OPINION: DELAY OF CACC CONSOLIDATION IS BEST FOR ALL. PAGE 4. FOR THURSDAY THE
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Consolidation of CACC delayed to 2017 New timeline aims to implement plan in least disruptive way possible By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Hurry up and wait. That seems to sum up the first few months of the process to consolidate Central Alabama, Chattahoochee Valley and Southern Union State community colleges after Alabama Community College System Chancellor Mark Heinrich announced via email and at the monthly meeting
of the ACCS Board of Trustees on Wednesday that the process was being delayed until 2017. In an email addressed to Dr. Susan Burrow, president of CACC, and Dr. Gary Branch, president of Faulkner State Community College, Heinrich wrote: “As you know, we are working diligently with the three organizations responsible for overseeing educational consolidation to be certain that we satisfy all of the checks and
balances necessary to implement our plan in the least disruptive way possible: The United States Department of Education (DOE), The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. “Due to unforeseen legislative and departmental delays, coupled with key timing issues necessary to ensure that students’ financial aid See CONSOLIDATION • Page 3
New judge, date set for Shaw assault trial
Letter carriers aim to ‘Stamp out Hunger’
By MITCH SNEED Editor
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Saturday will be a busy day for the area’s letter carriers. In addition to picking up and delivering the mail, the 18 carriers out of the Alexander City Post Office will also be collecting food for the needy as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers’ 24th annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive. So on May 14, postal officials hope the community will deliver in a big way. “We’ve left bags (for donations) and postcards in the mailbox to let everyone know about the food drive,” said Alexander City Postmaster Susan Alexander. “We’ve got signs advertising it around the post office and some of the local businesses have been nice enough to let us put signs in their windows. “The people in Alexander City are always very giving and we know they will come through again this year in a big way. All they need to do See HUNGER • Page 3
Heinrich
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
A sinking feeling A worker cutting grass at Radney Funeral Home discovered a small hole in the pavement near the corner of Cherokee and Dadeville Road. On closer inspection, it was discovered that the hole was a sinkhole that was almost 6 feet deep below the surface of the pavement. The Alabama Department of Transportation responded and dug into the void, finding a storm drainpipe had collapsed allowing the dirt to cave in. Crews worked all day to clear the area and replace the pipe. When work is done the pipe will be repaired and the void will be filled with dense gravel before the pavement is repaired.
The assault case against Alexander City Mayor Charles Shaw and his wife Lavern has a new judge and a new court date. Randolph County District Court Judge Clay Tinney has been assigned to hear the case and the bench trial has been moved up five days to May 19, according to court records. The Shaws turned themselves in after being charged with third-degree assault charges on April 26 following a postmeeting physical altercation with councilman Tony Goss on Monday, April 25. The case was on the docket for May 24 before District Court Judge Kim Taylor. But last week Taylor asked to be removed from the case. Judge Steve Perryman filed paperwork appointing Tinney to hear the case on Wednesday. The new date and judge are the latest in a story that has kept Alexander City residents talking for weeks. See SHAW • Page 3
Sneed ordered to appear in Shaw case The prosecutor in the thirddegree assault case against the Alexander City mayor and his wife has added a name to the witness list in the case. Assistant District Attorney Michael Weldon subpoenaed Outlook Editor Mitch Sneed to testify and also ordered the paper to supply all images and recordings from the April 25 meeting where a fistfight broke out between Mayor Charles Shaw and Councilman Tony Goss. A day after the fight, Shaw and his wife Lavern were charged with third-degree assault. Court records indicate that in addition to Sneed, potential witnesses are Goss, Alexander City Police Chief Willie G. Robinson, Councilman Bobby Tapley, Municipal Court Clerk Louise Pritchard, Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson and ACPD Officer Mark Hill. The bench trial is set before Randolph County District Court Judge Clay Tinney at 9 a.m. on May 19 at the Tallapoosa County Courthouse in Alexander City. – Staff Report
Lost dog found and returned to owner 490.66
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
By MITCH SNEED Editor
The Birmingham woman whose dog was missing following a Saturday accident on Highway 280 is having her face licked again after her 5-month-old Shepherd-Hound mix named Finn was found alive and well Wednesday morning. Jennifer Oxford was elated when she got a message from local firefighter Craig Dunham Wednesday morning, saying he had found Finn sitting on the side of Highway 280, not far from where Saturday’s accident had occurred. “I was actually cleaning a kennel at work when I got the message,” Oxford said. “I can’t tell you how relieved and excited I was. He was in pretty good shape too, just one minor laceration. He’s been checked out and will be home snuggling with me tonight.” Dunham said that he was aware of the
accident and the missing dog because he works as a firefighter in Alexander City and in Kellyton. As he was leaving Kellyton and heading to work in Alexander City Wednesday, there sat Finn on the opposite side of Highway 280 from where the crash occurred. “I saw him sitting there and I knew right away it was him,” Dunham said. “He wasn’t too excited and didn’t want to come to me at first. But the rest of my Wendy’s breakfast did the trick and I picked him up and let his owner know.” It was a happy ending to a story that had gained a lot of attention as people all over the area joined in the search after seeing the story on social media and in The Outlook. Oxford was traveling on Highway 280 near Coosa County Road 89 near Kellyton Submitted / The Outlook when her vehicle left the roadway and began Jennifer Oxford gets a big kiss from her dog Finn who was to roll. missing for four days after being ejected from a car during See FOUND • Page 3 an accident Saturday. +
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Opening the door in a closed adoption invites hard decisions
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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 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
Thursday, May 12, 2016
The Outlook
David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@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 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.
