Issuu

OPINION: LARGER VOTER TURNOUT IS A GOOD SIGN

THE WHAT’S UP? See all local events in the calendar, page 7.

FRIDAY

Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 March 4, 2016 Vol. 124, No. 46 www.alexcityoutlook.com

COLLISION COURSE Tigers, Wildcats get closer to annual battle, Page 8.

Chandler to be ‘Caged for a Cause’ today at Walmart By MITCH SNEED Editor

Lake Martin Animal Shelter director Mia Chandler will be locked up today, and she’s doing if for a great cause. ‘Caged for a Cause” is a unique fundraiser where Chandler will spend up to 12 hours hanging out in a dog kennel to help raise funds for assisting pet owners with spay and neuter expenses. “Every year I hang out in a

dog kennel at the Alexander City Walmart on the market side, and collect donations with the help of volunteers,” Chandler said. “Initially it was bail that was set for a dollar for every animal that we assisted the prior year and I would stay up to 24 hours. The last two years I was bailed out in 10 hours. “The low cost spay and neuter transport, the spay and neuter assistance, more pet owners utilizing collars with tags and practicing

more responsibility has resulted in lower intake and decreased euthanasia,” Chandler said. “With that being said I didn’t want to decrease the goal and would rather strive for the best that I could do. “I am committing 12 hours to raise as much money as we possibly can. Every penny received will go into the fund that will be reissued to the community for spay and neuter assistance,” Chandler said. “Not See CAGED • Page 3

File / The Outlook

Like in the past, Lake Martin Animal Shelter Director Mia Chandler will be ‘Caged for a Cause’ at the Alexander City Walmart to help raise funds for low-cost spay and neutering of pets.

Local man to star on weight loss reality show

Mom accused in toddler’s death will go to trial By MITCH SNEED Editor

The mother of a 3-year-old boy who died in December 2014 has entered a not guilty plea and is awaiting trial. Bethany Brown Missildine was indicted on two counts of “chemical endangerment exposure to a child resulting in death” by a Tallapoosa Grand Jury last summer. Attorney Thomas Radney who represents Missildine along with Jason Jackson, said Wednesday that she has maintained her position and is ready for a full trial. “We intend to take it to a full trial,” Radney said. “Jason Jackson will lead the defense, but even though no firm date has been set we anticipate this going to trial.” Missildine has been free on a $100,000, awaiting her day in court. According to court records, Bentley Cole Missildine of Alexander City died at Russell Medical Center on Dec. 27, 2014

BRHS grad Jason Wright taking part in A&E’s ‘Fit to Fat to Fit’ Submitted / The Outlook

Benjamin Russell graduate Jason Wright will share his weight loss journey on a new A&E show Fit to Fat to Fit. “I started at 318 pounds when we started filming the show,” Wright said. “When we finished filming I was down to 246 and I have lost some more since then.” Wright and his partner Johnny Collins will check in again when the episode airs on A&E March 15 at 9 p.m. But Fit to Fat to Fit is not just another weight loss show. “The idea behind the show goes back to athletic trainer Drew Manning,” Wright said. “Manning had weight loss clients who told him he did not understand what they were going through. So Manning intentionally gained weight to lose with his clients to learn some of what they go through.” Wright was not originally picked to be on the show. “My partner found where they were doing

BRHS grad Jason Wright, left, and his partner, Johnny Collins will be featured on A&E’s ‘Fit to Fat to Fit’ on March 15. Collins and Wright were partnered with Atlanta trainer Tramell Smith to lose weight. Collins was editor of the school newspaper, wrote columns for The Outlook and was president of the Key club before graduating in 1992 and going on to Troy University.

See TRIAL • Page 3

See REALITY • Page 3

Outlook changes delivery method in some areas

Lake Levels City offers extensive drop-off recycling program Lake Martin

485.14 Reported on 3/03/16 @ 4 p.m.

Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL

Today’s

Weather

58 36 High

Low

54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080

By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer

By MITCH SNEED Editor

Are you throwing away items every day that could be recycled? City officials want to remind residents that there is a very active recycling program available and all they have to do is collect the items and drop them off. “Currently we offer a drop off recycling program,” said Kristin Joiner of the Alexander City Public Works Department. “The drop-off center is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road in Alexander City. The center is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This program does not have any city-limit restrictions and is available to all surrounding counties.” Cliff Williams / The Outlook Acceptable items include cardboard, plastic, aluminum cans, tin cans Brandon Luster loads cardboard into the compactor at the that have been rinsed with all labels Alexander City Recycling Center Thursday. The city offers See RECYCLE • Page 3 recycling of several types of items.

STAFF REPORT TPI Staff

The Alexander City Outlook has partnered with the U.S. Postal Service for delivery of the newspaper to subscribers in some locations, including Dadeville, Jacksons Gap, New Site and Goodwater. The change is effective March 10 for home delivery customers. Other areas, including the core Alexander City market, will continued to be delivered by newspaper carriers. “Partnership with the U.S. Postal Service allows us seamless, same-day delivery directly to some of our customers’ mailboxes,” said Outlook Publisher Kenneth Boone. “Whenever you get your mail, you can expect that day’s edition of The Outlook.” The Outlook remains available for purchase every day at more than 100 convenient single-copy locations including stores and newspaper racks. Those newspapers are available at the break of dawn or whenever the business opens.

