares are: See FARMERS • Page 3

The Friday night headliner will be blues musician Tab Benoit, who will take to the Strand Park stage at 9 p.m. A native of Louisiana, Benoit’s love of his home state is present in every aspect of his swamp blues sound. In 2003, he founded the charity group Voice of the Wetlands, which is dedicated to the preservation of Louisiana’s receding coastline. Benoit has released 18 albums, and in 2007, he was named Best Contemporary Male Performer and B.B. King

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Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Jimmy Lanier uses a gas-powered trimmer to cut back growth along a trail near Smith Mountain Wednesday morning. He and other volunteers take on the project a couple times a year to make sure hikers have a clear path along the network of trails.

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Page 2

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For the record: interpreters talk, translators write

Friday

93 69 Low

High Sunny

Saturday

94 72 Low

High Mostly sunny

Staff

Directory Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com Cathy Higgins Sports Editor, Ext. 228 cathy.higgins@alexcityoutlook.com

Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com

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

Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com

Composing Audra Spears Graphic Artist, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Darlene Johnson Graphic Artist, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Graphic Artist, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Alethia Russell Graphic Artist, Ext. 231 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Asst. Circulation Manager, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.

DEAR ABBY: I’m writing about your answer to “An International Educator” (Dec. 27), who asked about translators at parent-teacher conferences. Your answer was only partially correct. I am a professional interpreter and translator. First I should note that translators do written work; interpreters speak aloud. Different skills are involved, which is why there are different terms. Second, during interpretation, the interpreter is not considered to be part of the conversation, just a “conduit” through which communication takes place. Persons being interpreted for do not need to look at the interpreter while facilitating their communication. A professional interpreter will interpret everything that is said; for example, they will not leave out curse words or “filter” or embellish anything. They also try to approximate the same voice tone.

DEAR ABBY Advice

I should also note that professional interpreters are bound by privacy codes much like doctors and nurses. We are not allowed to divulge any information we have learned from our interpretation jobs. Another thing to realize is that a professional interpreter (or translator) will be completely neutral, regardless of who hired him/her or with which party he/she enters the room. If someone is using a nonprofessional interpreter, a person who just happens to know both languages but has not had the training to be an interpreter, he/she may not adhere to these privacy or conduct codes, and their interpretations

Mrs. JoAnne Ingram Baird 1932 - 2016 Funeral Service for Mrs. JoAnne Ingram Baird, 83, of Alexander City, will be Friday, June 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Dr. Bruce McClendon will officiate. Burial will follow in Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 9, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mrs. Baird passed away on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at Chapman’s Nursing Home. She was born on November 1, 1932 in Alexander City , Alabama to Joseph Clayton Lumous Ingram and Jessie Laverne Ingram.

Postal

How to Submit Obituaries

Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.

DEAR ABBY: Please tell your readers that even though gay people are more integrated into our lives, it does not provide an open invitation to pry into anyone’s sexual practices. I have been asked many times about the physical mechanics of my relationship, although I would never consider requesting such information from my heterosexual friends, neighbors or co-workers. I think the bottom line should be: Keep your noses out of your friends’ bedrooms

She attended Auburn University in her 40’s and attained a Masters Degree. She retired after 20 years with the Alexander City Board of Education. She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Chewning of Chattanooga, TN; sons, Buddy (Doris) Baird of Alexander City; and Woody (Kim) Baird of Alexander City; grandchildren, Julie (Mitchell) Lloyd, Christy Baird, Deidra Baird, Brooke Baird, Mike (Deborah) Deason, Ashton (Matthew) Strickland, Steven Chewning, Clay Chewning, and Jeb Baird; great-grandchildren, Jordan Jones, Carter Jones, Harlee Baird, Kamden Strickland, and Beau Strickland. She was preceded in death by her

parents; and husband, Frederick C Baird. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Myrtrice Stowe Mrs. Myrtrice Stowe of Alexander City, Alabama died June 8, 2016 and arrangements will be announced later by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Fire fighters from the Kellyton Volunteer Fire Department extingish a blaze in the trailer of a tractor trailer that was carrying chicken feathers. The trailer was seen ablaze as it travelled westbound on Highway 280 just outside Alexander City. The truck stopped at Highway 9 to allow first responders to extinguish the blaze. There were no injures.