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can be submitted How to Obituaries to The Outlook from funeral by e-mail at obits@ Submit homes alexcityoutlook.com. For calt (256) Obituaries more information 234-4281.
DEAR ABBY: We have a child who was adopted through a closed adoption. We met the birth parents briefly at the hospital, but they wanted no further contact. Both birth parents had issues with drug abuse, and our daughter was born with drug issues, too. A few years later we were contacted via the adoption agency by the paternal birth grandparents. They requested some photos because the birth father was getting out of jail and they thought the photos would help keep him out of trouble. We sent a nice collection of photos and an update on our child. The next year, the birth grandparents sent a letter saying they would like more contact, including visits. They provided us with their names and contact info. The birth father, who now is back in jail, never contacted us and, as far as we know, does not want any contact. The adoption agency says they will pass on information between us, but
DEAR ABBY Advice
doesn’t have any advice on what we should do. Our daughter is 6 and has expressed interest in her birth family. My husband wants no contact with the birth grandparents since neither of the birth parents consented to contact and it was a closed adoption. He is also concerned that our other adopted children may be hurt and jealous since they can’t have contact with their birth parents for various reasons. I am worried our daughter will be upset when she grows up that we never established a relationship with her birth family, but I really don’t want to be involved with a family with such complex drug and legal issues. We have
Obituaries James L. Burson James L. Burson, 67, of Dadeville Al. passed away May 6, 2016 at a hunting lodge in Chandron, Nebraska. Mr. Burson was preceded in death by his parents: Lavell Burson and Nettie Linch Burson. The family will receive friends Sunday, May 15 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Dadeville First United Methodist Church. The funeral will be held Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Dadeville First United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Brown officiating. Mr. Burson is survived by his wife: Robin Burson, one sister: Jo (Terry) Teed, five children: Angie (Matt) White, Chris (Dale) Fields, Lance Burson,Karie Moseley, Danny (April) Small, ten grandchildren: Wiley White, Brennan White, Tal Fields, Tori Fields, Kaedyn Burson, Justin Moseley, Ashley Moseley, Alison Small, Bailey Skinner and Clayton Oliver, one great-grandchild: Parker Holley and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. Colonel James L. Burson enlisted as a Private in the Alabama Army National Guard in 1970. He graduated and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant from the
a large extended family, and our daughter sees her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins all the time. Should we start a relationship with her birth grandparents? -- UNCERTAIN DOWN SOUTH DEAR UNCERTAIN: I agree with your husband, for all of the reasons you mentioned. Your daughter’s birth parents made their wishes clear from the outset. You wouldn’t be in this bind if you had respected them. Because your daughter’s birth parents are addicts, it is very important for her to understand that she may have a genetic tendency toward addiction herself. If she would like to locate her birth family when she is an adult, tell her you will help her then. But prepare her in advance so she will know what she’s in for. DEAR ABBY: I’ve never seen this question in your column. A female co-worker of mine wears a wig, and it’s getting pretty scruffy. No one acknowledges
Alabama Military Academy, Class 16 in 1972. In June of 2002 he retired with more than 32 years of military service with the Alabama National Guard and the United States Army. During his distinguished career, Colonel Burson served in many and various command and staff positions Burson including assignment as the Commander of the 167th Infantry (4th Alabama) Battalion, as well as tours of duty at the Alabama Military Academy, 31st Armored Brigade, Assistant Professor of Military Science, Auburn University, 62nd Troop Command and Alabama National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. Colonel Burson is a graduate of the United States Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, PA, the Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army Armor Officer Basic Course, and the U.S. Army Infantry Officer Advance Course. His branch qualifications include Infantry and Armored Cavalry. Among his many decorations and awards, he is the recipient of the Legion of Merit, The Meritorious Service Medal,
her hairpiece, yet we all know she wears one. If it were me, I would want someone to tell me it’s time for a shampoo (or replacement?). When it was new, it was lovely. She’s a wonderful person, and we don’t want to embarrass her. Should we say something, or is it none of our business? Your thoughts? -- WORKING WOMAN DEAR WORKING WOMAN: There is no way to diplomatically tell a person wearing a hairpiece that she (or he) is fooling no one or that it’s looking ratty. If you do, it will cause embarrassment, or worse, hurt feelings. So resist the urge unless the woman asks for your opinion. 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.