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Grade-school talk about sex need guidance from parents

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Staff

Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com

Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com

Management Kenneth Boone Publisher, Ext. 218 kenneth.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com

Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Guill Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.guill@alexcityoutlook.com Debbie DeWildt Advertising Sales, Ext. 214 debbie.dewildt@alexcityoutlook.com

Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom

Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com

Friday, March 4, 2016

The Outlook

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

Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Lake Martin Living, The Outlook is published five times Kenneth Boone a week, Tuesday through Saturday Photography and mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, a commercial web printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. ReproPOSTMASTER: Send address duction of any part of any issue requires changes to Post Office Box 999, written publisher permission. Alexander City, AL 35011.

Postal

Information

Public Meetings  Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m.

DEAR ABBY: My daughter is in fifth grade at a very small, rural school. She’s outgoing and makes friends easily. My problem is, when she comes home from school, she tells my husband and me about the conversations the other fifth-grade girls are having. Most of them involve boys. However, recently the conversations are about sex and things these girls say they want boys to do to them, which include rape. My husband and I are appalled. My daughter knows that it’s not appropriate to discuss these topics, but she is forced by these girls to listen. What should we do? Should we discuss this with the other parents involved? Please help. -CONCERNED PARENT IN OKLAHOMA DEAR CONCERNED: While discussing sexual matters may not seem appropriate to you, that’s what some children in grammar school do. The problem, however, is

screwed-up thinking like this is through frank, open discussion and education.

DEAR ABBY Advice

that a lot of misinformation can be transmitted among them. Be glad your daughter trusts you enough that she’s willing to tell you what is being said. If this were my daughter and I had not yet had “the talk” with her, I would waste no time in initiating it. Her classmates may say some of the things they do for shock value and have no concept about the violence and physical and emotional damage that a rapist can inflict. Not only should you bring this to the attention of the parents of these classmates, also talk to the school principal. (Could these girls have been exposed to rape, pornographic movies, etc.?) The best way to combat

DEAR ABBY: I have 18-year-old twin sons who are seniors in high school and more mature than most at their age. My husband and I raised them with responsibility and manners, and people comment on how well they behave. My problem is neither one seems interested in socializing. They don’t date and never have friends over. They tell me people their age are “morons.” The boys are very close. They still share a room, and want to attend college together and major in the same field. I’m worried that they are TOO close and need to separate from each other and get out more. I worry that they aren’t experiencing the life of typical teenagers. Should I be worried about this or wait and see what college brings them? -- MOTHER OF TWINS

DEAR MOTHER: Your boys may be responsible and mannerly, but they appear to be socially immature. The time to have separated them and encouraged them to develop their individual personalities was when they entered their teens. While it is normal for twins to share a special closeness, the fact that they don’t socialize, don’t date and consider their contemporaries all to be morons IS something to be worried about. If you are going to contribute to their college educations, it might be helpful to insist they go to different schools. But before you do, consult a licensed counselor for guidance because it may be traumatic for them. 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. Thomas Adrian (Tag) Gilliland 1972-2016 Funeral service for Mr. Thomas Adrian (Tag) Gilliland, 43, of Montgomery, will be Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Minister Chris Tidwell will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until service time at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Gilliland passed away on

Monday, February 29, 2016 at his residence. He was born on May 7, 1972 in Alexander City, Alabama to James Larry Gilliland and Vicky Speaks Gilliland. Tag was a member of Vaughn Park Church of Christ. He loved to volunteer at the church with their Upwards basketball program and mentoring children. He was an avid Alabama football fan. Tag’s greatest joy was his son, Jacob He is survived by his sister, Lori Howell (Jack); son, Jacob Gilliland; grandmother, Irene Speaks; aunts, Jenny Baker (Wayne) and Sharon Denham (Chuck); uncles, Dale Speaks, Steve Speaks and Velton

Mr. Jerry Lynn Baker Mr. Jerry Lynn Baker, 66, of Jackson’s Gap passed away Wednesday, March 2 at his residence. Mr. Baker is preceded in death by his parents Roy Jack Baker and Myrtis Baker, one brother, Tim Baker, one sister, Wanda Baker A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Victory Baptist Church

Speaks; nephews, Pierce LeFevre and Landon LeFevre; and niece, Olivia LeFevre. He was preceded in death by his parents. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be given to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 600 Beacon Parkway W. Suite 860, Birmingham, AL 35209. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home in Alexander City is in charge of the arrangements.

in Alexander City with Rev. John Watkins officiating. Mr. Baker is survived by his wife, Becky Baker, four children, Marty (John Edwards) Baker, Tina Spraggins, Micheal Baker and Jerry Baker Jr., four grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, one brother, Roy (Trish) Baker, one sister, Wanda Evanicky and a host of nieces and nephews. Alabama Funeral Homes and Cremation Centers of Dadeville is handling arrangements.www.alabamafuneralhomes.com

 Coosa County Industrial Development Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Board Room in the courthouse in Rockford. All meetings are open to the public.

Ms. Mary Ann Kelly Funeral service for Ms. Mary Ann Kelly 67 of Kellyton, AL; Saturday, March 5, 2016; 3 p.m.; St. John A.M.E. Church, Goodwater, AL; burial in church cemetery. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge of arrangements.

 New Site City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in the Conference Room in the Town Hall.

 Dadeville City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in city hall.

 Ray Water Authority meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Ray Water Authority Office. All customers are invited to attend.

 Daviston City Council meets the third Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Daviston Fire Department.

 Rockford Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 7 p.m.

 Camp Hill Town Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6 p.m.

 Goldville Town Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the town hall.

 Community Action Agency of Chambers, Tallapoosa, Coosa will holds its regular board of directors meetings every other month at the Central Office in Dadeville.