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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 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

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and everything will be just fine. I am a gay 49-year-old man in Texas and honestly would never dream of asking any couple -- straight or gay -- what they do when they are alone. It bothers me that some people think being accepted means I welcome these kinds of questions. -- MYOB IN AUSTIN DEAR MYOB: There is no end to the nosy and intrusive questions people with poor judgment will ask. However, there is a standard response that may resolve your problem if you say it with a smile. It’s, “If you’ll forgive me for not answering that question, I’ll forgive you for asking!”

may not be of the best quality. Just knowing two languages does not guarantee that someone is capable of doing accurate interpretations (the same goes for translations). -- ONE WHO KNOWS IN KANSAS DEAR O.W.K.: Thank you for clarifying the difference between the two terms. You were one of many readers who wrote to explain it, and I’m glad you did.

Obituaries

Information

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

The Outlook

 Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 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.  Goodwater City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held upstairs in the courthouse at 6:30 p.m.

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Thursday, June 9, 2016

The Outlook

Farmers

continued from page 1

• John Baker: General produce, including locally grown watermelons when ready. • Jesse Caver: General produce. • Margaret Courtney: General produce and fresh Chilton County peaches from Verbena. • Libby Engstrom: Lulu’s natural soaps and bath balls. • Ora Finley: General produce. • Mr. and Mrs. William Futral: Honey, produce and syrup (if available). • Fred and Barbara Muenzmay: Baked goods, including tasty fried pies, herbs, coffee and blueberries, if they’re in season. • Marcus and Marvin Oliver: General produce. • Sandy and Bruce Whitehill: USDA Grade A pork chops, bacon, sausage and ribs from the Whitehills’ Heritage Farms. • Linda Wyckoff: Honey by-products, including balms, lotions and creams. • Roberta Wyckoff: Handmade note cards. “There will be some others, too,” said Wagoner. “Actually, it’s pretty amazing a lot of the folks that will be here on

Saturday have been coming since we had our very first Farmer’s Market 13 years ago in 2003.” The farmer’s market will be weekly through October, Wagoner said, weather permitting. “Weather will have something to do with how deep into the year we go,” Wagoner said. “Of course, we’ve got to get rain for the crops to make – at least for those that don’t use irrigation. Then, of course, as we get into the fall the cold weather could have something to do with it.” Another factor this year will be the renovation of the Broad Street parking lot. While the first week’s market will be on Broad Street, it will eventually move to the lot next to First Baptist Church Family Life Center across from the Alexander City Fire Department. “We’ll have flyers we’ll be passing out on Saturday letting everyone know about the move and the new location,” Wagoner said. “Hopefully, folks will be willing to put up with a little inconvenience for the great products we offer.”

Jazz

continued from page 1

Entertainer of the Year at the Blues Music Awards in Memphis, Tennessee. Saturday night music moves to the Lake Martin Amphitheater, where Southern Rock legend Wet Willie will headline the show. Wet Willie now features Jimmy Hall, Jack Hall and Donna Hall Foster, as well as T.K. Lively, Ric Seymour, Ricky Chancey and Bobby Mobley. The band that formed in Mobile is best known for hits like “Keep On Smilin,’” from their Drippin’ Wet album. Others songs to hit the charts included “Country Side Of Life,” “Everything That ‘Cha Do,” “Leona,” “Street Corner Serenade” and “Weekend.” Saturday night’s lineup also includes two New Orleans based bands in Gravy and Brass-A-Holics. The night of music will begin at 6:30

p.m. Saturday with Gravy, a rock and funk band. Brass-A-Holics will take the stage at 8 p.m. and bring an eclectic sound that combines New Orleans Jazz, funk, rhythm and blues and party Hip Hop. There is no admission charge for either night of music, but at both venues there is no fixed seating. So bring chairs, blankets, coolers and foo to Strand Park and the AMP to check out this year’s lineup. FRIDAY, JUNE 10th 6 p.m. - Jonathan Bloom 7:30 p.m. - Roman Street 9 p.m. - Tab Benoit SATURDAY, JUNE 11th 6:30 p.m. - Gravy 8 p.m. - Brass-A-Holics 9:30 p.m. - Wet Willie featuring Jimmy Hall

