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Lake Martin Living magazine inside today’s Outlook

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892

March 16, 2018 Vol. 126, No. 54 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢

Childcare bill passes Senate Daycare oversight bill passes Senate, now moves on to governor’s office

By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer

Childcare facilities in Alabama that claim religious exemption from being state licensed may soon be following steps to make sure they are keeping the children they are watching safe. In the days leading up to the 2018 session of the Alabama State Legislature, Representative Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee) pre-filed House Bill (HB) See CHILDCARE • Page 3

Alex City Winn-Dixie not on closure list

TRASH ON THE BANKS

Local store safe for now as parent company announces bankruptcy By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Winn-Dixie’s parent company Southeastern Grocers will close 94 stores as it files for Chapter 11 bank bankruptcy. The Alexander City location is not one of the nine Alabama stores it plans to close, something Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President Ed Collari is proud of. “I am not surprised,” Collari said. “We know it is one of the better performing stores they have. It is great for the community because of the sales tax and is one of the top stores in the community. It is the primary grocery store in the area. You can see it on any Friday during the lake season. You can see part-timers, weekenders and full-timers buying for the weekend. It is also important because it serves as an anchor to the shopping center.” Southeastern Grocers made the announcement about the bankruptcy and store closings in a statement Thursday afternoon. See STORE • Page 3

Local fisherman wonders how much longer bank spots will be available around Lake Martin

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Willie Charles McKinney takes a look at a shellcracker he caught with freshly dug worms and, above, sets the hook on a fish Thursday afternoon.

Bedsole said ‘clean hands’ are needed in AG’s office

Today’s

City looks to hire building official

Weather

72 55

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Chess Bedsole, a criminal court judge who worked on Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and advised incoming U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, visited Alexander City Wednesday in his campaign to become Alabama’s Attorney General. Bedsole, a Birmingham See BEDSOLE • Page 10

illie Charles McKinney loves to fish whether he catches anything or not – but some of his favorite spots are going away. One of McKinney’s favorite spots used to be on a creek off of Dean Road. “I used to go down there,” McKinney said while checking his lines cast into Lake Martin under a bridge on Highway 63. “There it was good fishin’ but they kept dumping garbage out there. They were leaving all sorts of stuff – tires, mattresses and stuff.” See FISHING • Page 7

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Chess Bedsole meets voters at Sho ‘Nuff BBQ Wednesday as he campaigns for Alabama attorney general.

Alexander City’s building official has a wide range of responsibilities – from inspecting new construction to assure that city codes are met, working with builders, inspectors and the public, to making sure that historical buildings maintain their integrity. The city will begin interviews for the position today after the retirement of Gaines Hodnett who had served in that position for many years. See BUILDING • Page 3

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Cancer diagnosis prompts search for life’s lost-love

Saturday

71 54 Low

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Partly sunny with evening showers

Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com

Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Santana Wood Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 santana.wood@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Katie Wesson Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tkatie.wesson@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ext. 231 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Rebecca Carlisle Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 rebecca.carlisle@alexcityoutlook.com Erin Burton Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 erin.burton@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com

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

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Information

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

Friday, March 16, 2018

The Outlook

DEAR ABBY: This is the 37th anniversary of when I met and fell in love with a beautiful young woman in Iowa. We were together less than a year before she decided to pursue her dreams in California. When she left, it broke my heart for years. To this day I still feel the loss. In the years that followed, our paths crossed a few more times. Because I was recently married then, I told my old friend and lover I needed to close the book on our relationship. Saying it ripped my heart out because I knew it would cause me to lose her forever, but we both respected it. After a divorce many years later, I started looking for her, to no avail. An urgency has overcome me now because I have been diagnosed with cancer and I’m not sure what my future holds. I don’t want to rekindle something I can’t finish, but I would like to say goodbye one last time before I’m laid to my

treatable/curable. If you should find her and you are not terminal, will it give you closure or more heartache? Only you can answer that.

DEAR ABBY Advice

eternal rest. Should I continue searching for her or should I stop, hoping she hears my prayers after all these years and knowing I tried to do the right thing by her when I smiled and waved as she drove away so long ago? -- UNSURE OF MY FUTURE DEAR UNSURE: Please accept my sympathy for your diagnosis. I’m sure most women would be touched to hear they were the love of someone’s life, even if that love was unrequited. Remember, that decision was made many years ago. What if you find her and she’s married with children? Would it make you feel better or worse? These days, many cancers are

DEAR ABBY: My ex-wife and I have a 5-year-old son, “Ricky.” Each year it’s becoming more of a disagreement how to handle details for his birthday party. She believes that, in addition to inviting his closest friends, we need to invite every child in his school’s class. Ricky is in kindergarten and there are 18 children in his class. She says we can’t risk hurting any potential uninvited classmates (and thereby their parents). My thinking is it’s our son’s special day and he should have only the people there he wants most. There’s also the party’s expense. I don’t believe we need to foot the bill for extra kids and supplies. Personally, I also don’t want our son to be spoiled by receiving so many

additional birthday presents. Where do you sit on this issue? And if you agree with my wife, how old will our son be when this is no longer in effect? -- KEEPING THE PEACE IN FLORIDA DEAR KEEPING THE PEACE: I do not agree with your wife. If your son would be inviting all but a few of his classmates, then I can see that there might be hurt feelings. But if the number of guests is limited to say, six, I don’t think that would be the case. Fear of offending the parents of the uninvited two-thirds of his class should not enter into the decision. This would also ensure that your son is not snowed under by an avalanche of gifts. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

Obituaries Mr. Jimmie Parrott 1939 - 2018 Funeral Service for Mr. Jimmie Parrott, 78, of Dadeville, Alabama, will be Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Langley Funeral Home. Rev. Zenus Windsor will officiate. Burial will follow in the Dadeville City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Langley Funeral Home. Mr. Parrott passed away on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at his residence. He was born on November 18, 1939 in Alexander City, Alabama to Clinton Curtis Parrott and Willie Ruth Winslett Parrott. He is survived by his daughters, Paula Ann Bowen (Brian) of Alexander

City and Lisa Leigh Poole of Alexander City; grandchildren, Haley Erin Martin (Richard) and Maddison Erin Long; great-granddaughter, Ansleigh Ruby Martin; brothers, Jackie Lamar Parrott and Curtis Michael Parrott; and sister, Ruby Clinell Mims. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jimmy Paul Parrott; and brother, Sherold Dean Parrott. The family would like to acknowledge Durocher Wyckoff and Brenda Lovelace for taking care of Jimmie during this time of need. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.langleyfuneralhome. com.

Ms. Ida Mae Robbins Smith Funeral service for Ms. Ida Mae Robbins Smith, 65, of Jasper, AL; formerly of Goodwater, AL.; Monday, March 19, 2018; 1 p.m.; First Baptist Church, 2701 Corona Ave., Jasper, AL 35501; Burial, Gay Reed Cemetery, Jasper, AL. Visitation: Sunday, March 18, 2018; Armour’s Memorial Chapel, Alexander City, AL; noon – 7 p.m. Final Arrangements are Entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Funeral Home.

Langley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Duncan E. Kelly

Mr. Clint Nelson

Funeral Service for SFC Duncan E. Kelly of Goodwater, Alabama will 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Paradise Full Mission Gospel with interment following in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 pm. Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home.

Memorial Service for Mr. Clint Nelson, Jr. of Dadeville, Alabama will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Gracefulness Baptist Church, Camp Hill, Alabama. Professional Service provided by Wright’s Funeral Home.

How to submit obituaries Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by email at obits@alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281. SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL

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Stephens Elementary School fourth-grader Truett Harrelson created this artwork of an eagle soaring over Lake Martin while a fish swims along on a sunny day. The National Weather Service forecast shows today will be mostly sunny with a high temperature of 72 degrees and a 20 percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. Clouds will increase with a growing chance of storms in the evening hours with a low temperature of 55 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms will be likely after 1 a.m. For the weekend, Saturday is expected to have a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms and a high temperature of 74 degrees. Saturday evening the showers will be less likely with a low temperature near 54 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 1 p.m. on Sunday with a high temperature of 76. Sunday night will likely bring showers and thunderstorms with an 80 percent chance of precipitation and a low temperature of 57 degrees.

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Friday, March 16, 2018

Childcare

continued from page 1

76, which was a similar piece of legislation to what she introduced during the 2017 legislative session, seeking a greater level of oversight for daycare facilities that choose to operate with a exemption from being licensed, due to operating as part of a church or religious organization. This includes having unlicensed daycares reporting the names and background checks and any potential criminal history to the Department of Human Resources on an annual basis. The Alabama House of Representatives passed the bill in February, 86-5, with one abstention and 10 listed as not present/not voting. The bill then moved to the Alabama Senate and was brought to the Senate floor Tuesday. After being carried over on Tuesday’s session, the Senate held a vote on HB76 Thursday and passed Warren’s bill 23-4, with seven senators listed as not voting/ not present. Once the bill reached the Senate, Gerald Dial (R-Lineville) handled Warren’s bill, where it faced resistance from Senator Shay Shelnutt (R-Trussville), who voiced the concern this would negatively impact unlicensed church daycares who enroll children that receive federal subsidies. “We’re going to save lives with this bill,” Dial said in an interview with AL.com, comparing it to a seat belt bill he was a part of in the past and said it was an instance where some infringement from the government is necessary. Shelnutt agreed to drop his opposition to the bill earlier this week, which allowed it to move forward to Thursday’s vote. “The main thing is I want to have some standards in place for everyone,” Warren said prior to the opening of the 2018 legislative session. “People realize what I’m doing, that it’s all about

taking care of kids.” “We are now one step closer to stopping another tragedy,” Warren added in a prepared statement after HB76 cleared the House. “This bill would put in place the most basic safety standards for facilities that thousands and thousands of children across our state attend everyday.” Now that Warren’s bill has cleared the state legislature, it has been forwarded to the office of Governor Kay Ivey for the next step to be taken. “The bill will be transmitted to the Governor’s office. It will then be reviewed by her legal team and she will look over their analysis and decide how to proceed,” Press Secretary Daniel Sparkman stated in an email Thursday afternoon. “By law, the Governor has 10 days to act on the legislation, or it becomes law without her signature.” A similar bill crafted by Warren died in the Senate last year, but she refused to give up, instead introducing the 2018 version of the bill and continuing to champion protecting Alabama’s children through this effort. Her bill comes after several issues with unlicensed daycares throughout the state, including one in Montgomery County that served improperly prepared food, causing nearly 90 children to be admitted to the hospital with food poisoning, one in the Mobile area where a 5-year-old child died after being left in a daycare van by the driver on a hot August day, and some where a daycare is cited for multiple violations and closes down but then reopens in a nearby town. With both houses of the legislature approving Warren’s bill, all that stands in the way of this bill becoming a law to protect the lives of a multitude of Alabama’s youngest citizens is Ivey’s signature.

Page 3

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The Outlook

Store

continued from page 1

“After careful consideration, we have chosen to voluntarily implement a court-supervised, prepackaged restructuring agreement,” the statement reads. “We have not taken these steps without careful planning and consideration. As part of this restructuring, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close 94 underperforming stores. It is our goal to work through our financial restructuring as quickly and efficiently as possible, and we will emerge from this process likely within the next 90 days. “We will continue to thrive with 582 successful stores in operation and will continue to deliver a store experience our associates, customers and communities can count on.” A Winn-Dixie store in Tallassee closed three

years ago. This is not the first time grocery stores have been talked about in Alexander City as Publix was in talks with developers to build a store on part of the Russell complex. Those efforts stalled but rumors persist in the community about another site in the works for Publix. Winn-Dixie parent Southeastern Grocers based in Jacksonville, Florida operates more than 700 stores with 50,000 employees and says it is the fifth largest supermarket chain operating under Harveys, Bi-Lo, Winn Dixie and Fresco y Mas chains. Messages left with Southeastern Grocers were unanswered at press time. Employees at the store in Alexander City said any comment would have to come from corporate offices.

Building

continued from page 1

Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors said filling the position is an opportunity for the city to add a person who wears many hats and helps streamline growth. “It’s a very important job and we hope to find someone who is not only knowledgeable, but someone who has strong people skills,” Nabors said. “In that job you have to work closely with builders, contractors and the public regularly. So we want to make sure that while we do the job of enforcing the building codes and all that goes with it, that we make the experience of dealing with the office a positive one.” Nabors said that one change was made in the job before it was posted. Instead of reporting directly to the mayor, the job will fall under the direction of the city’s Community Development Director Al Jones. The job comes with a pretty long list of responsibilities. Duties listed include: • Performs inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial construction, alterations, and repairs to ensure compliance with the code requirements. This includes codes for building, residential, mechanical, plumbing, gas, electrical, fire, grease, and all city applicable ordinances • Advises contractor and owner of code violations • Examines permit or license to determine that no violations exist • Ensures that city ordinances are not violated • Performs final inspections of structure to ensure complete conformity with code requirements • Maintains daily record of inspections which have been performed • Records and reports any violations of codes or ordinances to supervisor for review

• Issues notices of correction and takes necessary steps to resolve issues • Inspects job plans for compliance with cityadopted codes • Maintains a professional relationship with contractors and general public • Confers with and assists other professional inspectors within building inspections as required • Attends code conferences/seminars/classes to remain current with new or additional information • Collaborates with county health departments as needed • Works with Historic Preservation Committee to ensure compliance with requirements for maintaining structures included on the historical registry. Alexander City Human Resources Director Kathy Railey said there was a lot of interest in the position and was pleased with the quality of the applicants. “We really did have a great response from internal and external candidates considering it is a job with a lot of responsibilities and qualifications,” Railey said. “It’s a great opportunity for the right candidate. It’s a well paying job and the city offers great benefits and the person who eventually is hired to fill the position plays a big role in helping shape the city at a time when there are some big things happening.” Railey said that an exact timeline was not established to fill the position, but the application period closed on March 11. “We had three internal candidates and nine external and I was impressed with the experience and quality of the people who applied,” Railey said. “So we will start interviews and work towards getting the position gilled as soon as possible.”

