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Council OKs land purchase for landfill
One dead, one under arrest in Goodwater shooting
By MITCH SNEED Editor
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
A man was shot and killed in shooting Saturday night in Goodwater and authorities say they have arrested the man they believe is responsible. Goodwater Police Chief Gerald Whetstone said officers were called to McElrath investigate reports of gunfire in the 200 block of Line Street in Goodwater at 8:33 p.m. Saturday evening. When officers arrived, they found 26-year-old Anthony Tyrone Greene injured, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the chest. According to Whetstone, Greene was rushed from the scene at 8:38 p.m. to Russell Medical, where staff began treatment. “We put out a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) for a maroon Oldsmobile Cutlass based on information that we received from two witnesses who were at the scene,” Whetstone said. “At 9:55 p.m., we received a call from the Alexander City Police Department who had stopped the Cutlass at the Allen’s Food Mart at the corner of U.S. Highway 280 and Highway 63. I arrived on the scene there at 10:06 and took Memphis Bernard McElrath Jr. into See MURDER • Page 3
City Engineer Gerard Brewer explains details of the proposed land deal that would allow the city to expand its inert landfill.
The thought of not having an operational inert landfill in Alexander City isn’t something that the city council wants to enter into conversation. So the Alexander City City Council took steps to begin a long process
of expanding the current facility. The council voted 6-0 Monday night to approve two separate items that would start the ball rolling on acquisition and testing about 140 acres adjacent to the current facility off North Central Avenue. Alexander City Public Works Director and City
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
A crew from Gary Ingram Paving and Grading lays asphalt on two lanes of Lee Street Monday. Plans are to shift traffic to these lanes Wednesday and begin work on the other side at that time.
ROADWAY RENEWAL Lee Street project reaches milestone as paving begins By MITCH SNEED Editor
Reconstruction of Lee Street reached a milestone Monday morning as crews began laying asphalt on two lanes of the new road base Jeffrey Harte of Gary Ingram Paving and Grading of Dadeville, said that this process will likely take about three days, then make way for another phase. “What you see happening now is one of what will eventually be three layers of asphalt that will be put in place,” Harte said.
Members of the local organization PATH, or Prosperity Again Through Health, will meet with Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Health Care Improvement Task Force on Wednesday afternoon. PATH’s meeting in Montgomery is looking to gain support to move forward a project setting Alexander City up as a pilot case for the feasibility of making Alabama a Blue Zone state. “We’ve been working on this for over a year now,” said PATH President Ella MacFiggen. “We’re excited to be having this meeting.” Blue Zone is a community-wide initiative designed to increase the health of that locale, according to MacFiggen. Currently, approximately 40 cities and 5 states across the country have taken
steps to become Blue Zones. Several years ago, Dr. Will Ferniany, the CEO of the UAB Health System attempted to start a Blue Zone initiative in Birmingham, but was unsuccessful, MacFiggen explained. During Wednesday’s meeting, he will be joining the delegation from PATH in speaking to Governor Ivey and the task force. The plan to push for the Alexander City and Lake Martin area being a pilot project for the Blue Zone initiative to go state-wide began in November 2016. A questionnaire was distributed to the attendees of a meeting about Blue Zone. When the results were tabulated, 90 percent of Alexander City’s leaders agreed that something needed to be done, MacFiggen said. See PATH • Page 3
“The plans are to get these first two layers down and then traffic will be shifted to these newly paved lanes and the same process you have seen on this side will begin on the other two lanes.” Harte said that on the lanes where traffic is currently, plans are to go ahead and put all three layers of asphalt down and then shift traffic one more time to complete the top layer on the other side.” The work is funded through the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and See ROAD • Page 3
Low
Between midnight and 1 a.m. Saturday morning, a house on Lashley Road in New Site was completely destroyed in a fire. “Nobody was at home when the house caught fire and there were no injuries,” said New Site Police Chief Philip Weddle. As of Monday morning, the fire was under investigation by both New Site officials and the Alabama State Fire Marshal, according to Weddle. No further details were available. See FIRE • Page 3
Regina Dawn Thomas / Submitted
A home on Lashley Road in New Site was completely destroyed by fire early Saturday morning.
Memorial service for fallen officers to be held Wednesday By MITCH SNEED Editor
File / The Outlook
Tallapoosa County Sheriff Department Deputy Chief David McMichael plays Taps at last year’s memorial service.
