OPINION: 20-YEAR-OLD ADVICE FOR CLASS OF 2016. PAGE 4.
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Shaw apologizes for his actions Mayor says he’s ready to put fight behind and get back to making good decisions for Alexander City
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mayor Charles Shaw took a step towards mending some fences after an April 25 physical altercation following a city council meeting by apologizing for his actions Monday night. Following Thursday night’s meeting, Shaw took time during the comments to address Councilman Tony Goss, the city and residents for his actions. Even though Goss was not present at the meeting due to health issues, Shaw said he plans to apologize personally to Goss as well. “Tony is not here, but I’m going to go ahead and say
it tonight anyway,” Shaw said. “I’m very passionate about Alexander City and the people of Alexander City. I’m also very passionate about my wife. “A few weeks ago I let my passion and my emotions get ahead of me and I made a mistake. I’d like to apologize to Mr. Goss and the city and I will do it again to Tony personally. I want to put this behind us and move forward and make good decisions for Alexander City in the future.” With that the council and the gallery gave the mayor a round of applause. Shaw and his wife Lavern were charged with thirddegree assault following the post-meeting fight. A bench trial before Randolph County Circuit Court
Judge Clay Tinney is set for June 29. During the business portion of the meetings, the council also appointed a new member to the Alexander City Board of Education and approved the annual $5,000 appropriation to help sponsor the annual Alexander City Celebrates Freedom fireworks show. The council voted 5-0 to appoint Denise Bates to the seat vacated by the departure from Steve Robinson on the school board. Bates has three children who all graduated from Alexander City Schools. Her son, Daniel, 25, is currently serving in the U.S. Army and her daughters, See COUNCIL • Page 3
Arrest made in Koons Corner armed robbery
Area high school graduations underway
By MITCH SNEED Editor
By DAVID GRANGER Staff Writer
It’s graduation season and the passages into adulthood began last night in the Alexander City area and continue through Friday, May 27. On Thursday night at Joe N. Belyeu Gymnasium, Central High School of Coosa County graduated its 76-member Class of 2016. The valedictorian for the Cougars’ class was Ashton Fielding. Co-salutatorians were Chandler Collins and Lydia McCollum. On Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at Battle Stadium in New Site, Horseshoe Bend High School will graduate its 2016 senior class. The class includes 61 graduates. Horseshoe Bend will announce its valedictorian and salutatorian this morning at 8:30 a.m. at a senior awards ceremony in the school’s Commons Area.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
The Alexander City Police Department and the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department hosted the 20th Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service Thursday. It featured Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill as speaker and a roll of call of those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Tallapoosa County. Bottom right, Tallapoosa County Chief Deputy David McMichael plays taps.
HIGH REGARDS
Law enforcement memorial service honors fallen heroes
See GRADUATIONS • Page 3
Camp Hill Volunteer Fire Department receives grant By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
The Camp Hill Volunteer Fire Department will soon have some new turnout gear and a thermal camera thanks to a $19,048 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “We have been begging for that camera for over 10 years now,” Camp Hill Volunteer Fire Chief David Berry said. “I have applied for grants and applied for grants and we are thankful.” The grant was announced recently by U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers. “Tallapoosa County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I congratulate the men and women of the Camp Hill Volunteer Fire Department for receiving this grant and hope it will ultimately help increase the safety for all local citizens.” Rogers said the grant should be awarded under the 2015 Assistance to Firefighters Grant See GRANT • Page 3
Alexander City Police Department arrested the man they believe tried to rob a local convenience store Saturday. With help from the U.S. Marshal Service and the Tallapoosa County Narcotics Task Force, ACPD arrested Keith Lawson Bernard Lawson, 45, of Alexander City Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 while he was sitting inside the Wind Creek Casino in Montgomery. Alexander City Police Department Lt. James Easterwood said that Lawson was the man who pulled a gun on a store clerk at Koons Corner at 1460 Hillabee Street Saturday around 3:30 p.m. “We had a pretty good idea of who it was when we saw the surveillance photos,” Easterwood said. “But the picture in the paper and on the Outlook social media page as well as posted through CrimeStoppers turned up some pretty good leads. See ARREST • Page 3
Lake Martin
Jazz Fest 2016 art revealed 490.56
Lake Levels Reported on 5/19/16 @ 3 p.m.