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Opinion

MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213

editor@alexcityoutlook.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed

Page 4

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Outlook The

The family of God is a great thing

Our

View

Child Care Safety M Act passage is a win for kids

hursday Alabama took a step towards making the children of the state safer. Current Alabama laws do not require day care centers affiliated with churches to meet even the most basic health and safety standards. Alabama is one of only a handful of states that allow childcare facilities to use an exception for churches to avoid meeting any guidelines. So, while the state inspects restaurants, tattoo parlors and hair salons to ensure a certain level of safety, we do not inspect half of the childcare centers in Alabama. That means everyday thousands and thousands of children across the state attend daycare centers that do not meet even the most basic standards. Hopefully a vote by the Alabama Senate will be one of the final steps toward bringing much-needed change. The Senate passed Rep. Pebblin Warren’s (D-Tuskegee) Child Care Safety Act in a 23-4 vote. The bill had already been passed by the House. That means Gov. Kay Ivey could sign the bill into law, even though a spokesman for her office said Ivey would await a legal review before moving forward. The bill was first introduced last year after a 5-year-old in Mobile died after being left in a hot van at a church-affiliated daycare center. The passage didn’t come without some very anxious moments. Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville had delayed the bill last week because he said he had concerns about the effect on church-affiliated childcare centers that accept children who receive federal subsidies. Lobbyists blanketed the states newspapers with editorials and letters to the editor speaking out against the bull, claiming it was a step toward government regulating churches. While the opposition used all sorts of buzz words, the truth is they didn’t want a profitable revenue stream for churches see its profit margin cut by doing what was right. It was refreshing, for a change, to see our legislators to ignore the pressure of special interests and take a stand for out children. Let’s just hope Ivey does the same.

y kids recently bought me one of those DNA kits so I could test for my heritage and ancestry. I explained to them that I already knew about my forefathers because of family lore. My ancestors came from England and Denmark. My English family escaped to America ahead of the sheriff over some incident about a pig and the squire’s wife and my Danish folks emigrated because their neighbors took up an offering to get rid of them. This is an illustrious heritage that any person could respect and brag on. This DNA thing required me to register online with all sorts of code numbers that corresponded with the vial in the kit. Then I had to spit in the little vial and mail it in. Talk about unsanitary and undignified, but I wanted to see how close this DNA projection matched my family stories so I complied. It’s not every day a man can get a scientific confirmation of his family’s heritage, especially one as glorious as mine. Well my DNA results have arrived by email and I’ve been impressed with the matches with my oral history. The percentages showed that I did come from Great Britain and Scandinavia, but it also showed some really weird stuff. There was a lot of

these dear family members. Having newly discovered GERALD kinfolks is an interesting HALLMARK situation to say the least. With all this checking Columnist for family, I am reminded that I’m a part of the greatest family in the Neanderthal DNA along world. I’m a part of the with some unknown stuff family of God by the floating around. There was blood of Jesus Christ. even a percentage point or Through this blood there two about some hunters is a spiritual DNA that and gathers from central connects me with brothers Africa. Right now there are and sisters around the three universities that want world and through the my body for research. I ages. It is a heritage I can told them I wasn’t through be proud of and know that with it as yet and would it will always elevate and be needing it for several bring honor. more years. However, I’m God created our human getting a little suspicious DNA to make us unique, of my wife because she and yet tie us together as a keeps negotiating with human family. He created them. I just hope the this divine blood of Christ price doesn’t get right to supersede our earthly or I’ll go the way of the limitations so that we Neanderthal. can be admitted into the Another aspect of this real family — the family DNA testing is that it gives of God. It’s wonderful you a whole list of people to be in such a large and that might be your long loving family and I invite lost kinfolks. According everyone to join with us. to this computer-generated Uh-oh, I just got a call lineage, I have family all from a newly found cousin over the globe. This makes that also took this test. He me think I ought to check assured me of our common out that story about the heritage and then asked squire’s wife and why the if he could borrow $20. Danish branch got kicked I believe I’m going to out. have to rethink this DNA This little test is business and my recently showing first through revealed family. fourth cousins everywhere you can imagine. Then Dr. Gerald Hallmark is again maybe I have a rich a retired minister who lives uncle that will remember in Alexander City. His me in his will so perhaps column appears here each I ought to contact a few of Friday.

Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn. Clyde Chambliss Jr. represents Senate District 30, which includes portions of Elmore, Autauga, Chilton, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached at 334-343-7883 or at clyde. chambliss@alsenate.gov

Steve Marshall

Mark Tuggle

Tom Whatley

Clyde Chambliss

Today’s

Scripture “It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth... Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” —Acts 4:10-12

alexcityoutlook.com

Daily Poll Thursday Question: Is your daily commute through one of the city’s road paving projects?

No — 85%, 22 voters Yes — 15%, 4 voters

Friday’s Question: Are you watching any March Madness games?

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.

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How to

The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or email david.kendrick@ alexcityoutlook.com.

What’s your

Opinion?

Letter to the Editor

Reader: Stop hating and come together Kay Ivey

Quote

“Hope is a waking dream.” —Aristotle

Mission

Officials

Governor Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn into office on April 10, 2017, and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Today’s

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.

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Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following.

Friday, March 16, 2018

Dear Editor, I have always felt that this great country could overcome anything but the 2016 election has exposed the deep down irrational hatred that bash, swamp, cable news left wing Hollywood have for Republicans. They openly label Republicans as racists, bigots and sexists yet will not admit that these labels belong to the Democrat history, not Republicans. This scorched earth policy that they are using is sick and dangerous. The left wing believes in abortion on demand at anytime. Life of an unborn child does not matter to them as one million babies a year are aborted. 13,000 innocent people are killed by drunk drivers a year yet no one protests the sale of alcohol. It’s illegal to drive drunk, it’s illegal to murder someone yet only one gets a walk-out protest. Gun-free Chicago has 600 to 1,000 murders a year. Yet no protest. There is too much hate in America and day by day it’s changing us. No one should die by a thug

with a gun, no one should die because someone chooses to drive drunk. We badly need to have a “come to Jesus” moment. Joy Behar on “The View” mocked Christians who claim God speaks to them calling this a mental problem. God is always speaking to us and guiding us but too many are filled with hatred and have stopped listening. The “melting pot” of America is boiling over yet left wing Washington only wants to focus on taking back power in Washington to stop President Trump and continue to focus on DACA and illegal rights. Nancy Pelosi called raises and $1,000 bonuses crumbs. Of course she is filthy rich and $1,000 means nothing to her. Just more arrogance as they continue to ignore the many problems “We the People” continue to face. Democrats claim tariffs will raise prices and lose jobs. No, NAFTA already did that, moved good textile and manufacturing jobs overseas and Mexico and prices of automobiles, housing, utilities and more continue to rise. We need to stop marching and start talking, stop scream-

ing at each other and start listening, stop hating and come together. Democrats encourage kids to march and protest. This is shameful. These kids are exposed to bullying, drugs, alcohol, peer pressure and sexual assault on campus. They didn’t create this mess but they are paying the price of a society that has lost civility and respect for each other. We are failing them and ourselves. We have to finally look within and recognize that this great country is in danger of a massive implosion that will forever rip us apart if we continue to allow irrational hatred to take control. Never has a president been attacked 24/7 on every little thing. For the sake of ourselves and the next generation we must face the reality that too many of us are behaving badly. We have a chance to better ourselves and save this country but only if we open our ears and our hearts and accept that it’s now or never. God is speaking, just close everything out and listen. The best is yet to come. Our kids are depending on us. Annette Lynch 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) 234-6550 or emailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!

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Fishing

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Cliff Williams / The Outlook

McKinney baits a hook with a minnow, right, and casts a line Thursday afternoon, top. He also had a selection of fresh dug worms at his disposal.

McKinney didn’t give up on the special fishing spot due to the trash but did respect the landowner’s decision to close it. “Then I went out there and there was a gate and a no trespassing sign,” McKinney said. “I don’t blame them for closing it.” The fish were slow to bite Thursday afternoon but the slow bite does not bother McKinney at all. “I love to fish,” McKinney said. “It is a project that will occupy my mind. I don’t care if I catch anything or not. I am pleasing myself.” McKinney has been fishing more from Wind Creek but Thursday was trying one of the few other spots he likes. “I fish here often,” McKinney said. “This time of year I catch crappie here.” McKinney was using minnows and worms he dug himself. “I bought these minnows today,” McKinney said. “Branch minnows are better than the bought minnows.” McKinney explained that in this spot he has caught crappie, bream, bass, soft shell turtle and logger head turtles. McKinney saw one of his

lines tighten. “OK I hear you,” he said to whatever was at the end of the line. “I hear you,” McKinney said. “He bites like a little bream. Whatever it is, it didn’t tear up my worm.” McKinney said the turtles are harder to catch. “They have to swallow the hook,” McKinney said. “Then you have to keep the line high. They will reach up with the foot and knock it out.” And he never knows what the fish will bite.

“You don’t know until they start biting,” McKinney said. “I do have good luck with my earthworms and minnows too.” McKinney said the branch near his house is where he normally catches minnows but it is a little too early for them there at the moment. But McKinney has to fool the wildlife to get them. “I have to put my trap in deep water,” McKinney said as he sets the hook on a fish. “Raccoons – they can be sneaky. Somehow he knows

how to get it out of the water and then get his leg in there to get’em out. I have to make sure it is in deep so he doesn’t see it.” McKinney pulled from the water what he called a shell cracker but was hoping for something else. “I thought them crappie may have been up in here,” McKinney said. “Maybe not yet.” But just being out in the sun was fine for McKinney and he hopes to be able to hang onto the few spots still open from the bank. Dean Road is not the only spot McKinney has had to give up on due to people littering. “I was fishing not far from here – Double Bridges,” McKinney said. “I walked down to the bank and there were several people. It looked like they had a case of beer each and were just throwing their trash on the ground. I came back again and it was closed off.” McKinney tries to do his part. “I put my trash in a little bag and take it out,” McKinney said. “I try to pick up some of the other trash too.”

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Today is March 16, 2018 Today’s Events

CHURCH REVIVAL: GAP Fellowship Church at 721 Robinson Road is hosting spring revival services March 16 at 7 p.m. Evangelist Joanne Shealey will speak on Friday. Lou and Marilyn Benson are pastor of GAP Fellowship Church. ANNUAL MINISTER’S COUNCIL: The New Covenant Ministries of the World is hosting its annual ministers council March 16-18 at the Liberty Life Christian Center at 243 S Street in Alexander City. There will be a daily prayer at 9 a.m., worship and praise at 11:45

Friday, March 16, 2018

The Outlook

a.m. daily and at 7 p.m. will be keynote speaker Pastor Dwight Hunt of Beth-El Church of God in Christ in Poughkeepsie, New York. The speaker on Sunday, March 18 is Chief Apostle W.T. Traylor, founder and CEO of New Covenant Ministries of the World. CLOTHING EVENT: The Russell Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary is hosting a Women’s and Children’s Clothing Event Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Room at Russell Medical. SPORTING CLAY SHOOT: The 12th annual Ronald Koon Sporting Clay Classic benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area will be held March 16 and 17. Friday night there will be a Calcutta and steak dinner at the Alexander City Elks Lodge and the

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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/. shoot will be Saturday at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club. If you would like to participate or sponsor a sign please contact Stacey Jeffcoat by calling 256-234-4757 or emailing at staceyj1229@gmail.com.

Today’s Birthdays

J.T. Thurman, Olin Pouge, Cooper Spears, Marilyn Hand, Everette Boleware Sr., Edith Adamson, Pastor Sandy Whitehill, Linda B. Harruff, Cooper Spears, Brian Miller, Lucille Logan, Nancy Stephens, Tammy Thompson and Madeline Wells are celebrating their birthdays today.

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Submitted / The Outlook

Members of the Art Association of Alabama pose for a photograph at a recent meeting. The group meets Thursday’s at the Sportsplex Senior Center from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and all artists are invited to bring their paints, brushes and canvases and paint with our class. Picture are Larry Marbury, Paul Brooks, Betsy Sutton, Janet Grogan, Julie Otto, Diana Nix, Nancy Scott, Mary Timberlake, Diana Hough, Jerri Ann Hallmark and Sandra Reichner.

Saturday, March 17

PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast Saturday, March 17 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. It is eat in or carry-out and is $6 a plate. FISHING TOURNAMENT: The Benjamin Russell High School Cheerleaders fishing tournament will be March 17 at Wind Creek. EASTER EGG HUNT: Mt. Zion Church on Highway 63 South will be hosting an Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will begin with a lunch and an Easter presentation. There will be a prize egg for toddlers, grade school and middle school. TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Monthly Trade Day in Millerville on Highway 9 between Ashland and Goodwater will be held on March 17 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. Refreshments are also available. EGG HUNT: Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Highway 63 South is hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt for toddlers to teens Saturday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be lunch and a hunt for prize eggs.

Thursday, March 22

KIWANIS STEAK DINNER: The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual Auction and Steak Dinner March 22 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Russell Medical Event Venue. Tickets are $50 and include drinks, dinner, live music, a silent and live auction. SENIORX: Deborah Jones SeniorRx Coordinator will be available March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce to help seniors see if they are eligible for assistance with diabetic supplies, liquid supplements and medications. For more information Jones can be contacted at 1-800-361-1636 or 256-761-3575. This is sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging.

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PRE-K REGISTRATION: Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-K Program is taking pre-registration. Forms can be found at https://alprek.asapconnected.com. Acceptance is through a random drawing to be held April 15 at 10 a.m. at the V. Robinson Head Start Center.

Saturday, March 24

EASTER EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt Saturday, March 24 at 10 a.m. Most eggs will have small prizes and prize eggs will be hidden for each age division. The age divisions are 0-2 years old, 2-4 years old, 5-8 years old and 9-12 years old. The event will take place in the north picnic area across from the beach. There is a park entry fee for noncampers.

weebly.com/east-alabama-vietnamveterans-welcome-home-cermony. html. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance by either emailing Blake Busbin at wbbusbin@auburnschools. org or by calling Auburn High School at 334-887-2120. LORDS SUPPER: Red Ridge United Methodist Church will present a re-creation of the Living Lord’s Supper inspired by Leonardo daVinci’s world famous painting of the Last Supper with 13 living characters. Rev. Ernest K. Emurian, a Methodist minister from Virginia, wrote the soliloquies for the Twelve Apostles as they might have Sunday, March 25 expressed themselves immediately FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: after hearing the Lord Jesus say Centerview Missionary Baptist “One of you will betray me” where Church in Camp Hill is celebrating family and friends day Sunday, March each man cried out “Lord is it I?” This was the moment daVinci said 25 at 2 p.m. The guest minister is Rev. Christopher Todd of New Home he wished to capture in the painting. Mr. Harlan Burton of Union will be the Baptist Church in Rockford. guest pianist and soloist. Holy comPastor of Centerview Missionary munion will be offered at the concluBaptist Church is Rev. Jimmial sion. Red Ridge is located at 8091 Harrison Sr. County Road 34, Dadeville, 256-8259820, redridgeumc.org. March 26-30

ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF HORSESHOE BEND: Horseshoe Bend National Military Park is hosting the 204th anniversary of the Battle of the Horseshoe Saturday, March 24. There will be demonstrations of Indian and frontier life in the year 1814. The program is free to the public. FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday March 24. Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips and soft drinks.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES: First Baptist Church Dadeville is hosting Holy Week Services March 26-30 at 11 a.m. daily in the fellowship hall. LENTEN LUNCH: St. James Episcopal Church is hosting a Lenten Lunch series Monday, March 26 through Friday, March 30 at noon with food and fellowship afterwards. Speakers are: March 26 Rev. John Versiglio of First United Methodist Church, March 27 Rev. Robert Iler of St. James Episcopal Church, March 28 Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware of Great Bethel Baptist Church, March 29 is Rev. Scott Railey of Hillabee Campground United Methodist Church and March 30 is Rev. Wayne Cowhick of Alex City Methodist Church.