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

 Tallapoosa County Board of Education meets on the second Monday of each month. Meetings are held in the new central office at 679 East Columbus Street, Dadeville, AL 36853.

 Coosa County Board of Education holds called meetings at least once a month.

 Jackson’s Gap Town Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in town hall at 6:30 p.m., all Jackson’s Gap citizens are encouraged to attend.

 Alexander City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.

 Coosa County Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Coosa County Courthouse in Rockford at 9:30 a.m. on the second Tuesday and at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.

 Kellyton Town Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the community center in Kellyton.

 Tallapoosa County Commission meets the second Monday of the month at 9 a.m. in the courthouse in Dadeville, with a pre-meeting also open to the public 30 minutes before each regular session.  Tallapoosa County 911 Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the 911 Administrative office at 240 West Columbus Street, Dadeville. Call 825-8490 for more information.  Walnut Hill Water Authority meets the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited. Call 825-9841 to inquire about the agenda.

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Reality

continued from page 1

casting,” Wright said. “We did a Skype interview and they picked my partner. At first they were concerned about me having weight loss surgery. But they came back after thinking about it and let me do it. They liked the idea of having a couple go through it especially given the same sex marriage issue that was a topic at the time.” The show picked 10 trainers to work with clients who would gain weight themselves. Wright and Collins worked with Atlanta trainer Tramell Smith for the show. “Trammell gained 67 pounds to lose on the show with us,” Wright said. Not only did Wright and Collins lose weight but Wright said it had other benefits too. “I am better in touch with my emotions,” Wright said. “At my heaviest, I weighed 457 pounds. I was having relationship issues

and my mother passed away. I just bloomed.” The partnership with Smith is allowing Wright and Collins to give back to the community. “It is still in the beginning but we are working on something called the Perimeter Challenge,” Wright said. “We are trying to bring awareness to childhood obesity. 285 is 64 miles around Atlanta. We want people to walk 59 miles before the event and walk five miles at an event that we are putting together. We are talking with Northside Hospital, the Children’s Hospital and others. With Tramell’s connections we have the Falcons and Hawks on board.” Wright, who is currently unemployed, thinks things are starting to turn around for him. “If she were here now, my mother would be proud of me,” Wright said. “It feels good to have a good outlook on things now.”

Submitted / The Outlook

A before and after comparison of Smith, who gained 67 pounds to lose alongside Wright and Collins during filming of the show A&E’s show ‘Fit to Fat to Fit’.

Caged

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

Brandon Luster loads cardboard into the compactor at the Alexander City Recycling Center Thursday. The city offers recycling of several types of items.

Recycle removed, newspapers, magazines, mixed paper and electronics. Citizens must distribute items into the individually marked bins at the center. CRT televisions and monitors can only be brought on the second Thursday of each month, because the company that picks up these items charges a processing fee to the individual dropping off. The cost of those items is $10 for televisions and $5 for computer monitors. Staff is present and on the site to help during regular business hours from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Joiner said some of the most frequently asked questions are about other items. Glass recycling is currently not available. Joiner said that there are no glass haulers in the state of Alabama. The closest ones are in Georgia. Even then,

Page 3

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The Outlook

continued from page 1

glass storage is a liability and should be in an enclosed building, which the city does not have at the present time. The city also does not accept styrofoam or books other than old phone books The recycling program takes items such as newspapers, magazines and mixed paper to the Alexander City Recycling Center on Airport Road for further processing. While pickup and additional sites may come down the road, Joiner said grants have made the program possible and appreciates people’s interest in helping the environment. “At some point in the future we may be able to establish drop-off sites throughout the city if needed, however these would be difficult to maintain because people often abuse such sites by dumping trash and other non-

recyclable items in unmonitored areas,” Joiner said. “But we are glad people use the program and want to spread the word about the availability we do have. “Our recycling program would not be where it is today without the generous grants that we have received from ADEM and assistance from MTCWP,” Joiner said. “Probably 90 percent of the infrastructure we have was grantfunded including our baler, bins, truck, and trailer. In 2015, we were also awarded a weighing scale that we just received and a forklift that is on order.” For more information on the city’s recycling program, call 256-409-2020.

continued from page 1

a single cent will go into the shelter’s general fund.” The shelter will also benefit this year from a special offer. “This year I have a matching donor from Birmingham,” said Chandler. “This anonymous donor will match my fund regardless of amount. This is the first time this has ever happened. We are so grateful for his generosity and that should allow us to help even more people and their pets.” Chandler said there will also be volunteers at each door of Wal-Mart Friday, but the community is welcome to collect and give donations prior to the day itself. “The idea is to make it affordable for everybody to be able to spay and neuter their pet. While I’m in there, people can come to me directly, discuss their situation and I can hand out vouchers where there is partial or entire surgery,” Chandler said. “If those people don’t want to use a transport (for the surgery), they can use those funds for a local vet. A lot of people don’t want to talk about euthanasia, but in all honesty, spay and neuter is the No. 1 action anybody can

Trial

take to combat overpopulation and any euthanasia in shelters. The bottom line is there are far too many animals than there are responsible owners.” Chandler is expecting the weather to be great, so she encourages everyone to come out and give. If you want to donate to a cause where your dollar will have a significant impact – then I hope this is a cause you can get behind and support,” Chandler said. “Veterans are near and dear to me and I believe we can never repay those that have been deployed. So I am offering free surgeries to combat veterans and a discount voucher to all other veterans. Vouchers will be available while I’m in the pen.” If for some reason you can’t get by on Friday, donations can also be made online through the website www. lakemartinanimalshelter.com under the “Ways to Help” tab and donate. Note Caged for the Cause when donating online. For more information on how to donate, contact the shelter at 256-2345533.