Marbury

Trail

at Benjamin Russell High School at about 8:40 p.m. Friends and family said that Marbury, 68, suffered head trauma as well as broken ribs and multiple fractures of his leg as a result of the accident. He appeared to be recovering, but took a turn for the

continued from page 1

difficulty.” The ridges around Lake Martin lend themselves to Lanier’s favorite part of trails, the views and the area around Smith Mountain is no different. Lanier and CRATA started the trail building process at Smith Mountain around 2012. “I came over and scouted it out,” Lanier said while taking a break. “I was used to building trails over there (Cherokee Ridge). My philosophy is to have scenic trails with great overlooks and interesting things to see, try to have a loop trail and try to have the trail so that you do not see somebody on a switch back. Where you get your scenic views is on your high points. You go down to the lake there and it is

Reading

worse Wednesday, June 1 and passed away later that day at UAB. In the days since his passing, residents and friends set up a makeshift memorial on the bench in front of the Alexander City Police Department where he would often sit.

just another part of the lake.” Wednesday, Lanier broke from the group taking the upper part of the Little Smith trail for himself. “This is a great place for trails,” Lanier said while hiking in. “It is real neat with all of these dead trees. I used to not like them, but I do now. “The trees died from the fire in about 2009. But they have a lot of wood peckers now.” Lanier took a break from the weed eater and its constant slinging of freshly cut plant parts, to take in the view from the Little Smith Trail and the collection on his pants. “I belong to Green Peace now,” Lanier jokingly said. “I have green pieces all over me now.”

continued from page 1

have to do with reading? “This morning the children had Home Depot building classes,” summer reading program director Jeri-Lynn Martin said. “They built birdhouses and football toss boards. The whole purpose behind the projects is they had to read the instructions. This is a reading camp after all.” The weekly program features a community reader. This week local television personality Kenny Dean took the stage in front of the children. “Who likes to travel?” Dean asked the children gathered in the library at Stephens Elementary School. “Who likes to read? I do, though I did not when I was young.” Dean explained to children that reading can help take you around the world. “Reading can take you places,” Dean said. “Just by reading a book, you can travel to another state or another part of the world.” Reading programs in area are just in time according to Martin who is also a third grade teacher at Stephens. “The summer is where you have a big fall off and gap in reading,” Martin said. “The whole point is to get books into the

continued from page 1

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hands of children and encourage them to read during the summer.” Martin says the Build a Better Reader program has some activities to get children interested. “Next week we have a reptile show,” Martin said. “They will get to learn about reptiles from around the world. The children will even get to hold a reptile.” Children get a chance to do more than just read books at the program. “They get to check out books,” Martin said. “We have a community reader and free lunch. We have a lot of other activities too, including swim lessons and Zumba to promote a healthy lifestyle.” Martin explained the program at Stephens is a partnership between Pediatric Associates, The Alexander City Board of Education and the United Way. “This is a free reading program for ages K-6,” Martin said. “It is free but children must be accompanied by an adult.” The program is on Wednesdays in June from 9 a.m. to noon at Stephens Elementary School.

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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Outlook The

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Page 4

Get

Involved

Let us know what you think

hat do you think about the investigation into money missing from Alexander

City? What do you think about the state of politics in Alexander City and Alabama? Will the citizens of Alexander City vote for change in August? How do you feel about the ease and frequency that some post on social media? What are your views on gun control or about gay marriage? Or how our national politicians and how they perform in national debates or on the campaign trail? Do you have somebody you’d like to thank publically? How do you feel about Lake Martin’s seasonally swinging water levels? Do you have thoughts on how Tallapoosa County can attract more new businesses and industry that will provide jobs for our residents? Have you been on the receiving end of a good deed and would like to give credit where credit is due? Do you have a bone to pick with any of the stories in this newspaper? If you have something to say about any of these questions, then the answer is a letter to the editor or a guest column. This newspaper’s editorial page is an open forum for our community and we encourage you to write us and make your opinion known. It’s free. If you need help writing, our editors will be happy to help you craft a letter. Our rules are simple: no cussin’, no libel, no slander. Basically, if you’d say it around the dinner table with your grandmother, it’s probably acceptable as a letter to the editor. So let’s get the conversation started. What’s on your mind? Write us at editor@alexcityoutlook.com or Editor, The Alexander City Outlook, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 25011.

