OPINION: CITY NEEDS ABILITY, IDEAS TO CREATE BETTER FUTURE. PAGE 4. MAKING THURSDAY THE WAVES
BRHS’s Schouten signs skiing scholarship with ULL.
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892 May 19, 2016
Vol. 124, No. 100
Sports, Page 12.
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Status of golf course funds probe uncertain By MITCH SNEED Editor
The status of the criminal investigation into money missing from Alexander City’s Lakewinds Golf Course remains unclear. Officials from the office of Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange say that it is standard operating procedure not to comment on the status of any investiga-
tion or even confirm or deny that they are involved in a possible probe. Mike Lewis, the press secretary for Luther Strange said Monday that they did receive information from the office of Fifth Judicial Circuit District Attorney E. Paul Jones, but said that was about all that he could confirm. “Typically, we don’t comment on anything that our office is involved in unless
we have an arrest or an indictment,” Lewis said. “So at this time, we can’t confirm or deny that we are investigating the issue there.” On March 22, Jones said he believed there was criminal activity and said a forensic audit was needed to determine where any possible criminal wrongdoing occurred. On April 18, Jones wrote a letter to Mayor Charles Shaw saying he had
asked for the help of the AG’s office in the probe. Questions into the golf course funds were raised by resident Wendell Scroggins at a council meeting on Jan. 25, alleging that a number of checks that patrons had written for goods and services at Lakewinds seemed to have See AUDIT • Page 5
City council to name new school board member
United Way plans annual Day of Action June 16
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
The Lake Martin Area United Way will have its annual Day of Action on the morning of June 16 at Reeltown Elementary, Alexander City Middle, Jim Pearson Elementary and Central-Coosa Elementary schools and is looking for volunteers to help make it a success. “People enjoy coming and helping,” said Sharon Fuller, executive director of the Lake Martin Area United Way. “They come in their work clothes and they leave dripping wet with sweat. We’ve had up to 200 volunteers in the past. The more volunteers we have, the more we can do for the schools.” Fuller said volunteers can choose to work at any of the four schools they wish. She said the volunteers – which will include the local United Way staff and board members as well as representatives of some of the local United Way agencies – will be doing painting and general cleanup at Reeltown Elementary, general cleanup and raking of pea gravel around the school at Central-Coosa Elementary, pressure washing at
With warm weather comes swimming. Whether at the lake or the pool, everyone needs to be careful regardless of experience. Barbara Sokol helps teach Red Cross Lifeguard classes and has a few reminders for everyone. “First of the swimming season is always a difficult time for several different reasons,” Sokol said. “One
See ACTION • Page 3
See SWIMMING • Page 3
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Cliff Willams / The Outlook
Above, Cade McKeever is rescued by Ben Chappell in drills for lifeguard training Monday afternoon. Below, Lifeguard canidates swim laps at the Russell Pool Monday afternoon. Sammy Teel and Barbara Sokol are currently teaching lifeguard lessons with the upcoming swim season.
A splash of safety City pool, lifeguards gearing up for summer By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
The Alexander City City Council is set to meet tonight at 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs courtroom at the public safety building. The council will name a new member to the Alexander City Board of Education. Five candidates have applied to fill the seat that is being vacated by Steve Robinson. He opted to step down due to obligations with the Tallapoosa County Board of Commissioners and “to open the door to others interested in serving.” The interviews are set to begin at 4 p.m. on Monday, with each candidate scheduled for 30-minute sessions. Interviews will be held in the upstairs conference room at City Hall. The candidates are Denise Bates, Sean Bland, Leanne Calhoun, Amy Hampton and Brett Pritchard. The council is also expected to reappoint Sheryn Belyeu, Madolyn Radney and Roslyn Weathers to Adelia M. Russell Library Board. In other items, the council will consider: • A resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an amendment See COUNCIL • Page 3
Atlanta Christian artist papa to headline ‘Praise in Park’ cert and he puts on a phenomenal show,” Dunn said. “I think that everyone what he has to say through his music. It’s free, so we just hope that everyone will come out and enjoy it.” Papa has recorded several Christian albums including “Matt Papa Live,” “This Changes Everything,” “Look and Live,” “Your Kingdom Come,” “You Are God” and “Scripture Songs & Hymns” I and II. Of his album “Look and Live,” Papa said, “This album, and hopefully my life, is a call to every human being who is stuck in the muck of addiction, sin and selfishness, to lift up your head and to see that the only thing that can truly liberate you, the only thing that can truly captivate you, which is the beauty and glory of God.” To accompany the album, Papa also wrote his first book, also titled “Look & Live.” The book is a “loud and See PRAISE • Page 3
STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
Submitted / The Outlook
Atlanta’s Matt Papa will be the headline attraction for this year’s ‘Praise in the Park’ event during Sun Festival.
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Atlanta’s Matt Papa will headline Sun Festival’s Praise in the Park, set for 8 p.m. on Thursday July 28, at Strand Park. Papa is a recording artist, songwriter, worship leader, and author. He is husband of seven years to Lauren, and father to three girls – Paisley, Stella and Sofi – and a new little boy named Jackson. Papa’s service to Christ through song, preaching, writing, and mentoring is conducted with a heart that longs to see bring people from every corner of the world to Christ. Kim Dunn, director of marketing and special events for the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce says Sun Festival attendees will enjoy Papa’s musical gift. “I have personally seen him in con-
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256-329-1313 Free Consultations 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.”
Page 2
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Wife dances the night away while husband stews at home
Thursday
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Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com
Mia Osborn Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 mia.osborn@alexcityoutlook.com
Management 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.