continued from page 1

shortly after officers were called to a home on Barrett Road. The Alexander City Police Department immediately launched an investigation into the death. As a result of the toddler’s unexpected death, an autopsy was performed. Toxicology reports that were performed during that process, were not complete until June. Those tests indicated the boy’s death was due to “methadone toxicity.” The case was presented to the grand jury in July, and the indictment is dated Aug. 14, 2015. The indictment reads in part, “Bethany Missildine… did knowingly, recklessly or intentionally cause or permit a child, to-wit: Bentley Cole Missildine, to be exposed to, to ingest or inhale, or to have contact with a controlled

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substance, chemical substance, or drug paraphernalia as defined by the Code of Alabama 1975, to-wit: methadone, and that exposure caused the death of Bentley Cole Missildine.” Methadone is an opiate that is used sometimes to help recovering addicts. It is also used as a pain reliever and as part of drug addiction detoxification and maintenance programs and is available only from certified pharmacies. Radney said there is a court term scheduled for March 28, but he was unsure if the case would be heard at that time or not. A conviction on a Class A felony is punishable with a prison sentence of up to “life, or not more than 99 years, or less than 10 years,” according to the Official Code of Alabama.

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Page 4

Our

Opinion

Larger voter turnout is an encouraging sign

oters turned out in surprising numbers for the Super Tuesday primary. In Tallapoosa County, 41.98 percent of the registered voters went to the polls Tuesday. In Elmore County, 44.66 percent of voters filled out a ballot. And across Alabama, the voter participation number hit 41.4 percent. Since 1988, the Alabama Secretary of State’s office reports that in presidential primaries, the voter turnout has averaged much lower: • June 7, 1988 – 20 percent • June 2, 1992 – 29 percent • June 4, 1996 – 23 percent • June 6, 2000 – 20 percent • June 1, 2004 – 17 percent • Feb. 5, 2008 – 42.6 percent • March 13, 2012 – 24.42 percent In the past seven presidential primary elections, an average of 25 percent of the state’s registered voters have found the motivation to cast a ballot. It’s hard to say exactly what drove the surge at the polls. In Elmore County there were some hotly contested commission races that was a big factor. In Tallapoosa County there were very few contested races, but still people voted. Perhaps it was the presidential race, which has seen unprecedented news coverage, a massive number of debates and a huge helping of controversy as well. Some have credited the GOP frontrunner for the flow to the polls. This year billionaire/reality TV star Donald Trump has been the big draw. Despite your political views, it is obvious that he has impassioned our country’s voters. While we think Trump would be a dangerous U.S. president because of his governmental inexperience and his mercurial personality, we’re happy to see that more people are now involved in the presidential election process. That is indeed a positive takeaway from this year’s Super Tuesday voting in our area.

Outlook The

Friday, March 4, 2016

Tornado research isn’t just whistling Dixie

ou can double-check me on this — but when Phil Harris recorded “That’s What I Like About The South,” he never once made mention of tornadoes. That’s my way of introducing the fact that the tornado-chasing operation that inspired the 1996 movie “Twister” is getting a reboot. According to USA Today, 40 scientists from up to 20 organizations will fan out across the Southeast, for the first time focusing on the so-called Dixie Alley (a region with four times more annual tornado fatalities than the famed Texas/Oklahoma/ Kansas “Tornado Alley”). We in the South have gotten quite used to stockpiling batteries and water, enduring radio announcer lectures on the distinction between a “tornado watch” and a “tornado warning”, listening for a sound like a freight train and seeking appropriate shelter. Unfortunately, the move toward “the internet of things” and “smart houses” will make for confusing times in the future. (“You think THIS is the sturdiest part of the house? Ha! You should’ve seen the joint the carpenter was smoking the day he installed these joists of mine!”) We’ve already gotten away from our roots enough as it is. I remember Grandpa Tyree had a storm cellar that could be used for storing preserved foods or for keeping family

DANNY TYREE Guest Columnist

members safe. Now homes are more likely to have a “man cave” — where NOTHING is safe. (“Cheetos in the game console? A little Bud should wash that out. Hey, you still haven’t pulled my finger...”) I’ve had all the close shaves with twisters that I care to think about. During the “super outbreak” of April 3, 1974, a tornado ripped through my family’s front yard, throwing my mother’s rail fence into the street and twisting the tin roofs of outbuildings around utility poles. Yes, twisters could toss around garbage cans, cars — anything lighter than those &^%$# clunky platform shoes we thought we had to wear in ‘74. To be fair, tornadoes have served as a sort of rudimentary GPS in small southern towns. (“You’ll want to take a left where the tornado tore up the Piggly Wiggly in ‘02, then a right where Mrs. Luna’s house burned down in ‘64 and a left where Stovalls’ Garage used to be and...”) Of course any discussion of tornadoes will elicit comments about mobile homes and their propensity for being demolished. There’s probably

a reason that trailer parks were not the main meeting place for the grassroots movement that resulted in major gains for the gay rights movement. (“We’re queer, we’re here and we’re not going awaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy...”) Congress has allocated $5 million for the project. It seems to be money well spent, if you compare it to the $5 million report “The Effect Of The War of 1813 On The Musical Tastes of Transylvanian Dung Beetles — Oh, Wait — There Wasn’t A War of 1813, So I Guess We’d Better Settle For $4 Million.” We are bravely trying to outwit a Force of Nature. I know of another couple of guys trying that. (“Marco and I challenge you to release your tax returns. Here are ours. And our Permanent School Records. And some tear-stained old ‘Dear John’ letters. And a picture of those irregularly shaped moles. And our DMV photos and...Aw, come on!”) I hope everyone will cooperate with the vital research. But skeptics abound. “Now if these fellers were figuring out a way to DEEPFRY tornadoes...” Danny Tyree is a syndicated columnist whose weekly column is distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. newspaper syndicate.