Thursday, June 9, 2016

Ten highlights from the 2016 Legislative session

am thankful and honored to represent you in the Alabama Senate. I was elected to the Senate in 2014, and the past year and a half has been quite interesting: an organizational session, two regular sessions, two special sessions…and the possibility of another special session this year! Despite a number of political distractions, the Legislature had a productive session this year. Here are 10 highlights: 1) The budgets were passed early this year. This is “the only” Constitutional duty of the Legislature and I’m excited that we have flipped the calendar. Postponing the budget was done for a myriad of reasons (and not all of them bad) for decades. But passing budgets early in the session is a tremendous improvement over the status quo, and a big goal accomplished for me. 2) We have also changed the status quo from acrossthe-board cuts to using a scalpel for targeted spending adjustments based on priority. Some agencies were cut, some were level-funded, and some were increased. Those increased include the National Guard, Courts, Corrections, Public Health, Mental Health, DHR, and Medicaid. 3) Medicaid was increased by $15M but falls $85M short of the requested $100M. We have shifted money from the essential functions of government for years and we cannot continue to do so. Medicaid is still an issue

SEN. CLYDE CHAMBLISS Guest Columnist

and we have held five of seven scheduled Medicaid hearings to figure out what the Legislature can do to control costs. 4) Increased education funding for textbooks, classroom materials, dual enrollment, and transportation. Also increased funding for Alabama’s voluntary pre-K program by $16M to fund 2,790 new students. 5) Teachers received a much needed cost of living adjustment (COLA). I supported the raise after I did my homework. The wage of the average worker in Alabama increased by 13% from 2008 to 2015, while the average state employee’s wage increased by 5% from 2008 to 2013. Yet the average K-12 employee’s wage increased only by 2.5% from 2008 to 2013. Supporting this COLA was a priority for me because investment in education is vitally important. 6) Passed a Constitutional Amendment for the November ballot that will require all funds collected at State Parks be used for State Parks. I supported this legislation and urge a “Yes” vote in November. State Parks are a tremendous asset for our state and bring in significant tourist dollars. 7) There were several bills that were passed to protect young people. I sponsored legislation that makes aggravated abuse

of a child under the age of six a Class A felony. We also passed legislation expanding suicide awareness training and prevention in K-12 schools and a law allowing District Attorneys to pursue capital murder charges if abuse of a child results in death. 8) We passed a bill to allow Alabama taxpayers to deduct contributions to Health Savings Accounts on personal state tax returns. 9) I supported and we passed two economic incentives bills that will help increase jobs in Alabama. 10) Banned the brutal practice of dismemberment abortions. Also, prohibited Public Health from issuing or renewing licenses for abortion clinics located within 2,000 feet of K-8 schools. There were many other good bills in addition to those highlighted above. So, when it seems that all you are hearing are negative things in the press and on social media about our state’s politics, please know there is a core group of good, honest, hard-working legislators in Montgomery working for you. God bless you, and may God continue to bless the great State of Alabama! Senator Clyde Chambliss represents District 30 in the Alabama Senate, which is comprised of all or parts of Tallapoosa, Chilton, Autauga, Coosa, and Elmore counties. Follow him on Twitter: @Clyde_ SD30

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.

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.

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Have you gone fishing this year?

Yes - 21 No - 33

Thursday Question: Have you kept up with the women’s college softball series? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.

Our

Mission The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

Bobby Tapley

What’s your

Opinion?

Letters to the Editor Sherry Ellison Simpson

Bob Howard

Billy Ray Wall

James Spann

Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.

Scripture “And you must love the lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” – Mark 12:30

Charles Shaw

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.

Today’s

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.

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.

“True happiness is . . . to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

How to

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.

Quote

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.

