OPINION: SAFE BOATING HABITS START AT HOME. PAGE 4.
TUESDAY
THE FOR SUBSCRIBERS
CHAMBER PULSE
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
May issue of Lake Martin Living!
May 17, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 98
Inside, Page 6-7.
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Armed suspect attempts convenience store robbery By MITCH SNEED Editor
Submitted / The Outlook
Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying this man who they say used a gun in an attempt to rob Koons Korner on Hillabee Street Saturday.
Alexander City Police Department investigators are searching for a suspect in a bold convenience store armed robbery that took place in broad daylight Saturday. But instead of getting away with
a big haul of cash, the gunman fled the store when the clerk confronted the suspect and refused to hand over any thing. Officials say that a single male suspected entered Koons Corner at 1460 Hillabee Street Saturday around 3:30 p.m.
“He first had something that he was trying to sell to the clerk,” Alexander City Police Lt. James Easterwood said. “The clerk declined and that’s when the man pulled out a gun.” Due to the incident still being under active investigation, See ROBBERY • Page 3
Continuance granted in Shaw case
Guest artists set for Towery Alabama Art Colony By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
Trial set for June 29
The Sarah Carlisle Towery Alabama Art Colony has announced its three artist/instructors for the 2016 Colony, which is set for Friday, Sept. 30 through Wednesday, Oct. 5 at Children’s Harbor. Susan Diehl of Phoenix, Arizona, whose art consists mainly of landscapes, still lifes and figures, will teach oils at the 2016 Art Colony. Moe Brooker, a native of Philadelphia, will be the first-ever encaustic teacher at the colony and Greg Skaggs, an associate professor of art in Troy University’s Department of Art & Design will teach independent studies. Diehl’s work can be seen in galleries throughout the Northwest and Midwest. Her love for painting is only rivaled by her love to teach. “Somewhere along the way I discovered that I love to teach,” Diehl said. “I feel it is an honor to pass along the information and knowledge I have gained through my mentors, peers and plain hard work. Diehl says on her website that she paints for “the common man.” “Not common as in ordinary, rather common as in what we all share, the humanness, shall we say, of the collective whole,” Diehl said. “Big ideas such as motherhood, the glory of a new day offering new possibilities, solitude, friendship,
Wetumpka’s Johnson Crew took best overall in the 2016 Alabama Wildlife Federation Lake Martin Wild Game Cook-Off held Saturday at the Lake Martin Amphitheatre in Eclectic. The Johnson Crew, which included husband and wife Don and Sharon Johnson and their children Dillon and Amber, won with a fish dish called Lake Martin Surprise. The dish also
See ART • Page 2
See COOKOFF • Page 3
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Above, Smokin and Jokin’s Chad Jones puts venision meatballs on the grill while Chaos Shop Choice’s team leader John McKelvey preps the grill for his plain and simple venison tenderloin.
GRILLS ABLAZE Wetumpka crew wins Lake Martin cook-off By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
The judge assigned to hear the assault case against Mayor Charles Shaw and his wife Lavern has granted a continuance to allow time for the defense to prepare. Randolph County Circuit Court Judge Clay Tinney granted a request filed Friday by defense attorney Thomas Radney seeking extra time due to scheduling conflicts. Tinney, who was assigned to hear the case after Judge Kim Taylor had recused himself, had set the trial for Thursday, May 19. In granting the continuance Monday, Tinney set June 29 at 9 a.m. as the new date for the bench trial. The Shaws were charged with third-degree assault following an April 25 physical altercation with Councilman Tony Goss after a council work session at City Hall. The fight occurred 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. See TRIAL • Page 3
Dixie Sailing Club Drawdown at The Ridge Club fundraiser Friday
Today’s
Weather
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff With summer coming, who could use a little extra cash for those summer vacations? Well, the Dixie Sailing Club’s (DSC) $5,000 Drawdown at The Ridge Club this Friday could be the solution. “The funds from the event will be used for the development of a youth sailing program,” DSC’s Merry Hardy said. “The funds from the event will be used to purchase boats that youth can learn in and race. The funds will also be used to help hire a certified sailing instructor.” The drawdown works like this. Tickets are drawn and the last remaining wins the $5,000. The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Ridge Club, rain or shine. Tickets are available online at dixiesailingclub. com or at the event. Food, music and drinks will be available. DSC is a 501c3 organization, so ticket purchases are tax deductible. “We are trying to create the first ever sailing school for kids on Lake Martin,” Hardy said.
Left, Sue Pemberton works to bring better healthcare to schoolchildren in her culinary classroom visits. Pemberton teaches children the importance of a nutritious diet and how to practice good eating habits.
83 64 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
Mia Osbourn / The Outlook
DES’s Nutrition Education cooks up fun 490.55 Reported on 5/16/16 @ 6 p.m.
By MIA OSBOURN Staff Writer
Each Thursday, Ms. Gardner’s third grade classroom at Dadeville Elementary School is swarmed with junior cooks. Kids in miniature chef hats and aprons cluster around tables to learn about nutrition, try new foods and to argue over who will do the
(imaginary) dishes. At the head of the class is County Extension Agent Assistant Sue Pemberton. As part of the Nutrition Education Program (NEP), Pemberton works to bring better health to schoolchildren, one classroom at a time. She visits several schools in
Locally Owned for Over 45 Years
256-234-6071
256-329-1313 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
6
54708 90050
8
USPS Permit # 013-080
Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile Carpet & Vinyl
Free Consultations
See NUTRITION • Page 2
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
1945 Hwy 280 • Alexander City
HOLMAN FLOOR COMPANY “WE’RE
THE PROFESSIONALS”
+
+ Buy Here + Pay Here + +
CLEAN USED CARS No Credit Checks
Cars• Vans• Trucks • SUV’s
Midway Auto,Inc.
Off Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL (On Right Past the River Bridge)
256.825.9830
Page 2
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Wife eager to get pregnant must face stalling husband
Wednesday
82 64 Low
High
Partly sunny, 50 percent chance of thunderstorms
Thursday
79 64 Low
High
Mostly cloudy, 40 percent chance of thunderstorms
Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com
Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com
Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com
Advertising Sales Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Kim Morse Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 kim.morse@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com
Accounting Angela Mullins Bookkeeping, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Mary Lyman Boone Bookkeeping marylyman.boone@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Robert Hudson Sports Editor, Ext. 228 robert.hudson@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com David Granger Staff Writer, Ext. 210 david.granger@alexcityoutlook.com
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, 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.
Postal
Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Small space advertising works
WHATLEY MONUMENT Company
Better Service A Family Tradition 1049 Hillabee Street Alexander City, AL C.M. “Mike” Whatley, Owner
329-1217
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Outlook
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
How to Submit Obituaries Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com For more information, call (256) 234-4281. SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
825-9559
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!