March 28-30

HOLY WEEK REVIVAL: Haven Memorial United Methodist Church is hosting a Holy Week Spring Revival March 28-30 at 6 p.m. nightly. Delivering sermons will be Pastor Percy L. Notan, Jr. on Wednesday. On Thursday is Pastor Janne Finley and on Friday is Rev. Clifford Spradley. Pastor of Haven Memorial is Percy L. Nolan Jr.

Thursday, March 29

VIETNAM VETERANS WELCOME HOME: The Auburn Veterans Project is celebrating and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans March 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Auburn High School auditorium. Speakers will be Joe Galloway and Medal of Honor recipients Bennie Adkins and James Livingston. Family is welcome to accompany their veteran and there will be a light reception afterwards. Visit auburnveteransproect.

March 29 - April 1

HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Duncan United Methodist Church is hosting Holy Week Services. A Maunday Thursday service will be held March 29 at 7 p.m. A Good Friday service will be March 30 at 7 p.m. and an Easter Sunrise Service will be April 1 at 6 a.m. with breakfast. Rev. Wayne Hicks is pastor at Duncan United Methodist.

Saturday, March 31

FULL MOON HIKE: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a full moon hike Saturday, March 31 at 7 p.m. The hike will begin at dark in the north picnic pavilion. There is a fee for noncampers. NIGHT OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP: Centerview Baptist Church on County Road 89 in Camp Hill is hosting a Night of Praise and Worship featuring all male choirs and groups. For more information call 256-8962974.

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Sunday, April 1

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is honoring the 28th Pastor’s Anniversary for Rev. and Sister Roosevelt Gregory Sunday, April 1 at 2 p.m. The guest speaker at the morning service will be Rev. John Moore of Fletcher Chapel in Huntsville and at the evening service the guest speaker will be Rev. Bernard Harris of Mt. Lovely Baptist Church in Camp HIll.

April 6-8

GREASE: The Dadeville High School Theater program is producing “Grease” April 6 at 7 p.m., April 7 at 7 p.m. and April 8 at 3 p.m. at the Dadeville High School auditorium.

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Friday, March 16, 2018

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The Outlook

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Friday, March 16, 2018

The Outlook

Bedsole lawyer who worked for Trump and Sessions “flushing eight years of Obama executive orders” until last July, said Alabama is facing a crisis due to rising crime rates and delayed justice. He said his experience at the federal level and as a criminal court judge makes him uniquely qualified for the job that is now held by Steve Marshall. He said that like Marshall, he too got a call from the office of then Gov. Robert Bentley seeing if he would be interested in interviewing for the job that became available when Luther Strange was appointed to the U.S. Senate by Bentley. Bedsole told The Outlook that he told them that he wouldn’t be interested because of the mess Bentley had created. “We need an attorney general who neither asked for, nor took anything from Gov. Bentley and his cronies,” Bedsole said. “I told them in no uncertain terms that I wouldn’t do it. This office means too much to this state to have someone occupy it with his hands tied. I have clean hands and I am the only candidate who can say that. So when people approached me about running last summer, after my wife and I thought and prayed about it, we felt now it was the right time. Now, if I’m elected by the people of Alabama I won’t have to recuse myself or get a special prosecutor to do my job for me.” In his interaction with law enforcement he said two things stood out as issues that troubled them. Keeping criminals off the street is becoming tougher and tougher and that law enforcement doesn’t have the resources they need to properly investigate cases and get them to trial. “The sentencing guidelines that are putting criminals back on the street sometimes in hours were put in place to ease crowding in prisons,” Bedsole said. “But I talk to sheriffs who say they have beds available in their jails, but have never even been asked about placing state inmates there. That needs to change and it comes down to communication. Software systems don’t talk to each other and that needs to be fixed. After I’m elected I would spend every waking hour making sure that I have a plan in place that I can implement the day my hand is off the Bible. That’s what needs to happen.” As far as resources like more forensic scientists and hightech resources to help analyze evidence like computers and cell phones, he says there is money there. Bedsole said one of the things that he learned in Washington was that Jeff Sessions and the Justice Department control about $80 billion in funds that are rolled down to state and local agencies through grants. He said if Alabama were to get its fair portion if it were divided evenly among all 50 states – that would be about $40 million. “The problem is that

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Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Chess Bedsole meets voters at Sho ‘Nuff BBQ Wednesday as he campaigns for Alabama attorney general.

Alabama doesn’t apply for anywhere close to the grants it is eligible for because they don’t want to comply with the strings that are attached to it,” Bedsole said. “They don’t want to be restricted to use the money the way it is intended and be responsible for providing documentation of that. That’s something I would immediately change and make sure that the law enforcement agencies in this state get their fair share.” Gambling has been an issue that for years was a monetary drain on the AG’s office as it litigated the issues time and time again. Bedsole said at this point, it should be simple. This has been tried before the Supreme Court and the law is pretty well defined,” Bedsole said. “As AG you don’t legislate, you enforce and uphold the law. And unless the law is changed, my office would enforce the law as it stands and that is that slot machines, even if they are called bingo machines, are illegal except on tribal land.” Bedsole said drug abuse and related crimes and the increase in violent crimes has the state on the verge of a crisis. “We already the No. 1 state for opioid abuse and near the top of the list in violent crimes per capita,” Bedsole said. “It is going to take a comprehensive plan to turn this around. It means a plan that applies to all levels and the only way that is going to happen is with strong leadership. “Look, I worked in the Justice Department in the initial months of the Trump administration where there was constant pressure and turmoil. If you can succeed in that environment, I think I can handle the issues facing this office.” In addition to Bedsole and Marshall, Troy King and Alice Martin are seeking the Republican nomination. In the Democratic primary, Chris Christie and Joseph Siegelman have qualified.

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Friday, March 16, 2018

JOE MCADORY Columnist

Auburn nearly stunned the champs in 2003

uch has been said about Auburn’s first invitation to the NCAA Tournament in 15 years, but not much has been said about what happened in the Tigers’ last trip to the Big Dance. Auburn came one basket away from knocking off eventual tournament champion Syracuse in the Sweet Sixteen. That’s right, Auburn dropped four 3-point shots in the final 1:20 to erase what was a 10-point halftime deficit and nearly upset Carmelo Anthony and the Orange. Instead, Syracuse won, 79-78. Syracuse went on to demolish Oklahoma in the Elite Eight, so who knows what might have happened if the Tigers completed that second-half comeback? Cliff Ellis had a decent team in 2003 with Kyle Davis, Marco Killingsworth and Marquis Daniels, but few gave this 10-seed a chance to advance that far. But once you get into the tournament, pretty much anything can happen. Auburn nearly played Cinderella in 2003 and was tripped up by Cinderella herself — the Richmond Spiders — in 1984. The NCAA Tournament’s first-round week is surely one of the most exciting weeks in sports. Here are a few observations heading into the first round. Oh, and good luck with those brackets. Alabama, a No. 9 seed, entered the tournament with more losses (15) than any other school. So why in the world is the Crimson Tide included in this party of basketball royalty? The Tide was a fringe NCAA team, if that, until that buzzer-beater win over Texas A&M and demolition of Auburn — both NCAA invitees — at the SEC Tournament. Those 15 losses proves Alabama can certainly lose. However, the 19 wins — particularly against a few top teams, including Florida and Tennessee — shows the Tide can also play with anybody. Also, that Collin Sexton guy is pretty good, too. Who is the College of Charleston? Not to be confused with Charleston Southern or the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, but the Cougars (26-7) have lost only once since Jan. 13. Sure, many wins were against the likes of Northeastern, Delaware and Hofstra, the Cougars are used to winning. That’s got to count for something. Auburn, which must face the Cougars on Friday night in San Diego, has dropped four of its last six games after post player Anfernee McLemore went down with an ankle injury. Heading into the tournament, how has Auburn fared against other teams invited to the Big Dance? The Tigers are 6-5, dropping threestraight to tourney teams Florida, Alabama and Arkansas. Auburn has not beaten a tournament team away from Auburn Arena since Jan. 24, when it whipped Missouri, 91-73. And what about Alabama? The Tide is 8-8 against teams invited to the tournament. Interestingly, Alabama’s past eight games have been against tournament teams, so the Tide is battle-tested late in the season. Potential headline second-round games (but you know a Cinderella or two will foil some of these): Florida vs. Texas Tech, Ohio State vs. Gonzaga, Miami vs. Tennessee, and Arizona vs. Kentucky. Potential Alabama-Villanova or AuburnClemson showdowns are possible, too. Then again, hasn’t Auburn seen enough of Clemson already? The football program recently completed an elongated series against Clemson and the baseball team knocked Auburn out of the postseason back in 2010. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.

Sports Outlook The

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Game of the Week

Tigers enter area play with confidence By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Most teams that start the season with a 3-8 record would be a little disheartened. But Dadeville isn’t like most teams. The Tigers enter area play having just won their third game of the season, a 6-5 thriller over Reeltown Despite being well below .500 and heading into area action today at Tallassee, Dadeville reeks of optimism and excitement. A big reason why: Dadeville knows its schedule so far has been stacked. Three of its losses came against Russell County, which is ranked No. 2 in Class 6A in the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll. The Tigers have also lost to a trio of other Class 6A opponents in Valley, Opelika and Benjamin Russell. “We’ve played some really tough baseball teams,” Dadeville coach Kyle Caldwell said. “I wanted to do that to challenge my guys to see where we’re at mentally because when it gets to area, that’s the kind of pitching we’re going to face. We faced 91 (mph) against Russell County. He was bringing it,

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Dadeville first baseman Sam Stephenson, left, grabs a throw from pitcher Tripp McKinley against Reeltown on Wednesday night. The Tigers travel to Tallassee for a doubleheader today.

so when (Reeltown) threw their kid that throws pretty hard, it’s not 91, so we can hit that.” Dadeville will be going up against stiff competition in Tallassee today, as it is always a playoff contender. In baseball, every area game

matters, as there are no area tournaments. Only the top two teams from area play during the regular season advance to playoffs. “We don’t have to win every game, but we definitely have to split at least,” Caldwell said. “If we can win

both games (Friday), we’re starting off on a good foot right there. We’ve got to get ahead right there and get a good lead in the area, because that’ll give us a chance for the playoffs.” Dadeville will kick off See GAME • Page 12

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell’s Paige Forbus, left, gets ready to take a shot against Chilton County, while Nathan Brown serves on Thursday.

Wildcat girls tennis team hitting its stride going to have a disadvantage because of lack of experience. But I think in a couple years, we’ll be the team that other people are talking about, so that’s what we’re looking 21 players, which can be to forward to.” its detriment because not Dylan Jackson, who plays everyone is getting constant at No. 1, is the Wildcats’ most playing time. But Lane is doing his best to work in every seasoned players, and Richie Silver at No. 3 has gotten back where he can. in the groove of tennis after On the boys side, things not playing last year. Danny aren’t going quite as well as Jeong and Nathan Brown, who the Wildcats are still looking are Nos. 2 and 4, respectively, for their first win of the are still in middle school and season. While BRHS’ boys have shown vast improvement. team is slightly older in age, “The beauty of having a it’s just as inexperienced and young team is you get to grow that’s caused some problems. into being a better team as But on a positive note, Benjamin Russell boys coach these kids get older,” Daniel Lewis Daniel is looking ahead said. “We stress to them that tennis is a process. It’s just to the future because all he’s one of those sports that you seen so far is improvement. have to work on fine tuning “Everybody is improving, particular skills to get better. they play hard and they bow down to nobody,” Daniel said. The only way they’re going to get better at it is to play tennis, “They know when they go and they’ve embraced that.” to the court, they’re probably

Holley is just a super BRHS boys struggling with youth, games. consistent player, so that’s what’s helping us too.” Benjamin Russell also but showing improvement boasts a huge roster with By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

Despite being such a young team, Benjamin Russell’s girls tennis team is using its mental state to its advantage. The Wildcats have won three matches so far this season and even put up a decent fight in a recent tournament, which featured some of the best teams from around the state. Because they’re so young, the girls seem to put less pressure on themselves, and that has translated into victories. “Our consistency is our biggest strength,” BRHS girls coach Alan Lane said. “The thing is if we can continue to play well no matter what the score is, then ultimately

we’re faring better than most. It seems that we’re pretty level-headed, and when you play level-headed, you win matches. I’m looking forward to years to come because that’s going to pay off. That’s not something you can learn; that’s just a gift.” Benjamin Russell has wins over Valley and Sylacauga twice in the last two weeks. Lane said Paige Forbus and Holley Humphries have been the biggest standouts so far, as they’re playing Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. “They’ve definitely separated themselves,” Lane said. “I’ve seen them get into some hard situations and get out of it. Paige was down 4-0 and came back to win it 8-5, and that’s a lot of

LOCAL SPORTS CALENDAR Friday, March 16 High school baseball Stanhope Elmore at Benjamin Russell (2), 4 p.m. Horseshoe Bend at Central Coosa, 1 p.m. Tallassee at Dadeville (2), 4:30 p.m. Reeltown at Beulah, 6 p.m. College golf Central Alabama at Ron Marshall Spring Fling at

Goosepond Golf Club (Scottsboro) Saturday, March 17 High school baseball Russell County at Benjamin Russell (2), 10 a.m. Horseshoe Bend vs. Fyfee at Crossville, noon Horseshoe Bend at Crossville, 2 p.m. Reeltown vs. St. Paul’s at

Andalusia, 11 a.m. Reeltown at Andalusia, 3 p.m. High school boys soccer Pell City at Benjamin Russell, 3 p.m. High school girls soccer Pell City at Benjamin Russell, 1 p.m. High school track & field Benjamin Russell at Opelika Dadeville at Gulf Shores St. Patrick’s Day

Invitational College baseball Central Alabama at Southern Union (2), 1 p.m. College softball Central Alabama at Wallace State, 1 p.m. College golf Central Alabama at Ron Marshall Spring Fling at Goosepond Golf Club (Scottsboro)

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its run to the postseason today with a doubleheader beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tallassee is currently 6-4 and has been through some ups and downs after winning its first three games. “It’s Tallassee baseball; they’re going to be competitive at the plate,” Caldwell said. “They’re going to pitch really well and play good defense, so we’re going to have to bring our A game to beat them.” One or two plays here and there, though, and Dadeville could have a very different record. The Tigers are led by Jeff Rice, who has a .343 batting average and leads the team with 10 runs scored. Slade McCullers is batting .310, and Jake Outlaw isn’t too far behind the .300 mark, as he’s gone 8-for-27 (.296) from the plate this season. Dadeville has also drawn quite a few walks, totaling 44, and have been hit by 19 pitches. “(Against Reeltown), Slade went 0-for-1 but he got on base every time,” Caldwell said. “That’s really important, just being able to get on base. When your top of the order is getting on base, things are going to happen. Those guys can run a little bit, so we can make some things happen with stealing bases. If we can put it all together in the same inning and back-to-back at-bats, I think we can be pretty good.” Tal Bullard leads the team with eight stolen bases, and McCullers each had six. Alex Sims, Alex Walker and Jeff Rice have each swiped two. On the mound, Rice leads the way with a .808 ERA in 8 2/3 innings pitched, while Justin Meadows boasts the most work with 23 innings. His ERA is 2.435, and he also leads the team with 12 strikeouts.