Today’s

Tony Goss

Spann thanks First Baptist Church and Alexander City community The last several months have presented some serious medical issues for Jan and me. it has been a humbling experience to realize that you are not in control and cannot fix all of the problems. We have been blessed with good medical care and concerned caregivers. We could not have made it without them. However, our greatest gift and comfort has come from our Christian friends at First Baptist Church and in the community. All have been there for us giving unselfishly of time, talent, resources, visits, calls, cards, food, well wishes, etc. It is a blessing to

know others are there to lift you up and give you strength. To First Baptist Church, we sincerely thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and actions during this time. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, we never doubted that God was in control and if we believed and kept the faith, everything would be alright. You in the church and the community helped strengthen and sustain that faith. As we have moved forward, we have experienced blessed days and progress beyond our expectations. As we continue on this journey, we still ask for your thoughts

and prayers. Most of all, we ask that your blessings to us are returned to you many times over. We are told that trials and tribulations strengthen us and prepare us to serve others. As we go forward, we hope, with God’s help to be able to do that. It is indeed a privilege to live in a community that lifts up and loves their friends and neighbors. We are stronger because of the past and face the future optimistically. May God bless you individually and our city as a group. Jim and Janet Spann Alexander City

Praise to the first responders Dear Editor, Late this past Saturday evening, my wife, Celia, and I discovered that smoke from a fire in our basement garage was pouring into our house. I called 911 to report the problem. The response was

very fast, practically immediate. Within scant minutes, the Lake Hill and Alexander City fire trucks arrived at our home, along with Officer Maxwell from the Alexander City Police. Everyone was professional, concise, comforting and

courteous. Everything was handled perfectly and our home was saved. My wife and I shall always be grateful for these first responders. To us they are worthy of the highest praise. Jerry Abbett Alexander City

We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www.alexcityoutloook.com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.

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Thursday, June 9, 2016

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June 9, 2016 Today’s Events

PATH FINDERS: The next meeting of PATH FINDERS will be on June 9, at noon in the United Way

conference room, Main Street, downtown Alexander City. Please join us and help us make strides in 2016 to improve the lives of individuals dealing with dementia in the Lake Martin area

Today’s Anniversaries

Tim and Jane Blankenship, Vince and Tina Lee, Kara and Jamie

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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/. Forbus and Kim and Jon Galloway are celebrating their anniversary.

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Members of the Leadership Lake Martin Blue team, Matt BIshop, Mary Lyman Boone and Will Dark, far right, present a $1,526 check to Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center Director Denise Moseley. The team raised funds as part of the project in the recently completed session for charity. Other Blue Team members were David Thomas, Karen Kison and Martha Boyd.

June 5-9

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Orr Street Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible school June 5-9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8-30 p.m. serving a meal at 5:30 p.m. A kick off celebration will be held Wednesday, June 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with pre-registration, hotdogs, games and prizes. For more information contact Sandra Fuller at 256-329-8863.

June 6-8

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: New Adka and Pleasant Valley churches are hosting vacation Bible school at New Adka Church June 6 - June 8 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

June 6-10

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: First Baptist Church Dadeville is hosting vacation Bible school June 6-10 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The free event is open to children from four years old to sixth graders. You can register online at www.fbcdadeville.com. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: First Baptist Church of Alexander City is hosting vacation Bible School June 6-10 from 8 a.m. to noon for 4 year olds through sixth grade. Everyone is welcome and you can register at www. fbc-ac.org

June 7 - 9

CHURCH REVIVAL: New Harmony Baptist Church in Camp Hill will be hosting revival services June 7-9 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest speakers will be Rev. Eddie Marbury, Rev. Joe Johnson, and Rev. Richard D. Jacobs. Pastor of New Harmony Baptist Church is Rev. Melvin Kelley, Jr.

June 8

SUMMER READING: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is hosting Meet a Coach story time June 8 at 10 a.m. WILD WEST SHOW: Cowboy Bruce will be presenting a wild west show on the main floor of the Adelia M. Russell Memorial Library June 8 at 2 p.m.

June 10

JAZZ FEST: Jonathan Bloom followed by Roman Street and Tab Benoit will perform at Strand Park at 6 p.m. for the annual Jazz Fest.

11 at 6:30 p.m. at the New Canaan Baptist Church in Camp Hill. CHURCH FUN DAY: Centerview Missionary Baptist Church in Camp Hill is hosting a fun day Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone is invited and there will be lots of fun and games. JAZZ FEST: Gravy, Brass-A-Holics and Wet Willie are set to perform at the Lake Martin Amphitheater starting at 6:30 p.m. for the annual Jazz Fest.