By MIA OSBORN Staff Writer
The Alexander City Jazz Fest committee is pleased to announce the winner of the 2016 art contest is Michael O’Connell of Clearwater, Florida. O’Connell’s design features stylized jazz musicians performing against a background of city lights and a starry night sky. The art will be reproduced on posters and advertisements to be displayed around Lake Martin in the days leading up to Jazz Fest. It will also appear on the official 2016 Jazz Fest t-shirts. O’Connell hails from Johnson City, New York, but has lived in
Linda Shaffer, REALTOR® C: 256.794.4641 • W: 256.329.5253 shaffer@lakemartin.net 5295 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL
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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
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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.
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Obituaries Mr. John Turner April 10, 1945 - 2016 Memorial Service for Mr. John Turner, 71, of Argonia, KS, will be Friday, May 20, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at the Radney Funeral Home. Pastor Scott Jordan will officiate. Burial will follow in the Alexander City Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 20, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home. Mr. Turner passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at his residence. He was born on April 10, 1945 to Sidney W Turner and Mary M Fuller. He loved his family very much. Mr. Turner was a ‘one of kind’ kind of fellow. He loved Alabama football, fishing, and NASCAR. He is survived by his daughters, Sharon Hiser (Tim) of Wichita, KS and Caran Turner (Kevin); grandchildren, Michael Simmons (Terra), Tabitha Prestage (Eric), Lisa Griggs (Kevin), Austin Jones, and Amber Jones; great-grandchildren, Ericka Prestage, Shylynn Prestage, Matthew Prestage, Mia Simmons, Bella Simmons, Alex Barnes, Cole Griggs, and Lane Griggs; and brother, Mark Woodruff. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John David Turner; and sister, Debra Woodruff. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneyfuneralhome.com. Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
DEAR ABBY: I’m a senior (girl) in high school and have been dating a sophomore even though he’s less than a year younger than I am. (I’m very young for my grade.) We have a lot in common and I think we both love each other a lot. Next fall, I’m planning on going to a local community college, but I won’t be too far away. I think my boyfriend has more interest in the military or a vocational career than college, but he’s very serious and mature for his age. I know college will be a chance for me to meet new people and I don’t want to limit my chances, but if I’m still interested in dating him, would it be “proper”? I was already hesitant about dating him because he was younger, although I knew if the situation was reversed it wouldn’t be a problem. Assuming everything still works out between us, is it
DEAR ABBY Advice
OK for a college girl to date a high school boy? I’m not sure how to handle this. I know things may change before fall, but I’m getting anxious about it now. He has already said that he would still like to date me if I want to, so it’s basically up to me. -ANXIOUS IN THE MIDWEST DEAR ANXIOUS: As far as I know, there is no rule forbidding a college freshman continuing to date someone who is still in high school. Because the choice is yours, I suggest you just let this play out. College will present you with a chance to widen not only your range of inter-
ests, but also your circle of acquaintances. You owe it to yourself to take advantage of everything that college offers. If you wish to continue seeing your current boyfriend, do so. However, it would be better for both of you if it is done on a non-exclusive basis for the next few years. DEAR ABBY: Several times recently when I have invited people to parties or dinners at our home, they have surprised me by responding with not only their regrets but also with a counteroffer. For example: “Sorry, we’re busy the evening of the 22nd, but could you have us over the following Thursday?” How should I respond to this? I’m trying to invite them for a specific event, not open a negotiation. It feels like the subtext is that our schedule is less important than our potential guests’ and we
should be prepared to entertain them whatever day they have open. On the other hand, this has happened so often I’m starting to wonder if social obligations are now being handled in the same way as business meetings and I should just adjust to it. What’s your opinion? -COUNTEROFFERS IN LOS ANGELES DEAR COUNTEROFFERS: You should entertain on the schedule that’s most convenient for you. If someone has a conflict, you should (sweetly) tell the person you will miss having them. Period. 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.