DEAR ABBY: My wife of 15 years has recently begun spending a lot of time with a group of women who socialize away from their husbands. They like to meet without their husbands and party at pick-up nightclubs and swingers’ bars. When I asked her about it, her response was, “It’s just us girls dancing with each other and having a good time. We dance with each other at the table we’re at. We never dance with any of the men who ask us.” When I asked why they go to these kinds of places, she said the atmosphere and music are better there. Abby, I object to this type of partying. We married to be together. She’s now accusing me of being jealous and possessive. Am I wrong to want her to stop? I think what she’s doing is dangerous. -- PLEASE STOP IN ARIZONA DEAR PLEASE STOP: No, you’re not wrong. Your wife partying regularly at swingers’ bars and pick-up joints IS a threat to your marriage. If the shoe were
Obituaries Pellsice Russell Funeral service for Mrs. Pellsice Russell Moon 83 of Alexander City, AL; Friday, May 20, 2016; 2 p.m., Friendship Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL. Burial in Old Friendship Church Cemetery, Alexander City, AL. Arrangements by Armour’s Memorial Services.
Postal
Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
The Outlook
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Many a small thing has
DEAR ABBY Advice
on the other foot and you were the one out drinking and dancing while she sat at home, she’d probably feel the same way you’re feeling now, unless you had both agreed on an open relationship. Spouses who treat each other without consideration for the other’s feelings usually wind up divorced, so while there is time to save your marriage, some sessions with a marriage counselor would be a good investment. DEAR ABBY: My mom died of cancer last year at the young age of 63. (I am 30.) Not one member of my husband’s mother’s family (other than my MIL and FIL, whom we live with) acknowledged her death in any
Funeral Service for Mr. John Grady Shockley, 94, of Alexander City, will be Friday, May 20, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Ray Baptist Church. Dr. Albert Pike and Rev. Mike Jones will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hillview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ray Baptist Church. Mr. Shockley passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Chapman Healthcare. He was born on August 19, 1921 in Jefferson County, Alabama to John J Shockley and Nellie Shockley. He was a member and a faithful deacon for 50 years of Ray Baptist Church. He was self employed as a cabinet maker and raised catfish. Mr. Shockley also worked at Alexander City Building Supply. He served his country
Ongoing Events
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SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Victory Baptist Academy, a mission of Victory Baptist Church, is now holding registration for the 2016-2017 academic school year for grades K4 12th grade. For more information call 256-234-2089 or 256-7496451. SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Faith Christian Academy, a ministry of Faith Temple Church, is accepting applications for the 2016-2017 academic year for grades K3 and up. Applications may be obtained at the Church office at 425 Franklin Street (256-234-6421). Tours of the school are available upon request. SUMMER BAZAAR: Vender spaces available for the June 18 Annual Summer Bazaar/a Lake Martin Laubach Literacy Program and Volunteer Connections of Central Alabama, Inc.project to be held in the parking lots of the Karen Channel State Farm Bldg. For venders selling handmade or new items, spaces will be located inside the VCCA offices. There will be limited flea market spaces available outside and along the parking lot perimeter. All spaces, both inside and outside are available on a first come first serve basis. If you are talented and would like to set up a table with your goods contact Rita at literacylakemartin@ yahoo.com or Carley at carleyatvcca@gmail.com or 256-234-0347 by May 15, 2016. AWANA: Wayside Baptist Church hosts Awana Sunday’s from 4:40 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for ages three to high school. For more information
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256.234.4281
Making a Difference in a Child’s Education The following sponsors have joined with The Alexander City Outlook and The Dadeville Record to promote the use of newspapers as an educational resource by providing Tuesday edition papers to city and county schools in the area. • Russell Medical Center • Russell Lands • Representative Mark Tuggle • Tallapoosa County Sheriff, Jimmy Abbett • Grace’s Flowers & Gifts • Barbara Young • Udora Berry
SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law
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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.
To become a sponsor in The Alexander City or Tallapoosa County School System Please contact David Kendrick at 256-234-4281 or david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com 548 Cherokee Rd., Alexander City, AL 35010
DEAR ABBY: A family with young children just moved into the house across the street. They seem like nice people, but one thing concerns me. Day and night, their 6-yearold son rides his bike all over the street unsupervised, and
Mr. John Grady Shockley 1921 - 2016
been
made
way. There were no phone calls, no sympathy cards, no “I’m sorry for your loss,” NOTHING. My family and I were extremely hurt by their behavior. We feel that some sort of apology or explanation is in order. Some members of my mother-in-law’s family are now nearing death themselves, and I know I will be expected to go along with my husband, in-laws and their extended family to the various services “out of respect.” The problem is, my respect for them no longer exists. Any advice? -- DISRESPECTED ON THE EAST COAST DEAR DISRESPECTED: Yes. If you prefer not to attend, stay home. And if you are asked why you didn’t show up, tell them the reason.
WHATLEY MONUMENT Company
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darts across without looking. Most of the residents on our street drive carefully, but every so often a strange car or two will barrel through. I’m worried that the boy will get hit one of these days. Should someone go to the parents and tell them their child isn’t safe? Or is it nobody’s business to scold people on how to raise their children? -CONCERNED NEIGHBOR DEAR CONCERNED NEIGHBOR: Go there not to scold but to welcome your new neighbors. And while you’re there, warn the parents that some drivers ignore the speed limit while driving down that street, so it’s important they stress to their boy the importance of looking both ways when he’s on his bike. 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.