June 12

MINISTRIES DAY: The New Popular Spring Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate its Annual All Ministries Day on Sunday, June 12 at 2 p.m. Guest Minister will be Rev. Robert Cadenhead pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Gold Hill. Everyone is invited. GOSPEL SINGING: The Holloway and Drake Singers are celebrating their 35th Anniversary Sunday, June 12 at 4 p.m. at the Lafayette High School Auditorium. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Rocky Creek Baptist Church is hosting a homecoming service June 12. Three Bridges will sing at 10:30 a.m., worship is at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be at noon. Singing will resume at 1 p.m. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Fellowship Baptist Church in the Buttson Community is hosting homecoming services June 12. Lunch will follow. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Oak Chapel Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting Homecoming services June 12 at 10 a.m. with the Singing Echoes.

June 12-16

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Cave Quest Vacation Bible School June 12 - 16 Sixth Street Baptist Church 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dinner, Games, Bible Study, FUN every night! Come 20 min early to register and enjoy some music. Join us as we learn how to follow Jesus, the light of the world! Contact Amy at 256.750.1771 for more info. Sign-up atgroupvbspro.com/vbs/ ez/SSBCkids VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Friendship Baptist Church in the Buttson Community is hosting vacation Bible school June 13-16. There will be kickoff June 12 and a family night June 17. It begins at 5:30 p.m. each night.

June 13 - 14

Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

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June 10-11

CLASS REUNION: The BRHS Class of 1976 40 year reunion will be Friday, June 10 at Jazz Fest,and Saturday, June 11 at the Elks Lodge. For more information call: Todd Hayes at 256-786-0076.

June 11

MISS LAKE MARTIN PAGEANT: The 2015 Miss Lake Martin queens return to crown their successors. Beautiful contestants will compete this year in evening gown and casual wear. 22 titles will be given out and the new 2016 Miss Lake Martin will win a minimum of a $1000 scholarship. The pageant will be at Dadeville High School and admission is $10. JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL: Goodsell United Methodist Church in Lanett is hosting the Greater Valley Juneteenth Festival June 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. The free event includes activities for the children, story telling, health fair, car show, voter registration, and live entertainment. There willbe a performance by the Korean Village and Chotaw Nation from Mississippi. GOSPEL SINGING: The Holloway and Drake Singers are celebrating their 35th Anniversary Saturday,June

VACATION BIBBLE SCHOOL: Sandy Creek Baptist Church in Camp Hill is hosting vacation Bible School June 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

June 13 - 17

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: New Beginning Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible School June 13- June 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the church at 1076 Coley Creek Road. Meals will be served every night. Call 256-750-0068 for more information or if you need a ride. TRAINING CAMP: Michael Taylor is hosting a free training camp for all school age groups every Monday and Tuesday starting at 5:45 p.m. at the Dadeville Elementary School playground. He will have everything you need to get you in shape for your favorite activity or sport, cheerleading, band, baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball or tennis. Contact Michael Taylor at 334-5492337 for more details.

June 16

DAY OF ACTION: The Lake Martin United Way is hosting the 2016 Day of Action Thursday, June 16 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. You can participate at Alexander

City Middle School, Jim Pearson Elementary School, Central of Coosa Elementary School and Reeltown High School. Download the volunteer registration form at unitedwaylakemartin.org and return by June 13 to shardy@unitedwaylakemartin.org, fax to 256-3290110 or mail to United Way P.O. Box 876 Alexander City 35011.