Expert Infantry Badge, and the Order of Saint Maurice, Patron Saint of the United States Infantry. During his 36 years in education Coach Burson served as a Special Education Instructor at Dadeville High School as well as Principal of the Dadeville Annex Alternative School. Coach Burson also served as Assistant Principal at Horseshoe Bend School as Assistant Principal at Edward Bell. Jim was also known fondly as “Coach” or “Colonel” but most importantly “Pawpaw” and most recently “G-Paw”. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was very involved and made sure they knew how to fish and drive a truck. He had many adventures as a hunting guide. He traveled the country, even other countries, on hunts for deer and his favorite hunt was for turkey. Many precious moments of his life were spent in the woods. We rejoice that he passed in his sleep after killing what he called “the biggest and most beautiful Merriam’s turkey he had ever seen.” Alabama Funeral Homes of Dadeville Al. is handling arrangements.
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A fitting farewell A one-of-a-kind funeral procession was held in memory of Rob McKelvey Wednesday in Eagle Creek. McKelvey’s last ride came in a horse-drawn wagon, followed by nearly 100 four-wheelers as those taking part recalled his sense of humor and love of the outdoors. McKelvey, 51, died Monday after a courageous battle with cancer.
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The Outlook
Shaw
continued from page 1
After the specially called work session had adjourned due to the loss of control, Shaw rushed around the table towards Goss as he stood up. Shaw then punched Goss in the side of the face and landed another punch as Goss retreated and started defending himself, throwing punches back at the mayor. Others, including the mayor’s wife, appeared to join in the rush towards Goss. City employees and others gathered at the meeting worked to break it up. Alexander City Police Chief Willie Robinson grabbed Goss and restrained him while a second officer had to use a headlock to pull Shaw away. Goss swore out warrants at the office of the Tallapoosa County Circuit Court Clerk at the Alexander City Courthouse Annex. Goss said he was told that the charges needed to be filed in circuit court because Alexander City Police Chief Willie Robinson and the city’s court clerk were both witnesses to the altercation. Shaw said in a written statement released on social media that Goss had “cussed” his wife, prompting his action.
The arrest warrants filed in the circuit court clerk’s office claim that Shaw punched Goss at least twice and, in addition to injuries to his face, Goss reported that his glasses were broken in the altercation. The complaint filed by Goss against Lavern Shaw alleges that she kicked the councilman in the ankles while Goss was being restrained by Chief Robinson. The altercation was captured on the body camera of a police officer working security during the meeting. The Outlook requested a copy or to view the video, but City Attorney Larkin Radney denied the request, citing an ongoing investigation. Third-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor and is defined as “a person commits the crime of assault in the third degree if: with intent to cause physical injury to another person, he causes physical injury to any person; or, 2. He recklessly causes physical injury to another person.” If found guilty, a person can face up to one year in jail and a fine up to $6,000, in addition to any court costs.
Hunger
continued from page 1
is to leave the bags containing the donations near their mailboxes. Just leave them in a place where the letter carriers can see them and they will do the rest.” Non-perishable food items including cereal, pasta, pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals (such as soups, chili and pasta), 100% juice, peanut butter, macaroni & cheese, canned protein (tuna, chicken and turkey), and beans (canned or dry). Food collected on the Alexander City routes will go to the Salvation Army and the Christian Crisis Center for distribution. Both organizations are qualified agencies of the Food Bank of East Alabama, a non-profit distribution center working to feed hungry people. The Food Bank is committed to distributing donated and purchased food through more than 190 agencies such as soup kitchens, shelters and emergency food pantries. Each month, more than 23,000 people in a seven-county east Alabama area rely on the Food Bank for assistance. In a released statement, NALC President Fredric Rolando said this is another example of how letter carriers stay in touch with the community they serve.
“Letter carriers touch every residential and business address in this country at least six days a week,” Rolando said in a press release. “Our continued effort in the fight against hunger — often in our own neighborhoods — has made us all too familiar with the staggering numbers of people in need.” The availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food, or the ability to acquire such food, is limited or uncertain for 1 in 6 Americans and 1 in 4 Alabamians, many of whom are in households with at least one person working. “So our goal is to help restock community food banks, pantries and shelters for needy families throughout the summer,” Rolando said, “and to build upon the millions of pounds of non-perishable food collected since 1992 from millions of generous postal customers.” Last year’s drive collected approximately 71 million pounds of non-perishable food that was left in bags next to postal customers’ mailboxes. It was the 12th consecutive year that letter carriers have collected more than 70 million pounds of food, and it brought the drive’s grand total to more than 1.4 billion pounds of food collected.