Friday, March 16, 2018

The Outlook

Tal Bullard steals victory for Dadeville By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor

In the top of the eighth inning with two outs, Dadeville’s Tal Bullard stood on third base and was just waiting for his chance. All night long, Bullard and the Tigers had used their speed to score runs against Reeltown. Just because it was risky didn’t mean Dadeville was going to stop. On the second pitch of Slade McCullers’ at-bat, Bullard was off for the races. “(Coach Kyle Caldwell) looked at the pitch before and asked what do I think?” Bullard said. “I wanted to watch one pitch and saw that (Reeltown’s pitcher) was pretty slow to the plate, so I wanted to take it. I’ve done it once or twice in practice, but it was just a chance we had to take.” The gutsy call paid off, as the Rebels weren’t expecting the steal. Although the pitch went over the plate and was caught by the catcher, Bullard was too fast. He slid into home underneath the tag, taking a 6-5 lead and the eventual victory on Wednesday night. “We played somebody earlier in the year, and our pitcher was slow so they took a run on us,” Caldwell said. “They were up, though; it wasn’t really a tie ballgame like ours. But Tal is really fast, so I just told him to get as much as he could on his regular lead. We were going to see his first pitch and try to time it up and go on the second pitch. I told my batter to get in the very back of the box and let Tal get in.” It was perfectly executed, and it allowed Dadeville to win a game that almost slipped from its grasp. The Tigers (3-8) led 5-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, when

Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook

Dadeville’s Tal Bullard follows through on a swing in front of Reeltown catcher Dylan Nelson. Bullard scored the winning run on a steal of home in Wednesday’s extra-innings affair.

Reeltown (8-6) took advantage of some wild pitching to tie the game and send it to extras. After one out, Ardarius Woods notched a single and Cody Thomas joined him on the bases with a walk. After another out, the Rebels drew a walk, a hit batter and two more walks to knot the scoreboard at 5-5. “It was still a turning point for us,” Reeltown coach Mike Jones said. “We played Beauregard the other night and we completely slopped it up. It was an ugly game, so for us to be able to come back and get back in a game late really tells us we’re trying to turn a corner because we’re still a young team.” Neither team played particularly well, especially offensively and on the mound. The two teams combined for just

seven hits, 19 walks and six hit batsmen. “Tripp is a freshman, and he pitched really good for us for the first three innings then Tyler (Partridge) came in and threw some good relief,” Caldwell said. “We’re still walking too many, but even if we lost today, as long as we’re competing and not making mistakes that they beat us on, I’m OK with those games. It was really good for us that we won today; they’re a tough team and we needed that close win just to see where we are as a team.” However, where Dadeville backed up its pitchers with a nearly-error free game, Reeltown wasn’t so clean. The Rebels committed five errors, four of which came in the first three innings and three of which led to

unearned runs. “We made a couple costly errors there with two outs, but that’s part of having young kids,” Jones said. “They haven’t had to go through all the trials and tribulations that some of the older kids have, and it just happened to be hit to the younger kids tonight. Even with our older kids, in a big game like that, it’s tough to stay calm.” Not only was it important for Dadeville to be on the winning side of an extra-innings game, but it was also a victory over one of the Tigers’ biggest rivals. “They’re just a big rival of ours,” Bullard said. “There’s been a bunch of trash talk back and forth on texts and everything, so we came out here ready to play. It feels really good.”

Big Gobbler Contest aims to find Black Belt’s best turkey callers STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association is calling all turkey hunters to give its annual Big Gobbler Photo Contest a spin this year with a twist. Instead of photos of turkeys taken in the Black Belt, this year the ALBBAA wants videos of hunters practicing the art of calling those big toms into range. The winner can produce a video of actually coaxing a big turkey into camera frame or show us your technique after you’ve bagged your gobbler or during your scouting session. Just upload a short — 30 seconds to 1 minute — video of your best yelp, cluck, flyup cackle, gobble or any combination. Shoot your video in the woods of the Alabama Black Belt and upload it via Dropbox at http://bit.ly/2IrxQth by May 7, one week after the

Mark Almond / Special to The Outlook

Turkey season opened in Alabama on Thursday, along with the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association’s Big Gobbler Contest on Facebook.

April 30 end of turkey season. “This year, instead of our usual photo contest on Facebook, we want to see and hear hunters showing off their turkey-calling skills,” ALBBAA Director Pam Swanner said. “Attracting a big gobbler isn’t

easy, so we wanted to give hunters a chance to display their expertise. The Black Belt provides some great turkey hunting and we have great turkey hunters who live in the region or visit for a once-in-alifetime experience during the

season. “We are thrilled to offer two opportunities to win our Big Gobbler Contest this year, too. We will have our ‘People’s Choice’ winner based on the number of Facebook ‘likes’ for the videos and a ‘Pro’s Pick,’ judged by the ‘Turkey Man’ Eddie Salter of Evergreen and two other media professionals. Eddie is a well-known expert thanks to his seven Southeastern Open Turkey Calling Championships, six Alabama State Championships and two World Open Championships. He has almost four decades of turkey-hunting experience and is being gracious enough to provide one of our prizes, too.” This year’s People’s Choice winner will receive a $200 cash prize donated by Southeast Land Group and the Pro’s Pick will get Turkey Man Game Calls — both a slate call and a mouth call.

All entries must be uploaded to http://bit.ly/2IrxQth, not to the Black Belt Facebook page. To vote for your favorite, please follow us at Facebook.com/ AlabamaBlackBeltAdventures and click “like” on the video. The Black Belt includes the following counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox. The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association is committed to promoting and enhancing outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the Black Belt in a manner that provides economic and ecological benefits to the region and its citizens. For information, go to www. alabamablackbeltadventures. org.

ALABAMA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION RANKINGS SOFTBALL CLASS 7A 1. Sparkman (14-0) 2. Spain Park (14-2) 3. Oak Mountain (12-5) 4. Auburn (15-4) 5. Baker (14-4) 6. Fairhope (15-4) 7. Tuscaloosa County (9-6) 8. Thompson (13-3) 9. Mary Montgomery (14-6) 10. Buckhorn (6-3) Others nominated: Central-Phenix City (13-7), Enterprise (11-6), HewittTrussville (8-3), Huntsville (7-4), Prattville (9-4), Smiths Station (14-6), Vestavia Hills (7-7). CLASS 6A 1. Gardendale (27-1) 2. Hazel Green (9-1) 3. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (9-1) 4. Daphne (13-5) 5. Saraland (17-1) 6. Helena (12-3) 7. Hartselle (7-3) 8. Oxford (5-8) 9. Benjamin Russell (15-4) 10. Northview (12-3) Others nominated: Austin (4-2), Chelsea (6-7), Pelham (8-4), Pinson Valley (6-8), Southside-Gadsden (5-3). CLASS 5A 1. Springville (12-2) 2. Scottsboro (12-2) 3. Alexandria (6-1) 4. Hayden (9-1) 5. Mortimer Jordan (11-8)

6. Rehobeth (10-3) 7. Lincoln (17-6) 8. Eufaula (12-4) 9. Guntersville (7-3) 10. Shelby County (4-0) Others nominated: Ardmore (6-2), Beauregard (10-8), Corner (8-5), Demopolis (10-6), Faith Academy (15-4), Guntersville (6-3), Jemison (10-4), Moody (9-6). CLASS 4A 1. Alabama Christian (12-2) 2. Wilson (15-1) 3. Holtville (15-4) 4. Hale County (8-3) 5. Cherokee County (13-1) 6. Central-Florence (12-4) 7. North Jackson (7-2) 8. Madison Academy (8-1) 9. Bibb County (3-1) 10. Northside (3-7) Others nominated: Cordova (11-5), Danville (4-4-1), Haleyville (4-1), Satsuma (12-6-1), Tallassee (11-4), Westminster Christian (6-6), White Plains (8-4), Winfield (6-1). CLASS 3A 1. Plainview (9-1) 2. Pisgah (4-1) 3. American Christian (10-1) 4. Geneva (12-3) 5. Wicksburg (17-2) 6. Prattville Christian (11-5) 7. Locust Fork (7-1) 8. Sylvania (6-3) 9. East Lawrence (7-5)

10. Excel (17-5) Others nominated: Colbert Heights (12-0), Elkmont (9-1), Gordo (2-6), Lauderdale County (5-11), Pleasant Valley (10-4), Slocomb (8-5), Walter Wellborn (5-3). CLASS 2A 1. Hatton (9-3) 2. Lamar County (8-5) 3. Mars Hill Bible (9-1) 4. Colbert Heights (12-0) 5. Leroy (11-5) 6. Sand Rock (8-1) 7. Collinsville (9-7) 8. Ariton (8-6) 9. Cold Springs (5-4) 10. Vincent (9-0) Others nominated: Falkville (6-7), Fayetteville (6-6), G.W. Long (4-6), J.U. Blacksher (5-3). CLASS 1A 1. Brantley (16-1) 2. South Lamar (10-2) 3. Sumiton Christian (5-5) 4. Skyline (3-2) 5. Spring Garden (5-2) 6. Pleasant Home (5-2) 7. Marion County (6-6) 8. Sweet Water (9-6) 9. Berry (4-7-1) 10. Appalachian (4-3) Others nominated: Lynn (8-9), Ragland (3-4), Wadley (1-2), Waterloo (5-7). AISA 1. Macon-East (22-3)

2. Autauga Academy (23-6) 3. Pickens Academy (6-2) 4. Glenwood (20-6) 5. Edgewood (16-8) 6. Abbeville Christian (11-6) 7. Clarke Prep (18-3) 8. Patrician Academy (7-7) 9. South Choctaw (8-3) 10. Chambers Academy (7-1) Others nominated: Marengo Academy (10-9). BASEBALL CLASS 7A 1. Hoover (11-2) 2. Oak Mountain (14-2) 3. Auburn (10-1) 4. Hewitt-Trussville (12-3) 5. McGill-Toolen (10-2) 6. Theodore (8-2) 7. Smiths Station (11-2) 8. Bob Jones (14-4) 9. Enterprise (8-5) 10. Central-Phenix City (9-4) Others nominated: Mountain Brook (8-6), Thompson (6-5), Vestavia Hills (5-5). CLASS 6A 1. Hartselle (9-1) 2. Russell County (13-1) 3. Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (7-1) 4. Helena (8-4) 5. Chelsea (11-3) 6. Cullman (4-3) 7. Robertsdale (12-1) 8. Spanish Fort (7-4) 9. Homewood (9-4) 10. Hueytown (8-3) Others nominated:

Albertville (10-3), Athens (7-5), Austin (11-5), Florence (9-5), Hazel Green (6-3), Northridge (13-4), Oxford (9-3), Pelham (8-5), Shades Valley (6-6), Valley (8-5). CLASS 5A 1. Faith Academy (9-1) 2. Russellville (9-4) 3. St. Paul’s (7-0) 4. Calera (9-1) 5. Etowah (9-3) 6. Briarwood Christian (8-4) 7. Headland (11-1) 8. Corner (7-1) 9. Boaz (8-2) 10. Mortimer Jordan (8-4) Others nominated: Ardmore (4-6), Lawrence County (11-2), Rehobeth (3-4). CLASS 4A 1. UMS-Wright (6-6) 2. Randolph (9-2) 3. Madison Academy (4-7) 4. Alabama Christian (12-3) 5. Haleyville (5-3) 6. Hokes Bluff (6-2) 7. Oneonta (6-2) 8. Wilson (9-3) 9. St. James (9-3) 10. Cherokee County (6-3) Others nominated: Dale County (7-6), Leeds (8-4), North Jackson (5-2), Oak Grove (7-4), Tallassee (6-4). CLASS 3A 1. Gordo (9-0) 2. Mobile Christian (6-4)

3. Opp (7-2) 4. Prattville Christian (10-3) 5. Bayside Academy (7-5) 6. Lauderdale County (5-3) 7. Oakman (6-3) 8. Cottage Hill (7-6) 9. Providence Christian (9-2) 10. Wicksburg (8-3) Others nominated: Beulah (7-6), Houston Academy (10-4), Pisgah (5-4). CLASS 2A 1. St. Luke’s (5-4) 2. Leroy (10-4) 3. Mars Hill Bible (5-2) 4. Fyffe (11-1) 5. Westbrook Christian (7-2) 6. J.U. Blacksher (11-1) 7. Section (5-3) 8. Phil Campbell (8-3) 9. Reeltown (8-5) 10. W. Long (9-5) Others nominated: Ariton (8-3), Cottonwood (7-2), Luverne (5-5), Vincent (6-4). CLASS 1A 1. Sweet Water (7-2) 2. Athens Bible (6-4) 3. Decatur Heritage (4-3) 4. Millry (8-6) 5. Hackleburg (10-4) 6. Brantley (8-4) 7. Coosa Christian (10-0) 8. Highland Home (9-2) 9. Sumiton Christian (7-4) 10. Spring Garden (6-2) Others nominated: Cedar Bluff (7-1), Gaylesville (5-2).