June 18

SUMMER BAZAAR: Summer Bazaar to support the two non-profits Lake Martin Laubach Literacy Council (LMLLC) and Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, Inc. (VCCA) behind Karen Channell State Farm Building and inside the office of VCCA. LMLLC will be selling softly used hard back and soft back books VCCA will be selling plants ($1-$3), baked goods, chances to win a hand crafted wooden Adirondack chairs, and flea market items. Individual vendors will also have items such as jams and jellies, baby items, hair bows, travel bags and other handmade items. We still have a few spaces left so if you are talented and would like to set up a table with your goods contact Rita atliteracylakemartin@yahoo.com or Carley at carleyatvcca@gmail.com. Please contact either to make donations – books or plants. PATH TRASH WALK: The June PATH Trash Walk is scheduled for Saturday June 18. Volunteers will meet at Flint Hill Methodist Church at 8:00 AM to receive supplies and assignment. Please join your neighbors as we take the PATH to a cleaner healthier Lake Martin Community. CANCER SURVIVORS’ PICNIC: East Alabama Medical Cancer Center is hosting a Cancer Survivors’ Picnic June 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika. Each survivor will receive a free lunch catered by Chuck’s Bar-B-Que and t-shirt while supplies last. Due to space limitations, the number of participants is limited to 750 and each survivor may bring on guest. While the picnic is free, pre-registration is require for survivors to attend the event. Officials ask that you register by June 10. Volunteers are also needed to work the event. For more information or to register for the event contact 334-528-2682. TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves School is hosting a trade day June 18 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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June 21

MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet June 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.

June 21 - 23

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Great Bethel Missionary Baptist Church is hosting vacation Bible School June 21 -23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring a family member or friend. The van will be running just call ahead of time at 256-234-5513 or Sister Walker at 256-392-4360.

June 25

LAKE FEST: New Water Ministry is hosting Lake Fest June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with arts and crafts, food vendors and more. The evet will be at New Water Ministry 460 Camp Civitan Road in Dadeville. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Word of Truth Ministries is hosting 10th anniversary services for Pastor and Elect Lady John L. Cook Jr. Sunday, June 26 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker is Bishop and Elect Lady Larry Johnson of Temple of God Church. Please RSVP by June 15.

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Thursday, June 9, 2016

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Marbury picked for elite softball showcase

Softball standout Jayme Marbury, shown pitching for Benjamin Russell earlier this spring, will board a plane for the first time later this week and fly to Houston as one of 46 players in the nation to participate in an Urban Youth Academy sponsored by the Houston Astros.

Benjamin Russell rising junior headed to Houston for USA Softball Breakthrough Series By CATHY HIGGINS Sports Editor

Alexander City native Jayme Marbury is one of 46 young athletes in the nation selected to take part in the USA Softball 2016 Breakthrough Series in Houston, Texas next week. The Benjamin Russell High School rising junior is set to head to the Lone Star State for an Urban Youth Academy presented by the Houston Astros June 13-16. “I’m looking forward to meeting new people, of course,” the 16-year-old said. “I’m also looking to see how far I can push myself.” Marbury is playing her first year with River Region RBI of Alabama in Montgomery. It was those coaches who nominated her for the Breakthrough Series. “To my coaches I say thank you so much for thinking about me,” she said. “Without this (nomination), I probably would not be doing it.” Although Marbury appreciates the nomination, learning that she was actually selected for the Astros camp came as quite a surprise. “I was shocked, honestly,” she said. “In my head, I’m pretty good. But I’m amazed to hear the standards they uphold and that they think I’m worthy of that.” Marbury started playing softball when she was 7 years old. However, that was only after attempting another sport proved unsuccessful. “I tried soccer,” she said. “It was terrible.” Marbury’s stepfather, Chad Higgins, encouraged her to try city league softball. But even that had a bumpy start. “I was horrible when I was younger,” she recalled. “I was scared of the ball.” Marbury started out on first base and remained there for the next couple of years. “Then when I was about 9 or 10, my stepdad coached and needed a pitcher,” she said. “That’s how I started pitching.” Marbury remained on the pitcher’s mound even when playing for three years at Alex City Middle School. Her accolades include helping the 12U All-Stars take home a championship. Then for two years at Benjamin Russell she also played second base, third and outfield, even while playing volleyball for the Lady Wildcats. “But still mostly pitching,” she said. “I was backup for my teammates.”