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Consolidation packages are not compromised, it is my decision to push back the implementation of this consolidation plan. We will immediately begin working with regulatory bodies and accreditors to establish an agreed-upon schedule to accomplish the consolidation in 2017. “The new timeline will allow us to work with ACHE to satisfy their requirements and continue our work with the legislature to pass Board legislation essential to the success of our full consolidation plan. Most importantly, this new timeline will allow us to make this process as smooth as possible for those whom we serve: our students.” Ironically, a SACSCOC on-site review team was in the ACCS offices on Wednesday reviewing the substantive change in governance for Alabama’s community colleges that came about with the creation of the ACCS by Act. 2015-125 of the state legislature. At Wednesday’s meeting, Heinrich said that the delay did not mean a total reboot of the process. “We have a lot of the information we’ve already collected and the documents that we have in hand,” said Heinrich. “Some will require some revision because of date changes and such, but all of that information will play a key role as we move forward, so, no, this is not a complete reboot of the process.” For her part, Burrow thanked those who had worked so diligently in the consolidation process so far. “Interim presidents (Mark) Ellard (of Chattahoochee Valley), (Glenda) Colagross (of Southern Union) and I wish to extend our gratitude for the significant quality work completed thus far toward making the consolidation a success,” said Burrow, who has been tapped as president of the consolidated college. “This is an opportunity to add greater depth to our transition plan and ensure that our move to a new regional college is seamless. We look forward to continuing our work toward completion
Found Oxford said that in the process of rolling, the vehicle’s sunroof popped out and her 5-month-old Shepherd-Hound mix named Finn was ejected from the vehicle. After she was able to get free of the wreckage, she realized that Finn was gone. She and others had returned to look for the dog, but Tuesday someone suggested leaving some food, water and something that he would recognize in the area, saying that dogs often come back to the last place
continued from page 1
of the consolidation and additional details about the timeline will be forthcoming as soon as they are available.” Heinrich also said the delay would not affect Burrow’s status as the appointed president of the consolidated college and that she will continue to lead the process of the consolidation. Heinrich said legislation relating to the ACCS board is needed to “address five or six critical issues that were missing from the original legislation. For instance, it would allow our board to function like the boards at the University of Alabama or Auburn University. There are assets and liabilities that were under the State Board of Education that simply weren’t moved. There are some compensation-related issues that really will benefit our employees and there are some programming mechanisms that would allow us to streamline new programming to our students.” Perhaps the most essential effect of the legislation – which was introduced by Sen. Trip Pittman (R-Montrose) in the 2016 Legislative session, but was in conference committee when the session ended – is that it transfers all powers over the ACCS previously held by the Alabama State Board of Education to the ACCS trustees, meaning that the ACCS trustees’ approval - and not that of the State Board of Education - is required in issues related to the consolidation process. There are some who likely are pleased to see the sudden deliberation in a process that they deemed “hasty” and “accelerated.” In a March 15 letter to both ACHE and SACSCOC, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller wrote that the decision to consolidate the three schools was “hasty” and unmerited and that the chancellor and the ACCS board had “accelerated” the process so as to have it complete before the 2016-17 school year. Heinrich said Fuller’s contentions had no bearing on his decision to delay the consolidation process.
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they saw their owner. “I left his blanket and some food and water out there for him,” Oxford said. “Then I get the good news today. It was just incredible. “I can’t thank everyone in the area there who got involved. This would not have been possible without all of their help. I will never be able to thank everyone enough.”
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editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
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Page 4
Get
Outlook The
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Give those graduates a does of reality Delay of consolidation Involved
process is best for all
O
n Wednesday, we learned that Alabama Community College System Chancellor Mark Heinrich had decided to take the system’s foot off the gas with regard to the consolidation of Central Alabama, Chattahoochee Valley and Southern Union State community colleges. While citizens throughout east central Alabama are anxiously awaiting decisions on what the new college will be called and where it will be headquartered, to take a breath in this process is probably a good thing. Perhaps most important among the reasons to delay the process is the need to pass legislation to move all of the authority over the community college system from the state Board of Education to the ACCS trustees. The legislation that would do so was introduced by Baldwin County lawmaker Trip Pittman in the just-completed legislative session, but was in conference committee when the session’s clock ran out. Also, while Heinrich denies it, he may have considered in his decision to delay the process Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller’s contentions of haste and acceleration in the process. Fuller wrote the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges that the decision to consolidate at all was “hasty” and that the process had been “accelerated” to ensure its completion prior to the coming school year. Regardless of his reasons, we feel Heinrich’s decision to slow down is the right one. The process needs to be carried out in a deliberate manner that guarantees all the required boxes are checked off. When it’s done, no one should be able to question the result. Certainly, as citizens of Alexander City, we would be honored – and tickled pink – to be chosen as the central location for the new regional community college. Still, what we need more than anything is access to a regional college that offers the right programs for its students in a way that positions them for transfer to their desired four-year college or for a workforce that needs quality employees prepared to enter a world of work that is increasingly specialized and demanding. We agree with Heinrich in his decision. A deep breath will do us all good.