Communication with elected officials is the key to good government. To let your most local representatives know how you feel about state or local matters, contact any of the following. Governor Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.

Luther Strange

Robert Bentley

was elected Alabama’s 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Luther Strange Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-392-2006 or by email at tughd81@ gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Mark Tuggle 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-t7865. Tom Whatley His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.

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“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

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Letters to the Editor

Current political wave is the voice of the people Dear Editor, The people are speaking. Donald Trump is leading in the Republican campaign in every poll. It seems incredible that the Republican “establishment” has not recognized that this is a genuine political revolution. For Mitt Romney, who limped out in the last election and accepted the endorsement of Donald Trump, to publicly castigate Trump is incredibly disingenuous. The effort of the Republican elite to destroy the grass roots movement promoting Trump is a suicidal effort and may signal the end of the Republican Party. Yet, they are spending millions if not more to destroy his candidacy. The “anyone but Trump” campaign is the best way to insure that Hillary Clinton or her replacement will win in November.

This Russian roulette that the good old boys of the Republican Party are playing seems to be suicidal. Maybe that is a good thing. Maybe we need another party to reflect the ideology of the working and tax paying middle class in this country. The middle class, working Christian tax payer who feels that he or she has born the burden of funding the rest of the population without receiving proper benefit or acknowledgement is pissed off. To quote a famous movie line, “I am mad as Hell, and I am not going to take it any more.” Don’t underestimate the support for Trump among the population. Most people realize that he is not perfect, but are willing to accept his leadership, “warts and all”. It was not the “statesmen” like Eisenhower and Roosevelt who beat the Germans and

Japanese to win world war two. It was the SOB’s like Patton and MacArthur who really got the job done. Trump is the only SOB out there who appears to be able to get the job done. For those of you in the readership of this paper who feel that your beliefs and concerns have not been addressed by the current political leadership, I urge you to support this political revolution. We are past our primary election in Alabama, but the real battle is yet to come. I urge you to get involved and with your voice, your money, and your time to support the candidate who best reflects your philosophy. I am just idealistic enough to believe that it really is up to us. Billy Sellers Alexander City

Was there an attempt to deceive Alabama voters? Dear Editor, On Tuesday, March 1, 2016, 1,058,000 voters in Alabama cast their choices for a variety of issues including both presidential primaries, a host of state & local candidates and one amendment. There was little if any controversy almost to being mundane and boring. Yet, I have heard a flood of concerns and criticism beginning at the voting location, of the matter in which Amendment One was worded on the ballot. After listening to many of these complaints and carefully reviewing the issue, I believe that this dissatisfaction and outcry is justified! Briefly, this Amendment was written and sponsored by State Sen. Arthur Orr of Decatur. Orr has thoroughly explain the legislation and his

reason posted online Feb. 28, just 48 hours prior to the public being asked to vote on the measure. For several decades, Alabama taxpayers have been funding the judicial retirement system for judges, circuit court clerks and district attorneys without participants having to personally contribute and still achieve supernumerary status retiring after only 18 years service with 75 percent of their base salary. Under Amendment One, beginning with new employees, they cannot draw retirement until age 62 and must personally contribute 8.5 percent toward their retirement! Sen. Orr states that if approved, Amendment One will save state taxpayers $200 million over the next 30 years! Here is the catch: The matter in which the Amendment was worded

one would briefly read through the single paragraph and think it was yet another fat retirement benefit for the judicial system and thus, vote no! I initially had that reaction as did many voters I have spoken with. Obviously, our objective would require a “yes” vote instead! Fortunately, Amendment One did pass with 62.84 percent of the vote. Is it too much to ask our legislature to shoot straight with the voters? When placing items on the ballot, speak straight forward and honestly! Refrain from waiting just 48 hours before elections to post explanations of items being considered. James W. Anderson Talladega

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

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Needed Immediately!

PART-TIME MAILROOM SUPERVISOR Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. seeks a Part-time Mailroom Supervisor for the TPI Of¿ce in Alexander City. Must be able to work 6pm - Until.

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Job Includes: Being responsible for daily circulation of papers and inserts and managing of mailroom staff. Ideal candidate must have good organizational skills, friendly attitude and self-motivation. Please come in and ¿ll out an application at:

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No Phone Calls Please Drug-free Workplace TPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Friday, March 4, 2016

The Outlook

CommunityCalendar Season Speaks Express Blowout • Highlight Ombre • Gloss • Color Make-Up • Keratin Adult & Children Hair Cuts Bridal & Bachelorette Packages

Today is

March 4, 2016 Today’s Events

SWIMMING LESSONS: Red Cross swimming lessons will begin a new session March 7 and 8 but deadline to register is March 4. Lessons will be Monday and Wednesday at 5 p.m. for Parent/Child Aquatics for toddlers, 6 p.m. for pre-

school aquatics for ages 3 to 5 and Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. for adult swim lessons. The fee is $45 and classes meet two times per week for three weeks. For additional information contact Cara Tidwell, Fitness Coordinator at Total Fitness at 256-329-7624.