However, pitching is not Marbury’s first love. That preference belongs to another position. “I would have to say outfield, preferably center,” she said. Marbury has some additional preferences when she takes to the field. “I always have my Baby Lips (balm ball) in my left back pocket,” she said. “Then I put my batting glove in my right back pocket. I do it in that order, it works.” Marbury also wears a visor, no matter what the conditions. “Even when we’re playing at night,” she said. “It’s just a thing, no matter if it’s raining or night.” Perhaps these idiosyncrasies are traits common to athletes in Marbury’s family. Her 22-year-old brother Cody Brooks played baseball as a youngster before switching to football. Her 9-yearold brother Chaden Allen also plays recreational league baseball. Or it could just stem from Marbury’s own enthusiasm for the game. “She loves softball,” said Stephanie Higgins, Marbury’s mother. While that love of the game is fueling Marbury’s anticipation for Breakthrough, she’s not looking forward to one aspect of the trip. “The flight, being in the air,” she said. Completely funded by the Astros, this will be Marbury’s first airplane trip. And it’s giving her a little anxiety. “The clouds are what I’m not looking forward to going through,” she said. That anxiety is not stopping Marbury from an experience that will give her extra exposure as an athlete. Instead, she’s hoping to bring back skills and tools that will prepare her as she continues playing softball after high school. “I really want to go to South Alabama or Mercer,” she said. “But I’ll go wherever I get a scholarship.”

“I was shocked, honestly my head, I’m pretty good. But I’m amazed to hear the standards they uphold and that they think I’m worthy of that.” — Jayme Marbury Speaking on her selection to take part in the USA Softball 2016 Breakthrough Series

Transfer of Roc Thomas could be bigger than most think D on’t underestimate Auburn’s loss of running back Roc Thomas. Sure, the former 5-star bluechipper from Oxford failed to reach superstardom on the Plains and spent much of his two seasons nursing ankle injuries, but his transfer to Jacksonville State gives Gus Malzahn one less weapon to utilize. Senior Jovon Robinson should be the offensive workhorse. The Rudi Johnson lookalike rushed for better than 600 yards in just half a season last year and figures to be the quarterback’s No. 1 option in the read option. Auburn still runs the read option, right? Sophomore Kerryon Johnson and freshman Malik Miller remain. So, Roc wasn’t needed, right? I’m not so sure about that. In a run-heavy offense, you’d better have as many able-bodied running backs as possible. Robinson will be the workhorse and I suppose Johnson will be the “change of pace” guy. The bullish Miller could be an every-down back in due time. Who’s going to run the speed sweep -- that play Malzahn seems to employ

Gamecocks back to the FCS championship game. That leaves just two choices – the former Madison Academy teammates Johnson and Miller. Doesn’t this create a depth problem? Should this JOE occur, that might change the focus of MCADORY the Tiger offense to throw the ball more. Sports Columnist Wouldn’t that impact who plays quarterone out of every two possessions? back? Absolutely. Johnson? The speedy, but oft-injured Let’s move forward to 2017 when Stanton Truitt? Athletic receiver Jason Robinson’s two years of eligibility have Smith? Maybe one of those heralded passed and Thomas would have been a freshmen receivers? Johnson? The senior. Uh-oh. There’s that depth probspeed sweep would’ve been perfect for lem again. Who will be the starter when Thomas and put he and Robinson on the the Tigers kick off the season against field at the same time. If the quarterback Georgia Southern? Johnson? Miller? read-option threat revives itself, then Someone else? you’ve got a triple-threat with a man in Any successful offense will need a motion – opening holes in the defense third and fourth option for depth purbefore the snap. This could still happen, poses, particularly when you are givbut Auburn must move forward without ing plenty of reps to more than one its best option in Roc. player. It’s imperative that Auburn Thomas was apparently the team’s signs more than one running back next No. 2 running back behind Robinson February to help alleviate this potential following spring practice. What if situation. Alaric Williams a prep senior Robinson goes down? Who’s the runfrom Gadsden is committed. Octavius ning back then? Not Thomas. He’ll be Matthews, one of the top JUCO backs in in Calhoun County trying to lead the America, committed over the weekend.

That’s good, but these commitments need to stick for the next eight months. I can’t blame Thomas for transferring. Not knowing the specifics of his reasoning, one can only assume his best shot at playing at the next level will come by piling up yards for two seasons as a starter instead of waiting for his turn – and final season -- at Auburn in 2017. He needs to make an impact somewhere immediately. Good for him. His transfer could have a big impact on the Tigers, or no impact at all. If the running backs remain injury-free and the quarterback – whoever that is -- becomes part of the running game, Auburn will not miss the once-heralded signee. Otherwise, Thomas’ departure could be a sore spot in a season that features one of the toughest schedules in America. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and is the former Sports Editor at the OpelikaAuburn News.