Lake Martin Living People, events and culture in the Lake Region

Share the Garden Protect Yourself from an active shooter • Dr. Wags March 2018

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Lake Martin Living 3

From the Editor’s Desk

his month, we turn our minds – and the articles in this month’s Lake Martin Living magazine – toward spring. Excepting the high pollen counts and the grueling week of adjusting to the time change, spring ushers in bright blossoms, fresh greenery and long evenings spent among them. So we couldn’t help teasing you just a little in this edition with a few articles to start you on your spring path. Please turn to page 14 to meet Lake Martin Living’s new garden columnist, Sidney Hancock. Sidney is a horticulturist at New Water Farms in Dadeville. She received her training at Auburn University and is eager to help you connect with your garden. In her introductory column, Sidney encourages sharing the garden with beneficial insects, birds and amphibians, and she offers some suggestions for attracting those beneficials and keeping them happy. We are sad, though, to see Fred Muenzmay leave our pages. Fred has charmed and entertained us with his garden adventures over the last few years, and personally, my life has been greatly enriched with his knowledge and his kindnesses (my Lenten houseplant project is going great, by the way). After writing the Happy Garden column for last month’s issue of Lake Martin Living, Fred told us it would be his last. He has a number of retirement projects he would like to address, and we wish him well. You can still connect with Fred at Eagle’s Roost Farms in Rockford and visit him at the MainStreet Farmers Market in Alexander City this summer. In this month’s Business Matters feature on page 10, I visited with Jeff Smith and Pat Lanier at Lake Martin Tractor & Outdoor. I love to see the innovation in business that is happening in our little corner of heaven here. It’s great to see local business owners in a growth-oriented mindset, recognizing what the community needs and thinking innovatively about meeting those needs. It was fun to hear the story of how this new outdoor equipment business developed, and it’s fun to share that story with you. Besides, they let me drive a tractor! Thoughts of gardening and springtime are great, but let’s take just a minute to think seriously now. Amy Passaretti last month took part in a self-defense class, and she learned some worthwhile skills and picked up some startling information about active shooting cases nationwide. That provided the spark for her article on page 20 in which local experts share tips and tactics for personal preparedness and protection. Please take a few minutes to read what they had to say because (Spoiler Alert: It’s going to get a little bit sappy here) you are our readers, and we have a relationship in these pages, and we at TPI care about you. And we want to see you out there in the garden of life for many more pages to come.

Betsy Iler, Managing Editor 4 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living Chairman Kenneth Boone Publisher Steve Baker Managing Editor Betsy Iler Assistant Magazine Editor Amy Passaretti Contributors Dave Jennings Luke Robinson Sidney Hancock Cliff Williams Mitch Sneed Donald Campbell Susan Foy Mark Woods Santana Wood Lizi Arbogast Bre Smith Magazine Distribution Manager David Kendrick Creative Services Audra Spears Darlene Johnson Hallie Holloway Marketing/Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Katie Wesson Scott Hardy Rebecca Carlisle Erin Burton Lake Martin Living P.O. Box 999 Alexander City, AL 35011 256-234-4281 www.lakemartinmagazine.com

Lake Martin Living is published monthly by Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. All contents are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Reader correspondence and submissions are welcome. Please address all correspondence, including story ideas, letters, pictures and requests, to: Editor, Lake Martin Living, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011 or email editor@lakemartinmagazine.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by calling 256-234-4281. A limited number of free copies are available at local businesses and subscriptions are $25 annually.

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ON THE COVER

Monarch butterflies are among the many organisms that help maintain the ecosystem of a garden by pollinating brightly colored flowers. Select a mix of flowering plants that will provide a variety of blooms throughout the growing seasons for insects, frogs, birds and worms to survive. Photo by Audra Spears

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14 Flowering plants in a garden provide feed for bees, which help pollinate the area. Photo by Audra Spears

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

14. SHARE THE GARDEN Care for the beneficials that care for your garden

9. AROUND THE AREA

20. PROTECT YOURSELF What to do when faced with a potentially life-threatening situation 46. THE BIG DOG An interview with MainStreet Family Urgent Care's Dr. Wags

10. BUSINESS MATTERS 18. FROM THE TEE 25. MEDICAL NEWS 26. MONEY MATTERS 28. OH SNAP! 36. LAKE REGION EVENTS

Lake Martin Living 7

8 Lake Martin Living

AROUND THE AREA

New equipment increases safety to go a certain way. With all the lights off in the meeting room of the “I hope we don’t need it,” Cowart said, “but we have Alexander City Rescue Squad building, ACRS President practiced several times, and it’s ideal. You can hear Ken Cowart demonstrated how little the dive team could everything crystal clear.” see underwater. Obtaining Cowart said the grant a $3,500 grant for new a provided regulators for underwater communication four divers. He showed the system was vital to the masks, demonstrated how squad’s success. he said. to hook up the wires and Coosa Valley Resource explained how the surface Conservation and unit allows rescue squad Development Council members to communicate awarded the grant, and the back and forth through new system will provide either a speaker or a more safety in the form of headset. He said the necessary communication system has four different between divers and boat channels to communicate operators during missions. Safety and Convenience through, which will be The boat operator Alexander City Rescue Squad President Ken Cowart shows useful when other rescue adds a layer of safety and off the team's new masks and regulators (above) for the squads are on scene. convenience and can underwater communication system made possible by a ~Santana Wood instruct or guide the diver $3,500 grant.

Smith takes the reigns Alexander City Kevin Smith was named the Superintendent Dr. Darrell new Benjamin Russell head Cooper made the final football coach. recommendation to the school “I don’t know if it shows board after a month-long through, but it’s not just a job. hiring process. The I’m not from hiring committee here, and I’m narrowed the really, truly a process down fan of Benjamin from nearly 90 Russell,” said applicants to 12 Smith. interviewees to Originally three finalists. from Vidalia, “He’s got a lot of Georgia, Smith football knowledge graduated from and a lot of ideas Cullman before about how to lead attending Auburn BRHS Hires Assistant the program,” University and Kevin Smith was Cooper said. “Even being selected though he’s been for an internship named Benajmin Russell's head under coach Horn in Alexander football coach. for the last nine City. With more years, he’s got a lot than 22 years of service, Smith has grown from of new ideas to even carry the program further." intern in 1995 to positions ~Lizi Arbogast coach to coordinator.

Schools Celebrate Seuss in Style Dr. Seuss’s legacy turned 114, and local schools and the children's library celebrated in true whacky, whimsical fashion last month. From themed baked goods, TV showings of some of the author’s famous books turned animation and large art representation of Seuss’ book covers, Mamie’s Place went all out to make some fun for its patron. Schools had weeklong

Costume Parade

Students at Jim Pearson Elementary School dressed as literary characters for a walk around the school's parking lot in honor of Dr. Seuss.

celebrations, concluding with a character parade, where students dressed up as their favorite literary creatures. Others hosted guest readers with parties and crazy-themed outfits in honor of the late author. ~Donald Campbell Lake Martin Living 9

10 Lake Martin Living

BUSINESS MATTERS

Lake Martin Tractor & Outdoor STORY & PHOTOS BY BETSY ILER

Lake Martin Living 11

ith spring gardening and yardwork on the upswing, a local new business, Lake Martin Tractor & Outdoor, offers a close-to-home service and equipment option for home gardening, small farm and hunting club operations. Alexander City’s Tallapoosa Ford dealer Jeff Smith opened the Mahindra dealership at 1551 U.S. Highway 280 last fall when he realized he would have to travel out of town to replace his own tractor. “There was no other franchised tractor dealer in the area, and I saw a personal need,” Smith said. “When something broke, I had to go two hours away to take care of it, so I started looking at filling that need for myself as well as for others in the area.” He chose the Mahindra line tractors, which is assembled in the U.S., for the company’s longevity, reputation and affordability. Mahindra has been making tractors and implements since the 1940s, Smith said, and they are the only North American tractor manufacturer to win the industry’s top two quality awards. “And they are really reasonably priced,” Smith added. “This is not a big agricultural community, so it took some convincing with the company, but once they came out here and saw the untapped market, they have been as excited about it as we are,” Smith said.

The product line includes Mahindra tractors, Mahindra and Titan implements and Mahindra XTVs for the homeowner and small farmer. From machines at 20 horsepower to 120 horsepower, Smith said, the Mahindra tractors could meet such needs as grading gravel driveways after the erosion of spring rains; tilling large gardens and green fields; mowing, raking and seeding lawns; digging post holes, trenches and foundations; moving rocks and debris; compacting and aerating soils; spearing hay bales; and even moving snow. “The technology has come so far,” explained Lake Martin Tractor & Outdoor Manager Pat Lanier. “They are very operator friendly and very accommodating. The ease of maintenance is much better than it used to be – changing implements is just a quick-release and replacement – and there are so many options.” The variety of implements and versatility of the tractors address a wide spectrum of tasks, Lanier said. One tractor with a back hoe attachment might serve the needs of a general contractor, but with a forklift attachment could also move pallets in a small business owner’s warehouse. The dealership also will perform service, maintenance and repairs for all makes and models of tractors. In addition, Lake Martin Tractor & Outdoor stocks XTVs in a variety of configurations with accessories and options suitable for function or fun. “These are available in crew cabs with toolboxes or gun racks, electric dumps on the beds, light kits, engine options. It’s amazing what technology has done for this industry to enhance the outdoor experience for people,” Smith said. Lake Martin Tractor & Outdoor is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit the website at www.lakemartintractor.com or call 256-392-3613.

Tractors for Sale

Previous Page: Jeff Smith (left) and Pat Lanier drive equipment (left) onto the Lake Martin Tractor & Outdoor lawn for the season.

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Share t he Garden

Care for the beneficials that care for your garden

14 Lake Martin Living

flowers, such as daylilies and hollyhock. Maintaining multiple food options will help to build the beneficial populations, even when the harmful insect populations are low. Those living in the soil should not be forgotten. Below the surface, fungi and bacteria, worms and some insects make their homes. Healthy soil that is high in organic matter will feed microorganisms that aid in producing healthy plants. These microbes recycle nutrients that are then made available to the plants. They also create pathways that provide space for roots, air and water to penetrate the soil. After death, microbes turn into organic matter, recycling Food their nutrients back into the While insects do live in a bugecosystem. eat-bug world, we need to give Remember to test the soil them plenty of pollen and nectar regularly to find out what its Sidney Hancock on which to feed as well. For a specific fertility needs may be. continuous food supply – and Over-fertilizing can be harmful more diversity – select a mix to plants, as well assoil-borne organisms. It of flowering plants that will provide blooms can also attract unwanted pests. Aphids and constantly throughout the growing season. mites are encouraged by excess nitrogen in the Due to their short mouthparts, smaller soil. beneficial insects, such as lacewings, lady Add a thick layer of compost and mulch beetles and hoverflies, are typically drawn to on top of the soil every year and leave it to tiny flowers arranged in clusters. Carrots, dill and fennel are great selections. Hummingbirds break down. Try to and insects with longer mouthparts enjoy drinking from brightly colored, tubular arm weather is upon us, and in my opinion, nothing makes the garden feel more complete than seeing wildlife crawling and flying around. We share the outdoors with a host of beneficial organisms, from insects, frogs and birds to worms, fungi, bacteria and more. These organisms include anything that aid plants in pollination, pest control and the improvement of soil health. The more we can do to promote them, the healthier the garden will become. It’s as simple as providing food, water and shelter.

Garden Talk

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refrain from mixing or tilling it into the soil, as that will damage the fungi already living there. The slow release of nutrients from the compost, along with any weeds that were smothered and killed by the layers, will aid in the building of nutrient-rich soil. Other organic materials that can be added include, but are not limited to, gypsum, green manures, such as clover, and sawdust. At the end of the growing season, I like to prune to soil level the plants that I am removing from the garden. Leaving the root systems beneath the soil surface to break down naturally can be especially helpful for those who participate in no-till practices.

Water

During dry seasons, access to water in the garden is especially important. Partially submerge decorative stones or gravel in birdbaths to give insects and birds a safe resting place while they drink. If you have outdoor cats, you may notice that you have a hard time keeping birds in and around your garden. Alternative beneficials to attract into the garden are amphibians. Frogs and toads absorb moisture through their skin and lay their eggs in water to reproduce. And the best part is that each one can eat up to 100 insects in a single night. Amphibians are typically attracted to ponds with still water, so there is no need for pumps or flowing water. In a small space, miniature ponds are easily created DIY-style. Pick several shady spots near low foliage in which to bury shallow pots or pans up to the rim. Anything that holds water will work. Once you’ve added water, along with half-submerged rocks and sticks, paired with our Southern humidity, frogs will take up residence in no time.

Shelter

Once you’ve worked hard to make sure beneficials are happy, you don’t want them to succumb to the elements or predators. They all need a safe environment in which to hide and thrive.

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Plant selection is an easy way to add different textures, bloom sizes, colors and habitats for beneficials. Native grasses and butterfly plants are great options because they don’t have to be pruned back every year. Bees see in ultra-violet colors and prefer specific colors of blooms with sweet fragrances. Planting native bee/pollinator seed mixes that contain blue, purple, yellow, white and orange blooms will add fantastic pops of color. Frogs are nocturnal and seek shade to prevent dehydration during the day. To create a frog shelter, turn an empty clay plant pot upside-down and prop it up with rocks. Leave enough room for the frog to hop inside. You can also turn the pot on its side and bury it halfway in the soil. Place this shelter in a cool, moist area; near the frog’s water source would be ideal. To make your garden more attractive to local birds, add nesting Choosing Foliage Fennel adds color and shelter boxes in nearby to the garden. shade trees, as well as birdfeeders. Keep nesting habits in mind, as birds typically like to make homes in dense foliage and hedges. Clean out the boxes each winter. Make sure to remove old nests and rinse boxes with hot water before replacing each year. The hot water will help to kill any parasites harbored inside. Create hiding places for insects by mulching around the plants. When selecting mulch, there are many different options. Pine straw, leaf litter and wheat straw are all popular and are, typically, widely available. As some options can get quite pricey, select the mulch that makes the most sense for you; however, do your best to select one with the least amount of weed seed, especially if you want to cut herbicides from your maintenance regimen. During the off-season, avoid leaving visible bare soil. While mulch is still an option, using cover crops and ground covers instead could serve two purposes – feeding soil-residing beneficials and providing

above-ground shelter. For beneficials living belowground, soil compaction is a main concern. Compaction destroys the organisms, air and water tunnels and the loamy texture you strive to create within the soil. While soil may be naturally compacted with clay and sand, it is only made worse by tilling and walking in the garden. Create dedicated walking paths throughout the garden to avoid stepping in the plant root zones. Make sure to add 3 to 4 inches of mulch on top of the pathways to avoid heavy compaction from foottraffic, in case you ever need to rearrange the beds in your garden. If compaction is a big problem for you, consider planting a cover crop, such as daikon radish that grow large taproots. Those will help break up the soil’s hardpan. What should be in the forefront of every grower’s mind is to be extremely careful when using chemicals in the garden. Chemical misuse is a contributing factor to the decrease of beneficial populations. Use selective chemicals that target specific insect pests, rather than broad-spectrum insecticides. Always avoid spraying when pollinators are active or during windy conditions. Choose the least toxic chemical that will achieve the goal, and always read the label. Happy gardening! ~ Sidney Hancock is the farm manager for New Water Farms in Dadeville.