Those who gave their lives in the service of Tallapoosa County residents will be honored Wednesday during the 21st Annual Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial. The memorial, which is a joint effort by the Alexander City Police and Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Departments, will begin at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 17 outside the Alexander City Police Department Headquarters. “Each year in May we hold this event to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Alexander City Police Department Capt. James Orr said. “Every day, law enforcement officers come to work and never know what danger they may face. So to stop and honor those who lost their lives helping keep our communities safe is See MEMORIAL• Page 3
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Engineer Gerard Brewer told the council that the land would be ideal due to the location if the multitiered testing process proves it to be suitable. “We have about three and a half to four years left in the current facility,” Brewer said. “It takes
Family home destroyed by fire in New Site
PATH to pitch Blue Zone to Ivey
Today’s
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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 Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com
Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Tabby Edwards Retail Sales Manager, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com
DEAR ABBY: As the only income earner in our household of five, I work long hours. Sometimes I would enjoy talking about my day with my wife of 18 years. While she has no problem staying awake to watch TV or going out with her friends on the weekend, she usually falls asleep right in the middle of what I’m saying. It also happens in the car while I’m driving. Contrast this to a recent trip she took with her friends where they talked and yucked it up for five hours straight. No matter how tired I am at the end of a long work week, I will do everything in my power to stay awake if there’s something she needs to talk about. I can’t figure out why she’s not doing the same for me. When I tell her it hurts my feelings that she doesn’t think I’m important enough to make the effort to stay awake, or at least tell me she’s too tired to talk, I get criticized for not being sympathetic to how tired she is. At first I thought it was true. But
DEAR ABBY Advice
now I think her behavior is selfcentered. Am I crazy to think this way? -- UNHEARD IN ILLINOIS DEAR UNHEARD: You’re not crazy. You seem perfectly rational to me. What your wife is doing when you try to tell her that you are hurt is accuse you of doing exactly what she has been doing. To prevent your anger from building over this, discuss it with her when she’s wide awake -- in a marriage counselor’s office, if necessary. Please do it before you encounter a lady who IS sympathetic and willing to listen, because there are plenty of them out there. DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have had two big dogs for several years. In general, they
are well-behaved, but they have a lot of energy. I have two kids and limited free time, and my husband no longer walks them. I refuse to do it because the dogs are very strong. They have knocked me over on a couple of occasions. Because the dogs have no release, we have come home several times to find they have destroyed one thing or another in the house (chewed up walls, furniture, carpet). I suggested dog training and/ or a dog walker, but my husband refuses and promises to start walking them again (which usually lasts a couple of weeks, at most). He was raised to believe that dogs are part of the family, while I was not, so when I suggest that we “rehome” the dogs to someone who can devote more time to them, he won’t consider it, saying he could never do that to a family member. I’m at my wit’s end. The situation is affecting our marriage in a number of ways. Any advice you can offer would be greatly appre-
Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
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Obituaries Louise Bishop Washburn Louise Bishop Washburn, age 87, passed away peacefully in Dadeville, Alabama on May 12, 2017. She is preceded in death by husband H. Roy “Skeeter” Washburn Jr, parents, and eight siblings. She is survived by daughter Nancy Kolen (Mike), son H.R. “Chipper” Washburn III (Marcia), daughter Jennifer “Jenny” Moeller (Chet), son Johnny Washburn (Jennifer), grandchildren Kelly Kolen Morris (Duncan), Aimee Washburn Comer (Heith), John Kolen, H. Roy Washburn IV (Inge), Rachel Moeller Harrison (Brian), Trey Moeller, Will Washburn, Henry Washburn, Emily Washburn, twenty greatgrandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Louise was loved by many and was a talented cook, as many will miss her cakes, divinity, and famous cheese straws. She will be sorely missed by all that knew her. The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church, Dadeville on Tuesday, May 16th from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Dadeville City Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Langley Funeral Home.
Mrs. Claudine K. Jones Mrs. Claudine K. Jones 77 of Alexander City, AL (formerly of Hissop, AL) died on Sunday, May 14, 2017 at Chapman Healthcare Center., Alexander City, AL Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services.
Council
continued from page 1
about three years or so to get through the approval process. We are back against the wall now. That’s where we are at. “The thing about this property, is that to close the existing facility, we will be able to use dirt from the new site to fill in the existing facility and close it down. That makes it even more attractive in a cost-effective sense.” Brewer said that they have looked at the property and the concern over concentration of rock in some adjacent parcels does not seem to be a big concern on this land. The vote to allow Mayor Jim Nabors to enter into an agreement only comes with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Should the land be found unfit, that is all the city stands to lose. If the site is found suitable and the city purchases the land, it will cost $1,400 per acre under the agreement. The owners of the property are McGill Timber Company who holds 40 acres, while Clay Service Corporation owns about 100 acres that was planned to be Westfield
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
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Subdivision. The council also approved having a public hearing on the matter on June 19 before the regularly scheduled council meeting. In a another move that is designed to update and improve the Adams Water Filtration Plant, the council approved a $156,000 payment to CH2M to handle engineering, design, bid and construction oversight on a project that is estimated at $1 million. The project would replace outdated and damaged equipment and take the filtration process from using caustic chemicals to a liquid lime process. At its last meeting, the council voted to hold a public hearing on the closure of the Bibb Street rail crossing before Monday’s meeting. But due to legal requirements that call for such hearings to be advertised for four consecutive weeks, the meeting was postponed until June 19, so that proper legal notice can be given. The council also voted unanimously to make July 3 a paid holiday for city employees this year. July 4 falls on a Tuesday. The
This month The Outlook will publish senior photos for the local graduating classes. We will include graduate photos and your special message on or near the graduation pages. Benjamin Russell - May 26th • Horseshoe Bend - May 24th Central High School Coosa County - May 30th
Congrats! We are so proud of you! Always believe in yourself and dream big. We Love You!! Mom, Dad & Sissy
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thought was to give employees the added day rather than starting and stopping a work week. The council also approved by votes of 6-0: • A resolution awarding a bid for a 30-lnch Sewer Cleaning Project to Smith Industrial Services of Mobile in the amount of $124,500. • A resolution appointing City Clerk Amanda Thomas as representative to serve on the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority Election Committee. • A resolution allowing the purchase of a top dresser and 200-gallon tank for the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department from Jerry Pate Turf and Irrigation for the price of $47,649. • A request to Alabama Power for a streetlight and pole at 590 Lake Ridge Drive. • A request to reschedule July’s regular council meetings. The first meeting will be held July 10 and the second will be held on July 24. This was done to keep two-week intervals and allow for the July 4 Holiday.
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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.
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ciated. -- LOTS OF ENERGY IN CALIFORNIA DEAR LOTS OF ENERGY: Gladly. Enlist your husband’s help once again in walking those “family members” and suggest he take the kids along. They might enjoy the “family” outing, and it would give you some time to yourself. Your reason for not doing it is valid. You should not risk physical injury. When he stops walking the dogs again in a few weeks -- as he will -- hire the dog walker. If he objects, ask him which is more expensive, this or fixing the damage the dogs invariably cause when they haven’t had enough exercise to tire them out. I’m sure he will see your reasoning.
The council voted unanimously, including Scott Hardy, Eric Brown and Tommy Spraggins, shown at left, to give city employees an added paid holiday on Monday, July 3. July 4 falls on a Tuesday this year.
Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Kenneth Boone The Outlook is published five times Photography and a week, Tuesday through Saturday a commercial web mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
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How to Submit Obituaries Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@ alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
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Memorial something that we all take very seriously.” The special guest speaker for the event will be Dale County Sheriff Wally Olsen who is currently serving as 2017 President of the Alabama Sheriff’s Association. The memorial service was created mainly to honor law enforcement personnel in Tallapoosa County who were killed in the line of duty. To date, seven officers in Tallapoosa County have been killed on the job, two of which were Alexander City Police officers. The last officer killed in the county was in 1992. “This is always a event that allows us to pause and remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty,” Sheriff Jimmy Abbett said. “We would like to invite the public to come out and help us pay tribute to these fallen law enforce-
continued from page 1
ment officers.” To honor their fallen comrades, officers from departments in Tallapoosa County will call out each of the seven officers’ names and when they were killed. The event will also feature a 21-gun salute by the ACPD Honor Guard, bagpipes and a rendition of taps. Though the memorial was created to honor Tallapoosa County’s fallen, it gives officers a chance to show respect for those who died across the nation as well. The event is being held in conjunction with National Police Week, which was created in 1962. Tuesday is National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day and will be celebrated in Washington, D.C. Law enforcement personnel from outside Tallapoosa County are expected to attend Thursday’s
memorial service alongside those from the area. Many relatives of the fallen attend the memorial as well. The names of those who have lost their lives will also be read before a moment of silence. The local fallen are: Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Kyle Young, who died on April 13, 1952; Camp Hill Officer Larry Neal Stone, who died Dec. 20, 1968; Camp Hill Officer Roland Hicks Jr., who died Aug. 10, 1969; Alexander City Officer Clarence Oden Martin, who died Jan. 6, 1976; Alexander City Officer Reuben Milam, who died July 4, 1976; Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Leonard Brand, who died May 25, 1986; and Tallassee Police Department Officer Angeline Scruggs, who died on Nov. 11, 1992.
Fire
Murder
The American Red Cross was on the scene immediately after the blaze, ready to assist the family. “We went and assisted the family, giving them some financial aid and helping them get into a motel room,” local Red Cross Disaster Action Team Leader Ken Cowart said. When events like this occur, there are a lot of criteria points that must be met in order to determine how much assistance the Red Cross can provide, Cowart said. Depending on the situation, they can also refer them to other organizations for further aid, he added. “If the public wants to help, they can donate to the Red Cross, and their money will go to the disaster fund,” Cowart said. While the Red Cross does not take donations of clothes and other such items, he explained that the Salvation Army and the Tallapoosa Christian Crisis Center would be happy to receive such donations. “We appreciate any and all help,” Cowart said.
custody.” Whetstone said that McElrath, who is listed as a Dadeville resident, was originally charged with attempted murder because at the time Greene was still clinging to life. He died a short time later at Russell Medical and the charges were upgraded to murder, Whetstone said. It was unclear what the motive may have been for the shooting, but the two men were known to each other. Whetstone said that the investigation remains active and that more details will be released as the probe progresses. McElrath remained in the Coosa County Jail Monday morning with bond set at $100,000. Whetstone thanked all the responding agencies that helped in the investigation. “An incident like this is tragic,” McElrath. “But I’d like to thank all the investigators, the EMTs, our staff, the Alexander City Police and the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office who helped us throughout the process. It wouldn’t have been possible to have an arrest as quickly as we did without such complete cooperation.” Anyone with information on the case is asked to call 256-377-2211.
continued from page 1
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
A crew from Gary Ingram Paving and Grading lays asphalt on two lanes of Lee Street Monday. Plans are to shift traffic to these lanes Wednesday and begin work on the other side at that time.
Road
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Improvement Program. The project, which started March 31, is scheduled to take 80 working days, officials said. Also coming up is another project adjacent to Lee Street. Washington Street will be paved from the city limits to the rail crossing near the former Russell Corp. headquarters building.
PATH
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The Outlook
But rather than having the project end where the state money does, city officials are now planning to pave the remaining portion of the road all the way to the traffic light where North Central crosses Washington using the city’s funds form the half-cent sales tax called Alexander City Road Improvement Project or ACRIP.
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“We set out to buy in,” she said. “To continue to the next step of having a community assessment, we had to raise $25,000.” According to MacFiggen, Blue Cross Blue Shield has been a big supporter, awarding PATH an $8,000 grant to help reach their goal. To show how much backing the initiative has in the Lake Martin area, MacFiggen listed the organizations who have expressed their support, including the Alexander City and Dadeville Chambers of Commerce, the Tallapoosa County Commissioners and the United Way, among others. “This would be big for Alexander City. It’ll give the town a great boost,” MacFiggen said. The Alabama Health Care Improvement Task Force is an
advisory group to the governor, and was formed to work finding solutions to the state’s health issues, including the high rates of diabetes and obesity in Alabama, along with the inadequate health coverage in certain parts of the state. With cities and states all over the country wanting to set themselves up as Blue Zones, Alexander City and the state of Alabama as a whole would join a growing group of places looking to improve the length and quality of life in their respective areas. “Our plan is to make the Lake Martin area the healthiest in the state,” MacFiggen said. “We feel that health equals prosperity, because when people are healthier, they don’t have to miss work for health reasons and healthcare costs go down.”
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Outlook The
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Our
Opinion
Nursing homes are a vital part of the community
M
oving a loved one into a nursing home is one of life’s turning points – both for the family and the individual. There is no real pleasure in it for anyone. It can be traumatic and painful. Against this backdrop, communities all over the nation are celebrating National Nursing Home Week and all that a nursing home can mean for a family and the mom, dad, brother or sister who will be the future resident. The finest nursing homes do their best to minimize the trauma and lessen the pain of loss, both emotionally and financially. They treat family and soon-tobe-residents as people, not just as numbers on checks. The finest nursing homes rehabilitate as well as offer residence. Many, including those in our community, offer superb rehabilitative care. They get their elderly clients up and about and they assist the not so elderly clients to be independent regardless of the battles they face. The finest nursing homes provide exactly what the name implies – a home to those who need special care and attention. They are warm, friendly places with excellent staffs and medical care. They can offer treatment in ways that no other places can and they allow residents to live out their remaining years with the dignity, respect and care they deserve. Tallapoosa County has one of the highest concentrations of nursing home beds in the state per capita, which means there is a tremendous demand here. This week we have been alerted to many activities planned to celebrate this week at nursing homes and rehabilitation centers in the Lake Martin Community. From beauty pageants, to special dinners, to activities that highlight the good work being done by dedicated professionals who provide care, we have seen clients with big smiles as they were treated to activities that stimulate the mind, heart and soul. What we have learned is that we have the finest nursing homes and rehabilitation centers anywhere right here in our own backyard. So during National Nursing Home Week, we salute those in our area who provide this special kind of care.