•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services
A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for eight years, but married only a few months. It took him a long time to finally marry me, and it ended up that I was the one to propose. I am 30 and he’s 39. I know he loves me. I have always expressed that I want children and he did, too. I have been off birth control and keeping track of my cycle, but now he doesn’t want to make love. When I try to get him in the mood, he always finds an excuse. I told him he has had plenty of time to let me know if he doesn’t want children. I love him more than anything, but I do not want to miss out on being a parent. This is a deal-breaker. I am getting older and I don’t know what to do. -- FUTURE MOMMY IN WISCONSIN DEAR FUTURE MOMMY: Settle this now by asking your husband directly why he is either unwilling or unable to perform in the bedroom. You
DEAR ABBY Advice
are entitled to an explanation, because he may be having second thoughts not only about starting a family, but also the marriage. If he has changed his mind about having children, talk to a lawyer because you may be able to get an annulment. DEAR ABBY: I have a friend who is in the Navy. We have been friends for a year and a half, but have never met in person. He’s 19 and I’m 17. We Skype at least once a week. He has fallen for me and doesn’t know what to do because he’s in an arranged marriage he doesn’t want to be in. He doesn’t know the girl, doesn’t know what she looks like or even know her name. All
he knows is she lives in Russia. I have fallen for him, too. He is only going through with the marriage because his grandparents did it. I thought I would ask for some advice on what I should do. -- MISS CONFUSED DEAR MISS CONFUSED: Are you sure this person is who he has represented himself to be? “Because his grandparents did it” is not a good reason to go through with a marriage to a stranger. If his story is true, it appears this young man’s family has his future mapped out for him, and he isn’t independent enough to resist. If you continue this Skype romance, I see nothing but sadness ahead for you. You would be happier if you found someone closer to home, someone whom you can meet in person. DEAR ABBY: I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I say yes to everything! I say yes to people I don’t even want to. I agree to plans that override those I have already made. Then I have
to lie my way out of events and other stuff I don’t want to do, or never had any intention of ever doing. I need help. It’s ruining my life. Please, please help. -CAN’T SAY NO DEAR CAN’T SAY NO: What’s wrong is that you are trying to be a people-pleaser. The problem with making promises you can’t keep is that eventually you will become labeled as a flake when you don’t follow through. If you’re afraid you won’t be liked if you take the risk of just saying no, you are mistaken. People will respect you for standing up for yourself and drawing the line, as long as it’s done politely. An example would be, “I’d love to, but I already have plans.” Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Obituaries Zora (Gilbert) Cook
Martha Cleveland
Funeral Services for Zora (Gilbert) Cook will be Monday, May 16, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at Kellyton United Methodist Church. Rev. Mike Jackson and Rev. Joe Mallory will officiate. Burial will follow in Kellyton Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at the Church Monday, May 16, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Ms. Cook died May 13, 2016, at Chapman Healthcare. She was born October 10, 1916 to Green Lee and Carrie Beatrice Mann Gilbert in Tallapoosa County. She is survived by daughter, Delpha Linda Hunt and 5 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; Gordon Stinson Cook, Son; Gilbert Leon Cook; Grandson Richard, brothers and sisters; Perry Gilbert, Myrtis Green, Edwith Cheaney, Omie Alford, Arie Branch, Yancey Gilbert, Millard Gilbert, Lloyd Gilbert, Wilma Jinks
Martha Frances Carr Cleveland, of Calhoun, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, May 8th. Martha was born on August 31, 1953. She grew up in Alexander City and loved visiting Lake Martin. Martha was a graduate of Benjamin Russell High School, Auburn University, and she also held a master’s degree. She served for many years as a teacher
Bass Funeral Home & Cremations directing. bassfuneralhomeandcremations.com
Mr. Larry Eugene Workman 1943 - 2016 Funeral Mass for Mr. Larry Eugene Workman, 72, of Alexander City, will be Monday, May 16, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Ave., Alexander City, AL 35010 . Father Peter Reddy and Father Bruce Krause will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the Church Social Hall. Interment will be at the Van Keuren Cemetery, Swan Lake, NY at a future date. Mr. Workman passed
away on Friday, May 13, 2016 at University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital. He was born on May 25, 1943 in Lanett, Alabama to Earnest Eugene Workman and Dorothy Newell Workman. He was a member of the Lake Martin United Way, Alexander City Main Street, St. John’s Men’s Club, Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, AICPA, and Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, as well as an Alabama Football and Duke Basketball fan. Mr. Workman loved to tinker and watch old westerns.
Art the passing of the seasons, are all concepts that I am continually exploring through paint. I believe these notions comprise the glue that binds us together and speaks to our hearts and souls while we engage in this enlightening and entertaining human experience.” Brooker works in painting and fabrics, employing bright colors such as “saturated pinks, mellow yellows and lime greens that are feasts for the eyes.” He is also influenced by both graffiti and music and has moved from semifigurative art to abstract. Brooker won the Cleveland Arts Prize for visual arts in 1985, the James Van Der Zee Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, the Philadelphia Art Alliance’s Medal of Achievement in 2009, the 2010 Artists Equity Award, Artist of the Year in Pennsylvania in 2010 and was honored by the African American Museum in Philadelphia at its 35 anniversary celebration in 2011. “If you are given a gift, using that gift in its fullest sense is true worship,” Brooker said in accepting the Van Der Zee Lifetime Achievement Award. Skaggs is an internationally recognized artist for his work in many mediums from drawing to multimedia. His recent exhibitions include a show
Nutrition Tallapoosa and Coosa counties on a weekly basis to teach kids about the benefits of healthy eating. It’s all part of the Body Quest curriculum created by the Alabama Extension Office headquarters at Auburn University. Now in its 16th year, NEP sends kids on a “quest” to become healthier. At the beginning of each class, students repeat a vow to try new fruits and vegetables and share what they learn with their friends. Activities such as trying new vegetables (with a side of ranch dressing, of course) encourage children to develop good eating habits. But much of the class material is for parents as well as students. “Parents are not cooking anymore,” Pemberton said. “We are facing a lot of health problems down the road if these kids don’t change their eating. It’s going to cost the government a lot of money in the long run if these kids get sick.” NEP gives students gifts to take home to encourage parents to cook with their kids. These include nutrition flash cards, refrigerator magnets printed with simple recipes, cutting boards, and strainers. Pemberton said the most popular items are the
Mrs. Pellsice Russell Moon Mrs. Pellsice Russell Moon 83 of Alexander City, He graduated from the University of Alabama and was a Certified Public Accountant. He was employed by Russell Corp for 40 years, retiring as Corporate Comptroller. He is survived by his wife, MaryEllen S. Workman of Alexander City; son, Jason Newell Workman, MD (Elena) of Las Vegas, NV; brother, Andrew L. Workman (Vicky) of Panama City Beach, Florida; brother-inlaw, Joseph V. Sardonia (Lucy) of Farmingdale, NJ; nieces, Leigh Workman, Lynn Farmer (Cliff), and Mariana Sardonia; nephews, Michael Workman(Lisa), and Bubba Workman (Susan).
in the Calhoun City School system. Survivors include her children, two brothers and their families. A service to honor Martha will be held at Hillview Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 18th at 2 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Calhoun First United Methodist Church where Martha was a faithful member. AL died Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Russell Medical Center, Alexander City, AL. Armour’s Memorial Services in charge. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Dominic Sardonia. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to St. John the Apostle Catholic Church 454 North Central Ave., Alexander City, AL 35010, Lake Martin Humane Society 2502 Sugar Creek Rd, Alexander City, AL 35010, or to the charity of one’s choice. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome. com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
continued from page 1
at Birgit Nilsson Galleri, Orebro Konstskola in Orebro, Sweden and collaborations with McMaster’s University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Skaggs was selected to show in New American Drawings 2003 in Santa Fe, New Mexico and was one of only 31 artists selected for Drawing on Alabama 2007,which showcased up-and-coming talent from the south. In 2008, he was selected to be a part of a group show at the Ogden Museum of Art in New Orleans. Skaggs is also a member of IC3 , International Center of Collaboration and Creativity and serves on the Board of Trustees at the Wiregrass Museum of Art. He holds undergraduate degrees in graphic design and art education, and an MFA in painting and drawing from the University of Oklahoma. The registration deadline for the 2016 Sarah Towery Carlisle Alabama Art Colony is Aug. 15. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is required at time of registration to secure enrollment. Tuition for independent study with Greg Skaggs is $575 and classes with Susan Diehl or Moe Brooker are $675. Fees include instruction, lodging and meals. Limited private rooms, available on a firstcome basis, are available for an additional $75.
continued from page 1
packages of aprons and chef hats. “The aprons are for your mom, and the hats are for you,” Pemberton tells the third graders as they unwrap and put on their prizes. “It’s to remind you that even at your age, you’re old enough to cook.” In recent years, technology has begun to play a part in the nutrition classes. Every other week, students are loaned Ipads featuring educational games about the food groups. By using colorful visuals and funny characters like the Trans Fat Cat, these games are meant to show kids which foods to snack on and which ones to avoid. “The Ipads are my favorite part,” said one student. Right now, the program is only for third graders, but Pemberton hopes the skills students learn in her class will follow them as they age. “We give the kids a pre-test on the first day to see how much they know about nutrition, and then we test them again at the end of the classes,” Pemberton said. “We’ve had some pretty good progress in the last year.”