Give Your Heart a Fresh Start The new year is here, so why not make a resolution that gives you and your loved ones peace of mind? We all know that healthy hearts live longer, more active lives. That starts with a comprehensive cardiac checkup. February is American Heart Month, serving as an annual reminder of the fight against cardiovascular disease. Kevin Sublett, MD, and his staff at the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic of Central Alabama are proud supporters of this fight. We are committed to keeping your heart healthy, so you can live a healthier life all year long. Our clinic is backed by the world-class expertise you expect from UAB Medicine, offering: • The full spectrum of cardiovascular care • Care from a physician board-certified in interventional cardiology • The latest in cardiac and vascular ultrasound technology, as well as nuclear medicine imaging in accredited laboratories • Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders • Convenient location within Russell Medical Call us today to schedule an appointment!

3368 Highway 280, Suite 130 Alexander City, AL 35010 (256) 234-2644 uabmedicine.org/heartcentralAL

Lake Martin Living 17

Merchandise packages support athletic programs

From the Tee

as a group. I have been requested to raise t times, it seems money for our athletic program this year, like only yesterday and I believe I have created a means that when I moved would please everyone involved. Trojan to Alexander City to Pride! become the Head Men’s Golf Please go online to www.CACC.edu Coach for Central Alabama and click the “Athletics” tab at the top of Community College. Other times, the page. You will see a line that reads, I feel like I’ve lived here forever. I can’t “Trojan Pride.” When you click on this express in words what it has meant to option, you will be taken to our fundraising me in acquiring the many friends I have campaign. For only $100, you can purchase made over these 16 years. Some people your choice of packages that all include: a have become very close and some pleasant beautiful embroidered polo shirt (men’s or acquaintances. It has been a special gift for women’s); cap (or visor); and logo keychain. me. This is a limited time offer that will Our area companies and businesses all Dave Jennings end on April 1. Your support in this effort play a part in the success of one another. will assist all of our Trojan athletic teams The area schools, where our families, tremendously. I ask that you please visit this friends, cousins, brothers and sisters attend page as soon as possible and make your purchase. You are so well supported by our community. This is a very will certainly be doing a great deal to help these student special place, and I was blessed to find my way here. athletes. When first arriving to coach the CACC Golf Team, Proceeds from this fundraiser will assist us in making I knew full well that my position would require me to up for another year of state funding cutbacks. As do some fundraising to maintain the existence of the coaches, we work golf program. The as hard as possible financial support to develop our that I’ve realized athletes to prepare from so many them for the next here has warmed level of college my heart. I assure athletics. Without you, our Trojan you, we cannot do athletic programs our jobs. Without in baseball, softball, you, these young tennis and golf men and women could not exist cannot achieve their without your dreams. Thank you generosity. for caring. Thank I am so honored you for sharing. to coach amongst Thank you for a group of coaches investing in the at CACC who have future of these a winning attitude. young adults. Thank The great thing you for taking about these head PRIDE! coaches is that they Trojan Pride do it the right way. All four of us do our best to excel in This year's fundraising program ~ Dave Jennings is competition while working hard to see that our student will support CACC golfers, the men's golf coach athletes also excel in the classroom and make a positive as well as baseball, softball at Central Alabama impact in the community. and tennis athletic programs, To assure the security of the CACC athletic programs, helping local students excel on Community College. we must fundraise from time to time, individually and the fields and in the classrooms.

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Lake Martin Living 19

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Protect Yourself STORY BYAMY PASSARETTI & PHOTOS BY AUDRA SPEARS

Lake Martin Living 21

events are unpredictable and occur in everyday locations, hen an active shooter or potential threat is in such as businesses, churches, schools and commercial areas. the vicinity, a person must be prepared mentally There were more than 307 mass shootings in the United and physically to deal with the situation. States in 2017. The Gun Violence Archive defines a mass Professionals in Alexander City are quick to note that bodily shooting as one in which a gunman shoots or kills four or strength is not necessarily the most valuable skill to have on more people in the same general time and location. hand – environmental awareness and a few small tips and It could be important to be prepared techniques may aid in prevention and and proactive, which may assist in response to a life-threatening scenario. avoiding a potentially dangerous “Being vigilant and knowing what’s situation. going on around you is the most “You have to remember, you will important part of protection. It takes a likely not rise to the occasion when shift of the mindset to do this. You have faced with danger, but a little bit goes to think to think,” said Russell Wright, a long way. Everybody should have an executive protection specialist and some basic form of training to simply tactical master instructor at United know what to do and not do in these Martial Arts Academy and Practical scenarios,” explained Wright. Tactical Protection in Alexander City. Taking an active approach not Victims in active shooter cases are ~Russell Wright only empowers a person but also, it selected at random, and there is usually might minimize panic and chaos. no pattern or method in a shooter’s While Wright, along with Alexander reasoning, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. People have taken the approach that City Police Captain James Orr, called for avoidance when ‘it won’t happen to me,’ said Wright, when in fact most tragic possible, being prepared to tackle a difficult situation exudes confidence in an individual. “Eighty percent of crimes can be avoided if you can Self Defense conduct yourself as a confident individual, so as to not be Previous Page: Walking while distracted by your perceived as a soft target. While the old paradigm holds true cell phone makes it difficult to pay attention to your surroundings; Below: There are many simple that the elderly, the young and the weak are prime targets, techniques to learn that don't require physical the number one target is someone who is distracted,” said strength to help ward off an offender. Wright.

"You will always be your own first responder."

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Once safe, a person should dial 911. For the best results, In a world dictated by technology, one of the easiest ways the FBI recommends providing the dispatcher with the to avoid being targeted is to put away cell phones when most accurate information possible, including the location walking in public and to pay attention to surroundings. Orr of the active shooter (or other possible threat), the number added that staying in well-lit areas and making eye contact with people when they approach is another form of caution. of attackers and a good physical description of the offenders. Woody Baird, owner of The Sure Shot in Alexander City Environmental awareness and behavior profiling are and a trained NRA counselor, promotes a more detailed two strategies any person can employ on a daily basis to emergency action plan within churches, businesses or prevent being caught in a dangerous situation. By assessing organizations that could include how others are dressed and how designating leaders with specific they’re behaving in their current tasks in case of an emergency. environment and atmosphere “There are three kinds of versus the norm should be done people: sheep, wolves and sheep on an initial scan whenever Be vigilent at all times to avoid dogs. We need people to be entering a public place, said any potential dangerous situation, the sheep dogs that will guide Wright. but if faced with a threat: the sheep. When everything “If something doesn’t feel goes wrong and people are right, that raises a red flag. It’s Run standing there eyes wide open, that tribal innate feeling within n Head toward an exit and have a sheep dog says, ‘follow me,’ us. Keep a mark on that person an escape plan in mind and they will. But someone until it can be qualified in your n Drop all belongings in this leadership role has to mind,” he said. n Keep a low profile be prepared in advance,” said If a person notices changes n Run in a zigzag formation Baird. in someone’s daily behavior Thinking through possible or other suspicious activity, it Hide scenarios is vital to formulating should immediately be reported n Choose an area out of sight successful plans of action. Along to the police, said Orr. n Lock door or block entry with figuring out the most Also, locating all exits and n Silence phone and remain quiet effective escape plan, breaking a points of escape when entering larger organization into groups, any business, organization or Fight each with an assigned leader, workplace, and knowing where n This is a last resort option may ensure a more organized to sit for the best vantage point, n Fully commit - Be in it to win it strategy. are important factors to make n Attempt to incapacitate Having a medical kit on site, part of the daily routine. the offender as well, may assist those with Orr said the police n Act with as much physical any medical background or department teaches businesses aggression as possible training to help others who are and churches to create active n Improvise weapons wounded until first responders preparation plans to ensure arrive. intelligent escape procedures or *Call 911, when safe When police enter the scene, substantial hiding places that allow the officers to have control could be barricaded or locked. of the situation and listen to “We try to provide people their directions, said Orr. with options because, in this situation, things unfold very “Understand they are there to do a job and get people out quickly. You have to make split-second choices and smart safely,” he added. decisions,” explained Orr. While evaluate, evade or escape are the most There are some rules of thumb to follow to logically run, recommended solutions, there may come a point where hide or fight, explained Wright. defense is the only option. If a person must fight, he has to When choosing to run, it’s important to be heading fully commit and see it through for it to be effective, said toward an exit. While dropping all belongings and keeping Wright. a low profile, a person should run in a zigzag formation. “You will always be your own first responder,” said Also, an individual should change angles and heights when Wright. running to make for a more difficult to target. Wright said There is a difference between targets and vitals when distance alone dictates there being less of a chance for a striking an offender, and while a target – such as a punch in good shot. the face – will get a reaction, a vital will be more effective. A person should run behind pillars and doorframes to Vitals include action – such as a punch in the throat, put an extra barrier between him and the shooter. digging fingernails into an attacker’s eyes or aiming for Another option is to hide, but choose a place that is not nerve centers. Observe the base of the offender and attack easily accessible. For example, in a home, hide in a locked bathroom inside a locked bedroom and away from the door. the knees and feet, whenever possible, he suggested. “Use anything you can as an improvised weapon. I For added coverage, take shelter in the shower or other recommend striking someone with whatever you can find, added concealment and remain as quiet as possible.

Tips to Remember

LM Dock

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such as a book,” explained Wright. On a daily basis, Wright promotes certain tips that friends and family could employ to keep one another safe. Safety in numbers is a tried and true philosophy to follow. Being more aware is the number one factor, and Wright asserted that people need to stop giving away so much information on social media. It is easy to become vulnerable when releasing personal photos and details of an individual’s every move. When traveling or going out with a group, it’s smart to choose a safe word or gesture to alert friends or family to potential threats. Also, take inventory of what everyone is wearing, in case something goes wrong. For children, pay close attention to the shoes on their feet, as kidnappers may easily alter a child’s clothing or hair but rarely think to change the shoes, said Wright. Most importantly, Wright advocated taking some form of training class. Everyone should have at least a basic idea of what to do in a threatening setting. “Confidence only comes from competence. Being prepared, trained and aware can make you more confident for yourself, your family and the community as a whole. Once you learn to fix a problem, you’re less scared of it, and you feel empowered,” Wright said. While it may seem daunting at first for someone to alter the way her brain processes information, these small behaviors eventually become part of a daily routine. “Anything you don’t know seems overwhelming at first, but you never go wrong investing in yourself,” said Wright.

Newest Member of the Team

Medical News

ealth Partners of Goodwater, an affiliate of Russell Medical, recently welcomed Jamie Chappell, MSN, CRNP, to the primary care facility located on Highway 9 in Goodwater. Chappell hales from Coosa County and is a lifelong resident of Rockford, where she resides with her husband, Brad, and Susan Foy two sons, Hogan and Emmett. Chappell completed her RN, BSN and Masters of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner degrees at Troy University. She has a broad background of nursing service in hospitals and clinic settings, most recently working in a family practice clinic in Rockford. At Health Partners, she provides family medicine, acute and chronic disease state management. She collaborates with Dr. John Adams, who also practices in the clinic one to two days per week. Chappell is passionate about her patients and the thorough and continual care she provides to them. “I am the patient advocate,” she explained. “Simply put, I always try to involve my patients in their own care. I believe that an informed patient is a compliant patient. I also feel that education is the key to success in all avenues of patient care. Without the proper information, how could anyone make a decision regarding their own health? I strive to arm my patients with ample education so that they can be proactive with their healthcare needs.” In her spare time, Chappell stays busy with her many interests, including integrative medicine, physical fitness and nutrition science. Her personal hobbies include golf, college

Jamie Chappell, MSN, CRNP

football, dogs, crocheting and photography. She and her family are active members of Rockford Baptist Church. Chappell sees patients at Health Partners Monday through Friday at the location on Highway 9, right down from Madix. For appointments, please call 256-743-1300. ~Susan Foy is marketing director at Russell Medical. Lake Martin Living 25

Debunking the myths SBA loans offer funds for business growth and are easier to arrange

Small Business Administration loan can be an effective way for a small business to fund its growth, yet many small business owners never consider SBA lending due to misconceptions they have about the program. It’s important to debunk some of these common myths, so more small business owners can start thinking about SBA lending as a viable option to help them take their businesses to the next level.

borrowers who may need help putting together a business plan or getting their financials together. Myth 3: The SBA loan process takes too long. This once was true, but the program has changed drastically over the last 10 years, and now we are able to move through the loan process pretty quickly. The length of time in the process also depends on how motivated the borrower is to get it done. The average timeframe for the loan process is around 60 to 75 days. To move things along quickly, it’s important to provide the bank with the necessary financials and completed forms in a timely manner.