Know Your
Officials 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 Kay Ivey represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. She was sworn in to office on April 10, 2017 and can be reached at 334242-7100. Her office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Kay Ivey
An open letter to Gov. Ivey on education
Today’s
Governor Ivey: Just a month ago the Alabama political landscape was turned upside down and you suddenly found yourself moving from the State House to the Governor’s office. I have been praying that you meet each new day with clarity of purpose and resolve to make lives better. You are carefully weighing appointments made by Governor Bentley and putting your own team in place. Our state department of education should be a top priority. Governor, there is no other way to say it–we are in a mess. A situation created in large measure by Governor Bentley. While he talked about his support for public education, his actions betrayed his words. You don’t sign bills into law creating a needless A-F school grading system, huge tax breaks for business under the guise of helping failing schools and charter school legislation and support public schools. You don’t vote to hire a state superintendent who lacks the credentials to be a teacher, principal or local superintendent in Alabama. So when Governor Bentley showed his true colors by declaring that Alabama “education sucks,” why was anyone surprised? Just as they should not have been surprised that Mike Sentance did not defend our schools. Governor, more than 50 years ago we were two college kids from rural Alabama at Auburn University. And I have to believe we were both there because of our backgrounds and that we knew we would be among many kindred spirits.
“The opinion which other people have of you is their problem, not yours.” – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
LARRY LEE Guest Columnist
People from Leroy (Billy Powell); Beatrice (Phil Hardie); Ashland (Lee Sentell); Grove Hill (Jerry Brown); Opp (Bobby Wiggins) and Florala (Jim Yeaman). We have “skin in the game.” Places like Pine Hill, Sunny South and Pineapple are not names on a map. They are places we know. When they hurt, we hurt. Mike Sentance cannot relate. Which is why he did not defend our educators when Robert Bentley attacked them. Which is why he has been quick to denigrate our teachers and our universities. His eight month tenure has been one blunder after another. He released a grad rate report to the world that was full of errors and did not show local systems the courtesy of advance warning. He decided the principals of Montgomery’s 27 weakest schools would get a 10 percent raise, while ignoring the principals of top-performing schools. He spent more than $500,000 to hire consultants from Massachusetts from a company he once was involved with. He spent $750,000 on a no-bid contract to hire a CFO for Montgomery when retired and tried and true CFOs were available for a fraction of the cost. It is no surprise educators in Alabama have little confidence
in him. Governor, long ago an inner voice directed you to work with young people. Auburn trained you to be a teacher and you became one. Your work with Girl’s State for many years is testimony to this early calling. Ninety percent of all the school kids in Alabama attend public schools. They need you. They need a clear VOICE to speak out for them. They need someone who understands the challenges they face and will lift them up, not tear them down. Our teachers need someone who has walked in their shoes and appreciates their efforts. You are now chair of the state school board. You are the first-ever teacher to occupy this position. You impressed the education community when you spoke at the first board meeting after you took office. For the first time in forever, they saw a ray of hope. And for the sake of those youngsters who stand beside a country road at 6:30 on a November morning waiting for the school bus to take them to a school that may be their only hope for a better tomorrow, we beg you for help. All of Alabama suffered because of Robert Bentley’s foolishness. It’s now time to lift this burden from the backs of our 730,000 public school students. Sincerely, Larry Lee Larry Lee is a public school advocate and co-author of the study, Lessons Learned From Rural Schools. He can be reached at Larrylee133@gmail. com.
Steve Marshall
Mark Tuggle (R) represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be Mark Tuggle reached by phone at 256392-2006 or by email at tughd81@gmail.com. His office is located at 110 Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected Tom Whatley to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Quote
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“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
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Letters to the Editor
Questions need to be answered on rail crossing closure
Dear Editor, This letter is in response to a story that appeared in the Outlook about the possible closure of the Bibb Street rail crossing in Alexander City: So $338,000 in railroad safety funds went to Vegas? Plugging the railroad crossing number for Bibb Street in Alexandria City ---Google shows we paid $338,000 for crossing upgrades there last year. WHERE ARE THE FUNDS? Closing railroad crossings does nothing for safety since the 920 vehicles a day that are using that crossing now are funneled to crossings that the trains don’t magically levitate at. Pedestrians who will still cross at the closed crossing being human nature to take the short-
est path die tripping over the no walking surface and no train horns. The winner here for the railroad is they make/ save $5,000 to $10,000 a year where the signals aren’t and the pedestrians fall into the dirty rotten trespasser stats the railroads hide behind hundreds of times a year. A real government, instead of having “We the People” bow to the railroads, would put slow orders with 10-car length trains on the railroads who worship the bottom line . Especially with three collisions in five years and being the 22nd most dangerous crossing in the state. Robert Pines Sullivan, Missouri
Reader thankful for lack of lunch shaming in Alex City
Steve Marshall was appointed Alabama’s 50th Attorney General. He was appointed in 2017 and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334-242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Dear Editor, The Alexander City School System makes me proud to be an American, when you put children first. People shouldn’t shame children putting stamps on their hands with notes like “I need lunch money.” God is going to punish the people that mistreat his chosen ones. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:22-25, do not rob the poor, God will plead their case and take the life of those that rob them. He also said don’t associate your self with an angry man or go with a hot tempered man. You will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself. And this is what is playing out all over the United States against the poor people. It is bad enough when parents can’t meet their bills because they put in the work but don’t get the pay but yet they call them lazy, but when you start letting children go hungry because they couldn’t pay that week, that heatfelt all over the world. The richest country in the world and we are not only mistreating parents, elderly but we are going after little children too. That is why we keep praying and stay prayed up because there is a day coming when “We the People” can believe again.