during World War II and at Pearl Harbor. Everybody knew him for his love of eating ice cream. He is survived by his wife of 74 1/2 years, Ella Inez Shockley of Alexander City; daughters, Vicky Sharpe (Ken) of Alexander City, Barbara Cannon of Millbrook, and Cathy Hughes (Andy) of Rockford; grandchildren, Chris Cannon (Elizabeth) and Brandy Dunham (Brad); great-grandchildren, Kaylee Nicole Cannon, Mason Avery Cannon, Addison Paisley Cannon, and Rylee Preston Dunham. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, J.B. Shockley; and sisters, Mae Dobbs and Vertis Killgore. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
contact George Gardin, student minister at 864-5800343. VOLUNTEER: Southern Care Hospice is seeking volunteers. Please call Lizz Gillenwaters at 256-2341134 or 256-749-3717 for more information. WOMAN MEETING: Every first Sunday, Victory Temple Holiness Church hosts a woman’s meeting, at 237 Aster St. in Dadeville. Everyone is invited. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. READY TO WORK: Ready to Work is a FREE jobs skills training program offered at Central Alabama Community College Career Center. Classes meet Monday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Completion of the program depends on the skill level of the individual. For more information contact Elaine Balint, instructor, at 256-215-4496 (leave message) or ebalint@cacc. edu. OFFICE CAREERS: The Office Careers Technology program is funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and was created to help dislocated workers learn new employable skills. To qualify for the programs be a dislocated worker (layoff) or a low income family. Anyone interested in the classes should contact the Alexander City Career Center @ 256-2154494 and ask about the WIOA program. Most all dislocated workers automatically qualify for financial assistance. The program is 52 weeks and is open entry/ open exit. Students learn at their own pace in a nontraditional classroom setting. Classes begin when students are approved and they may leave when they receive any or all of the certificates offered. Classes are Monday--Thursday, 8:00 a.m.--3:00 p.m. (with a lunch break). All textbooks and class materials are supplied. Certificates available are receptionist, inventory clerk, data entry clerk, administrative assistant, accounting office clerk, medical office clerk, legal office clerk. CELEBRATE RECOVERY: Celebrate Recovery is a Christcentered ministry designed to help hurting people. It is made up of regular folks who are on a journey toward wholeness; seeking recovery from life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. We meet every Monday at Vertical Point Church, 860 Airport Drive, Alex City. We begin with dinner at 5:45, followed by large group at 6:15 & small groups at 7:15. Childcare is provided.
Everyone is welcome. For more info, call Mike at 256496-4664. BEYOND TRANSFORMATIONS: Meetings every second Saturday. Have you been wanting to give back, work with youth, or be a part of a group that makes a difference? Please email iamtransforms@gmail. com or Call at 334-4406539. Donations of clothes, food, books, computers, school supplies. A building and donations are needed. AMERICAN LEGION: Post 339 in Cottage Grove is open every Friday night from 8 p.m. until with fried chicken and fish. Music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. SCV MEETING:The Sons of Confederate Veterans meets every third Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at J.R.’s Sports Bar & Grill. Visitors are welcome. BIBLE STUDY: Come join the Auburn Woman’s Satellite Day Bible Study Fellowship. We’re currently registering ladies interested in studying Revelations. The course, study guides, seminars and lecture notes are free. This is interdenominational and open to all women at Parkway Baptist Church Holliday Hall, 766 East University Drive, Auburn. We meet on Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. We will love to have you there. Bible knowledge is not required. Come learn, share, and fellowship. For further information, contact Tricia at 334-546-1386. For further information on Bible Study Fellowship go to https://www.bsfinternational.org. AMATEUR RADIO CLUB: The Lake Martin Amateur Radio Club meets from 6 to 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Alexander City Airport Terminal Building with dinner and fellowship following at a local area restaurant. Amateur radio license exams are available after the meeting by prior arrangement. The club also meets on the air (Alabama Emergency Net Victor) on the first, third, fourth and fifth Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on the club sponsored K4YWE repeater at 145.33 mhz with the 146.96 repeater as backup. All interested can attend our meetings or contact Tim Mayfield K4CWL at 256-329-1172 or John Phillips WI4P at 256212-4063 CAR SHOW: Lake Martin Street Rods and Classic Cars meet every 3rd Saturday at Buck’s Dairy Quick in Alexander City from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call Danny at (256) 4960024 for more information.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
The Outlook
Action
Page 3
www.alexcityoutlook.com
continued from page 1
Jim Pearson Elementary and general cleanup and painting at Alexander City Middle School. The Day of Action is an initiative of United Way Worldwide when, on or around June 21, United Way agencies and volunteers around the world work to make lasting changes in their communities. While in Alexander City it’s helping to spruce up area schools, in Waterbury, Connecticut it’s fighting hunger and in Shanghai, China it’s working to improve early literacy. “All year long we work to get people to give to us so that we can help the agencies we support,” said Fuller. “Through this initiative of United Way
Council
Worldwide, we can coordinate volunteers who will work with us to give back to communities that have given us so much. It’s nice to be able to give back to someone else, for a change, and who is more deserving than our school kids?” Fuller said that individuals and business that choose to volunteer for the Day of Action should indicate their desire to help by calling the United Way office at 256-329-3600, visiting the United Way website at unitedwaylakemartin.org or sending an email to Scott Hardy, United Way community impact and marketing director, at shardy@unitedwaylakemartin.org.
continued from page 1
to the original Tower Attachment Agreement with Rural Cellular Atlantic Inc. The amendment will allow Verizon Wireless to change equipment it now has on the red and white checkerboard water tower that is now owned and maintained by the city. • A resolution authorizing the city to make application to the Alabama Department of Transportation’s Aeronautics Bureau for a grant to help fund T-Hangars at the airport. • A resolution awarding the bid for fuel at T.C. Russell Airport under Requisition No. 16-05 to Eastern Aviation Fuels. • A request from Pastor Rick Levell of Marshall Street Church of God for the help of the city in again sponsoring Alexander City Celebrates Freedom on July 3.
Praise
Cliff WIlliams/ The Outlook
continued from page 1
liberating call to people everywhere to break the chains of idolatry and boredom by beholding the glory of God in the face of Christ.” Papa has ministered all over the world with his band. Over the years he has ministered alongside gifted communicators such as John Piper, Matt Chandler, Francis Chan, Rick Warren, Kirk Cameron, Tim Keller, David Platt, Steven Furtick, David Nasser, JD Greear and many more.
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Jackson Graham attempts an active vicitm rescue from the front while doing drills Monday afternoon.