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Robbery
continued from page 1
Easterwood said all the details could not be released. “Instead of handing over cash, the clerk confronted the gunman and he quickly fled the store on foot,” Easterwood said. “He left on foot, but we still don’t know if he had a car nearby or how he fled the area after leaving the store.” Det. George Long said that the suspect actually entered the store twice. The first time he walked to the fountain drink area, looked around and left. When he re-entered a few minutes later, that’s when he tried to sell the clerk a 64-gigabyte iPad that was still in the bubble wrap. “We don’t know if someone may have purchased one from someone that matches this description or if someone is missing one,” Long said. “Maybe they
had one ordered and it never showed. We don’t know exactly how he got the device, but we are looking at everything. We feel like that may be something that could help us identify the suspect.” Easterwood said they are working to identify a suspect using evidence and witness accounts. Easterwood said that the suspect was a black male of average height and athletic build and was wearing sunglasses and a white golf-type cap. Surveillance photos show the weapon to be a chrome-plated, larger caliber handgun. The suspect’s image was captured on the store’s security surveillance system. Investigators are seeking the public’s help in the case. If anyone can identify the man seen in the photo
Cook-off
or has any information that could help investigators, call Det. George Long at 256-397-1135. This marks the fourth incident involving convenience stores in recent weeks. On Tuesday May 10, Lynn’s Quick Stop was targeted by burglars who smashed the front door of the store at about 5 a.m. and took cash. In late April, the JetPep on Highway 280 and the Delta Express on Highway 22 just behind Who’s Diner were also hit in a similar manner. Saturday’s incident doesn’t appear to be related to those previous burglaries since it happened during daylight hours when the store was open, but Easterwood said they are not ruling anything out at this point.
continued from page 1
won the Johnson Crew first place in the fish division of the cook-off competition. Alexander City’s Smokin’ & Jokin’ BBQ took second place in the fish division with their Chimney Rock E’toufee and also took second in the fowl division with their Goat Island Gobble turkey dish. Smokin’ & Jokin’ team members are Chad and Khara Jones and their son, Caleb, and Blake and Rachel Self and their son, Eli. Caleb and Eli competed as the Little Jokers in the cook-off’s junior division and won first place with their Turkey Florentine Rollups. Tallapoosa County Commissioner John McKelvey of New Site and his cook team, Chop Shop Chaos, took first place in the game division with their Plain and Simple venison tenderloin. McKelvey was assisted by his wife, Regina, and his father, Leonard. Century 21 Lake Area Realty – Paul and Dee Lewallen – took second place in the game division with their Gator Stew and third in the fish division with their Shrimp Wontons. Co-op Cutups took first place in fowl with their turkey salad and also won the award for best presentation. The Co-op Cutups team included Kirk Green, Jimmy Sims, Keith Hay and Wendell Mims.
Coosa County Cuisine – Matt, Emily, Ricky and Patty Mann – took third place in both the fowl and game divisions. The third-place fowl dish was Pheasant Buckwheat Crepes and the third-place game dish was Venison Cheesesteak Flatbread. Coosa County Cuisine also took second place in best presentation. Fish Tales won the People’s Choice award and Fish Tales Minnows – Davis and Dawson Barnett and Bowen and Wilder Caves – took second place in the youth competition with their Deer Dogs. Kaylee’s Cooking (Kaylee Dobbs) took third place in the youth competition with her Turkey Quesadillas. Judges for the competition included Game Warden Michael East, Alexander City businessman Mark Lamborne, Judge Tom Young, State Rep. Mark Tuggle, TPI owner Kenneth Boone, Alexander City Schools Superintendent Darrell Cooper and Alexander City Methodist Church Pastor Wayne Cowhick. With its best overall win, Johnson Crew now qualifies for the state 2016 AWF Wildlife Cook-Off State Finals, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Lanark in Millbrook.
HILLABEE TOWERS
Great Location • Peaceful Setting Comfortable Living Spacious One Bedroom Apartments Now Available!
Trial
continued from page 1
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
FOR SALE 1720 Dadeville Road • Alexander City, AL
Call Spencer or Dax Today!
256.234.5331
DOWN PAYMENTS
MONTHLY PAYMENTS
$
$
As Low
Page 3
www.alexcityoutlook.com
The Outlook
As...........
500
As Low
250
As........... *Upon Kerley Motors Approval
Bill’s Electric ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
P.O. Box 673 1814 Airpor t Blvd • Alexander Cit y, AL
(256) 234-4555
315 HICKORY TRAIL JACKSONS GAP $18,900 Oversized corner interior building lot in the Baywood neighborhood located on a cul-de-sac street for extra privacy, conveniently located close to Hwy 280.
SAMANTHA SPURLIN
OfÄce: 256.329.LAKE (5253) Mobile: 256.786.0650 www.samanthaspurlin.com sam@samanthaspurlin.com
“PROVIIDING QUAALITYY ELEECTRRICALL CONSSTRUUCTIIONN SINCE 196 61”
PERSONAL. PROFESSI O NAL . PROMPT. Gu a r a n t e e d Service at its best...When you need it most!
Our certified team is ready to serve you. Become a Member of Our Diamond Club IT PAYS!
(256) 234.5260
www.amplumbing.net
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.
Rent Based On Income, 62 Years And Older Or Mobility Impaired Refrigerator, Stove, Carpet, Blinds, Heat/Air, Tile With Carpet, Laundry Room Facilities – Electric and Water Included
Call Hillabee Towers Today! (256) 329-0552 1001 Tallapoosa Street Alexander City, AL
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Our
Can Donald Trump be trusted?
Opinion
Safe boating habits start at home
N
ational Safe Boating Week begins Saturday, May 21, and runs through Friday, May 27. National Safe Boating Week is the launch of the 2016 North American Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket wear by recreational boaters through the national theme, Wear It! “What looks like a perfect day for boating can quickly become hazardous if you end up in the water,” said Rachel Johnson, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council, the lead organization for the Wear It! Campaign. “You can have a great time while choosing to always wear a life jacket and being a responsible boater.” U.S. Coast Guard statistics show that drowning was the reported cause of death in three-fourths of recreational boating fatalities in 2014, and that 84 percent of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. Locally, National Safe Boating Week corresponds with a time when a lot of seniors at high schools and colleges in the area have or will be graduating. In this area, the favorite post-graduation pastime of many is to spend some time on beautiful Lake Martin as spring begins to round the corner into summer. We hope that those who celebrate in this fashion will adhere to the National Safe Boating Council’s advice and wear their life jackets each time they take to the water. We further hope that they’ll heed other time-tested tips for safe boating. • Make sure your boat is waterworthy, including ensuring the proper location and operation of all required lights. • Do not exceed the number of passengers safely allowed on your vessel. • Be aware of the weather and your surroundings, like water conditions and other vessels, to help you react to any potential dangers in a timely manner. • Do not consume alcohol prior to or while operating a boat on the water. Boating is fun. And staying safe is simple. Wear your life jacket, use common sense and don’t drink before or while operating a vessel and, chances are, you’ll be along for the fun the next time, too.
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 Robert Bentley represents the state of Alabama and its 67 counties. He was elected to office on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at 334-242-7100. His office is located at the State Capitol at 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama.