The poor are not going to stay down. God will raise them up and they will shine because we are standing on his promise. He will never leave nor forsake them. He said he will be with us until the end. God got the power, it’s power in his “word.” The word was the beginning and the word is the end. He said before my word fell all heaven and earth shall pass away. So people best not only hear God word he want you to be a doer unto his word. So stop the anger and get back on track and work for everyone. And to Alex City’s Rhonda Blythe by doing business in financial way giving parents chance to pay the child’s bill so they can get the child’s Chromebook back, the child still eating, so he can learn. I thank you for that. That said a lot about Alex City Schools’ Mrs. Blythe don’t stain your system like the ugliness going on in Denver and Pittsburgh. I hope this letter will be shared because this state needs a voice like Mrs. Blythe. Arlean Wyckoff Alexander City
The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
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We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 234-6550 or e-mailed to editor@ alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
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CELEBRATING THE ARMED FORCES
The Armed Forces are the brave men and women of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard who are celebrated each May with Armed Forces Week. These people deserve recognition for their contributions to our Nation and our freedom. Armed Forces Week begins on the second Saturday in May and leads up to Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May. The holiday ZDV ¿UVW FHOHEUDWHG RQ 6DWXUGD\ 0D\ DV SDUW RI D FDPSDLJQ WR XQLI\ WKH EUDQFKHV XQGHU WKLV VLQJOH GHSDUWPHQW 7KH ¿YH PLOLWDU\ EUDQFKHV RI WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV KDG DOO SUHYLRXVO\ FHOHEUDWHG GD\V KRQRULQJ WKHLU LQGLYLGXDO EUDQFK ,Q 3UHVLGHQW 7UXPDQ VLJQHG WKH 1DWLRQDO 6HFXULW\ $FW RI ZKLFK RUGHUHG WKH VHSDUDWH PLOLWDU\ EUDQFKHV WR FRRUGLQDWH WKHLU DFWLYLWLHV XQGHU RQH HQWLW\ WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 'HIHQVH 7KH ¿YH EUDQFKHV RI WKH $UPHG )RUFHV RU PLOLWDU\ ZRUN WRJHWKHU WR SURWHFW RXU &RXQWU\ DQG SHRSOH RI RWKHU QDWLRQV DV ZHOO 7KH $UP\ LV WKH EUDQFK RI WKH 8QLWHG States military that handles land-based military operations. The Air Force mans the skies. The Navy is responsible for military functions at sea, and the Coast Guard is responsible for protecting the 8QLWHG 6WDWHV¶ FRDVWV 7KH 0DULQH &RUS ZKLFK ZDV ¿UVW FUHDWHG WR SURYLGH 1DY\ YHVVHOV ZLWK ODQG soldiers, now has a wide variety of responsibilities. Many of these soldiers work in what we call The Special Forces. These are special units in the branches that carry out especially important and dangerous tasks. Hidden
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COLOR IT!
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E. This branch of the military handles all land-based military operations. $ ' % ( &
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Page 6
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CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Today is
May 16, 2017
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
The Outlook
Submit calendar items:
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 Birthdays
Beth Phillips, Tanya Hunnicutt,Roy Adair and Kendall Penwall are celebrating birthdays today.
The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care.
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org
haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com Submitted / The Outlook
Junior Leadership Lake Martin recently held graduation for the Class of 2016-2017. Graduates included Kenneth Abernathy, Dadeville; Rebecca Anderson, Horseshoe Bend; Seth Broom, Dadeville; Lance Chayka, Dadeville; Katelyn Cotton, Reeltown; Magdalene Daniel, Benjamin Russell; Lauren Grace Hall, Horseshoe Bend; Amaya Hatcher, Dadeville; Kayli Hornsby, Reeltown; Fred Hutcherson, Dadeville; Brianna Jones, Horseshoe Bend; Jackson Knight, Benjamin Russell; Hayley Marbury, Benjamin Russell; Abby Martin, Benjamin Russell; Mallori Miller, Reeltown; Deanie Motes, Reeltown; Cody Reynolds, Dadeville; Payton Reynolds, Benjamin Russell; Ali Richardson, Benjamin Russell; Hayden Solomon, Reeltown; Sam Stephenson, Dadeville; Ann Marie Waldrop, Benjamin Russell; ZaNyia Whitaker, Benjamin Russell; MatMonogramming onogramming Boutique outique Clothing Clothing thew Wilson, Horseshoe Bend; and Cade Worthy, Horseshoe Bend.
PRECIOUS MEMORIES
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Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing IN-HOME CARE SERVICES
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May 17
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL: The Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department and the Alexander City Police Department invite everyone to the 21st Annual Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial May 17 at 11 a.m. at the Alexander City Police Department. The keynote speaker will be Sheriff Wally Olsen, 2017 President of the Alabama Sheriff’s Association. Lunch will be served following the service. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the First Baptist Church. MEDICARE CLASS: The Adelia M. Russell Library is hosting a free Medicare Education class Wednesday, May 17 at 1 p.m. Learn the A, B, C and Ds of Medicare with Rick Durden and Ellie Saul. For more information call 256-3296796.
May 18
ARTS ASSOCIATION: The Artists Association of Central Alabama will travel to the Birmingham Museum May 18. There will be a car pool by meeting at the Sportplex Senior Center at 8 a.m. SPRING PROGRAM: Faith Christian Academy will present its 11th Annual Spring program on Thursday at 6:00 pm at Faith Temple. The 86-voice choir will present a musical,Heroes on the Home Front, under the direction of Mrs. Sandra Stark which honors the role of fathers and mothers. The program includes FCA’s Dance Troupe, biblical recitations, the Second Grade Handbell Choir, and drama. Mrs. Vickie Waters’ FCA art students will have an art exhibit, and Mrs. Angela Long’s fourth grade class will present a President’s display. The public is invited to attend.