Swimming big reason is those that do know how to swim, it has been nearly a year. People get into the water thinking they are in swimming shape and maybe over extend themselves.” This time of year the body itself could have a reaction to the chilly water. “Everywhere you go the water will be cold,” Sokol said. “When you jump in, there can be a shock. People can over estimate their abilities. They don’t know what the bottom is like. They think they can just jump in and be ready to go.” Sokol thinks one item is vital for every swimming location. “There needs to be a float that you can throw,” Sokol said. “You need to have a float on the pier or at the pool with a rope on it. That way you can throw it to an active victim and pull them in. The floats are required on boats.” In addition to reminding individuals about the dangers of early season swimming, Sokol is helping Sammy Teel train lifeguards that will work in the area and is hopeful for this crop of 15. “We are pleased with this year’s lifeguard training group,” Sokol said. “They have impressed us. They have been serious and diligent.” Sokol explained that learning to lifeguard is more than just swimming. “We teach preventing accidents,” Sokol said. “That is the most important job for a lifeguard.”
continued from page 1
But there are other skills to be taught in the Red Cross Lifeguard training course. “We also teach them how to use a rescue tube,” Sokol said. “We teach skills to rescue a distressed swimmer, a passive victim and an active victim.” With lifeguards training, pool season is not too far away. “The pool officially opens to the public May 31,” Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s Jennifer Baker said. “The swim team is already practicing and swim lesson registration starts next week.” Starting May 31 the pool will be open to the public from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a swim lessons happening in the morning and after the public swim and water aerobics too. There are three sessions of swim lessons, June 7-17, June 21 - July 1 and July 12-22. The lessons are for all ages but the six months to three year olds will only be the second and third session. You can register at the pool starting May 23 or by calling 256-397-0853. Baker explained some of the basic objectives to the swim lessons. “Our main objective with kids is to teach them to be comfortable in the water,” Baker said. “We teach them water safety and what to do if you fall into the water. As they get older, we get more into the actual swimming and the refining of strokes.”
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Get
Involved
City needs ability, ideas to create a better future
O
n Tuesday at its monthly meeting, the board of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce discussed at length its desire to urge qualified and willing citizens to seek to serve their city through a spot on the City Council or, if they desire, as its mayor. New Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Ed Collari said that getting the involvement of new people with fresh ideas could prove beneficial to city government and he and Chamber Board Chairman Kenneth Boone, owner of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc., urged the board members to encourage those they thought would be good in city government to run. “If we have more candidates, we have a better chance of getting the right people on the city council and in the mayor’s office,” Boone said. “I think our job is to encourage people to run.” The backdrop of the conversation was comments made to Collari by developers about recent negative news out of City Hall. “I’ve had at least two developers tell me that I have a difficult job promoting and building Alexander City,” said Collari. “And when there’s an issue with the local government, it makes it easier for developers to stay away. It makes the challenge to recruit businesses to Alexander City even more difficult when we’re not all in alignment.” Here at The Outlook, we agree that there is a need for individuals to serve in city government with an eye toward the future economic development of the city. With regard to its economy and the business make-up of the city, Alexander City cannot afford to remain staid and complacent. We need a city government that will work proactively to develop an environment that is appealing to businesses that are looking for places to expand or to open brand new operations. As the largest city adjacent to Lake Martin, we need people who would be adept at selling our unique setting and help create enough wealth in City Hall to provide for businesses some of the assets they need – in fact, in most cases, require – to move to our fair hometown. We are convinced there is no dearth of ability or ideas among our citizenry. We hope that those in possession of those abilities and ideas will come to the aid of Alexander City and lead the way to a more vibrant way of life here on the shores of beautiful Lake Martin.
Captain America: Civil War, but I digress . . .
O
n Thursday, I went to see Captain America: vCivil War, which is for all intents and purposes a new Avengers movie. Minus Hulk and Thor, it has them all, while introducing a couple of others to the mix. These aren’t spoilers. Most people know of Hulk or Thor’s absence in the movie and the new characters have been advertised. Anyway, it was a great movie. I’m a huge fan of superhero movies but not to the degree where I consider myself a sci-fi nerd—not that there’s anything wrong with that. But I digress… I loved the movie, the storyline, and the heroes. There is internal conflict among the Avengers, which leads to the “Civil War.” They all want the same thing: peace, liberty, and justice for all. They just see different ways of getting there. I think most Americans, regardless of political party, feel the same way, but there are a few knuckleheads who mess it up for everyone. But I digress… The respective sides are led by Captain America and Ironman. Although I understand Team Ironman’s train of thought, I sided with Team Captain America from the start. I just have too much army in me. Captain Steve Rogers represents all that is good in the world, and by golly, he is due a pro-
Officials Charles Shaw is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256234-7395 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 98 Heritage Drive Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Charles Shaw
Bobby Tapley represents District 1. His phone number is 256329-9671. His address is 1821 LaVista Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Safety committee.
Bobby Tapley
Sherry Ellison-Simpson represents District 2. Her phone number is 256329-0516. Her address is 2879 Old Dark Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
Sherry Ellison Simpson
Bob Howard represents District 3. His phone number is 256-2342225. His address is 241 8th Street West, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.
Bob Howard
Billy Ray Wall represents District 4. His phone number is 256329-8060. His address is 101 Scott Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.