‘Vehicle of interest’ identified in Tallassee Mill fire By COREY ARWOOD Staff Writer
A sport utility vehicle fitting the description of a dark colored Chevy Tahoe, or GMC Yukon, has been identified as a vehicle of interest by the agencies working on Tallassee’s Mount Vernon Mill fire. And a state fire official said the main point of interest is the vehicle’s lighter colored hood. The contrasting hood color was said to be the important detail about the SUV, captured from surveillance footage taken near the area of the Mill the night of the fire, on May 4. A public information officer with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Steve Holmes, said investigators think the lighter color, described as a primer grey or white, indicates the hood has not been painted yet. The vehicle is thought to be a middle-sized GM product, Holmes said. Tallassee Police Chief Jimmy Rodgers said the images emerged from surveillance video taken around the time the first 911 calls were received, and the fire reported. Rodgers said they knew there were at least two people in the vehicle. The “vehicle of interest” status was a matter of the time and place, and the images in the press release are from police department footage, he said.
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
The investigation continues into the burning of Tallassee’s Mount Vernon Mill on May 4.
However, Rodgers said, there is no evidence, such as a plate number, to indicate where the SUV, or its driver and passenger were from. The age, race or sex of the driver or passenger could not be learned from either the TPD or Fire Marshals. Investigators have still not been able to step foot in the remains of the mill, Rodgers said, due to how unstable the remaining structure is. “We’ve had walls collapse since the fire, it’s very unstable,” said Rodgers. This has forced the three agencies engaged in the joint investigation, Tallassee Police Department, State Fire Marshals, and ATF,
into pursuing alternate means of retrieving evidence, heavily reliant on contributions from the public. Rodgers called it a “different route,” and said it was not necessarily a bad thing. “I think it’s very helpful, the more information from the public, the more you can evaluate and come to a conclusion on what occurred,” Rodgers said. Holmes clarified the State Fire Marshals were not indicating “suspect” status of anyone associated with vehicle through the press release, and the surveillance footage images. He said they only wanted to talk with them.
Alabama Association of School Boards to honor Bice but powerful question as he spoke across the state: Are we doing what is right for kids? “He has done so much that is right for our students: developing Plan 2020, a visionary, ambitious strategic Thomas R. “Tommy” Bice, a former superintendent plan to improve Alabama’s public schools; raising of Alexander City Schools and recently retired as state expectations for our students, education leaders and Superintendent of Education, will be presented the teachers; and not backing down from the fight to Alabama Association of School Boards’ highest honor adequately fund education priorities,” Smith said. June 19 for “extraordinary service and leadership on The AASB Board of Directors unanimously behalf of Alabama’s public schoolchildren.” approved presentation of the prestigious award to the “Dr. Bice has earned our 2016 Champion for former chief of schools. Bice retired March 31 after Children Award because of his distinguished more than four years state education superintendent. 39-year career in education and his myriad notable Bice is moving on to serve as education director accomplishments as state superintendent,” said AASB of the Mike and Gillian Goodrich Foundation in Executive Director Sally Smith. Birmingham. Smith said she’d often hear Bice ask a fundamental The former Alexander City Schools superintendent will receive the award at 8:30 a.m. on the final day of + + + + + the AASB Annual Summer Conference & Orientation at The Perdido in Orange Beach. The award is only given when outstanding service merits it. Bice earned his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees from Auburn University and his master’s degree Cars• Vans• Trucks • SUV’s No from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His Credit career includes work as deputy state superintendent Checks ,Inc. of education, Alexander City Schools superintendent, high school principal, career tech director, and as Off Hwy. 280 • Alexander City, AL a teacher at the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and (On Right Past the River Bridge) Blind. Bice has also been an adjunct professor of 256.825.9830 educational leadership at Auburn University. STAFF REPORT TPI Staff