May 20
COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Darian Missionary Baptist Church family and prayer team are offering prayer to the community May 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Laurel and E streets across from Stephens School. SPRING FESTIVAL: Union Volunteer Fire and Rescue (UVF&R) will host its 35th Annual Spring Festival on May 20th 2017 at Fire Station #1, 5171 Hwy 50 near Dadeville at Lake Martin. The Festival is the department’s premiere fundraiser and will feature a wide variety of arts and craft booths and household items for sale. The Festival will also present live local musician, “River Dan”, a Military Working Dog Demonstration, BBQ plates for sale, children’s games and other activities designed for the entire family. The keynote event is a cash raffle that has awarded thousands in cash prizes. Tickets are available for a $20 donation. For individuals interested in renting a booth, cost is only $10 for a 10x10 space. If you have questions, would like to rent a booth or obtain raffle tickets, please contact Kurt Pfitzner, Director, Community Outreach, UVF&R, at 334-233-9852. SCHOOL REUNION: Enitahatchabee Day-Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Association 2017 Reunion Saturday, May 20 at the Bibb Graves Community Center in Millerville, AL Registration begins at 9 a.m. (registration required for drawing of framed Donny Finley print to be given away).Trade Day Shops will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your family and friends, your smiles, your camera, and your expectations for a spectacular day featuring music, food and laughter. Tell former classmates to meet you there. There will be silent auction, cake walk, 50/50. Food available for purchase with hamburger steak or chicken finger plates, hamburgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks. Items available for purchase include Donny Finley prints, T-shirts, cookbooks, DVD’s including football, basketball and school days.
All alumni and friends are invited to come together to remember the good old days. COMMUNITY TRADE DAY: Fellowship Baptist Church at 1731 Buttson Road Dadvillle will be hosting a Community Trade Day May 20. There will be a 5k walk/run beginning at 7 a.m. and cost to enter is $25. Vendor booths will open at 9 a.m. To reserve a booth contact Pastor Clinton Branch at 256-794-3351. Fish plates will also be available. CLASS MEETING: There will be a class meeting for the Laurel High School Class of 1969 at the Cooper Recreation Center May 20 at 10 a.m.
May 21
BACCALAUREATE SERVICE: The Benjamin Russell Baccalaureate Service for Seniors hosted by he Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be May 21 at 7 p.m. at the BRHS Auditorium. PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Hollins Spring Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting its 12th annual Pastoral Anniversary honoring Rev. and Sister Alfred J. Williams Sr. on May 21 at 2:30 p.m. Guest minister and guest church will be Rev. Larry D. Shealey of Darian Missionary Baptist Church in Alexander City. SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY: Midway School will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary May 21 with a third Sunday Singing and dinner or the ground. Please bring a covered dish and join in. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Great Bethel Baptist Church will be celebrating the 28th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware Jr. May 21 at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Melvin Ervin is the guest speaker. SOLIDARITY DAY: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a solidarity day May 21 at 11 a.m. Edward Milner is pastor and all churches are invited. GATHERING OF SISTERS: the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a Gathering of the Sisters program Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m. Guest speakers are Sister Kathleen Spradley and Sister Jackie Strong. Pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is Rev. Roosevelt Gregory. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Bethel Baptist Church South will hold homecoming Sunday, May 21 at 10 a.m. The Hinson Family will be singing. Lunch will be at noon in the fellowship hall. Bring a covered dish and enjoy the day. CHURCH HOMECOMING: Darien Primitive Baptist Church will be observing homecoming Sunday, May 21 at 10:30 Elder Jonathan Blakeley of Wetumpka will be the guest minister. A covered dish lunch will follow the morning service. All friends descendants of former members are cordially invited to attend this service. Darien Church is located five miles wes of Wadley just off Highway 22 at Cotney’s old store.
a.m. Rev. Roosevelt Gregory is pastor. Everyone is invited. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Sardis Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville will observe the 26th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. and Sister William Perry Jr. Sunday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Justin Freeman and the New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church of Camp Hill will be the special guests.
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
May 30
SUMMER CAMP: The Salvation Army is hosting a free summer camp at Camp Hidden Lake in Lexington, MS June 19-24 for Tallapoosa and Coosa county children ages 7-12. The Salvation Army camps provide kids an opportunity to be in a positive environment for the summer to grow, learn and be encourage while striving to meet their spiritual, social, recreational and educational needs. Activities include Bible study, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts and sports. Registration should be completed by May 30. Anyone needing more information may contact the Alexander City Service Center at 256215-3730.
May 31 - June 2
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: New Salem Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School May 31 -June 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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June 1
PAINTING CLASS: the Adelia Russell Library is hosting a an adult painting class with Bonnie Luckie June 1 at 10 a.m. Space is limited and registration is required.
June 2
VBS KICKOFF: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting a vacation Bible school kickoff June 2 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The “Galactic Starveyors VBS Kickoff” will have glow in the dark games, making smores over open fire pit and checking out constellations.
June 3
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT: New Style Baptist Church on Coosa County Road 20 in Equality will be hosting a leadership summit June 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. Topics include “The Importance of a Prayer Life,” “Church Etiquette” and “How to be an Effective Leader.” Speakers are Mrs. Pam Jones, Mrs Johnny Walton and Rev. Chris Spivey of Walnut Grove, Mississippi. Lunch will be served. INTRO TO SAILING: The Dixie Sailing Club is hosting its annual Intro to Sailing class June 3 starting at 10 a.m. at the Dixie Sailing Club at 767 New Hope Church Road. There will be a chalk talk on sailing basics, a tour of the boat yard, learn to sail and a sail on a member’s boat along with lunch. Attendance is limited is to 60. Contact Keith Bennett at 334-324-9383 or email cat221@msn.com to reserve your spot.
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May 27
MAY DAY: Cottage Grove is hosting an Old Fashioned May Day Saturday, May 27 at 7 a.m. at J.D. Thompson High School. FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have Family Game Night Bingo from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday May 27 . Begin with hot dogs, pizza, chips, and soft drinks.
May 28
PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Macedonia Baptist Missionary Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting the 19th Pastor Appreciation Service honoring Pastor and Sister Melvin Ervin Sunday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Brian Thomas of Paradise Mission Full Gospel Church in Goodwater. MISSION DAY: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating Mission Day May 28 at 10
June 4
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: The New Style Baptist Church in Kellyton will be celebrating its 122nd Anniversary Sunday, June 4 at 2 p.m. Dinner will be served. CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating its 132nd Church Anniversary on June 4 at 2 p.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Anthony Pogue, pastor of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church of Opelika. Rev. Roosevelt Gregory is pastor. Everyone is invited.