Luther Strange was elected Alabama’s Robert Bentley 49th Attorney General first elected in 2010, and serves as the State’s chief law enforcement officer. He can be reached at 334242-7300, and his office is located at 501 Washington Avenue, Montgomery. Mark Tuggle (R) Luther Strange represents the 81st District covering Coosa, Chilton and Tallapoosa counties. He can be reached by phone at 256-3922006 or by email at tughd81@gmail. com. His office is located at 110 Mark Tuggle Calhoun Street, Suite 108, Alexander City. Tom Whatley represents the 27th District covering Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa County. He was elected to the Alabama Senate on Nov. 2, 2010, and can be reached at Tom Whatley 334-242-t7865. His office is located at 337 East Magnolia Drive, Auburn.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
I
’m going to be as clear as I know how to be: I cannot fathom anyone casting their vote for Donald J. Trump for president of the United States. I don’t mean to be hurtful or elitist. I only mean to be honest. I’ve yet to hear or read any rationale from a Trump supporter that moves me beyond the idea of Trump as the childish, boastful, egomaniacal and misogynistic candidate he has shown himself to be in the primary campaign. That shouldn’t be taken to mean that I think Trump supporters share any or all of these characteristics. I’m convinced that some just see the whole Trump package as “real,” “anti-establishment,” or “exactly what the country needs right now.” I believe good people feel that way. I simply happen to think all evidence points to the contrary. To cite all evidence against Trump’s fitness for the nation’s highest office would take more space than I have available today. But let’s start with Trump’s comments about women. Perhaps those comments are no better illustrated or sampled than in a campaign spot titled “Quotes,” put out by a Republican group called Our Principles PAC. In it, Trump is quoted as using words like “bimbo,” “fat pig” and “dog” to describe women, said “a person who is very flat-chested is very hard to be a 10,” referred to Rosie O’Donnell’s “fat, ugly face,” said of Princess Diana “she was crazy, but those are minor details” and, of course, his unforgettably vulgar line about Megyn Kelly -- “There was blood coming out of her ... wherever.” All of these quotes are 100 percent accurate. How could
DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
any woman bring herself to vote for a man who has unleashed such a misogynistic maelstrom? Furthermore, how could any man who loves a woman -- be the woman his mother, sister, daughter, wife or friend -vote for a man who said these things, either? Trump doesn’t deny he’s said these things. However, in these cases, how can he? All are on the record. There is no plausible deniability. But, when it comes to his alter egos John Miller and John Barron, Trump has unleashed a barrage of denials. Meanwhile, reporters who were actively covering the New York social scene in the time period when Miller and Barron “existed” seem to find Trump’s denials that he used the pseudonyms to shill for himself and trumpet his love life laughable. I’ve heard the recordings. Trump’s voice has obviously changed over time. But the use by Miller and Barron of the same or similar words and phrases that Trump still uses today make it clear to me that the voice on the other end of the phone is The Donald. Furthermore, Trump admitted under oath in a 1990 lawsuit regarding the use of undocumented migrant workers during his construction of New York City’s Trump Tower that he had used the pseudonym John Barron. It’s not a huge deal that Trump shilled himself and his love life, but the current denials after having admitted it under oath beg the question:
Can Trump be trusted? And where are the tax returns we were promised? Trump claims he can’t make them public because they are tied up in an audit. Well, he has done exactly that in the past. The businessman handed over tax returns to state gambling officials in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the midst of audits as part of the process of seeking casino licenses in those states. Maybe Trump doesn’t want to be president as badly as he wanted those gambling licenses? What we have in Donald Trump is a man who thinks his lot in life – his being a billionaire – entitles him to say or do whatever he wants whenever he wants. In a way, you might say that Trump suffers from “affluenza.” Furthermore, we have a man who has shown himself to be sophomoric and vulgar on the campaign stump and who has no experience whatsoever in governing. Yes, he’s been a businessman, but over the course of his career in business he has declared bankruptcy no less than four times. Was it the best thing for his business to declare bankruptcy? Probably so. But declaring bankruptcy is never a good thing. To be clear, I will vote for Hillary Clinton in November, but I’m not champing at the bit to cast that vote, either. She is far from a perfect candidate. She has warts. Still, I find her far more qualified – and less scary – than Donald Trump. Warts and all. David Granger is a staff writer for The Outlook. If you agree or disagree with him, let him know at david. granger@alexcityoutlook. com.
Celebrating success in unique situations
Y
es. You can get from Montgomery to Packer’s Bend. It helps if you enjoy looking at the countryside and the remnants of small villages. Places like Braggs, Furman, Darlington, Snow Hill, Yellow Bluff, Lower Peach Tree. After 114 miles, you come to Monroe Intermediate School in the northwest corner of Monroe County. A 40-year old red brick building next door to Independent Baptist Church. Betty Madison has ruled this tiny kingdom as principal for the last 10 years. Kindergarten through eighth grade, 70 students and 10 teachers. The road in front of the school ends at the Alabama River. A ferry that is not in operation is on the far bank. Behind it sprawls the rest of Monroe County. The river snips off this corner of the county, meaning anyone needing to get to Monroeville must backtrack through neighboring Clarke County. This geographical isolation explains why a Clarke County school bus picks up high school students in Monroe County to take them to Grove Hill. The school included high school until 12 years ago. To say life in Packer’s Bend is unique is an understatement. There was a time when cotton rows stretched to the horizon and hundreds of families eked out a meager living on farms. Nature has now reclaimed those fields and paper mills in Monroe, Choctaw, Wilcox and Clarke counties replaced cotton gins. Jobs are scarce and distant for local residents. Government transfer payments fuel the economy. But in the face of all of
LARRY LEE Guest Columnist
this, Betty Madison and her staff move ahead. “In many ways, the school is the community,” says Madison, “and we support it any way we can.” For instance, Madison is a notary public in case a local needs this service. This backdrop explains why Madison, her staff and the community, were elated last year to be recognized as a Torchbearer School, one of the highest honors high poverty schools can attain. (100 percent of Monroe Intermediate students receive free lunches.) The banner proclaiming their honor is the first thing a visitor sees when they walk through the school’s front door. Only six schools got the Torchbearer award last year. This was the first time for a Monroe County school. It was affirmation of much hard work. But here is where this story vividly points out how inept we sometimes are. The 2013 Alabama Accountability Act decrees the bottom six percent of all schools will be labeled as “failing” based on reading and math test scores. Originally if schools were in the bottom six percent in three of the last six years, they were “failing.” The law was amended in 2015 and now simply says that the bottom six percent each year will be “failing.” And lo and behold, a year after being saluted for doing outstanding work, Monroe
Intermediate is now on the “failing” school list. Why? It’s a combination of changing the state assessment and changing the definition of “failing” school. Plus, the criteria for Torchbearer is not the same criteria used in determining “failing” schools. When the accountability act was passed, the state relied on the Alabama Reading and Math Test to measure school performance. Now ACT Aspire is used for lower grades like those at Packer’s Bend. No wonder Betty Madison just shakes her head. One year her school is applauded, the next year all her parents get notification that their children go to a “failing” school. Did she forget how to be a good principal in one year? Did her teachers forget how to teach? Or is her school simply another victim of Montgomery ineptitude largely created by legislation that ignores rhyme, reason and reality? The 2013 Accountability Act was passed by 51 votes in the House of Representatives and 22 in the state Senate. You have to wonder how many of these folks would be willing to go to Packer’s Bend and tell Betty, her staff and her community that they are failures? My guess is none. But if any do, I can show them how to get there.. Larry Lee led the study Lessons Learned from Rural Schools and is a longtime advocate for public education. larrylee133@gmail. com. Read his blog: larryeducation.com
Today’s
Quote
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” – Steve Jobs
Today’s
Scripture “You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.” – Exodus 22:21
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Weekend Question: Have you or anyone in your home been trained in CPR in preparation for the summer?
Yes - 17 No - 13
Tuesday Question: Do you practice emergency action plans with your family before any excursions? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
Our
Mission The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
How to
Subscribe The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 50 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
What’s your
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
Follow us
On the Web
Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www.alexcityoutloook.com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar Need Insurance?
Today is
May 17, 2016
Call me.
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
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.
Page 5
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Jerry Lankford, Aaron Mattox, Phillip Jackson and Quanyatta Brown are celebrating a birthday today.
Today’s Anniversary
Elmer and Morgree Jackson are celebrating their anniversary today.
HOLLEY’S HOME FURNISHINGS
We Dare You To Compare! 1660 Hwy. 22 West Alexander City, AL
256.234.4141
256.234.3481
Visit us online at:
KarenChannell.com
www.holleyshomefurnishings.com
Small Space Advertising Works.
We will deliver the Lake Region’s News to your door
Daily, Weekly or Monthly
SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Take advantage of our Magazine Subscription Special and get both LAKE Magazine and Lake Martin Living for the low price of . . . $4500
For Consistent Advertising
at Low Rates...
call the Advertising Department
256.234.4281
Submitted / The Outlook
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 17 - May 28
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •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
Many a small thing has
been
made
large.. . .with the right kind of advertising.
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: I Hate Hamlet will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players May 12 May 28. For ticket information call 334868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
May 18
MAY DAY: The Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s 50+ Club is hosting its 11th annual 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 256-329-2910 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
256.234.4281
SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
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
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700 haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
The FANS HEAR You!
Small Space Advertising Works! call the
Advertising Dept.