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Graduations Dadeville High School will graduate its 2016 class on Wednesday, May 25, at 7 p.m. at the school’s Tiger Stadium. The Dadeville Class of 2016 includes 98 graduates. This year’s DHS valedictorian and salutatorian will be announced at the school’s Senior Awards Night, which will be held Sunday, May 22, at 5 p.m. in the Dadevile High School auditorium. Faith Christian Academy will graduate its second senior ever on Thursday, May 26, at 9 a.m. at Faith Temple Church. Luke Greer will receive his FCA high school diploma during the same ceremony in which six members of the school’s kindergarten class will graduate to first grade. Benjamin Russell High School’s Class of 2016 will graduate on Friday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at the Charles E. Bailey
Jazz Florida much of his life. He graduated from the Tampa School of Art and Design. The first job of his artistic career was as an airbrush artist at Busch Gardens in Tampa. O’Connell is inspired by the bright colors of the Gulf Coast, which can be seen in his watercolor and acrylic paintings. He has made a habit of entering numerous art and design contests over the years. He has created artwork for many concerts and events, including the
Council Catherine and Elizabeth, both 21, are currently enrolled at UAB, both on academic and music scholarships. Bates said she hopes to take her support of the school system to the next level and thanked the council for the opportunity to serve. “I’m very excited and I appreciate the confidence that the council has shown in me,” Bates said. “I have some very big shoes to full. Steve Robinson is a tremendous community servant and did a great job for Alexander City Schools. I am honored and will do my best to live up to that high standard that he has set.” Bates is a sales engineer for a Houstonbased software firm that specializes in software-based telephone systems. In approving the $5,000 for Alexander City Celebrates Freedom, residents will again be assured of a top-notch fireworks show in addition to great Christian music on July 3 at the Benjamin Russell High School band practice field. Christian artist Josh Wilson will headline the concert with local Christian band Church and Main opening the night of entertainment. “I think it’s great that the city partners with the folks at Marshall Street to bring a great fireworks show to the community,” Councilman Bobby Tapley said. “It’s always a great event and we again look forward to it.” It’s the 11th straight year that Marshall Street has combined with the city to put
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Sportplex. Benjamin Russell will graduate 225 seniors, including valedictorians Scout Treadwell, who will attend college at the University of Mississippi, Aubrey Forbus, who will attend the University of Alabama and Sara Elizabeth Kelly, who will attend the University of South Alabama. BRHS Salutatorian Maggie Whatley will attend Central Alabama Community College and plans to transfer to Auburn. Reeltown High School’s commencement ceremony is set for Friday, May 27 at 7 p.m. at Nix-Webster-O’Neal Stadium. The Rebels’ Class of 2016 includes 59 graduates. The Reeltown valedictorian is Lacey Newman, who will attend Southern Union in the fall. The RHS salutatorian is Hannah Grimes, who will attend the University of Alabama.
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2014 Tampa Bay Lightning Celebration of the Arts and the 2015 Gulf Shores National Shrimp Festival. T-shirts featuring O’Connell’s design may be purchased at Jazz Fest concerts in Alexander City’s Strand Park on Friday, June 10 and the Lake Martin Amphitheater on June 11. As the winning artist, O’Connell will receive $250, passes to both nights of Jazz Fest events, and of course, a free t-shirt.
Arrest “Once Lawson was identified as a suspect and a warrant was obtained we contacted the U.S. Marshals and they were able to help locate him there in Montgomery at the casino.” Police believe that Lawson was the man seen on the store’s video surveillance system entering 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. The clerk didn’t want to purchase the iPad and that’s when a large caliber chrome-plated revolver was pulled by the suspect, who demanded cash. But the clerk showed a weapon of his own and the suspect, police have identi-
Grant Program, an essential Federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation. According to the Homeland Security Department, which administers the grant, the purpose of the program is to award funding directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS organizations and state fire training academies that are unaffiliated with a hospital. These awards aim to enhance first responders’
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fied as Lawson fled the store on foot. Easterwood said that Lawson has been charged with first-degree robbery and was also charged with theft from an outstanding warrant. Lawson is no stranger to local police. Court records indicate that Lawson that Lawson has been charged with 40 separate offenses, with convictions or charges still pending in 20 of those cases. Koons Corner owner Keith Koon said he was relieved to hear of the arrest. “I was glad to hear that a person was arrested,” Koons said. “A person like that represents danger to everyone, not just business owners. To get someone like that off the street is good news.” No bond had been set as on late Thursday afternoon.