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HOLLEY’S Today’s Birthdays

Megan Young , Ronnie Fuller, Claudia Railey, Emma Wilson, Mozelle Allen, Durell Stone and Sabrina Slaughter are celebrating their birthdays today.

Adrian and Patricia Adams are celebrating their anniversary.

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Thursday’s thunderstorm brought an icy companion to Alexander City along with chilling temperatures,rain, sleet and hail (pictured above).

haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com

MILITARY VEHICLE SHOW: Wind Creek State Park will host a military vehicle show March 4 and 5 all day.

Cliff Williams / The Outlook

March 4-5

March 4-6

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PASTOR APPRECIATION: Pleasant Home Baptist Church is hosting its 19th Appreciation services for Apostle Thomas E. Bullock, Sr. and Prophetess Margie N. Bullock March 4-6. March 4 at 7 p.m. Bishop Mary Ann Wilson will speak. March 5 at 7 p.m. Rev. Brian Thomas will speak. March 6 at 11 a.m. Bishop Douglas L. Varner Sr. and at 3 p.m. Rev. Anthony Anderson.

March 5

BOSTON BUTT SALE: There is a Boston Butt sale to benefit Carley Blankenship and family with pick up March 5 at Alex City Methodist Church from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased by calling or texting Kristi at 256-596-2171 or Celia at 256-496-2745 and at JR’s Sports Bar and Grill or see Ashley Barker at City Hall. Cash or check only. RUMMAGE SALE: The Pine Ridge Mission team of the Alexander City Methodist Church will hold its annual Rummage Sale on Saturday March 5 from 6 a.m.- 10 a.m. in the church fellowship hall. We will have furniture, household items, clothes, toys and much more. The proceeds will benefit our annual mission trip to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation this summer. PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: New Style Baptist Church in Equality is hosting a first pastoral anniversary celebration for Rev. Richard Taylor Sat. March 5 at 4 p.m.

March 6

PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Corinth Baptist Church in Kellyton will honor the 24th anniversary of Pastor of Jimmy and Sister Patricia Brooks Sunday, March 6 at 11 a.m. Guest Minister will be Pastor Billy Simmons of Freewill Worship Center. PASTORAL APPRECIATION: Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church is hosting its 35th pastoral appreciation of Rev. G.H. Pulliam Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: The Bread of ACOP is celebrating its 13th Church Anniversary March 6 at 3 p.m. on Highway 280 in Kellyton. Pastor is Elder Neyurland Tuck. Come join us. PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Flint Hill Baptist Church of Alexander City is hosting its 11th Anniversary Celebration honoring Rev. Adonis Thomas March 6.

At 11 a.m. Rev. Gary Leonard of Montgomery will speak and at 2:30 p.m. Rev. William Russell of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church will speak. Everyone is invited.

March 7

HORIZONS UNLIMITED: Susan Webb will be the speaker for Horizons Unlimited March 7 at the Alexander City Board of Education from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

March 10

PATH FINDERS MEETING: The next meeting of PATH FINDERS will be on Thursday, March 10, at noon in the United Way conference room, Main Street, downtown Alexander City. Please join us and help us make strides in 2016 to improve the lives of individuals dealing with dementia in the Lake Martin area.

March 12

CLASS MEETING: The Laurel High School Class of 1969 is meeting Sat. March 12 at 10 a.m. at Cooper Recreation Center. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast March 12 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Plates include pancakes, bacon and or sausage for $6. It is all you can eat dine only with to go plates available. PLANT A FLOWER: Wind Creek State will be hosting a plant a flower day at 10 a.m.

March 15

MEETING: The Artist Association of East Alabama will meet March 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the United Way Conference Room. FIRST RESPONDER DINNER: The Alexander City Elks Lodge is hosting a First Responder Appreciation Dinner Tuesday, March 15 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please contact the Lodge at 256329-9152 or email rnorred@charter. net to RSVP for the no cost meal.

March 16

ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at story time.

March 16-18

CHURCH REVIVAL: GAP Fellowship Church will host its spring revival March 16-18 at 7 p.m. nightly. Guest evangelists are Al Williams, Rev. Jason Whetstone and Rev. Troy Holley. Gap Fellowship is pastored by Lou and Marilyn Benson.

March 17

WINE TASTING: Emporium Wines in Alexander City welcomes Rush Wines features wines from Cannonball

Wine Company of Healdsburg, California from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 256-212-9463.

Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL

March 18

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS: Wind Creek State Park is hosting a movie under the stars March 18 at 6 p.m.

March 18-20

WIZARD OF OZ: The Dadeville High School Drama program is presenting the Wizard of Oz March 18 at 7 p.m., March 19 at 7 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m. at the Dadeville High School Auditorium.

March 19

EGG HUNT: Wind Creek State Park will host an Easter Egg Hunt March 19 at 10 a.m. in the North Picnic area. There will be prize eggs. For ages under 2, 2 to 4 5 to 8 and 9 to 12. For more information call 256-3290845. PATH TRASH WALK: The March PATH Trash Walk is scheduled for Saturday March 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be hosted by New Water Ministries which is located on Lake Martin at 460 Civitan Road (newwater.com).Volunteers can register on line or on site at New Water campus the day of the event. Volunteers will also be able to meet and register at Siggers grocery crossroads on Young Ferry Road where they will receive supplies and road assignments. At noon, all volunteers will be treated to lunch at New Water contact John Thompson at jthompson@lmra.info for more information TRADE DAY: Bibb Graves School is hosting a trade day March 19 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. ELKS GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Alexander City Elks Lodge is hosting a golf tournament at Lakewinds Golf Club and seeking sponsors. All proceeds go toward Lodge events such as aide to Camp ASCCA and other community programs. Contact Bo Parks at 256-329-3954 or Lakewinds at 256-825-9860.