Myth 1: It’s too hard to qualify. An SBA loan isn’t all that different from a standard bank loan, except that it includes backing from the Small Business Administration, allowing the lender to make loans that might not Myth 4: SBA loans are too restrictive meet all conventional criteria. So an SBA on how the money can be used. loan may be a good option if you have An SBA loan can be used for any a new business, limited liquidity or are business-related purpose, like hiring light on collateral. new employees, purchasing inventory Collateral to secure the loan is or equipment, acquiring a new building certainly preferred by the bank, or even consolidating debt. The only especially for a startup company, restriction is one that prohibits using an but there can be ways to address this SBA loan for the purchase of investment creatively. For example, borrowers that property that won’t be used for the have additional assets on their balance Mark Woods business. sheet, such as stocks or real estate, may be able to make up for a shortage of Myth 5: SBA loans don’t provide business assets, and often, the assets enough money to finance major projects. financed with the SBA loan can serve as the SBA 7(a) loans carry a maximum loan amount of collateral. $5 million each, and borrowers can have more than The bank will want to review the financial one SBA loan at a time, as long as they qualify for information, and approval is largely based on the each loan individually; however, no borrower can borrower’s cash flow and ability to repay the loan. have more than $5 million in SBA debt at any given You’ll have to provide your company’s financial time. history and your personal financial statement and Your first step in the SBA loan process is to have credit score. an idea of what you’ll use the funds for and how Myth 2: Getting an SBA loan is too complicated. much you’ll need; then it’s time to call a qualified SBA banker to help you start the application process. Borrowers probably think a lot of financial information has to be provided, but that isn’t only ~Mark Woods is Vice President, SBA Business the case with SBA loans; this is true for any loan. It’s Development Officer Team Lead, for Valley National important to work with a banker who is well-versed Bank, previously USAmeriBank. For information on in SBA rules and regulations and can walk you through each step of the loan process. There are also SBA loans, email SBAInfo@usameribank.com or call 205-408-2051. resources available like SCORE and small business development centers for first-time commercial

MONEY MATTERS

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Colon Cancer Awareness Month Over 50? Family History? GET SCREENED! Call For An Appointment Today!

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Lake Martin Living 27

OH SNAP! 1

James and the Giant Peach

Feb. 22, 2018 Radney Elementary School 1. Kennedy, Scottie, Kendall and Misty Sims 2. Wayne and Judy Stinchcomb 3. Jean and Wendell Brown 4. John and Georgia Dennis, Vickie Clark and Shelly Dennis 5. Grace Galvan, Austin Holley and Katelyn Gullion 6. Harmony, Cory and Jessica Ware, Racheal Morgan and Musiq Ware

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OH SNAP! 2

Russell Forest Run Feb. 24, 2018 7

Russell Crossroads 1. Leigh Cooper, Scottlynn Carr, Ellen Martin and Penny Adamson

2. John Jung 3. Robert Gunn 4. Reynolds, Banks and Lee Sheppard 5. Billy Barrett and Dale MacFiggen 6. Natalie Womack and Randy Dawkins

7. Justin Clayton Lake Martin Living 29

OH SNAP! 2

1 3

Russell Medical Foundation Gala Feb. 24, 2018 Willow Point Country Club 1. Sam Sturdivant, Ruth Blythe, Scott Sturdivant and John Blythe 2. Clayton and Abby Guy, Randy Dawkins and Rhonda Childs 3. Susan and Jack Burrow 4. Rob Iler and Lacey Howell 5. Julie and Wes Hudson 6. Keith Garrett 7. Shawn and Kristi Browning and Sam Royster

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6 7

OH SNAP! 1

Bassmaster Elite Series Feb. 8-11, 2018 Wind Creek State Park 1. Braxton Ledbetter and Tanya Warren

2. Jacob and Christy Callen

3. Jason Shockley, Randy and Rodney Baker and Ryan Lackey 4. Tyler Shores, Michael Blake and Stewart Ward 5. Mike and Jackson Baker 6. Tilly and Kim Burks 7. Amanda, Chloe and Robbie Pritchard 8. Laker, Robin and Oakley Howell 9. Rodney and Evan Arwood, Clay and Amy Langford and Sage Lake Martin Living 31

OH SNAP! 1

Boots & Bling Fundraiser

Feb. 9, 2018 Ballard Farm, Kellyton 1. Michael, Locher and Leanne Colley 2. Chris and Amy Landers and Susan Kelly 3. Julie and John Ballard 4. Blaire Davis, Andy Tucker and Annie Bartol 5. Jeffrey Higby and David Symonds 6. Leigh and Steven Yearkey 7. Brandon and Melanie Foshee 8. Brock Jones and Alexis Ingram 9. Mark and Mischelle Lasseter and Amy and Brock Hill

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OH SNAP! 1

Silver Sneakers Valentine's Social Feb. 14, 2018 Anytime Fitness, Alexander City 1. Amelia Pearson

2. Bonnie VanGundy and Sue Tate 3. Pat Pike and Charles Duncan 4. Mary and Charlie Crouch 5. Minnie Dunaway and Victoria Shadley Lake Martin Living 33

OH SNAP! 1

State of the City Feb. 22, 2018 CACC Betty Carol Graham Center 1. Terry Martin, Talmadge East, Louise Pritchard and Libby McCollum 2. Melissa Moncrief and John Taylor 3. Melanie Arami and Stephanie Daughtry 4. Bobby Tapley, Sheri Rollins and Matt Fisher

5. Bre Smith, Phil Blasingame, Abby Guy and Melanie Foshee

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OH SNAP! 1

Chili Cook Off Feb. 10, 2018 Ocie & Belle's, Alexander City 1. Terry and Kenny Lawhorn and Travis McCants 2. Rob McDaniel

3. Billy, Lane and Marvin Templin 4. Connie Forehand, Kim McAlister and Jay Harrell 5. Randy Dawkins and Tony Blanco 6. Lauren Griffin 7. Kevin Speaks 8. Robert Scroggins, Joe Griffin, Megan McCants and Sherry Johnson

Lake Martin Living 35

Calendar

THE LAKE REGION

FEATURED EVENT

Red Ridge UMC to host living Last Supper

ed Ridge United Methodist Church will present a re-creation of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. Inspired by Leonardo daVinci’s world famous painting, the event will take place on Maundy Thursday, the Christian holy day that always falls on the Thursday before Easter Sunday. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ when Jesus told his apostles that one of them would betray him. Church members will recite soliloquies, written by the Rev. Ernest K. Emurian, as examples of how 36 Lake Martin Living

the 12 apostles might have expressed themselves when they heard Jesus' words. Mr. Harlan Burton of Union will be guest pianist and soloist. The Last Supper was a celebration of the Jewish feast of Passover, the seder. The service will be followed by Holy Communion. Red Ridge is located at 8091 county Road 34, near the corner of highways 49 and 34, outside of Dadeville. For information, call the church at 256825-9820 or visit redridgeumc.org.

March 16-17

Sporting Clay Shoot

The 12th annual Ronald Koon Sporting Clay Classic benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of the Lake Martin Area will be held at the Lower Wetumpka Shotgun Sports Club. The night before, there will be a Calcutta and steak dinner at the Alexander City Elks Lodge. To be a participant or a sponsor, contact Stacey Jeffcoat at 256-234-4757 or email her at staceyj1229@gmail.com

March 17

Trash Walk

March 31

Full Moon Hike

Wind Creek State Park will host a full moon hike at 7 p.m. The hike will begin at dark in the north picnic pavilion. There is a fee for non-campers.

April 6-8 Grease

The Dadeville High School Theater program will perform Grease at 7 p.m. April 6-7 and at 3 p.m. April 8 at the Dadeville High School Auditorium.

April 7

Volunteers will meet at the entrance to Kenneth Boone’s property located at 4294 Elkahatchee Rd. Those arriving by 8:30 a.m. will be treated to a light breakfast, and all volunteers should arrive by 9 a.m. to receive supplies and begin the walk. The plan is to clean Elkahatchee Road from Highway 280 to Ourtown on Highway 63. The cleanup will conclude at noon when volunteers will be treated to a cookout courtesy of the Boones. For more information, contact John Thompson at 334-399-3289.

Beginning at 8 a.m., MainStreet Alexander City will host this upscale yard sale with anything from antiques to furniture, vintage items, arts and crafts, old cars and iron works. Registration ends March 31, and information can be picked up at 21 Main St., Alexander City. For information, contact Executive Director Bre Smith at 256-329-9227.

March 17-18

Basic Boating License Course

Lake Martin 100

Voted the Best 100-Mile Race in North America and Best North American Ultra, the fifth annual Lake Martin endurance run will be held at Russell Crossroads with options for 100-, 50- or 27-mile races through the hilly course at Russell Forest beginning at 6:45 a.m. March 17. The Lake Martin 100 has a cutoff time of 32 hours, while the 50- and 27-mile runs have cutoff times of 16 hours. Friday afternoon, racers will sign in to pick up racer packets and release forms and place drop bags at designated areas. There will be a prerace dinner available at Harbor Lodge dining room for $13, followed by the pre-race meeting. For information, contact Robert Gunn at rgunn@russelllands.com.

March 22

Kiwanis Auction and Steak Dinner

The Alexander City Kiwanis’ annual steak dinner will be the first event held at the new Russell Event Venue (old Russell Retail building) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a live and silent auction. Tickets are $50, which includes dinner, drinks and entertainment. All of the proceeds go back into the community to support the youth. For information, visit the Kiwanis Facebook page.

March 24

Easter Egg Hunt at Wind Creek

Wind Creek State Park is hosting an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. Most eggs will have small prizes in them and will be hidden for each age division (ages 0-2, 2-4, 5-8 and 9-12). The event will take place in the north picnic area acess from the beach. There is a park entry fee for non-campers.

March 24

Anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will host the 204th anniversary of the Battle of Horseshoe Bend with demonstrations of Indian and frontier life in the year 1814. The program is free to the public. HBNMP is located at 11288 Horseshoe Bend Rd. in Daviston.

Junque Jubilee

April 7

This class is for anyone who needs an Alabama vessel license, and it will be taught by senior troopers Frank Cartwright and Ty Ray. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cartwright and Ray will cover all sections of the basic boating operator’s handbook. A test will be given in the afternoon, and participants will receive a certificate in the mail upon passing the class. This class is free to anyone 12 years of age and up and is located at Russell Marine. Email Frank Cartwright at frank.cartwright@alea.gov to sign up.

April 7

United Way 3rd Annual Quail Fry

The Lake Martin Area United Way will host its third annual Quail Fry event at The Stables at Russell Crossroads located at 288 Stables Loop Rd. in Alexander City. The event will feature an evening of fun, including fried quail and all the sides, a shrimp boil and shrimp gumbo, baked goods sale, auction and music. Tickets are $30 per person in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets to the event include admission and all food and drinks. Doors open at 5 p.m., food will be served at 6 p.m., and the auction will follow dinner. All proceeds benefit the LMAUW. Tickets are available at the United Way office at 17 Main St. or in Dadeville at Valley National Bank (formerly USAmeriBank). For additional information, call 256-329-3600 or email uw211@unitedwaylakemartin.org.

April 7

Women’s Only Practical Tactical Protection

This one-day personal protection training camp will be held at United Martial Arts Academy at 155 Alabama St., Alexander City from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The course is a safe, practical, effective and empowering design to teach everyday women the mindset, tools and skills to put odds back in their favor. Registration is required. Call 256-329-9199 for cost details and more information.

April 9-10

Throw Away Day

The Middle Tallapoosa Clean Water Partnership and the Tallapoosa County Commission will team up to Lake Martin Living 37

provide dumpsters for the disposal of household items at five locations from noon on Monday through Tuesday evening. The dumpsters will be available free of charge at the Alexander City Annex, 395 Lee St.; Double Bridges on Highway 63; Abernathy Farm Supply at 3827 Hillabee Rd.; Youngs Ferry Road at Mullican/Gibson Road; StillWaters entrance on Highway 29. No liquids, appliances with compressors, tires, batteries, light bulbs, televisions, computers, propane tanks or hazardous or medical waste will be allowed. For more information, contact Sabrina Clark Wood at 334-429-8832.

April 9-12

Putting Light into Your Paintings

Bill Farnsworth will conduct a four-day workshop for beginning- to advanced-level painters at Tallapoosa School of Art. Two days of the workshop will be plein air; two will be in the studio. Visit www.tallapoosworkshops.com for details, costs and reservations.

April 12

Ain’t Misbehavin’

Alexander City Arts, Inc., presents this delightful Virginia Samford Theatre production at 7 p.m. at the Benjamin Russell High School Auditorium. It is a tribute to African American musicians of the 1920s and 30s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance. For ticket information, visit AlexanderCityArts.org.

April 14

Fatherguard: The Family’s Protector

This one-day personal protection training camp held at the United Martial Arts Academy, 155 Alabama St., is geared toward men to learn active protection principles, techniques and countermeasure for protecting yourself and others. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this course will provide constant and effective security skills. Registration is required. Call 256329-9199 for cost details and more information.

April 17-18

Painting the Landscape in Oils

Artist Perry Austin will lead this two-day workshop with students at all levels to create landscapes in oils. For information and reservations, visit www. tallapoosaworkshops.com.

Season-Long Events Naturalist Presentations and Guided Nature Tours

Naturalist Marianne Hudson fills the Naturalist Cabin at Russell Crossroads with children and adults to see and listen to her lively nature presentations with critters, insects, snakes and fowl, just to mention a few. There is never a dull moment with this wildlife biologist as she educates on the beauty of nature in the wild and the outdoor classroom. Visit Calendar.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com for the scheduled subject matter, dates and times.

Music at The Equality Performing Arts Center

The Equality Performing Arts Center hosts music and other events on the second and fourth Friday nights of each month at 6:30 p.m. on Alabama Highway 9 in 38 Lake Martin Living

Equality. Country/Western, bluegrass, Southern gospel and instrumental music featured. For more information, contact Wayne Glenn at 334-541-3302.

Trivia Night at Niffer’s on the Lake

Every Thursday, Niffer’s hosts trivia night at 7 p.m. Winners receive Niffer’s gift cards. First place gets $40, second place gets $25 and third place gets $15. Grab a group of friends and come out for a night of games. A bonus question is posted on the Niffer’s Facebook page at 2 p.m. Thursdays.

Camp Hill Flea Market

The Town of Camp Hill will host a flea market on the second Saturday of each month through Nov. 10. The hours are 30 minutes after day break until 2 p.m. Spaces are available for rent for $10 and are 20 feet by 20 feet. For information, contact James Woody at 256-749-8270.

Communiy Cleanups

The third Saturday of each month, community volunteers are encouraged to meet at Broad Street Plaza at 9 a.m. for pick-up supplies and area assignments and help clean up the roads within Alexander City. For information, contact Jacob Meacham at jacob.meacham@ alexandercitychamber.com.

Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store

Located on Highway 63 just south of Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Children’s Harbor Thrift Store is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You never know what gems you might find – from clothes and household items to boats. Proceeds are used to help fund the activities at the Lake Martin campus of Children’s Harbor and the Family Center at Children’s Hospital. Call 334-857-2008 for more information.

Ladies’ Book Club

Ladies 18 years of age and older are invited to participate in the club at Adelia M. Russell Library on the last Thursday of every month. Meet in the conference room at 4 p.m. Call the library at 256-234-4644 for each month’s book title.