June 4-8
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting Vacation Bible School, Galactic Starveyors, June 4 to June 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. nightly for 3-year-olds to sixth grade. There will be snacks, crafts, games, Bible study and ralley time.
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The Outlook
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The Outlook
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Prognostications for the ‘real’ SEC
L
ast week I made the SEC East predictions; this week the real SEC (better known as the SEC West). 1. Alabama. I could go against the grain. I could take a flyer on Auburn’s or LSU’s winning this division. However, in the immortal words of the first girl I ever asked to dance, “I ain’t gonna do that.” Alabama is still the alpha dog of Robinson the league and since the Tide have the reigning SEC Player of the Year and Nick Saban coming back, it’s hard to imagine another West team dethroning them. ‘Bama’s schedule isn’t easy, but UA catches a break with its crossover opponent this year in Vanderbilt. While the Iron Bowl is on the Plains at the end of the season, I believe the Tide will already have the division crown locked down by then so that result will be a moot point (as far as the league goes at least). 2. Auburn. Serious question: Is Gus Malzahn – a coach squarely on the hot seat – the second-best coach in the SEC? Unbelievably, I think he is! The even more serious question is “Will Malzahn truly keep his hands off of the play calling?” If he will (spoiler alert: he probably won’t), I think Auburn will be a top-15 team; if he won’t, I could easily see the Tigers scurrying up Highway 280 for another date with the Birmingham Bowl. 3. LSU. It’s lazy to predict a top three of Alabama, Auburn and LSU, but what are other options are there? LSU is as talented as ‘Bama with the glaring exception of quarterback. However, what will really hold them back is coaching. Coach Ed Orgeron is a fan favorite now, but by late October the tension in Baton Rouge will be thicker than gumbo roux. 4. Mississippi State. I am officially throwing darts now. The Bulldogs have little chance to be true West threats, but they have a strong quarterback in Nick Fitzgerald. More importantly, they have program stability under Dan Mullen, something the three programs below certainly lack. 5. Texas A&M. Coach Kevin Sumlin’s decision to move on from eventual Auburn transfer Jarrett Stidham in lieu of a talented high school quarterback will tell the tale on his coaching future. Meanwhile, the Aggies have AU at home (where they never beat the Tigers), Alabama at home (where they never beat the Tide) and LSU on the road (who they never beat anywhere). Factor in their historically bad defense and the talented players they lost from said defense, and I cannot see the Aggies’ landing above fifth place. 6. Arkansas. I love the Hogs quarterback Austin Allen. That guy is tougher than a Detroit flank steak. But then who do they have? Their best running back just retired from football. That’s a problem. 7. Ole Miss. As a matter of principle, I cannot put a team that is ineligible for the SEC Championship Game anywhere but last place. However, the Rebels will have the passing power to make for some intriguing games. In fact, I believe Ole Miss will lead the league in passing yards this year. The main issue will be defense where the Rebs are severely lacking. Ironically, that’s another reason I think they lead the league in passing: They will be coming from behind a lot and must pass often. Next week, SEC superlatives for 2017. Luke Robinson is a regular columnist and president of the Lake Martin BAMA Club.
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Lady Generals advance to state Horseshoe Bend guts out second place at regionals
By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
There was nothing easy about Horseshoe Bend’s weekend at Troy Sportplex in the Class 2A South Central Regional tournament. From lengthy rain delays to playing into the waning hours of the night to recovering from an 11-inning defeat, the Generals had a gutsy two-day stretch to take second place at regionals and punch their tickets to the AHSAA Tournament on Wednesday in Montgomery. “We expected to go (to states); that was our goal at the beginning of the year,” Horseshoe Bend coach David Caldwell said. “We knew we had some experience coming back and a good pitcher, so we were hoping to take advantage of it again and try to at least give ourselves a chance.” After pulling out a victory in the first round, Horseshoe Bend went on an emotional roller coaster. A 2-1 walk-off win against Ariton which ended at nearly midnight on Friday put the Generals into the championship game against G.W. Long. But after being pushed to the brim in an 11-inning dual, Horseshoe Bend came up just short, 3-2, and fell to the loser’s bracket final and another date with the Purple Cats. Aside from a handful of defensive woes, Horseshoe Bend put together one of its most solid efforts of the tournament in the statequalifying game, earning a 4-1 victory. Danielle Mitchell started the victorious affair with a leadoff double against Ariton and took advantage of a pair of errors to put an early lead on the board. In the third inning, Horseshoe Bend scored all of the insurance it needed.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend celebrates after placing second in the regional tournament on Saturday with a win over Ariton. Below, Horseshoe Bend’s Sydnie Catrett runs the bases during the regional second-place game against Ariton on Saturday. The Generals won, 4-1, to advance to states.