Know Your
Officials Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Charles Shaw
Bobby Tapley
Sherry Ellison-Simpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
Sherry Ellison Simpson
Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.
Bob Howard
Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.
RON HART Guest Columnist
class do not need me telling them they can do anything. They get it. The damage comes in pandering to the bottom half of the class, who are led to believe that: “Just be yourselves and the world is your oyster.” They then might respond, “Why trade school? I’m told I’m the best white rapper in Calhoun County.” That sort of coddling false confidence is why half of American workers are unhappy and disappointed when they have to work hard at something. They inevitably view themselves as “victims” (a.k.a. Democrats). Intuition tempts us to call this “compassion,” which is really feel-good lies fed to kids that take the onus off them and put the blame on others. It becomes a perpetual excuse. Boys go to work out of school and are blindsided by reality. They never know what hit them; it’s like marrying a Kardashian. Unrealistic expectations may be the reason suicide rates are up among middleage Americans, now outnumbering deaths from automobile accidents. Suicides among whites rose a staggering 40 percent from 1999-2010. This is the generation of ninth-place “participation” ribbon recipients who post a picture of the sandwich they had for lunch on Facebook. They confuse any effort with success, and their parents often don’t have the guts to let their kids face consequences. Students are victims of a giant fraud: the government-run education system that has molded them for 12 gullible years. Public schools are government-run; teachers are governmenthired; and government determines standards, pay,
Billy Ray Wall
James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-3299758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.
James Spann
Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
Tony Goss
curricula and graduation requirements. Government seeks to produce compliant citizens it can someday rule without much pushback. Smart, independent thinkers are not wanted. Blowing smoke up your graduation gown serves government well. The result is kids who are not prepared for life or for the workforce. Twenty million young “adults” ages 18-24 live with their parents. Most parents have child-proofed their homes, but millennials still get back in. Members of the Greatest Generation at age 19 were saving Europe from the Nazis and asking nothing in return. Now kids stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 27. Kids are voting for socialist Bernie Sanders in droves, scared to death they may have to pay for something someday. They have been conditioned to believe that hard work is for chumps. “Why work? The government or my parents will take care of me.” Kids watch reality TV shows like “The Deadliest Catch” and marvel at men who work hard every day. Few schools teach about the value of hard work, ingenuity, gumption and entrepreneurship. Those lessons are as rare as Donald Trump bumper stickers in the faculty parking lot. Teachers today spend more time helping students decide which bathroom they “most identify with” using, rather than which job they should prepare for in order to support a family. We need to start teaching the tenets of economics so kids will stop being tenants in their parents’ basements. Ron Hart, a libertarian op-ed humorist and awardwinning author, is a frequent guest on CNN. He can be contacted at Ron@ RonaldHart.com or @ RonaldHart on Twitter.
Stuttering – one of the great unknowns
M
Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
I
n yet another bad decision, an education administrator asked me to give a high school commencement speech. He must know that I write a column; he obviously hasn’t read it. When I questioned his judgment, the principal said, “Just give the kids some sound graduation advice.” I asked, “Should I tell them I hear the Monsanto plant is hiring?” “No,” said the educrat. “Encourage them. Tell them they can do anything.” “So I should lie? Have you seen most of these kids? They can’t do anything. Most think Shariah law is a daytime TV show hosted by a no-nonsense judge.” That’s the problem. Kids are getting pie-in-the-sky advice and, judging by obesity rates, they are also eating the pie. Should I turn into Maya Angelou and tell entitled kids – who graduated because of grade inflation, who think Mao Zedong, is the Asian equivalent of French kissing, who don’t read newspapers and who can’t find Syria on a map – that they can do anything? Or would a healthy dose of reality be preferable? Guess which one I am going with. Students should prepare for a job. Maybe, instead of taking a fifth field trip to the Trail of Tears site, do one to learn about real jobs in an area they might want. Let them attend more Take Your Children to Work days – unless their parents work in the adult movie business. That’d just be awkward. John Maloney is right about the misinformation we get as kids. Growing up, I really thought from watching cartoons that quicksand was going to be a bigger problem than it turned out to be. I was not prepared for real-life problems, like relatives who want to borrow money. The top 5 percent of students in that graduating
ay 9-13 is National Stuttering Awareness Week. Even though I do my best to bring awareness year round, this week is particularly fun for me. I try to make people aware in a fun and humorous way. I feel that people are more likely to retain the knowledge when they become aware in an entertaining manner. When I was a child, one of my favorite cartoon characters was Porky Pig. We had so much in common, with the two biggest common denominators being that we both stutter and neither one of us like to wear pants. My style of comedy transitioned over the years as more and more people thanked me for telling stories of our daily struggles. Additionally, friends and family of people who stutter would come up and thank me, too, because they had no idea what their loved one was going through. Many of us keep our pain tucked away in a dark place. Some of you are probably asking yourself, “What’s the big deal?” Like anything, it depends on its severity. If I’m the only person you know who stutters, then you know that it rarely bothers me, although my stutter has