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March 20

MEN AND WOMEN PROGRAM: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church will have its Men and Women program Sunday March 20 at 11 a.m. Edward Milner is pastor. PASTORS APPRECIATION: Rocky Mt. Baptist Church on Highway 22 East in Alexander City is hosting its 13th Pastors Appreciation for Rev. and Sister Al Lawson. Guest speaker will be Rev. Bobby Hargrove pastor of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church.

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Page 8

Friday, March 4, 2016

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COLLISION COURSE

Sports

Briefs Phenix City defeats Spain Park in 7A boys semifinal Central-Phenix City defeated Spain Park 63-61 in overtime in the Class 7A boys’ semifinal game Thursday to advance to the championship game of the 2016 Alabama High School Athletic Association State Finals at the BJCC Legacy Arena Saturday. Phenix City (31-1) will face McGill-Toolen (28-6) Saturday afternoon at 5:45 p.m. Keondre’ Jakes finished with 11 points, Tre’ Todd and Demarcus Lampley had 14 points each and Jermond Williams scored 10 for Phenix City. Austin Wiley had 19 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots and junior guard Jamal Johnson had 20 points and nine rebounds and Justin Brown had 15 points and 10 rebounds for Spain Park.

McGill-Toolen defeats Hoover in 7A boys semifinal

File Photo / The Outlook

Above, Dadeville High School catcher Slade McCullers, left, tags out Benjamin Russell’s Dillon Dean at home plate during a game last season in Alexander City. Below, Benjamin Russell’s Corley Woods pitches during a game this season.

Wildcats, Tigers close in on weekend showdown By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor

A pair of local rivals are set to square off this weekend. The Dadeville Tigers and Benjamin Russell Wildcats will face off on Saturday at the Charles E. Bailey Sportplex at 11 a.m. Dadeville will then take on CentralClay County, followed by Benjamin Russell vs. Central-Clay County. While this week leading up to Saturday’s matchups saw Benjamin Russell’s game on Tuesday cancelled due to weather, Dadeville was able to face off with Park Crossing on Wednesday afternoon in a doubleheader. In game one, Dadeville lost 6-3 to Park Crossing. Dadeville’s Cal Jones was 3-for-4 hitting in game one, while Landon Wilson went 2-for-4. Slade McCullers was 1-for-3 with a RBI, while Kyle Atkins was 1-for-3 with two RBI. Kyle Harkins pitched four innings, giving up 12 hits and striking out three batters. In game two, Dadeville fell 9-6 to Park Crossing. Wilson was 3-for-3 hitting with two RBI, while Jones was 2-for-4, and Carson McClendon was 3-for-3 with a RBI. Landon Tidwell and McCullers each had a RBI in the loss. McCullers pitched six innings, striking out six batters and giving up five earned runs. The Tigers’ record now sits at 3-6, following winning two out of three games during last week’s tournament in Tallassee, including a 7-1 loss to Benjamin Russell. After last week’s tournament, Dadeville Coach Randy Nolen said he saw some signs of progress from his team. “We have some guys that showed some progress. Will (Claybrook) against Benjamin Russell, which was sporadic at times, but he threw a lot better and threw a lot more strikes,” Nolen said. “Defensively, we made some big mistakes, but at the same time they (Benjamin Russell) got some big two-out hits. Cal (Jones), Saturday against Reeltown he threw four innings and threw really, really

well. That’s a real big plus, not that he had thrown poorly before, but he threw a lot more strikes and had a lot more command on all of his pitches and kept the ball down.” Dadeville wrapped up last weekend with a 17-0 win over rival Reeltown. Nolen said the Tigers are improving at the plate, but added there is still work to be done. “I know we scored a lot more runs Saturday, but they (Reeltown) struggled defensively and that helped us out a lot,” Nolen said. “Overall, little by little and piece by piece we’re getting better. We’re getting a little more confident and getting a little bit better at the plate handling the bat and not getting out as much. I say a little bit better because we’re still battling that. Guys are also getting a little bit more time on the mound. Like we told the guys, it’s progress, no matter if it’s a little at a time. As long as that progress continues, then we feel pretty good about it.” While the Tigers were able to get game action in this week, Benjamin Russell was relegated to the practice field after

Tuesday’s game against Auburn was cancelled due to impending inclement weather. But Benjamin Russell Coach Richy Brooks said the one positive is that it allowed the Wildcats to get in some much needed practice time before storms hit. “The one good thing this week is that we did get three days outside to practice. Even though we didn’t play Tuesday, which was a decision made to not have them (Auburn) on a bus with all the storms coming, we still got outside to practice,” Brooks said. “We needed to practice outdoors because that’s the way you get better. We used those three days to work on fundamental things, and hopefully we’ll play better defense this weekend. That’s our goal. We want to continue to give ourselves a chance by throwing strikes and playing better defense.” While last weekend saw the pitching staff stretched thin, the extra days of rest have allowed the Wildcats to rest up their pitching staff, Brooks said. “We’re running into kind of the opposite of the problem we had last weekend. Last weekend it was three games in three days so we thought our pitching would be tested,” Brooks said. “But this weekend, we should have plenty of pitching, at least in terms of availability. Now how they will perform, we don’t know.” With Saturday’s game looming, Nolen said the Tigers are looking forward to getting constant game action in order to see more improvement. “We’ve got two in Alex City, so we’re getting a lot of game action and then having a day or two to work on some stuff and hopefully have a little improvement,” Nolen said. “If we can eliminate the mistakes and the mental mistakes, we’ll give ourselves a chance in any game.” Brooks said the Wildcats are looking to play well in both games on Saturday. “It’s going to be 69 degrees and sunny, so it’s going to be good baseball weather,” Brooks said. “Hopefully, we’re able to go out there and play well.”