256.234.4281
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. MOTORCYCLE RIDE FOR VETERANS: Anyone with a motorcycle is welcome to the 2nd annual Armed Forces Day Ride for Veterans supporting Bill Nichols Veterans Home. Registration is $20 per bike plus $5 for additional riders. The ride starts at 10 a.m. from the New Site Town Hall. Bikers will ride down Highway 22 before returning to the town hall at 2 p.m. for a meal. All proceeds go to the Bill Nichols activities fund. This event is organized by the DAV Bill Nichols Chapter 13 and the Clay County Sheriff and sponsored by Bike Riders for the American Soldier and local supporters. For more information, contact Ray Latham at 256-9902666 or Cory Powell at 256-329-9502. TRADE DAY: The Bibb Graves School is hosting a trade day May 21 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. BREATHE FOR BUNN: The third annual Breathe for Bunn 3-mile walk/ run will be held Saturday, May 21 at 9 a.m. The Breathe for Bunn Walk/Run is a 3 mile walk or run dedicated to rais-
ing awareness of Cystic Fibrosis while also raising funds to benefit Ashley Bunn as she prepares for a double lung transplant. The walk will start and end at the Courthouse Square in downtown Dadeville this year. BLESSING OF THE FLEET: Pastor Bill Brown will bless the fleet at Harbor Pointe Marina May 21 at 11 a.m. Colorful decorations are good and the event is sponsored by Stillwaters Yacht Club. BENEFIT SINGING: There will be a benefit singing and silent bake auction at the Kellyton Revival Center May 21 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to benefit Brenda Thompson for unexpected funeral cost and medical bills for grandchildren she is raising.
May 22
CHURCH HOMECOMING AND SACRED HARP SINGING: Rocky Mount Primitive Baptist Church will observe Homecoming and Sacred Harp Singing on Sunday, May 22, beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a covered dish lunch at noon. There will also be singing in the afternoon. The church is located three miles SW of Daviston on County Road 79. FAMILY AND FRIENDS DAY: Coger Hill C.M.E. Church in Daviston is hosting Family and Friends Day May 22 at 2 p.m. The Rev. T. Caldwell, pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Five Points will be the guest speaker. Everyone is welcome. CHOIR ANNIVERSARY: New Popular Spring Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville will host its annual choir anniversary Sunday May 22 at 2 p.m. Guest minister will be Rev. Emerson Ware. PASTORAL APPRECIATION: The 7th Appreciation service for Pastor and Sister Michael Strong of Kellyton Chapel United Methodist Church will be Sunday May 22 at 10 a.m. Guest speaker will be Elder Mary Meadows,associate pastor of Multicultural Church and lead of Love Institute of Growth. BACCALAUREATE SERVICE: The baccalaureate service for the graduating class of 2016 at Benjamin Russell School will be Sunday, May 22 at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium. the program includes student testimonies, a Gideon presentation, and a challenging message. Students,family, friends, and others are invited to attend. This sponsored by the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association.
May 23
PIANO RECITAL: Piano students of Sandra Stark are having their senior recital Monday May 23 at 7 p.m. at Faith Temple. It will feature Jaelyn Rickles, Michael Richardson, Eli Billingsley, Julio Martinez, Carolina Nieto, Madison Moncrief, Garrett Richardson, Kylee Stark, Valerie Tauro, Erica Patterson, Cambron Bice and graduating senior Gaylen Morris. MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION: The next meeting of the Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be Monday, May 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Liberty Life Christian Center on S Street. Each meeting provides opportunity for ministerial mutual support and intercessory prayer. At this meeting, attention will be directed to proposed constitutional amendments, plans for a city-wide Christian event in 2016, and review of previously sponsored events. All Christian ministers are invited. For more information, contact Bill Middlebrooks, secretary at 256-234-3371.
May 23 - May 25
CHURCH REVIVAL: Sandy Creek Baptist Church will hold revival services May 23rd thru May 25th at 6:30 p.m.
each evening. The guest speaker will be Rev. Jimmy Sprayberry. Special music will be provided each night. The church is located at 621 Sandy Creek Road, Camp Hill, Alabama. Everyone Welcome! Craig Guy is the pastor.
May 24
PIANO RECITAL: Piano students of Sandra Stark are having their elementary recital Tuesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. at Faith Temple. It will feature Elisie Lin, Alyssa Channell, Jaylynn Welch, Riki Lin, Mackenzie Deas, Lolly Dye, Kadie Stark, Harrison Jones, Chloe Jackson, Janya Smith, Lexi Robinson, Brian Thompson, Annie Zhang, Drew Daughtry, Campbell Thomas, Anna Claire Stark, Riley Jackson, Murphy Spurlin, Serenity Smith, Christina Zou, Chapman Marlow, and Ann Lee.
May 27
OLD FASHIONED GOOD TIME: The old Coosa County/J.D. Thompson School campus will be the site of a real old fashioned good time, going back in the day with fun. Activities will include a May Pole, horseshoes, car games, two-hole golf, bingo, art contest and more. Concessions will be available but please no large bills. Kendall Burton will be the guest speaker. Please bring a lawn chair. BOSTON BUTT SALE: The Alexander City Methodist Church is selling tickets for Boston Butts for Memorial Day. Cost is $28 for one or $50 for two.
May 28
ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL: Bibb Graves School is hosting an arts and crafts festival May 28. There will also be a car show. CHURCH FELLOWSHIP: New Adka Church is hosting a day of fun, fellowship and fun May 28 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Bring your family and lawn chairs. There will be games for children and adults with volleyball, inflatable games, matching games, ball pit and more. There is no cost for the event.
Call 256-234-4281 or stop by our ofÚce at 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL
FOOT Specialties
Dr. Douglas Stewart Alexander City, AL
256-215-5596 American Board of Podiatric Surgery Certi¿ed Diabetic Shoes Hospital Surgeries Total Nail Care Hammertoes, Bunions, Corns and Calluses Sports Injuries
How to add a calendar item: Participate in your
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com
May 27-29
POP UP SHOPS: Lakeside Mercantile 4th annual Pop Up Shops & Tent Event will be May 27-29 featuring outside vendors, food and fun with East Lake Coffee Shoppe, Unique Home Decor, local art, jewelry, apparel, and gifts. Hours are: Preview Friday May 27 1 p.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday May 28 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday May 29th 10-4, and closed Memorial Day
May 28-29
ART ON THE LAKE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Art on the Lake May 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 29 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Art on the Lake provides an opportunity for artists from all over the Southeast to showcase their art including canvas, jewelry, pottery and sculpture are available for purchase with a portion of the sale benefitting Children’s Harbor.
Need your business to
STAND OUT from the crowd?
Call us, we can help!
256.234.4281
• Alexander City Outlook • Dadeville Record • Wetumpka Herald • Eclectic Observer • Tallassee Tribune
Season Speaks
May 29
CHURCH HOMECOMING: Hillabee Camp Ground United Methodist Church will hold homecoming on Sunday, May 29. A covered luncheon will be held. Everyone is invited to attend.
May 29 - June 3
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Highway 63 South in Alexander City is hosting Submerged!, a vacation Bible school May 29 through June 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. nightly.
Express Blowout • Highlight Ombre • Gloss • Color Make-Up • Keratin Adult & Children Hair Cuts Bridal & Bachelorette Packages 792 Commerce Drive Suite 103 Alexander City, AL
256.234.2007 256.749.8804
Page 6
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Outlook
PULSE Time for ‘Pomp de Circumstance’
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
LEADERSHIP LAKE MARTIN
ED COLLARI Chamber President & CEO
I
t’s that time of year. With the summer heat on the horizon and flowers in full bloom, it’s graduation season. A time to celebrate all of the students in our schools and their academic achievements. Central Alabama Community College recently held their commencement and Benjamin Russell High School will celebrate their next round of graduates near the end of this month. Even the Chamber of Commerce got involved with graduation season by honoring our most recent graduates of Leadership Lake Martin. It’s an all-around exciting time for every graduate but even more rewarding for their parents, family members, friends and anyone who supported or encouraged them to achieve their goals. I look at graduation from any school, course or program not as closure, but as a new beginning. An opportunity to move forward, to take the next step on your educational journey and most importantly, to meet new people who can positively shape your outlook on life and the world that surrounds you. We need that because we know what happens when we only talk to people who think like we do — we just get more stuck in our ways, more divided, and it gets harder to come together for a common purpose. We desperately crave new thinkers, new ideas and new ways to communicate that will allow us to achieve the goal of moving our city forward. I find that last sentence extremely important in my role at the Chamber because we need more people with fresh ideas, people who will take risks and those who have a vision and passion for our community. In my first two months as President of the Chamber, I’ve been overwhelmed by the level of passion and support everyone has for Alex City. It’s a palpable vibe I can feel by simply strolling down Main Street. It’s been encouraging and it motivates me to work as smart as I can each day. But we need this passion for progress to become contagious. Now is the time for our next round of leaders to step up and get involved. I see progress with this movement, but it needs to continue. And I need each of you to help me ensure it happens by motivating the next generation of young leaders to take action. Whether it’s getting involved with the Chamber through Leadership Lake Martin, Young Professionals or our Ambassador program, working with our friends at Lake Martin EDA, United Way or MainStreet, getting involved with city government or volunteering with the various civic organizations, we need young minds engaged in our community. We need them to spend their moral and intellectual capital, their financial resources and their sweat equity in helping our city graduate to the next level. This town is far more malleable than you think and it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape. It’s time for you to honor Alexander City by giving it a chance to don a cap and gown. Ed Collari is President & CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce.