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
picked up as of late, which is just fine with me. I embraced my stutter when I was in the 8th grade and never looked back. There are, however, some people who lack the confidence because they stutter on just about every word. I understand and can empathize with them. It’s important for them to know that they are not alone. Just imagine being super smart and highly capable but not landing a job, because you don’t interview well. Imagine not being able to order something from a menu, because you “couldn’t get it out.” Lastly, imagine not being able to say your child’s name. Stuttering is still one of the great unknowns. There are many old wives tales as to the causes of stuttering and just as many cures. Personally, I believe I was dropped on my mouth as a baby. There are several outstanding organizations out there for those who are seeking help, whether it be the person who stutters,
the parents, or speechlanguage pathologists. The ones that stand out to me are The Stuttering Foundation, The American Institute for Stuttering, and The National Stuttering Association. I’m most closely associated with the National Stuttering Association. Each year, there is an amazing conference with 800 of my closest stuttering friends. It’s a fourday conference, but for any other group, it would likely be 2 days. This year, it takes place in Atlanta from July 5-10. I always have a great time and come away from it feeling like a champ. You see, it’s not a pity party. If it was, I wouldn’t be a part of it. It’s empowerment, encouragement, enrichment, and entertainment. Personally, I’m glad I stutter. I’m glad I’m unique. I’m glad I embraced who I am, and I encourage you to do the same. Until next time, “Th-ThTh-That’s all, folks!” Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www. jodyfuller.com.
Today’s
Quote
“Nature is a mutable cloud which is always and never the same.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today’s
Scripture “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.’” – Psalm 5:11
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Daily Poll Wednesday Question: Are you hopeful that the governor will sign the bill allowing the city to vote on Sunday sales?
Yes - 44 No - 32
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Thursday, May 12, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Today is
May 12, 2016 Today’s Event PATH FINDERS: The next meet-
May 12-13
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
PASTORAL APPRECIATION: The Second Pastoral Appreciation honoring Elder Neverland Tuck of the Bread of Life Apostolic Church of Promise located on Highway 280 West, Kellyton ,Alabama will be held on May 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. nightly. For more information contact Prophetess Alisha Morris at 256-3298674 or Elder Beverly McKinney at 256-307-6509.
May 12 - May 28
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: I Hate Hamlet will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players May 12 - May 28. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
Rehabilitation Services
May 14
•Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
Need Insurance? Call me.
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
CLASS REUNION: Union Academy, Dadeville, AL, Senior Class of 1974 is hosting a School Reunion BBQ on Saturday, May 14, 2 p.m. until at University Station RV Park, Hwy 14, Auburn. All students, faculty, their families, and anyone associated with Union Academy are invited. Contact Eddie Hughes, 334257-3826, email hughesautoparts@ centurytel.net; Priscilla Hammonds, 334-283-2233, email steven505@ centurytel.net; Carolyn Hood, 334-3193434, email auburnhood@aol.com; or Genice Fuqua, 256-508-1768, email gfuquaret@gmail.com for more information. Assistance will be provided for those with mobility problems. CLAY SHOOT: The Alex City Kiwanis is once again sponsoring it’s annual Five-Stand Clay Shoot at Five Star Plantation. This year’s event will be Saturday, May 14th. Five person teams will compete against one another with each team getting 25 shots per person. Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Full five-man teams are $800, a half team is $400, and individual entry is $160. Entry deadline is Friday, May 6th. For more information or to register, please contact Dr. Matt Haines at mhaines@ sixthstreetbaptistchurch.com or call 256-794-3074. You can also contact through the Alexander City Kiwanis Facebook page. LAUREL CLASS OF 1969: Laurel High School Class of 1969 will have a
ing of PATH FINDERS will be on May 12 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. meeting Saturday, May 14, 10:30 a.m. to talk about the 50th year anniversary reunion. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Church is hosting a pancake breakfast May 14 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Cost is $6 a plate and consists of bacon and or sausage and pancakes. It is all you can eat dine in only. To go plates available. WOMENS RETREAT: Mt. Zion Baptist Church is hosting a women’s retreat May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be three amazing speakers with a salad luncheon. Bring your favorite salad to share and enjoy a day of fellowship.
May 15
GOSPEL SINGING: Goodwater Baptist Church is hosting a gospel singing May 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with lunch in between. Bring a covered dish. The Joyful Hearts will be performing and a love offering will be taken. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Holly Springs Baptist Church and Cemetery of Coosa County will host a homecoming May 15 at 10 a.m. with lunch after the service. Please join us if you have family buried in the cemetery or you used to go to church there. HOMECOMING: The Midway School Historical Association will be hosting homecoming May 15. Lunch will be at noon and singing afterwards. SOLIDARITY DAY: The New Adka Church is hosting Solidarity Day may 15 at 11 a.m.