James Spann represents District 5. His phone number is 256-3299758. His address is 314 Auburn Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee. Tony Goss represents District 6. His phone number is 256-7493355. His address is 647 Shady Point, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
Billy Ray Wall
James Spann
Tony Goss
JODY FULLER Guest Columnist
motion. He’s held the rank of captain since World War II. I was a captain for seven years, which is a bit too long, but that’s the National Guard for you— not that there’s anything wrong with that. But I digress… Although there are no ships, in my humble and biased opinion, yes, biased opinion, Team Ironman is a lot like the navy. They fly around and have all their fancy gadgets, whereas Team Captain America is more of the ground and pound, boots on the ground kind of crowd, much like the army. On a side note, the U.S. Army has more boats than the U.S. Navy and more aircraft than the United States Air Force. We also have more knuckleheads, but I digress. Captain America embodies the morals and values of days gone by. Sure, there were social ills that were still being worked out, but Cap represented all that was good in America and continues to do so today when those values are needed more than ever. I often think I was born a few generations too late, as I have so much in common with the older
folks. For example, I look forward to working in my garden each day. I sit at home at night and watch documentaries on Netflix. I eat yogurt, orange slices, and like to whittle. One day last week, I even admired a Buick from afar. By now, my extensive Cool-whip bowl collection is known to many, but now I’ve started saving jars. I remove the label, wash them, and store them away for future use, which may or may not ever come. I’m only 43 years old. What the heck is wrong with me? But I digress… The main villain in the film says something along the lines of this: Empires that are defeated by enemies can rebuild, but empires that are defeated from within are doomed. Most of us with common sense want the same thing. We just see different avenues in getting there. I wish we had someone like Cap running for president. What difference does it make? Well, that would no doubt make America great again! Go Army. Beat Navy. Jody Fuller is a comic, speaker, writer and soldier with three tours of duty in Iraq. He is also a lifetime stutterer. He can be reached at jody@jodyfuller.com. For more information, please visit www. jodyfuller.com.
Today’s
Quote
“Excellence is not a skill, it’s an attitude.” – Ralph Marston
Today’s
Scripture “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” – Psalm 103:13
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Reader thanks all who make city a great place to live Dear Editor,
Know Your
Thursday, May 19, 2016
In response to the overthe-top angry letter from Bill King, I must point out that no one in our city government has been found guilty of corruption, incompetence or laden with scandal. Yes, we have problems that are being investigated concerning missing funds from the golf course and another $1.5 million unaccounted for. This is unacceptable and must be resolved. The Outlook has done a great job keeping us informed as information comes forward. Yet so far no one has been found responsible. Why not? Who is responsible for the handling of funds? Apparently, even an audit is being stonewalled. By who? Gossip and innuendo must stop. Accusations and mudslinging solve nothing. Labeling the council as corrupt, scandalous and incompetent may make you feel good,
but it borders on ridiculous and irrational. We need factual evidence. Mr. King also claims established businesses have left to go to “better business towns.” Really? Name them. He also claims we are a town that no one wishes to move into. Baloney, such drama. Mr. King needs to read the Outlook magazine “Small Towns, Big Ideas.” He should find it very impressive. This great magazine validates everything we already know. Even with problems from time to time with city government, problems with drugs and crime, we remain a great community with so much to be thankful for, such as the Sportplex, great schools, No. 1 hospital, restaurants, banks, police force, fire department, Chamber of Commerce, MainStreet and the Economic Development Alliance. Thanks to all of you who serve to protect us and keep
this city growing, to all the past mayors and council members who led the way and the present city government leaders who continue to keep us a growing and thriving city. Thanks to all of you we will survive the problems facing our city government and move on. Mr. King suggested Mayor Shaw should step down and council members not run for reelection or any other city office. Well, I hope they all run for re-election or any office they wish. They did not deserve the hateful vicious rantings of Mr. King. The mayor and council members are good, decent, civic-minded citizens who love this city and are deserving of our respect for taking on the thankless job of doing their best to please everybody, which is impossible. With this letter, I thank all of you. Annette Lynch Alexander City
Reader disagrees with recent column Dear Editor, This letter is concerning your staff writer, Mr. David Granger. I’m going to be perfectly clear as I know how to be. I don’t mean to be hurtful or elitist. I’ve yet to hear or read any rationale from a Clinton supporter beyond the idea of Hillary as the habitual lie-telling candidate, boastful, untrustworthy, liberalistic, socialistic candidate she has shown herself to be in the primary campaign. That should not be taken that I think all Clinton supporters share all her above characteristics. Some are diehard Democrats who would support her if Hell was to freeze over. To cite all evidence for the nation’s highest office against Hillary for the highest office would take this whole newspaper. Bet let’s talk about her lies and degrading women when Slick Willy had affairs with multiple women. This would take another column, possibly a book. Hillary lied about the Clinton Foundation, Wall Street support, the victim’s family about Benghazi, a video being blamed for the terrorist attack,
lied to the coal miners. By the way, Rosie is “fat” and “ugly.” This is a “fact” and she’s not a patriot. Princess Diana played around a little and possibly was a “bimbo.” Regan (sic) Kelly asked for it and she got it. All of this is 100 percent accurate. Any man or woman who could bring their self to vote for Hillary and Slick Willy should look at the way this country has come down the last few years. Morality is at an all-time low, our military is weak and the greatest country on earth has lost respect around the world. How could anyone vote for a candidate that supports men, women and children using the same restroom and showers in our schools and in public? Hillary condones taking prayer out of schools and public places. Hillary and most of her supporters go along with this. How can she deny this? Simple, she lies, and the bias press backs her up. Now, as far as trust, can we trust you, Mr. Granger? So far you have washed your hands of Trump, you have cried about Trump. How is it supposed to be a “surprise” that you are a Hillary supporter. I have a large supply of hand towels and tis-