Mitchell walked to begin the frame and was followed by a bunt single from Cheyanna Howard. Kynsley Blasingame and Ivy Vickers then smacked RBI singles “When they’re in scoring position, you just have to get a hit, you have to find a hole and get them in somehow,” said Vickers, who also had a clutch RBI against Long. “You can’t think ‘over the fence’ because then that’ll get in your mind and that’s what you’re striving for. You gotta just focus on a base hit scores a run.” Although Horseshoe Bend was plagued by five errors against Ariton, there were also a few defensive spectacles. “There’s a few things that we didn’t do well,” Caldwell said. “Some of that is nerves, some is pressure, so there’s some things we gotta learn how to deal with. I was proud of the way we fought back, though.” Second baseman Sydnie Catrett had a pair of unbelievable plays. Against Ariton with a runner on first, Catrett laid out in the dirt to grab a hard-hit ball and she tagged the Purple
Cat out from her knees. The play was almost as pretty as her game-saving catch in the championship game. With runners on second and third and two outs, Long’s Jordan Childers put up what should have a been a bloop hit, but Catrett backed up and, despite running directly into a teammate, made a spectacular catch and held on for dear life. Marathon contest: Horseshoe Bend’s 11-inning outing against Long made for a thrilling championship game. In the third inning, errors
came haunted the Generals, as they spotted the Rebels two unearned runs. But just when it looked like all hope was lost, Horseshoe Bend came storming back. Eighth-grader Caly Carlisle started the seventh-inning rally with a leadoff single and was moved to second on a groundout. Howard put runners on first and second with a single before Blasingame and Vickers came up with game-saving RBIs. Despite having chances throughout extra innings, See STATE • Page 10
Defense rules at spring game By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Defense was the name of the game for Central Coosa and Horseshoe Bend’s football teams during Saturday’s spring game at Jacksonville State University. The scoreboard remained blank through the entire first half before either team finally found the end zone. In a come-from-behind victory, Coosa defeated the Generals, 13-9. “A lot of credit to Horseshoe Bend, they were playing tough and well coached,” Cougars coach Barry Simmons said. “Coach (Josh) Averett is a very good coach. I think spring ended on a very positive note and gives us great momentum going into the summer.” Horseshoe Bend was the first to break through with a field goal by Grant Taylor nearing the end of the See FOOTBALL• Page 10
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Coosa’s Donta Daniel hangs onto the ball in the spring game against Horseshoe Bend. Daniel would finish the day with two touchdowns in the Cougar victory.
AREA SPORTS CALENDAR Wednesday, May 17 Softball Class 2A AHSAA Tournament First round Game 1: Leroy vs. Mars Hill Bible, 9 a.m. Game 2: Collinsville vs. Horseshoe Bend, 9 a.m. Game 3: Hatton vs. New Brockton, 10:30 a.m. Winner’s bracket Game 7: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 3 p.m. Game 8: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 3 p.m.
Loser’s bracket Game 5: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 1:30 p.m. Game 6: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 loser, 1:30 p.m. Game 10: Game 5 winner vs. Game 8 loser, 6 p.m. Game 9: Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 loser, 6 p.m. Thursday, May 18 Class 2A AHSAA Tournament Winner’s bracket Game 11: Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner,
9 a.m. Game 14: Game 11 winner vs. Game 13 winner, 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., if necessary Loser’s bracket Game 12: Game 10 winner vs. Game 9 winner, 10:30 a.m. Game 13: Game 12 winner vs. Game 11 loser, 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 19 Football Spring game: Benjamin Russell at Valley, 5:30 p.m. Dadeville intrasquad game, 6 p.m.
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Football
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State
third quarter, but Coosa immediately responded with a rushing touchdown by Donta Daniel to take a 7-3 lead into the final frame. Midway through the forth, Daniel was at it again, breaking around the right side for another score to take a 10-point lead. “Overall, I was pleased with the effort,” Simmons said. “We made some mistakes, but that is to be expected in the spring. I think the defense played fast and ran to the ball well. We have to shore up some assignment responsibilities – offensively, we missed some blocking assignments but I think our effort was good. We have to button some things up and we will be OK.” Horseshoe Bend finally got six
points with a short touchdown run by Trace Meadows from seven yards out. Despite the rushing touchdown, the Generals already started to utilize Averett’s runoption offense, converting on several slant passes and timing routes. “Well, we’re going to do whatever we can,” Averett said. “We’ll certainly run the ball when we can, but we’re going to try to throw it around and spread it around too. We have several good athletes. Trace runs the ball hard; Nalijah (Heard) and Leevontae (Robinson) had some good catches, so we’ve seen some positive things moving forward.” Both teams will begin their summer programs in June.
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Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend’s Trace Meadows runs left against the Coosa Central defense Saturday. Meadows had several impressive long runs and one touchdown in the spring game. Below, Coosa coach Barry Simmons keeps an eye on the game.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
Horseshoe Bend’s Danielle Mitchell (4) slides into second base against G.W. Long on Saturday in the regional championship. The Generals placed second to advance to states. Below, Kynsley Blasingame delivers a pitch against G.W. Long in the regional championship on Saturday. Blasingame threw every inning for the Generals this weekend, finishing with 44 strikeouts and just 19 hits.
the Generals couldn’t push any more runs through and an unearned run in the bottom of the 11th proved to be the difference. “That was a great game,” Caldwell said. “We gave them some gifts early, and we knew that spotting them that early could be tough to come back from. “But we had a few opportunities to score, so it was almost like playing with fire when we were leaving it out there like that. I do think we were pretty even, though.” Walk-off victory: Despite out-hitting Ariton 12-4, Horseshoe Bend found itself in a close battle on Friday night. The Purple Cats took an early lead with a run in the top of the first, but the Generals quickly answered in the home half of the inning with a solo home run by Blasingame. Six innings later, Blasingame played hero again. Lily Combs led off with a single and was moved to third by a sac bunt and a Howard single. Despite thinking she might be intentionally walked, Blasingame put the ball in play and Combs safely made it home for the win. “I took it upon myself that if they were going to try to get it way far out of the box, I’m just gonna step in as far as I can and try to put the bat on the ball,” Blasingame said. “The first pitch was actually probably closer than the second, but I was determined on the second pitch to put the ball in play. Luckily, I beat out the throw to first and it was worth it.” Workhorse: In addition to Blasingame’s offensive heroics, she was absolutely on fire from the circle. Blasingame threw every inning for the Generals in the tournament, and in 31 1/3 innings, she allowed just 19 hits while
striking out 44. “She spun the ball really well and she did a really well staying composed whenever runners were on,” catcher Taylor Walton said. “(In the championship), she did an awesome job with runners on second and third about three different times. She was able to fight through it, throw the pitches we need and help us get out of those situations. She’s a great pitcher.” Blasingame allowed just six runs all tournament, only one of which was earned, and walked just five. Rebels’ luck runs out: Despite earning an 18-0 victory to start the day, Reeltown’s regional run ended with two straight defeats. After being up 1-0 in the fifth inning against Long, the Rebels suffered a 4-1 loss to the eventual champs. In the losers bracket, Reeltown was once again ahead of Goshen, leading 1-0 after three innings, but a three-run homer put the Eagles up for good in a 6-3 final.