May 16
PARENT NIGHT: Mamie’s Place Children’s Library is hosting parent night for the annual summer reading program May 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be registration for the summer reading program, door prizes, pizza and fun run information.
May 17
MEETING: The Artist Association of Central Alabama will meet May 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church.
May 18
MAY DAY: The Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s 50+ Club is hosting its 11th annual
Page 7
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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/.
Today’s Anniversaries
There are no anniversaries today.
Today’s Birthdays
Emily Lauderdale is celebrating her birthday today. May Day Celebration at Wind Creek State Park Wednesday, may 18 starting at 9 a.m. with an opening ceremony. There will be door prizes, bingo, music, boat rides, horseshoe tournament, rook and food. If you are bringing a group of 8 or more, please call in you count by May 13 at 256329-2910 Free and open to all of Tallapoosa County, just the $2 entrance fee at the park. For more information email corley. holt@alexandercityal.gov.
May 19
WINE TASTING: Emporium Wine is hosting a wine tasting May 19 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. John Mark Davis of Pinnacle Imports will have wines from the Pacific Northwest. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MEMORIAL: The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department and the Alexander City Police Department are hosting the 20th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial at the Alexander City Police Department May 19 at 11 a.m. Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill. In the event of bad weather, the ceremony will take place at the First Baptist Church.
May 20
AWARDS DAY: Coosa Central Middle School Awards Day for fifth through seventh grades will be May 20 at 9 a.m. The eighth grade promotion ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. DSC FUNDRAISER: The Dixie Sailing Club is hosting a $5,000 Drawdown at The Ridge Club May 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The proceeds will be used to promote the youth sailing program. There will be a silent auction, music, food and drinks. For tickets check the club’s website at www.dixiesailingclub.com.
May 21
PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Paddle for a Purpose May 21 at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees are $35 for the mile race and $45 for the 3 and 6 mile race. This event is part of the SUP the South race series. Non-racers are welcome to watch.
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256.234.2007 256.749.8804
ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 8
Thursday, May 12, 2016
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Benjamin Russell’s Humphrey signs with CACC By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Dadeville track and field finishes second at state By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
The Dadeville Tigers shined at last week’s track and field championships in Gulf Shores. The Dadeville boys finished second in the state with 82 points, while the boys 4x100-meter relay team won the state title in 4A with a time of 44.12 seconds. Dadeville Coach Irvin Cox said the Tigers were led by strong performances from its seniors at the state competition. “We had some great senior leadership from Ty Stone, Bobby Ponds, Josh Crayton and Isaiah Hicks. This year was Isaiah’s first year running track and he progressed throughout the season becoming a state champion as a member of our 4x100 meter relay team, which all of our seniors won,” Cox said. “We ended up scoring 82 points, four points shy of the state championship after UMS-Wright, which scored 86. It’s the most points we’ve scored in school history at the state meet.” For the girls, Dadeville’s DeShana Johnson finished third in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 48.09 seconds. Other highlights from state for Dadeville were Hicks finishing seventh in the 100-meter with a time of 11.44 seconds and fifth in the boys 200-meter with a time of 23.30 seconds. Qua Tucker finished second in the boys 200-meter with a time of 22.69 seconds and first in the boys 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.17 seconds. Stone finished sixth in the Boys 400-meter with a time of 51.98 seconds, Tonney Marbury finished fourth in the boys 110-meter hurdles with a time of 16.23 seconds, while Ponds finished fifth in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 16.25 seconds. Ponds finished fourth in the boys triple jump with a jump of 42 feet, 9.5 inches, while the Dadeville 4x400 team finished third with a time of three minutes, 32.21 seconds. With this being the first season after the departure of longtime coach and founder Sabrina Milligan, Cox said there was a strong foundation established. “This season was a bit of a breeze for us because Coach (Sabrina) Milligan, who had started the program way back in 2001, had built a strong foundation,” Cox said. “So Coach (Jeremy) Pickens and myself inherited the program. The kids pretty much knew already what to expect and what they were fighting for, which is a state championship. We had six meets this year, and five out of those six meets we placed second place or better.” Cox said the future is bright for the Tigers in track and field. “Moving forward, we have some great sophomores and juniors that are ready to step up and take the place of some of our outgoing seniors,” Cox said. “I just see great things for Dadeville High School Track and Field moving forward from this point. We’ve just got to plug in some missing pieces because we have to replace some key runners we’re losing after this year.”
Robert Hudson / Outlook File Photo
Reeltown’s Jalee King pitches during a game this season. Reeltown will compete in the Class 2A South Central Regional starting today against New Brockton at 1:30 p.m. in Troy.