sues for you socialistic, liberal Democrats. To be clear, we knew you were a Hillary man all along. She has “warts” and a lot of them. The idea of her becoming president scares the hell out of me along with most people in Alabama and the nation. Ask the coal miners. Millions of people who voted for Trump are not as smart as you in your mind, who sits behind a computer and writes bias articles about the candidate you don’t support. Also, “can” your cartoons, they belittle you. They are a reflection of you and the possibility that The Outlook is a little bias in reporting the news. Have you heard about “fair and balanced”? By the way, Mr. Granger, I appreciate you being responsible for bringing thousands in Tallapoosa County, Alabama and the nation to support Trump. Keep writing. Every article you write, Trump support goes up. “Make America Great Again.” Thank you, James (Jimmy) Keel Alexander City
The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
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Thursday, May 19, 2016
The Outlook
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Page 5
Camp Hill instates summer hours to curb financial issues to 32 hours a week in an effort to save money to pay bills and the IRS and to keep from laying off At Monday’s Camp employees. Hill Town Council meetThe council found out ing, members decided to Monday night that it can schedule summer hours appeal the amount of they for town hall, discussed the situation with the IRS are paying the IRS every and heard from local busi- month that is currently just over $5,600. nessman Loring White. “I spoke with the IRS,” “I think that we need Town attorney Charles to start summer hours at town hall,” Council mem- Gillenwaters said. “They set that amount based on ber Will York said. “By closing at lunch everyday revenues and expenditures at the time. We can appeal and closing Wednesday by filing Form 433B but afternoon we will solve until they rule on that, we most of the scheduling problems with the 32 hour must continue to pay the $5,600.” work week.” The Town of Camp Hill Town Hall will now still owes over $126,000 be closed for lunch from to the IRS for withholdnoon to 1 p.m. and close ings not paid dating back Wednesdays at noon. Council member Ezelle to 2007 and 2006. White was asking the Smith abstained. council what it was they Just two weeks ago, were wanting from him. the council voted to cut “What do you need, all full-time employees but the police department what do you want?” White asked the council. By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
Audit
continued from page 1
been lost in the process, never clearing the patrons’ banks. Alexander City Parks and Recreation Director Sonny Wilson said at the same meeting he believes the amount of missing funds could be as much as $120,000. Scroggins said he knew of several checks, some of more than $1,000, that never cleared the bank. Scroggins said he was aware of two of his checks that never cleared, one as recent as Dec. 10. Shaw hired the accounting firm of Carr, Riggs and Ingram to investigate the matter. Part of what was presented to Jones was information found by that group. Alexander City has been billed $24,603 for the firm’s services. Brian Barksdale of Carr, Riggs and Ingram said before the fight broke out at the April 25 meeting of the council that the invoice was correct, and contrary to earlier reports by Shaw, the work they did on the matter was not a forensic audit or an audit at all, instead calling it an “investigation.” “We turned the results of that investigation over to the city,” Barksdale said. It has been learned that the findings showed the money was all accounted for at the golf course and the recreation department, but it appears the issue was at city hall. The exact amount of what was taken has not been finalized, but the issues spanned at least two calendar years. In addition to missing checks, a “substantial amount of cash” is also involved, a source close to the process said. In March, Jones said that while the city did pay for a firm to look into the issue and that money was missing, it wasn’t a forensic audit that would give prosecutors the kind of information needed in a criminal prosecution. “There are several reasons why this makes sense,” Jones said in March. “First of all, there really needs to be a forensic audit done. If we were to do that, we would have to hire someone. The AG’s office has people on staff to handle that.” In other financial news, the auditor working for Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler said a probe into complaints made over financial dealings of the city is not complete. Linda Hilyer has been working since February on a complaint that was filed with Zeigler’s office last August. Hilyer, who was at the meeting on April 25 when the fight broke out, said she had hoped to have a report done, but is still awaiting information from the city to complete her work. Hilyer has been subpoenaed to testify in the June 29 assault trial for Shaw and his wife Lavern.
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“You hired a group in Kansas City that are calling and looking for tax money. Now a group in Birmingham is calling.” Mayor Danny Evans and the council denied hiring those firms but did say that RDS, a company that handles transactions for sales tax is, contracted by the town but he would speak with RDS about the matter. White assured the council that his businesses at White Acres have the proper licenses but White asked to make sure. “What licenses do I need?” White asked. “I have businesses all over but I can assure you that we are doing what needs to be done. I do business and have licenses in 42 states and numerous cities and counties but have more problems here than anywhere else.” White did tell the council that he could shift
around how some of the transactions are handled and the town could collect more tax monies. “The law says that I can sell up to five vehicles a year and title them here without paying tax,” White said. “Most of the titling is done in the corporate office in Montgomery. We can shift some of that here so that Camp Hill can collect some of that.” There were also questions about White having a restaurant at White Acres that is located just outside the town limits. “We do not have a restaurant,” White said. “We do provide meals for our employees and for employees that come in for training and stay on the property in cabins. We do have the proper health department licensing to operate that.” White went so far as to invite the council and
mayor to come visit the farm. Frank Holley asked the council about refunding money he paid after his automobile was towed following his arrest. The council decided under advisement from Gillenwaters not to discuss the request since Holley has a pending federal lawsuit against the town surrounding the arrest. Keen Zero inquired about purchasing a city owned building in downtown since he acquired the building next door at the recent tax sale. After a brief discussion, the council tabled the idea of selling the property until they could determine the value and will determine the value from the appraisal at the county tax office. The council had no problem with a tent revival setting up in town.
“I have no problem with the revival,” Mayor Danny Evans said. “We need all the religion we can get in Camp Hill.” The Camp Hill Town Council also: • approved the hazard mitigation plan that will become part of the county’s plan. • approved payment of bills as far as money would go. • approved minutes from the May 2 meeting. • learned the ice maker in the firehouse is not working and that the machine is used by city workers in the summer. • learned the town still has not paid former town attorney Ben Hand $1,500 due to lack of funds. • learned that the emergency siren is now operable. The next meeting of the Camp Hill Town Council is June 6 at 6 p.m.