The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosted graduation for the Leadership Lake Martin Class of 2016 on Tuesday, May 10, at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. During graduation, each team is given the opportunity to present their community service project. Submitted / The Outlook
Chamber hosts Leadership Lake Martin graduation By KIM DUNN Chamber of Commerce
The Alexander City Chamber of Commerce hosted graduation for the Leadership Lake Martin Class of 2016 on Tuesday, May 10, at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Graduation is a culmination of a 10-month leadership training program designed to inform, inspire, and empower community leaders throughout the Lake Martin area. The comprehensive classes provide emerging leaders with a broader understanding and heightened awareness of the problems, opportunities, and resources in our area. A significant component of the Leadership Lake Martin Class is the class projects. Class members are divided into teams to research an issue relevant to the community. Each project becomes a learning activity in which class members develop team-building skills by working
together to create real solutions to challenges and opportunities. During graduation, each team is given the opportunity to present their community service project. All four teams had great projects and did an outstanding job with their presentations. This year’s graduates were Matt Bishop, AmTech, LLC; Mary Lyman Boone, Tallapoosa Publishers; Martha Boyd, Russell Medical Center; David Cantrell, Alexander City Fire Department; Will Dark, Dark Insurance; Lindsey Fuller, Lee Marketing Group; Matt Haines, Sixth Street Baptist Church; Lori Harrell, USAmeriBank; Rebecca Jones, Russell Medical Center; Kim Keel, Alexander City Housing Authority; Karen Kison, Russell Lands On Lake Martin; Laura Lacey, Sterne Agee; Rob McDaniel, Russell Lands On Lake Martin; Jacob Meacham, Alexander City Chamber of Commerce; Christopher Nail, Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department; Keonn Nettles,
Alexander City Board of Education; Paige Patterson, Lake Martin Voice; Angie Richardson, Home Place Mortgage; Elizabeth Roberts, Alabama Street Makers Market; Scott Sims, A & M Plumbing; David Thomas, Radney, Radney & Jackson; Kathleen Thompson, Central Alabama Community College; Michelle West, Lake Martin Area United Way; and Sherry Willis, Re/Max Around the Lake. The Leadership Lake Martin Board of Directors is currently accepting nominations for the Class of 2017. They encourage nominations of individuals who have demonstrated leadership ability in their chosen fields, who have exhibited interest and commitment to the future of the Lake Martin area, and who have the potential for exercising substantial leadership in the future. If you are interested in learning more about the program or nominating someone or yourself, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 256-234-3461.
Submitted / The Outlook
Sign in place at boat ramp Left, the Yellow Team of Leadership Lake Martin ( Christopher Nail, Elizabeth Roberts, Jacob Meacham, Kim Keel, Matt Haines, Lindsey Fuller, Rebecca Jones) has finished installing a new welcome sign at the Alexander City Boat Ramp off Stowes Ferry Road. The sign will provide a backdrop for tourists and fishermen as they pose for pictures. Leadership Lake Martin green team members David Cantrell, Sherry Willis, Rob McDaniel, Michelle West, Scott Sims and Lori Harrell show off the newly constructed fire pit at the Outdoor Friends Forever Lodge at last week. Outdoor Friends Forever is a group that gives outdoor experiences to children with special needs.
New Members for April – Alexander City of Commerce • 20.356LLC – P.O. Box 222, Alexander City, AL 35011 • Country Financial – Audrey Moore- 53 Main Street, Alexander City, AL 35010 256-414-6012 • Blue Ridge Mountain Water – 450 Hackel Dr., Montgomery, AL 36121 334-273-1119
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Outlook
Page 7
www.alexcityoutlook.com
PULSE
Our Community, Our Readers, Your Chamber
Sun Festival sponsorships allow businesses to participate By KIM DUNN Chamber of Commerce
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
A crowd of more than 200 spectators gather as Dallas Dorsey plays at the first Strand Session. Strand Sessions is spearheaded by the Lake Martin Young Professionals and is a free live music event held the first Thursday of the month in Strand Park throughout the summer. Below, Opelika’s Dallas Dorsey was the first performer in the Young Professionals’ Strand Sessions Concert series. Dorsey plays a blend of county rock and blues with a sound reminiscent of the Allman Brothers and Chris Stapleton.
First Strand Session in the books, more fun to come By JACOB MEACHAM VP Business Development
In another successful event by the Lake Martin Young Professionals (LMYP) group, Strand Sessions brought an estimated 250 people to Strand Park on Thursday, May 5 to hear live music, socialize and enjoy the beauty that downtown Alexander City offers. It was the first of a four-part series of live music scheduled to take place on the first Thursday of the month in May, June, July and August. The idea started with a simple and obvious concept – free live music in Strand Park. Simple because it shouldn’t be too hard to pull off, all that’s required is good music. Obvious because of how perfectly set up Strand Park is for this type of event, and when you couple that with the local appetite for arts, entertainment and something fun to do, the decision host this type of event becomes even more obvious. Simple and obvious are good starting points, but truthfully it wouldn’t be possible without help, and once LMYP formulated a solid plan and course of action the help came rolling in. Help that included many different organizations, individuals and businesses coming together to deliver something good to the community. The Alexander City City Council should be commended for issuing a special events permit to LMYP for the four-part series, which allows for the use of the park and for attendees to bring beverages of their choice. The Alexander City Police Department provided security, and although the event was incident free, it’s very comforting knowing that safety is provided by our local law enforcement and that our group has ACPD’s endorsement for events like Strand Sessions. And, of course, none of it would be possible
if not for the event sponsors: Anytime Fitness, Bice Motors, FireTruck BarB-Que, Lake Martin Area Association of REALTORS, Lee Marketing Group, Music Depot, Satterfield Outdoor Living and USAmeriBank. On behalf of LMYP, thank you to everyone who made the first edition of Strand Sessions a hit, and we look forward to your continued support. We hope that everyone who came out enjoyed themselves and makes plans to attend in the future. And to the members of our community that weren’t able to make it out for No.1, go ahead and mark your calendars for June 2, July 7 and August 4. We want to see you in Strand Park! We’re hard at work making sure any necessary improvements are made and that we continue to provide a fun, family-friendly and safe environment where everyone feels welcome. Music is booked for June 2 (The Bank
Upcoming Events FRIDAY ON THE GREEN - MAY 13 – SEPT . 2 Russell Crossroads BENJAMIN RUSSELL HONOR’S DAY PROGRAM May 20 @ 8:30 a.m.
Walkers) and July 7 (Rexton Lee), and FireTruck Bar-B-Que will be on site at all Strand Sessions selling their delicious BBQ nachos, pulled pork sandwiches and rib sandwiches. If you have any questions, please call the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at (256) 2343461.
Chamber offers professional development workshops to local businesses and learn about different topics that could help a business, and these are available to anyone regardless of whether you’re a memOne of our key initiatives at the ber of the Chamber of Commerce or not. Alexander City Chamber of Commerce is Our goal is to host a workshop every Existing Business Growth and Development, other month, or about six per year. We making sure that we’re a good partner and launched the series back in February with resource for the members of our business the Get Your Business Online workshop community that are established here in our presented by official Google partners aimed area. Of course we take a leading role in at helping local businesses enhance their trying to recruit new business to the area as online presence and take advantage of free well, but with an estimated 80 percent of Google search and map tools. jobs being created by existing businesses, For our second workshop, we’re excited we have an obligation and desire to support to welcome Mike Coleman from Constant and grow this vitally important piece of our Contact to present “The Power of the community. Inbox: Tips and Tools for Successful Email A way that we do this is by offering a Marketing” on Tuesday, May 24, at the First series of professional development workBaptist Church Chapel. Attendees will learn shops that are open to the public to come why email marketing is important, how it By JACOB MEACHAM VP Business Development
Mark your calendars now for July 23-30,! Excitement about the 4th Annual Sun Festival is growing and you don’t want to miss out! We are adding many new events this year as well as continuing the tried and true favorites. There are many ways for our local businesses and your employees to get involved in this wonderful week for Alexander City and the Lake Martin area. One great way to participate is through sponsorship of one of the individual events. Sponsorships offer a variety of marketing and advertising opportunities through the magazine and event banners as well as the opportunity to set up an expo booth at many of the events if you are interested being more hands on with your participation. If you have any questions about individual events or weekly sponsorships as you consider how you can best get involved, please give anyone on the Chamber staff a call to discuss. Many events are selling out quickly! Give us a call to reserve your event today!
can help you stay in contact with your customers, how it can help drive new customers to your business and other general keys to effective email marketing. This is free to all members of the business community and lunch will be provided. Please call the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce at (256) 234-3461 if you’re interested in attending. Stay tuned for other topics of interest that we’re hoping to bring to the members of our business community, including Accounting/ QuickBooks, Customer Service and Personal Communication, and Accessing Capital through SBA Loans. Have thoughts on ways we can better serve the business community? Give us a call or stop by for visit! We look forward to seeing you.