Benjamin Russell’s Shelley Humphrey is staying close to home to continue her tennis career. Humphrey signed a tennis scholarship to Central Alabama Community College on Wednesday afternoon. Humphrey said she is excited to be a Lady Trojan. “It’s very special to me because I’ve been playing this sport since before ninth grade and my dad is really into it,” Humphrey said. “It’s just really exciting for all of the work to go toward something and I’m just really excited about the whole experience.” BRHS tennis coach Jesse Bouldin said he is happy to see Humphrey’s hard work pay off. “Shelley has been a phenomenal player and a great leader for our program this year,” Bouldin said. “I could not be more proud of her. She’s put the hard work into it and I’m glad she’s getting to experience the success because of that. I’m sure she’ll do great things at the college level.” Longtime BRHS tennis coach and teacher Wes Coleman, who re-started the CACC women’s tennis program this past season, said Humphrey’s work ethic makes her a great addition to the CACC program. “With being the high school tennis coach the last nine years I’ve watched Shelley do a lot of growing as a player over those years,” Coleman said. “She has a great work ethic and she works hard on and off the court. I’m also a teacher here (BRHS), so I see what she’s able to do all around. So, I’m very excited to have Shelley a part of the team.” Humphrey said joining CACC will make for an easy transition. “I’m a lot more comfortable than going off somewhere. I’m glad that I know coach and I’m close to my family,” Humphrey said. “So, it’s a better adjustment than starting off somewhere else.”
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Above, Benjamin Russell’s Shelley Humphrey, front center, signs a tennis scholarship to CACC. Also pictured are, back row from left, BRHS Athletics Director Pam Robinson, CACC Tennis Coach Wes Coleman, BRHS Tennis Coach Jesse Bouldin, BRHS Principal Anthony Wilkinson. Front row, far left, Shelley’s mother, Sharon Humphrey, and, far right, Shelly’s father, James Humphrey.
She added her love for the game will help her to refine her skills at the next level. “I’m better at playing by myself than playing in doubles because I don’t like playing at the net, which is my one weakness,” Humphrey said. “But pretty much everything else is pretty strong. I love the game. It’s a friendly sport, it’s not as aggressive, you get to know your opponent, after the game you always shake hands. It’s just a fun sport.” Coleman said he expects Humphrey to become a great leader for the program. “I think she’s going to bring a lot to us. She already knows what I expect, so that’s a benefit,” Coleman said. “I expect her to come in and be a good leader. I’m just really excited. I try to put as much emphasis as I can to get a lot of players from around our area. The more players I can get on my team from this area, the better it is.” Humphrey said she is thankful for all
of the support she has gotten along the way. “I definitely want to thank my parents, especially my dad, and Coach (Tony) Franklin, who I started off with learning lessons, and Coach Coleman,” Humphrey said.
Cougars building experience through spring By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
With spring practices in full swing, the Central-Coosa Cougars are looking to wrap up workouts on a high note. The Cougars will travel to Jacksonville State University on Monday for the Gridiron Challenge where they will face off against Southeastern and Spring Garden. Central Coach Barry Simmons said spring practices have gone well and that Coosa is preparing for its scrimmage against a pair of different opponents. “Everything overall is going really well. We started last Monday and practiced all last week,” Simmons said. “Friday will be kind of our walkthrough day. We’re heading to Jacksonville State on Monday. We’ll play Southeastern at 4:30 p.m. and Spring Garden at 5:10 p.m. It gets the kids excited, especially going into JSU, and going into our summer program.” So far, Simmons said the Cougars have about 30 players participating and the main focus has been teaching younger players the offensive and defensive schemes. “We’ve got about 30 to 35, which is about what we had last year. We’d like to have better numbers, but it is what it is,” Simmons said. “We’ve got plenty of players, we’ve just got a lot of new faces and have a lot of learning to do this spring to fill the void of that last senior class.” Simmons said the coaches are evaluating to get Coosa where it needs to be going into summer workouts. “During spring, it’s a lot of learning. The kids that haven’t played a lot, haven’t played before or haven’t played in a while, it’s about getting them out and having them learn the system,” Simmons said. “We’re trying to get our depth chart set going into the summer and get an idea of what we have going into the summer and the things we need to work on going into the summer and even into the fall practice. We’ll have an idea coming out of spring who might be our starters. We’ll have an idea what we need to teach, hone in on and work on in the summer.” As Simmons joined Coosa after spring
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
At top, Central-Coosa’s Tyus Evans, center, hands off the ball during practice on Wednesday afternoon. Bottom left, Central-Coosa Coach Barry Simmons looks on as players run through drills. Bottom right, Central-Coosa’s Tajh Robbins goes through drills at Wednesday’s practices.
practices had concluded last season, this year is his first spring with the Cougars. He said being with Coosa for the spring gives him more time getting to know the players and organizing summer workouts. “Getting to know the kids. Last year when I came in it was in the summer and I hadn’t met any of the kids before the summer and it was calling them to get them
up there for summer workouts,” Simmons said. “It’s a lot different being here all year long, getting to know the kids and getting to know their personalities and what they can do and knowing who can go where. The spring is also an evaluation process for us that gives us a clear idea of what we have and it gives us an extra two weeks to teach.”