McGill-Toolen defeated defending Class 7A state champion Hoover 77-74 in two overtimes Thursday to advance to the championship game of the 2016 AHSAA State Finals at the BJCC Legacy Arena. McGill-Toolen (28-6) was led by T.J. Howard’s 23 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out and Paris Chambers scored 12 points. Leading Hoover (16-19) was Jamari Blackmon, who scored 29 points and was perfect on all seven free throws attempted. Johnathan Postell also had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Marion Humphrey had eight points and two steals for Hoover.

Jeff Davis defeats Buckhorn in 7A girls semifinal Defending Class 7A state champion Jeff Davis defeated Buckhorn 55-45 Thursday in the semifinal game of the 2016 AHSAA State Finals at the BJCC Legacy Arena to set up a rematch in Saturday’s championship with McGill-Toolen. Jeff Davis (24-6) beat McGillToolen by one point in the 2015 state finals. The two will square off Saturday at 4 p.m. at the BJCC Legacy Arena. Jeff Davis senior Jasmine Walker had 21 points. She also had 14 rebounds. Ahyiona Vason added 11 points and six assists and Tia Manora had eight points and four assists for Jeff Davis. Buckhorn (27-9) was led by Teresa Ward’s 14 points and Kaitlyn Hardy 12 for Buckhorn. Sarah Suttle added eight points and three assists for Buckhorn.

McGill-Toolen defeats Hazel Green in 7A girls semifinal McGill-Toolen overcame a ninepoint first-half deficit Thursday morning to beat Hazel Green 54-53 in the Class 7A girls’ semifinal game at the 2016 AHSAA State Finals at the BJCC Legacy Arena. McGill-Toolen (31-3) was led by Shelby Hall’s 18 points and three blocked shots. She was 4-of-5 at the foul line. Shauntai Battle added 12 points and eight rebounds. Caitlin Hose led Hazel Green (33-4) with 12 points and Brooke Hampel had 10 plus five rebounds before fouling out late.

– Marvin Chou, AHSAA.com

Lady Trojans open 2016 season with running start By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor

With the 2016 softball season well underway, the Central Alabama Community College Lady Trojans are off to a fast start. The Lady Trojans are 14-7 on the season, and Coach Greg Shivers said CACC could be even better with a little bit more consistency. “We’re off to a pretty good start. When we play well, we’re a pretty good softball team, but we probably need to be a little bit more consistent,” Shivers said. “If we can be a little bit more consistent I think we’ve got a chance to compete with anybody.” Early on throughout the season, Shivers said the Lady Trojans have been battling injuries. The result has been a number of players have had to step up and learn new positions. “We’ve had a little bit of an injury bug. I think we’re down to 16 available players now because we’ve got two players

who are out for the year,” Shivers said. “At one point we were down to about 14 or 15 available players. Right now, my cleanup hitter is out and she’ll miss 10 games. So, we’ve had to move some people around to do some different things.” But the players have adjusted well to the changes, Shivers said, as the Lady Trojans have gotten big contributions. “We’ve done a pretty good job of people learning new positions and things like that. Our All-American center fielder last year, Brana Booth, we had to move her to shortstop,” Shivers said. “She’s come on well there. It was a little rough at the beginning, but she’s adjusted well. We had to move some people in the outfield, moved our third baseman to first base, but they’re all starting to get a little more comfortable.” At the plate, Booth leads CACC with a .547 batting average, while Kendra

Gibbons has a .413 batting average with eight home runs and 34 RBI so far on the season. “Kendra Gibbons has had a good start. She leads the conference in home runs and is second in RBI. She’s had to move from third base to first base,” Shivers said. “Booth is hitting .547 and she’s second in the conference. She’s picked up where she left off last year. Destiny Perry and Booth at the top of the order make our offense go. Kristin Studds and Marisa Osga are sophomores and they’ve both started well hitting the ball. We’ve got a lot of freshmen learning new positions that have come on lately. And Natalie Johnsey has done really well in the circle for us.” Studds and Cheyenne Bryant also each have three home runs for CACC. Johnsey has a 6-3 record, 45 strikeouts and 3.07 ERA in the circle on the season. Shivers said when the Lady Trojans are playing well in all phases, they have

a chance to beat anyone on the schedule. “You have three phases: pitching, hitting and defense. In all three phases the girls are doing well. It just goes back to consistency,” Shivers said. “When our pitchers are throwing the ball where we want it, we’re pretty good, but when they miss over the plate bad things happen. When we also have some good at-bats at the plate, we’re a pretty good team.” Along with finding some consistency, Shivers said he still sees room for improvement in all phases of the game. “We want to improve in all three phases: pitching, hitting and defense. I think we’re getting there. Today (Thursday) doesn’t help with the rain because we want to try to get in a rhythm where we play and play games without delays,” Shivers said. “Hopefully, Saturday we can start to get two or three weeks of games in where we don’t have any rainouts or anything like that and find some consistency in all three phases.” CACC will return to action on Saturday against Chattahoochee Valley at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Alexander City.