Don’t put your money where your “mouse” is. BUYING LOCAL MEANS... • You’ll get better customer service. • You’ll ¿nd unique gifts. • You’ll feel better about where your money goes.
LOVE your community – Buy LOCAL!
HORSESHOE BEND HONOR’S DAY PROGRAM May 20 @ 8:30 a.m. WINE TASTINGS – May 20 – Sept -2 Catherine’s Market DIXIE SAILING CLUB Silent Auction & Door Prizes The Ridge Club House May 20 @ 6 p.m. THE RIDGE CLUB HOUSE May 20 @ 6 p.m. CAMP SMILE-AMILE May 21 HORSESHOE BEND GRADUATION May 24 @ 7 p.m. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP First Baptist Church May 24 @ 11-1p.m. Call the Chamber for more information BENJAMIN RUSSELL GRADUATION May 26 @ 7 p.m. STRAND SESSIONS STRAND PARK Thursday, June 2 6 – 8 p.m.
Page 8
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
The Outlook
Graduation is when a student completes a school program, such as high school. It is also sometimes used to refer to the passing from one grade level to the next. Each year, students gather for their commencement ceremonies, or graduation. Preschool children often have a miniature graduation ceremony, marking their passing to Kindergarten. High school students who have completed all school requirements receive their high school diplomas at graduation, and college and university students of all ages receive degrees each year at commencement ceremonies. To complete a course of study is considered a great achievement. Parties with families and friends are often held in the graduate’s honor. At the ceremony, traditional dress of a cap and gown is worn by the candidates for commencement. Once they have reFHLYHG WKHLU GHJUHH IURP D VFKRRO RI¿FLDO WKH\ WUDGLWLRQDOO\ PRYH WKH WDVVHO on their cap, or mortarboard, from the right side to the left side, symbolizing their passing from a candidate for graduation to an actual graduate. This is often referred to as the “turning of the tassel.”
GRADUATION WORD FIND
GRADUATION CROSSWORD
Across Clues: 5. Another name for the graduation cap. 6. What does a college graduate receive? 7. Teenagers usually graduate from where? 10. What a high school graduate receives. Down Clues: 1. Another name for graduation ceremony. 2. Until graduation, you are considered a? 3. The attire worn by a graduate is called? 4. Many children graduate from where? 9. A graduate moves this from right to left.
In the puzzle below are the words for ‘graduation’ in many different languauges. Circle the hidden words.
Absolvire, Absolvovani, Bi Ye, Diplomiranje, Formatura, Gradindelning, Graduacao, Graduacion, Graduatie, Graduation, Graduazione, Graduierung, Mezuniyet, Valmistuminen
DOTS & BOXES Below is a series of dots that, if connected, will create several boxes. Each person takes a turn to draw a line from one dot to another. When a player completes a box, they are allowed another turn. If a player’s turn allows them to make several boxes in a row, they can keep playing until they cannot complete another box. Initial each box you create. The person with the most boxes at the end wins!
......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .........
Crossword Ans: Across- 5) mortarboard 6)degree 7) high school 10)diploma Down- 1)commencement 2)candidate 3)gown 4) preschool 9)tassel
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS! T& S ut A omotive
Town & Country Cleaners
And Shoe Repair
1222 Cherokee Road 212-9600
Quality Automotive Repairs & Service Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 256.329.9423 141 Lee Street • Alexander City, AL
HOURS: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - Noon
OWNER: ANTHONY GREEN
AAA GENERAL CONTRACTORS, INC.
Bass
1880 Radio Road•Alexander City, AL
Funeral Home and Cremations
1-800-856-8960 or 256-329-9843
“Where Service & Understanding is not a Slogan, but a Reality”
Commercial and Residential Builders
131 Mason Street • Alexander City (256) 234-6327
STEFUL GIFT IDEA . A TA
Since 1976
256-357-9233 www.Àooringwholesale.com
IVER
BANK & TRUST S E RV I C E
U N S
D E E P
256-329-0500 www.riverbankandtrust.com
Zaxby’s® gift cards are perfect for the chicken lovers in your life. Available in any amount from $5 to $100, So next time you are at Zaxby’s, ask about our gift cards.
BILL WHATLEY
BROKER, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES
OfÀce: 256-234-5163 • 800-471-LAKE FirstRealty@lakemartin.net • www.LakeMartinHomes.net
First Realty_468 Church Street, Alexander City
SHERIFF
WE NEED YOUR HELP!! JIMMY ABBETT Help Stop The Drug Trade In Its Tracks!
(256) 825-4264
ZAXBY’S 4497 Hwy. 280 •Alexander City, AL (256) 234-2181 Hours: Fri. & Sat. 10:30-11:00
Sun. - Thurs. 10:30-9:00
Currently available only at Zaxby’s store locations. Zaxby’s gift cards can be used at all Zaxby’s store locations.
DOWEE WEDOWEE MARINE WE 21130 Hwy. 431 MARINE Wedowee, AL
Brown Nursing Home 2334 Washington St. Alexander City, AL 35010 Phone: (256) 329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
1649 Highway 22 West • Alexander City, AL 256-215-5323 We’re Just a Heart Beat Away
3701 Dadeville Road, Alexander City ( 256 ) 234-6366 Rehab• Long-Term Care• Assisted Living
New & Used Boats • Yamaha Waverunners Yamaha Golf Carts • Full-Service Marina & Service Center • Wet Slips & Dry Storage
256.357.2045
800.780.2045
“We Touch the Lives of the People You Love”
DADEVILLE HEALTHCARE CENTER Kim Russell, Administrator 385 E. LaFayette St., Dadeville 256.825.9244
Adam’s Health & Rehab We Care About You And Your Loved Ones!
S TEVE K ING , S R . P ASTOR Court Square, Alexander City • 256-234-6351• www.fbc-ac.org YOUR LAKE MARTIN CHEVY DEALER Full Service Tire Center • Free Estimates Parts, Service & Body Shop
THOMAS AUTO PARTS SOCIAL SECURITY • Automotive Parts
17488 Hwy. 280, Dadeville, AL 256-825-4201 www.mckelveychevrolet.com
150 Green Street • Alexander City • 256.234.5023 157 E. South Street • Dadeville • 256.825.4155
• Machine Shop Services • Paint & Body Supplies • Hydraulic Hose Assemblies
AUTO PARTS
FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
8:00-4:00 Mon.-Fri • By Appt.(Except Emergencies) 256-234-4295 • After Hours 256-329-7100
Temple Medical Clinic, P.C. YOUR FAMIY CARE CENTER Medicine, Office Surgery, Pediatric, & Industrial James P. Temple, M.D. • Timothy J. Cordin, M.D. Vincent Law, M.D.
859 Airport Drive • Alexander City, AL
Fun Carts of Opelika
618 Lee Rd. Opelika, AL 334.745.0560 • www.funcarts.net JIM HADAWAY, OWNER
Open Monday-Friday -6 PM 8AM__ Saturday 8AM-12PM (256) 215-8014
1144 Airport Drive •Alexander City
825-9559 No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
HILLTOP
LANDSCAPING, LLC
– FINANCING AVAILABLE – Sales • Service • Installation P.O. Box 103, Alex City, AL (256) 329-8488
(256) 329-0847
256-825-2100
1555 Hillabee Street Alexander City
10973 County Road 34, Dadeville www.kelleyshvac.com • AL License #99129
DRIVERS NEEDED
bob alexander
J&M
“Enhancing Natural Beauty on Lake Martin Since 1982” complete landscaping services • stone creation specialist flagstone patios & walkways • waterscapes boulder & stacked stone walls
Season Speaks 792 Commerce Drive, Suite 103 • Alexander City
alexanderlandscapedesigns.com
256.234.2007 256.749.8804
HENDERSON AND COKER, INC.