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ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of firstresponder personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards. Rogers serves on the Committee on Homeland Security in Congress. “I am pleased to see the Federal government is continuing to make these types of investments in the Third District,” Rogers said.
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on the event. In other items, the council voted 5-0 to: • Reappointed Sheryn Belyeu, Madolyn Radney, Fred Norris and Roslyn Weathers to the Adelia M. Russell Library Board. • Approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an amendment 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. • Approved 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. The grant will supply 50 percent funding and the city has put aside $250,000 for its portion of the project. • Approved a resolution awarding the bid for fuel at T.C. Russell Airport under Requisition No. 16-05 to Eastern Aviation Fuels. • Approved a budget amendment to allow for the purchase of a new Diesel fuel control and delivery system as well as a DEF tank system. The current system is outdates and parts are no longer available, The bid was awarded to Summit Sales and Service of Birmingham in the amount not to exceed $32,000.
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
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Page 4
Our
Opinion 20-year-old advice for the class of 2016
“W
ear sunscreen.” With that simple advice, Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich began her column of advice to the Class of 1997. She went on to dispense more suggestions that are sure to serve the Class of 2016 just as well as they did the Class of 1997. Here is some of what Schmich wrote. “Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth,” Schmich suggested. “Never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded. But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked… “Sing. “Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours. “Floss ... “Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements. “Stretch. “Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t. … “Travel. “Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders. “Respect your elders.” It’s all good advice. Timeless, too. Which is good, because the world is different even than it was in 1997. It’s been less than 20 years and we’ve seen so much that we couldn’t imagine in those heady days of the 1990s. So maybe that’s more advice for you: Don’t be complacent. Prepare for a changing world. It has changed in your lifetime and that change will continue. Practice your skills of adaptation and you will be ahead of the curve. But, for now, enjoy this major milestone in your life. Graduation marks both an end and a beginning, which is why a graduation ceremony is also called a commencement ceremony. Not least of all, graduation is a time for celebration. So spend some time in the sun over the next few days. And, by all means, wear sunscreen.
T
Outlook The
Friday, May 20, 2016
Congratulations to the Class of 2016
he seniors of the Class of 2016 are beside themselves with excitement and anticipation. They have achieved their goals and are ready to be awarded their respective degrees and diplomas. It is definitely a milestone in their lives. So, let me add my congratulations on a job well done and wish each of them success in their futures. High school graduation will always be remembered as one of the high water marks of their lives. This graduation mania got me to thinking of my own graduation experiences of long, long ago and in a galaxy far, far away. I remember all the kids that had won so many awards and how impressive their caps and gowns looked. Their robes were festooned with the symbols of their achievements. The only thing I had on my robe was a ketchup stain from a hot dog I was eating before the commencement. The closest thing I had to a ribbon was the material flap where I had ripped my robe opening a coke. I looked like someone’s poor relative instead of a distinguished graduate. I just wished I hadn’t lost my cap and tassel and was reduced to wearing my ball cap. In the ceremony there was a big deal over the class valedictorian. So what? I
GERALD HALLMARK Guest Columnist
was just glad I was allowed in the auditorium. Then they started talking about someone being summa cum laude in the class. I thought they had a disease I didn’t know about. I was sort of a sooner come lately kind of guy, so Latin phrases really didn’t register with me. Plus, I was trying to lick the ketchup stain off my robe. Finally, we came to the awarding of the diplomas and each of us filed across the stage to shake hands with the principal and receive that coveted document. I should have washed my hands before we started because I still had a touch of mustard on my thumb. Then again it was worth it just to see the look on Dr. Stevens’ face when we shook hands! I did offer him the flappy part of my robe to wipe his hand on, but he must have been in a hurry because all he said was, “get off the stage, now!” I guess he wanted to get though as soon as possible. All of us have a gone through these rites of passage into new phases of our lives. They represent the stepping stones to higher
goals. The Apostle Paul reminded us in Philippians 3:16, “Only let us live up to what we have already attained.” Not only do we grow in our intellectual achievements, but we must also grow in our maturity. This maturity is the acceptance of a spiritual dimension to our life that can only be satisfied in Christ. Walking off that stage with a diploma in hand is the first step on life’s pathway beyond academics. It should also be the beginning of a lifestyle that reflects Christ living in us. Truly, the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord. That is the ultimate knowledge of life and no other lesson will ever match it. At the conclusion of the ceremony the principal told us to shift our tassels to the other side of our caps. Since I only had my ball cap, I turned it around backwards. Sometimes I think this set the pattern for my lifestyle walk. Now it is 54 years later and I still have my diploma framed and on my office wall. Oh yeah, you can still see a faint thumbprint in red and yellow. Dr. Gerald Hallmark is a retired minister, an Alexander City resident and a regular columnist for The Outlook.