Page 6
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Thursday, May 19, 2016
The Outlook
Central of Coosa High School Class of 2016 Taranisha Anderson
Cedarius Askew
Taylor Caldwell
Mya Shontell Calhoun Ernest Tanner Cleveland Victoria Paige Cleveland Martin Chandler Collins Preston Tucker Cowart
Sophia Michelle Crayton Destiny Alexis Curtis
Sydney Marie Bearden David Tyrell Benson
Makalia Dominique Dowdell Emily Elaine Duncan
Laura Faith Bowen
Lexus Evans
C’Asia Santrice Brown
Ashton Ciera Fielding
Central Alabama Community College Payton Alysa Fielding Brittney Anna Forbus
Randa Lynn Gaither
Savanna Tiara Goggans Dixie Leigh Harwell
Shakerian Dontae Hayes
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Page 7
Kirstin Nicole Honeycutt Jazmyn Elaine Hoytt
Jasper Logan Ingram
Tyrisha Shardez Jennings Charleycia Shantrell Jones
Shakeria Moniqua Jones Shandrika Chardae Jones Steven Keyshawn Kelly
Ashley Nicole Kilgore
Chrissie Dawn Lyner
Shania Yade’ Holley
Shaciree Antasia Marbury
Lydia Grace McCollum Quatina Simone McCoy Collin Alexander McDaniel Mitchell Wayne McDaniel David Flurlando McKinney Aaron Lane Natali
Megan Elizabeth Osbourn Winston F. Pearson II
JaKeisha Richardson
Hallie Madison Pennington Kaitlin Paige Peters
Brittany Marie Roberson Jonathan Logan Robinson
Hunter Michael Reynolds Anfernee Richardson
James Wesley Saffold
Anna Claire Sanders
Sonjerrica Donshea Shelton Brennen Matthew Smith Tevin LaBoyd Smith
Nathan Wesley Soper
Trevor Douglas Stover Moeshia Monique Strong
Mishayla Ranece Thomas Abbie Jeanette Tinney Teiayra Ryashia Todd
Ce’Airra Danecia Tucker Cody Wayne Varner
Shyanne Angel Wall
Tykera Rashuneck Wallace
Carlisha Kiera Webster Lajerrian Gershone Whetstone
Joah Kenneth Schmidt
Nicholas Andrew Vernon
Rodriquez K’Mar Whetstone
Best wishes to the Class of 2016
Page 8
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CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Today is
May 19, 2016 Today’s Events
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
Thursday, May 19, 2016
The Outlook
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.
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Today’s Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Holley are celebrating their anniversary today.
Today’s Birthdays
Kat Milner, Virginia Ashworth, Elizabeth Gilliland, Caroline Fuller, Teresa Burns, Tanya Nelson, Mike Davis, and Darlene Johnson are celebrating birthdays today.
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The Alex City Recycling Center recently passed out checks from its efforts to area organizations. The group recycles several items and donates the money. The center’s president Bill Stewart presented three checks to Dr. Darrell Cooper of the Alexander City Schools for ACS, Gateway to Education and for the Radney School After the Bell program.
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May 19 - May 28
WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: I Hate Hamlet will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players May 12 - May 28. For ticket information call 334-868-1140 or go to wetumpkadepot. com.
May 20
AWARDS DAY: Coosa Central Middle School Awards Day for fifth through seventh grades will be May 20 at 9 a.m. The eighth grade promotion ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. DSC FUNDRAISER: The Dixie Sailing Club is hosting a $5,000 Drawdown at The Ridge Club May 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The proceeds will be used to promote the youth sailing program. There will be a silent auction, music, food and drinks. For tickets check the club’s website at www.dixiesailingclub. com.
May 21
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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 256-990-2666 or Cory Powell at 256329-9502. 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 raising 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 Larry 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.
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. BOSTON BUTT SALE: Sixth Street Baptist Church is pre-selling Boston Butts from Good Ol’ Boys Restaurant for you to have for your Memorial Day Weekend. The butts are $30 each and the proceeds will go to help support our mission team going to Uganda this July to share the gospel with the Acholi people. All orders must be pre-ordered and pre-paid. The pickup for the butts will be Friday morning, May 27, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Sixth Street Baptist Church. For more information, or to place and order, please contact Sixth Street Baptist Church at 256-234-2408 or email Pastor Matt Haines at mhaines@ sixthstreetbaptistchurch.com
May 23
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.
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 256-2343371.
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
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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.
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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.
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Page 11
Faith Christian Academy graduates second ever senior
Faith Christian Academy is graduating its second ever senior May 26. Luke Greer will graduate a week from today at 9 a.m. at Faith Temple Church. Greer is already working on a welding degree at Central Alabama Community College and plans on finishing that up. Greer who started at Faith Temple in the fourth grade will not be the only one to graduate, as six kindergarteners will join him. Morgan Jones, Alyssa Channell, Mia Culberson, Jaylynn Welch, Will Kohls and Seraphina Bishop will share the spotlight with Greer.
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Call 256-234-4281 or stop by the office at 548 Cherokee Road • Alexander City, Alabama
ROBERT HUDSON SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
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Thursday, May 19, 2016
www.alexcityoutlook.com
A FAMILY TRADITION Benjamin Russell’s Schouten signs skiing scholarship with ULL
JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
Fredi should be thankful that Braves let him go
M
Kenneth Boone and Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Above, Joseph Schouten competes during a tournament on Lake Martin. Below, Joseph signs a skiing scholarship with Louisiana-Lafayette. Back row from left are Trevor Gravette, Benjamin Russell Athletics Director Pam Robinson and BRHS Principal Anthony Wilkinson. Front row from left are Joseph’s father, Robert, Joseph, Joseph’s brother, Seth, and Joseph’s mother, Donna. By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
For the Schouten family, the tradition of great water skiers runs deep. And now, the family will add another chapter to its legacy on the water. Joseph Schouten signed a full-ride scholarship to water ski at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette this week. Schouten, a Benjamin Russell senior who played tennis for the Wildcats, said his love of water skiing was passed down from his father, world-renowned skier and coach Robert Schouten, and his grandfather, national-champion skier Bill Schouten. “It started with my granddad about 60 years ago. He was one of the original people who helped found the sport itself in the U.S.,” Schouten said. “From there he taught it to dad, and at a really young age dad taught it to me and I’ve been doing it ever since.” Robert said it was Joseph’s rankings among the best skiers in the country and a love for the sport that helped him attain a scholarship. “Through his national rankings and he’s been skiing since he was 2 years old. It was just a natural progression that’s gone through my dad, who was many times a national champion, and I’ve skied in the world championships,” Robert said. “It’s just kind of been passed down to him.” Schouten will be joining a ULL program that is coming off a national title in water skiing. Robert said he believes Joseph will learn a lot from being a member of the Ragin’ Cajuns. “It’s very exciting. Being a freshman he’s going to be on a national championship team, so he’s going to have to work hard, but he’s going to learn so much,” Robert said. “I think there’s actually six world champions on the team, so he’s going to learn a lot
there.” Schouten said he is excited about moving on and enjoys the challenge of water skiing. “It means a lot to me. I’ve been doing it my whole life and it’s a pretty big part of me. I’m just glad that I can continue on,” Schouten said. “The thing I like the most about skiing is challenging myself to go out there and improve every day. It to me is just meeting new people, making new friends and enjoying life.” Schouten said he will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. Robert said while it is bittersweet to have his son leave home, Schouten will be going into a perfect situation. “First, it’s very sad because he’s such a great kid and we hate to see him leave home,” Robert said. “But it’s such a great
opportunity and it’s a great engineering school, which he wants to go into, so it was just a natural fit for him.” Joseph said he hopes to continue a tradition of great water skiers that his children will one day follow. He said he is thankful for all of the support he has received along the way. “It means I’ve branched out and raised the bar for my future kids, who will naturally will be water skiers. They don’t have a choice,” Schouten said with a laugh. “I’d definitely like to thank my parents. They helped me get the majority of the scholarship. Other than that, I want to thank everyone in the state of Alabama and throughout the U.S. who have supported me over the years.”