Santuck Flea Market

The Santuck Flea Market is held the first Saturday of each month. The Santuck Flea Market is located at 7300 Central Plank Rd., Highway 9 in Wetumpka.

Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony Exhibit

The Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony on Lake Martin exhibit is on display all year long at the Alexander City Board of Education building, located at 375 Lee St.

$20 on the 20th

The Dadeville Area Chamber of Commerce is asking our community to spend $20 on the 20th of each month to help our local economy.

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Lake Martin Living 39

Goldville 280

Goodwater To Sylacauga

Legend

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY

New Site

Public Boat Ramps 22

280

Churches

Camps & Parks

Timbergut Landing

Power lines

280

U.S. Highways

Alexander City

County Roads

Flint Hill Church

Camp ASCCA

Alex City Boat Ramp

Rockford

128

Piney Woods Landing

Wind Creek 63 State Park

COOSA COUNTY

Jacksons Gap

Pleasant Grove Church

Mt. Zion Church Russell Farms Baptist Church 32 Friendship Church New Hope Church

259

Bethel Church

D.A.R.E. Park Landing

22 57

7 18 8

Equality

4 Camp Kiwanis

Lake Martin Baptist Church

Camp Alamisco

27 Red Ridge United 49 Methodist Church

10 Church of the Living Waters

The Ridge

11 1

Church in The Pines

Children’s Harbor

Trillium

The Amp

Ko w

ali

Stillwaters

21 5

Union Landing

25 26

Walnut Hill

23 30

Pleasant Ridge Church

Kowaliga Boat Landing

Smith Landing Willow Point

Seman

Dadevill

280

Liberty Church

231

Horseshoe National P

Jaybird Landing

Union

Central

Red Hill

16 63

Union Church

Refuge Church 229

Eclectic

Santuck

Kent Reeltown

231

ELMORE COUNTY

120

28 14

Lake Martin Region Wetumpka

40 Lake Martin Living

Tallassee 229

MACON COUNTY

Marinas

Daviston

1 Kowaliga Marina 334-857-2111 255 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010 2 The Ridge Marina 256-397-1300 450 Ridge Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

33. River North Marina 256-397-1500 250 River North Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

seshoe Bend tional Park

CON NTY

5 Blue Creek Marina 256-825-8888 7280 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

24 Foshee What's, LLC 256-234-3298 2802 Dadeville Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

Restaurants

deville 50

Camp Hill

8 Catherine’s Market 256-215-7070 17 Russell Farms Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

28 Episcopal Church of the Epiphany 334-252-8618 2602 Gilmer Avenue, Tallassee, AL 36078

13 Karen Channell State Farm Financial Services 256-234-3481 5030 Hwy. 280, Alex City, Al 35010 14 Hodges Vineyards and Winery 256-896-4036 230 Lee Rd. 71, Camp Hill, AL 36850 15 Russell Do It Center (Alex City) 256-234-2567 1750 Alabama 22, Alex City, AL 35010

16 Russell Do It Center (Eclectic) 334-541-2132 1969 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

LEE COUNTY

Churches

10 Oskar's Cafe 6684 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

Business & Shopping

26 Creekside Event Center 256-307-1441 7051 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

27 Red Ridge United Methodist Church 256-825-9820 8091 County Rd. 34, Dadeville, AL 36853

12 Bezlo's Bar and Grill 334-639-0003 65 Main Street., Eclectic, AL 36024

Waverly

Hotels & Lodges 25 Creekside Lodge 256-307-1440 6993 Hwy 49 S., Dadeville, AL 36853

9 Homeplate Cafe 256-825-0583 191 East South St., Dadeville, AL 36853

11 Kowaliga Restaurant 256-215-7035 295 Kowaliga Marina Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

280

22 Centry 21 Lake Area Realty 256-825-4800 440 N Broadnax St., Dadeville, AL 36853 23 Nail's Convenient Store 334-857-3454 8394 Kowaliga Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024

7 SpringHouse 256-215-7080 12 Benson Mill Rd., Alex City, AL 35010

21 Aronov Realty Lake Martin 256-825-4133 6928 AL-49 S Stillwaters Hwy, Dadeville, AL 36853

4 Real Island Marina 334-857-2741 2700 Real Island Rd., Equality, AL 36026

6 Parker Creek Marina 256-329-8550 486 Parker Creek Marina Rd., Equality, AL 36026

CHAMBERS COUNTY

20 McDaniels Storage Center 256-234-4583 1040 Highway 280, Alex City, AL 35010

29 Lake Pointe Baptist Church 256-373-3293 8352 Highway 50, Dadeville, AL 36853

Dock Builders 30 Lake Martin Dock Company, Inc Marine Contractor License #49146 334-857-2443 180 Birmingham Rd., Eclectic, AL 36024 31 Docks Unlimited LLC 256-203-8400 6400 Highway 63 S., Alex City, AL 35010

Recreation 32 Dixie Sailing Club 767 New Hope Church Road Alexander City, Al 35010

17 Russell Building Supply 256-825-4256 350 Fulton Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 18 The Stables at Russell Crossroads 256-794-1333 288 Stables Road, Alex City, AL 35010

Loachapoka

19 Dark Insurance 256-234-5026 www.darkinsuranceagency.com 410 Hillabee Street, Alex City, AL 35010

Notasulga 85 81

If you would like to advertise your business on our Lake Martin Region Map, for as little as $25 call 256-234-4281. Space is limited.

Lake Martin Living 41

(334) 745-7966

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To subscribe call Linda Ewing 256-234-4281 P.O. Box 999, 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010

Lake Martin Living 43

DON'T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE OF LAKE MARTIN LIVING! Subscribe today or visit one of our local establishments each month for a free copy. ALEXANDER CITY

Alex City Marine American Inn Anytime Fitness Baymont Inn BB&T Big B Bar-B-Que Campus of CACC Carlisle's Carlos Mexican Grill Catherine’s Market Chamber Of Commerce Cherokee Quick stop Citgo Cloud Nine Collegiate Deli Comfort Inn Dark Insurance Darwin Dobbs Days Inn Discount Food Mart Emporium Wine Grace’s Flowers Hampton Inn Holley’s Home Furnishings Hometown Pharmacy Jackson Drugs Jake’s JR’s Sports Bar & Grill Koon’s Korner Koon’s Korner II Lake Martin Building Supply Lakewinds Golf Club Larry’s General Store Longleaf Antiques Mark King Furniture Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast Queen’s Attic Regions Bank Ridge - Clubhouse Ridge - Marina River North Marina Riverbend Store Russell Home Décor Russell Medical Center Russell Lands Russell Retail Store Satterfield, Inc Senior Nutrition~50+ Center Sho’ Nuff Restaurant Springhouse Restaurant T.C. Russell Airport Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc The Medicine Shoppe The Sure Shot USAmeribank Warren's Appliance Parts Willow Point Country Club Wind Creek - entrance Wind Creek - store Winn Dixie 280 BP 280 Exxon

CHELSEA

The Ditsy Daisy Boutique Winn-Dixie

CHILDERSBURG Winn-Dixie

DADEVILLE

American Watersports Bay Pine Marina City Hall Chamber of Commerce Chuck's Marina Dadeville Wellness Center

44 Lake Martin Living

Foodland Foshee Boat Dock Homeplate Restaurant Harbor Pointe Marina Lakay’s Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Flowers & Gifts Lake Martin Community Hospital Lakeshore Discount Pharmacy Lakeside Marina Niffer's At The Lake Oskar's Cafe Payne Furniture Pearson’s Place Poplar Dawgs Public Library Pug's Place PNC Bank Russell Building Supply Shell Station Sigger’s Stillwaters Country Club Store 34 USAmeribank

ECLECTIC

Bezlo's Cafe Bless Your Heart Children’s Harbor Cotton’s BBQ Eclectic Do-It Center Johnson’s Furniture Kowaliga Marina Lake Martin Dock Lake Martin Mini Mall Nail’s Convenience Store Original Grace Peoples Bank

EQUALITY

Equality Food Mart Real Island Marina Southern Star

INVERNESS

Airwalk Ultimate Trampoline Area Tree Top Family Adventure Winn-Dixie

KELLYTON

Five Star Plantation

MOUNTAIN BROOK Whole Foods Market

RED HILL Citgo

SYLACAUGA

Good Ole Boys BBQ Piggly Wiggly on 21

TALLASSEE

Community Hospital Chamber of Commerce The Tallassee Tribune

WALNUT HILL

Lakeside Mercantile Walnut Hill Grocery

WETUMPKA

The Wetumpka Herald To be sure a copy is reserved for you, call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 for a subscription.

AD INDEX A1 Four Seasons................................................................................ 4 3

Liveoak Agency, Inc............................................................................ 8

A&M Plumbing.................................................................................... 6

Kathy McKinley, Draperies.................................................................. 5

Advanced Heating & Air.................................................................... 4 3

Karen Channell, State Farm Insurance................................................ 4 3

Alex City Marine.................................................................................. 2

Kelley’s Heating & Air........................................................................ 4 3

Beyond Home Care............................................................................ 2 7

Lake Martin Community Hospital....................................................... 3 9

Bezlo's Cafe....................................................................................... 1 3

Lake Martin Dock.............................................................................. 2 4

Bob Alexander Landscaping ................................................................ 8

Mark King's Furniture ....................................................................... 1 9

Brown Nursing & Rehabilitation........................................................... 6

Millstone Nursery................................................................................ 6

C&C Wood Products.......................................................................... 1 3

OBGYN Associates of Montgomery................................................... 2 7

Cahaba Glass....................................................................................... 5

Prime Management........................................................................... 4 2

DAVCO Development........................................................................ 4 3

Red Flag Pest Control.......................................................................... 6

Designs by Trish................................................................................... 6

River Region Dermatology.................................................................. 4 3

District Nineteen................................................................................ 2 4

Russell Medical.................................................................................. 4 8

George Hardy, D.M.D........................................................................ 1 3

Satterfield, Inc.................................................................................... 5

Harold Cochran, State Farm Insurance...................................................... 4 3

Southern Sash................................................................................... 4 2

Heritage South Credit Union.............................................................. 4 5

Sunrise Docks.................................................................................... 1 3

Horne Window Tinting...................................................................... 1 3

Tallassee Community Hospital............................................................ 2 7

J&M Tank Lines........................................................................................... 8

UAB Heart & Vascular........................................................................ 4 2

Jackson Thornton............................................................................... 2

Wind Creek Casino.............................................................................. 3

Joy to Life......................................................................................... 2 7

Wind Creek Zip Line.......................................................................... 4 7

Lake Martin Properties...................................................................... 4 2

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Lake Martin Living 45

THE BIG DOG

Tongue wagging with the Doc

Dr. Wags: It’s funny, you know? I had a lot of time to f you live in the Lake Martin area, you spend a lot of think about my career choices as a young pup. I attended time on Highway 280. I mean, a lot of time. Undoubtedly, you have noticed a few changes along both Alabama and Auburn at the same time! I spent a lot hours with my head out of the car window wondering that highway, too. New businesses are popping up all of what life choices to make. Then my destiny hit me like a the time, and this is wonderful news for our community. Frisbee in the nose: I had always loved helping people. One such business is MainStreet Family Urgent Care I spent a lot of my childhood fetching newspapers and located directly across from Walmart (don’t act like you chasing armadillos out of neighbors’ yards, but something don’t know where that is; you shop there just like the rest inside of me said I could be doing more, you know? So, of us). I applied to Harvard Medical School and worked my tail MainStreet Family Urgent Care is a medical facility off (laughing). Not literally, of course. I graduated in dedicated to helping patients heal and feel better fast. only six human months and finished magna cum heraboi Its objectives are to work closely with local healthcare (pronounced here-boy) in my class. providers at the hospital and primary care Me: Interesting. So why not become a offices to provide continuity of care and to surgeon or work in a larger hospital setting? support the local healthcare network. They Dr. Wags: I certainly thought about those simply saw a need in the area to accommodate paths, but I wanted to do something diff – life’s little emergencies. squirrel! When you have strep throat, an Me: What?! aching cough or even a small broken Dr. Wags: (panting furiously) Sorry about bone on a random Sunday afternoon that. There was a squirrel – right … right or Tuesday morning, it’s not always ideal outside ... the window there. Even though I to head to the emergency room. MainStreet am a well-schooled and trained animal, it is Family Care provides attentive, caring services difficult to suppress thousands of years of for those needs without the stressors or instinct. price of a sometimes-chaotic emergency room. Me: No problem. Um, continue please. You can certainly find out more Dr. Wags: Whew! OK. As I was saying, about MainStreet Family Urgent Care on I wanted a place where people could get the its website, so no need for me to get into all attentive care they deserve from staff with of those specifics. Instead, being the awardLuke Robinson friendly attitudes. Something that could winning journalist I am (Editor’s note: Luke be effective and wallet-friendly, all while has won no awards at all … ever), I wanted to providing what we call the family treatment, which talk to the head honcho at MainStreet Family Care. The means we treat all of our patients like they are our family. VIP. The “Big Dog.” Thus, MainStreet Family Urgent Care was born. And by “Big Dog,” I mean this very literally, Me: Very cool. Now, before we go, is there anything as I would be speaking with none other than Dr. personal you’d like to share with our readers? Richard Wags, MainStreet Family Urgent Care’s official Dr. Wags: I love to read! I started A Tail of Two Cities mascot. recently and just could not put it down – that is, until Below is the transcript of my interview with Dr. Wags someone jerked it from my jaws. I also love sleeping himself: next to the couch, watching a good movie. Have you seen Me: Dr. Wags, thanks for joining me today on such Air Bud? Man, that film is like The Godfather to me. Of short notice. course, the other night I saw a horror flick that I haven’t Dr. Wags: Well, Luke, like any good canine, I come been able to shake, Old Yeller. Truly, the worst ending when I am called. Me: Well said. So, Doc, go ahead and tell the people of ever! Me: Well, Doc, thanks for sitting down with me to talk our little corner of the world a little about yourself. Dr. Wags: Sure! I was born under a porch in Dogtown, about your life and what MainStreet Family Care brings to our community. You have been a good boy today. A really, a small town in the dead center of Alabama. I have 15 really good boy, haven’t you? Yes, you have. You’re a brothers and sisters, and my parents worked very hard to make sure we were all taken care of. Daddy dodged many gooood boy! Dr. Wags: Please don’t do that. a car to cross a busy street to make sure our family had plenty of food each day. ~ Luke Robinson is an Alexander City native who also Me: So, when did you know you wanted to be a writes a weekly column for The Alexander City Outlook. doctor?

The Last Word

46 Lake Martin Living

Lake Martin Living 47