John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. His phone number is 256-825-8403. His address is 1285 Freeman Road, Dadeville.
John McKelvey
Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. Her daytime phone number is 825-6914 and her evening phone Emma Jean Thweatt number is 825-4207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville. George Carleton Jr. represents District 5, which includes southern Camp Hill, Red Ridge, Walnut Hill, Union and Pleasant Ridge. His address is 630 Turner Road Road, Dadeville.
George Carleton Jr.
“ Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.” – Samuel Johnson
Today’s
Scripture “A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.” – Proverbs 22:15
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Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Steve Robinson Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number is 256-654-0047. His address is 1225 Warren Circle, Alexander City.
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T.C. Coley represents District 1, including half of Coley Creek, the Andrew Jackson subdivision, the southern part of Indian Hill, North Central Avenue, part of Pearson’s T.C. Coley Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill community. His phone number is 212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton.
Today’s
National election shenanigans uncovered by Trump Editor’s note: Due to some mistakes made in the transcription of this letter it is being republished with corrections. Dear Editor, I recently submitted the first of two articles addressing current deficiencies in presidential election procedures. The first article addressed the call for a uniprimary election to select our presidential nominees. This second article addresses certain procedural irregularities surrounding primary election delegates and general election electors. These procedures have become deficient over time, not because of original weaknesses in their design, but because certain realities have emerged that the founding fathers could not possibly have envisioned, realities that prove these irregularities are more unnecessary and undesirable than deficient. Consider this: In the 1770s and 1780s, the fastest mode of travel and communication available was the horse and horsedrawn vehicles. The watercraft of the day may have rivaled the horse and may have just barely exceeded the horse’s speed. Therefore, when the founding fathers constructed Article II of the Constitution, formulating the offices of President and Vice President of the United State, the positions of delegates in the selection process of presidential nominees was not even addressed. The positions of electors from each state in the later named Electoral College was the only workable solution to a timely election of the
president and vice president each four years. It would have been utterly impossible for every qualified citizen of the country to cast an individual ballot, simply because of the constraints of time and distance in such an enormous span of territory as the thirteen existing states, and so was apparently not considered or discussed, or even imagined. After all, it would have literally taken weeks, even months to gather a halfway correct tally of individual votes from all the thirteen states, if it was even possible. Therefore the position of elector was created in the constitution, the only workable solution for that time. But times have changed. And so has technology. TIME is no longer a barrier to an effective popular vote of ALL the people. Neither is DISTANCE. It has become readily apparent that the representative votes by delegates and electors are totally superfluous, and very often only serve to create a conflict, especially when the popular vote total elects one general election candidate and the electoral vote total elects the other, as in 2000, for example. The spirit of the Constitution clearly manifests the fact that the founding fathers intended through the election process that every person was to be EQUALLY represented in selecting EVERY political leader on EVERY elective executive and legislative level of government. However, through the ensuing years political maneuvering by less than fair-minded “insiders” and “party-bosses” created and established means and meth-
ods of manipulating election results through ever-changing “Convention Rules” so as to assure desired outcomes in the nomination and election process. The popular vote was inserted into the process at some point along the way and has been faithfully allowed to continue in order to create the illusion of “one man, one vote”! I am very strongly opposed to frivolous and unnecessary amendments to our foundational Constitution, but the time is well overdue when the Constitution should be amended to establish either a pure popular vote ONLY, or a pure representative vote (primary delegates and general Electoral College) ONLY. But if the representative option is chosen, ALL representatives must be highly publicized and clearly identified so that everyone can know who they are and what their positions on the issues are. They should then be elected by their constituents by popular vote and should fairly represent the voice of their constituency. In the 2016 election activities, especially in the controversy surrounding Donald Trump, an awakening has occurred among the masses to an awareness that the popular vote is largely a farce maintained to produce the illusion that “my vote counts,” when in reality it very well may NOT COUNT AT ALL. It’s time for change. Ben R. Cleveland Alexander City mayor, 19921996 Alexander City
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Friday, May 20, 2016
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Today is
May 20, 2016 Today’s Events
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.