Eat At . . .
Our goal is very simple: “Complete the job in a timely manner with a customer who would ask us to do his next project.” 256.329.9001 www.hendersonandcoker.com
6684 HWY. 49 SOUTH • DADEVILLE, AL (256) 825-4827
TANK LINES, INC. jmtankjobs.com or call Jeff Sandlin @ 256-245-3933
Mother Goose
Child Development Center Se habla español 645 Scott Road • Alexander City
256.234.3780 www.mothergoosecdc.com
LANDSCAPING
256.397.0138
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
3606 PEPPERELL PKWY. OPELIKA, AL
Creation • Installation • Maintenance 256-329-1901
(334) 749-2923
Brian Fuller: 256-397-4457 Eric Brown: 256-397-2811
Visit us online: www.claytonopelika.com
www.landscapingwhisperer.com
ClassiÄeds
Lake & River Fax (205) 669-4217
Reaching more than 22,000 households in Tallapoosa and Elmore counties
The Alexander City Outlook
The Dadeville Record
Phone (256) 277-4219
classifieds@alexcityoutlook.com public.notices@alexcityoutlook.com classifieds@thewetumpkaherald.com public.notices@thewetumpkaherald.com
The Eclectic Observer
The Tallassee Tribune
The Wetumpka Herald
ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 12
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
LUKE ROBINSON Sports Columnist
LADY GENERALS GOING TO STATE
Horseshoe Bend defeats Reeltown at Regionals, advances to Montgomery
Recruiting is very, very weird
R
ecruiting is the lifeblood to any great program. Strong recruiting classes are built on relationships. Relationships are formed with star players at an early age. Recruiting is also very, very weird. For instance, Alabama received three huge commitments in the last two weeks. All by heralded players in their respective sports. All by players who will be unavailable to help their new respective teams until 2017 or later. First there was massive offensive lineman Evan Neal of Okeechobee, Florida. The 6’6”, 350 pound man-child pledged to be a part of the Tide’s 2019 class the day after receiving an offer from Coach Nick Saban on May 5. That’s right, Neal doesn’t graduate high school for three years. So the Jurassic-sized teenager may be as large as a car, he just can’t legally drive one yet. Regardless, any coach would take a commitment from a player of Neal’s size and potential at any time. Then there was the muchneeded good news on the basketball front when Ohio State transfer Daniel Giddens made his intentions knows that he would be enrolling at Alabama soon. Because of transfer rules Giddens won’t be available until 2017, but the talented big-man (6’10”, 240) was coveted by several schools when he decided to leave the Buckeyes. This pickup is certainly a coup for Coach Avery Johnson and may help sell a better squad to the talented high school crop in the state for that year. Finally, maybe the most heralded of any of these pledges is Michaela Morard, a class of 2020 female golf wunderkind. Morard, from Huntsville, may only be an eighth grader but she is ranked as the No. 2 golfer in her class and already had a handful of big offers. (Side note: When I was in eighth grade I collected comic books.) Morard said she chose Alabama because of the coaches, the facilities and the business school. (Side note: When I was in eighth grade I couldn’t spell “facilities.”) Of course – as many of these recruiting stories often do – the first story above on the football player has a twist: Evan Neal committed on May 6 and promptly de-committed on May 15. His pledge barely lasted two episodes of “Game of Thrones.” Since Neal has already committed then broken up with Alabama and because Morard is barely a teenager, the irony in this trio of recruiting tales is the most solid pledge comes from a guy who is transferring from another school! See, told you recruiting is weird. Fun weird. But still weird. Robinson is a sports columnist for The Outlook and is president of the Lake Martin Area Bama Club.
Cory Diaz / The Wetumpka Herald
Above left, Horseshoe Bend’s K-Rae Blasingame delivers a pitch during Friday’s game against Reeltown at the Troy Sportsplex. Above right, Horseshoe Bend’s Erin Vickers bunts during Friday’s game. By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
After a narrow victory on Friday against a familiar foe, the Horseshoe Bend Lady Generals are heading to state. The Lady Generals (25-19-3) defeated the rival Reeltown Lady Rebels 1-0 on Friday in the Class 2A South Central Regional in Troy to advance to the 2A State Tournament in Montgomery. Horseshoe Bend Coach Bernie Robidart said it was a well-played game by both teams with little margin for error. “It was just a really good game. Both teams had opportunities, both had players on second and third base and never got them around,” Robidart said. “Fielding was great and I doubt there were two errors in the whole game. Pitching was good from both sides. Defensively, we made some pretty good plays, so it just came down to two outs and we had a runner on second base. Since it was two outs, she was going to run anyway, but I told her you keep running and go home. She beat the throw by about a step or two and that was it.” Horseshoe Bend had five hits in Friday’s win. In the bottom of the ninth, K-Rae Blasingame reached base on an error. Horseshoe Bend’s Hannah Adcock was hit by a pitch, then Becca Norrell singled to centerfield to bring home Lexi Hudson – running for Blasingame – to get the victory. “You can’t ask for a much better game in the bracket in a winner-take-allgame,” Robidart said. “When you get to this level it’s hard to get very many hits. We just happened to score. I think the ninth and the seventh we had runners on third base.” Friday’s win sends Horseshoe Bend to the 2A State Tournament in Montgomery at Lagoon Park where it will face Ider on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Win-or-lose, Horseshoe Bend will play two games on Thursday. Other teams at the state tournament are New Brockton, Mars Hill Bible, Sumiton Christian, G.W. Long, Mobile Christian and Cleveland. Robidart said the competition will be tough. “I don’t think many people are going to be run ruled at this thing,” Robidart said with a laugh. “So, 2-1, 3-2 ballgames, I can bet you there are going to be a lot of them there. We play twice
Submitted Photo / The Outlook
The Horseshoe Bend Lady Generals pose with their plaque after winning 1-0 over Reeltown at the Class 2A South Central Regional in Troy last Friday, locking up the tournament’s second and final qualifier spot.
on Thursday, so we have to win one to get to Friday. We’re hoping we can do that and play to 90-percent-plus of our capabilities. If we can, there are not a lot of teams I don’t think we can play with. After we get down to Montgomery, I think everybody we play is going to be as tough as Reeltown was, so I’m hoping we’re just as tough.” In preparation for Thursday, Robidart said the Lady Generals will focus on hitting as they will see great pitching at the state tournament. “We’re going to hit a little bit. We think we might have a young lady who has pitched some that is going to throw us some live pitching so we can kind of stay in that groove,” Robidart said. “That’s going to be a toughie because any time you go into a playoff pitching is going to be pretty good. There are eight teams going down there that are going to all be pretty good. Their pitching is going to be pretty good, so that places a big emphasis on hitting. If you can string two or three hits together, that might turn into a few runs.” Robidart said the Lady Generals are excited about being in the state competition, and added that advancing to state has been a part of a great run over the past month. “It’s wonderful. You stop and think about the first part of our year where we weren’t looking like the contender we are now. We had to rearrange some players and our catcher had gotten hurt,
and we were trying to figure out what we were going to do in some places,” Robidart said. “We had a couple of new girls added to varsity, so we were trying to start hitting the ball. Then a month and a half ago this thing just started to come together. At the beginning of this, I said we could be as good or better than we were last year, and we were pretty good last year I thought. Coach (David) Caldwell said all we had to do was peak at the end of the year, and that’s starting to come true. We’re peaking at just the right time.” Robidart said the Lady Generals are hitting on all cylinders at just the right time and they are hoping to carry that momentum all the way to a state championship. “Like the guy on A-Team said, ‘I love it when a plan comes together.’ And right now, this is coming together. I can’t ask for a better showing, and the girls are having a great time,” Robidart said. “Sydney Catrett has been like a vacuum at second base in most of those games. She was outstanding. Kynsley has pitched really well and everyone has done their fair share. It would have only taken one person not to do their fair share and we wouldn’t be having this conversation about going to Montgomery. Everyone is realizing that they have to do their bit, no matter how little or big it is. It’s nice to be able to look around and see the look in their eyes that says, ‘yeah, we did it.’”