Tigers coming out of spring practices with confidence By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
Another spring is in the books, as the Dadeville Tigers closed practices with last Friday’s jamboree game against Elmore County and Booker T. Washington in Dadeville. Dadeville Coach Richard White said he liked what he saw from the Tigers on both sides of the ball on Friday, as a couple of players stepped up and filled some key roles. “We made some improvements from the first day we started practices. I was pleased with the way our running backs ran the ball, I was pleased with the way Margarius (Buchanan) ran the team at quarterback, and I was pleased with some people who had to play defense,” White said. “Jalen Sullivan, a cornerback, especially did a great job and stepped up like we asked him to. Sometimes kids sit back in the shadows until it’s their time to produce, and I was pleasantly surprised with that.”
White said overall the Tigers adjusted well and showed improvement against different opponents on Friday. But moving into the fall, White added players will have to learn a lot more of the system than they did in the spring. “Some did OK and some still have some work to do. That’s just normal for the spring, we’ve just got to keep working and keep learning what we’re doing,” White said. “We didn’t throw a whole lot at them on either side of the ball this spring. We kept everything as basic as we could. It’s going to be a learning curve for some of them, but we’ve just got to get out there and add a couple of things as we get ready to start the fall season. Overall, I was fairly pleased with how we looked.” Coming out of spring practices, the most experienced group for Dadeville is the offensive line. But White said there will be a number of key position groups where Dadeville will have to build depth.
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Dadeville quarterback Margarius Buchanan goes airborne during last Friday’s spring game at home against Booker T. Washington.
“You would think our offensive line would be our strongest (position) because we’ve got four of the five returning starters. We’ve still got to find some defensive front people,” White said. “We’ve got to get some depth there. We’ve got one or two pretty good ones on the defensive front, but we’ve got to find some depth and
some people who can give us time at those positions. We’re still looking at outside linebackers. We’ve got to work there and find some depth. And secondary, we’ve got to find some major depth there. Spring is what it is. We got out of it what we thought we’d get out of it and we just have to go forward from there.”
emorial Day hasn’t happened yet and the Atlanta Braves seem to be on pace to lose 10 gazillion games. Atlanta hasn’t been this bad since youngsters Tom Glavine and Ron Gant cracked the lineup, Barbara Bush was the First Lady, and the idea of Turner Field as a multipurpose sports venue had not been conceived in the minds of the Atlanta Committee for the 1996 Olympic Games. I’m not sure which team is worse: the 2016 Braves or Morris Buttermaker’s Bad News Bears. Through Sunday, the team’s batting average was .228, and 13 major leaguers have more home runs than the Braves (nine). Fire the manager! Fredi Gonzalez must go! I heard the cries on Twitter. I heard the cries from the stands. I heard the cries in the media. I heard the cries from Braves fans I chat with. Yeah, that’s it, Fredi Gonzalez was the problem and tossing him to the street as the Braves did Tuesday will solve this team’s ills. Oh, please. I don’t care who occupies the managerial role with this bunch, whether it’s Gonzalez, Bobby Cox, Bud Black, Tony LaRussa, Sparky Anderson, Chipper Jones or the reincarnation of Connie Mack, this team is destined to lose. Look at the roster. Has-beens. Cast-offs. Throw in a few up-and-comers who haven’t hit their prime. It doesn’t matter what wisdom, or lack thereof, comes from the head person in the dugout – there isn’t enough talent for this team to remotely be competitive. Other than first baseman Freddie Freeman, and maybe aging right fielder Nick Markakis on occasion, nobody in that lineup should strike fear in the hearts of opposing pitchers. Why are fans up in arms? This year’s major league version of the Bad News Braves was supposed to be God-awful. It’s obvious that the front office has a master rebuilding plan – one that they hope will carry this team for a few strong years. That’s the focus. Not 2016. It’s more important to develop the wealth of talent this organization has accrued by ditching a number of popular players, and save a few bucks along the way – then put all the chips on the table for 2018 and beyond. The mounting losses simply weren’t Gonzalez’s fault. Instead of firing him for the dismal record, perhaps the Braves fired him for other reasons. Past mistakes with talented teams? A new culture of losing that needs a fresh start? Maybe the front office knew this team would fail all along and kept Gonzalez around to lose with him instead of the manager of the future. How can Gonzalez be held responsible for the players he’s given? He should have only been held responsible for how he used them. If he made poor decisions, then blame him for that, but it’s not like these games – or season – mattered anyway. Gonzalez should be thankful he was let go. Call it a mercy firing. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor for the Auburn University Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and is the former Sports Editor at the Opelika-Auburn News.