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Today’s Anniversary Jerry and Molly Boswell are celebrating their anniversary.
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Wade Bradberry, Laura Cotney, Latanya Burton, Mary Jane Smith, Debra Oliver, Minnie Lou Tapley and Vickey Sims are celebrating their birthdays today.
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Alex City Recycling Center’s Bill Stewart, left, presents a check to Margie Thames with the Alex City Education Foundation at a recent ceremony where the organization handed out checks from its recycling efforts to area non-profits.
May 20 - May 28
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WETUMPKA DEPOT PLAYERS: I Hate Hamlet will be presented by the Wetumpka Depot Players through May 28. For ticket information call 334-8681140 or go to wetumpkadepot.com.
May 21
PADDLE FOR A PURPOSE: Children’s Harbor Lake Martin Campus is hosting Paddle for a Purpose May 21 at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees are $35 for the mile race and $45 for the 3 and 6 mile race. This event is part of the SUP the South race series. Non-racers are welcome to watch. 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 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
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
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.
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. 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
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Season Speaks
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.
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Friday, May 20, 2016
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HORSESHOE BEND MOVES ON TO FRIDAY Lady Generals drop opener, bounce back to keep season alive at state tourney
By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
MONTGOMERY – The Horseshoe Bend Lady Generals lost their opener in the Class 2A State Softball Tournament, but bounced back in game two to keep their season alive and advance to Friday. The following is a recap from the Lady Generals’ two games on Thursday at Lagoon Park.
Ider 9, Horseshoe Bend 1
The Lady Generals were trailing by only two until the Ider Lady Hornets put up five runs in the bottom of the fifth in Thursday morning’s tournament opener. Horseshoe Bend Coach Bernie Robidart said the Lady Generals had some errors, but the biggest thing is they need to wake up the bats. “We let too many people on for too many different reasons and they took advantage. But we had people on five or six of the innings and it took an error on their part for us to score one,” Robidart said. “We’re not going to win many games in a tournament like this with one run. Yeah, we let too many people on and made some errors on defense, but our hitting has got to be better. We didn’t strike out many times, but we didn’t put the ball in play hard. Dribbling one here and dribbling one there is not going to work.” Ider struck first, as Kaylan Brown singled to bring home Shelby Hawkins to make it a 1-0 game in the bottom of the fourth. The Lady Hornets added one more run in the bottom of the fourth inning when Crystal McElhaney tripled to right field to bring home Brown to put the lead at 2-0. Ider added to its lead in the bottom of the fifth when Caitlin Tinker
scored on a single by MaKenzie Hughes, and McElhaney doubled to bring home Hughes and Hawkins to put the lead at 5-0. An overthrow to first base by Horseshoe Bend gave Ider two more runs in the fifth as McElhaney and Olivia Dobbins scored and made it a 7-0 ballgame. Horseshoe Bend got on the board in the top of the sixth when Alana Story grounded to the Ider third baseman, but the throw to first was over the first baseman’s head allowing Chasity Mitchell to score and make it 7-1. But Horseshoe Bend did not score another run and Ider sealed the victory with a pair of runs in the bottom of the sixth. K-Rae Blasingame, Erin Vickers, Mitchell and Ivy Vickers each had a hit for the Lady Generals. Blasingame struck out five batters from the circle in game one.
Horseshoe Bend 5, Cleveland 0
The Lady Generals bounced back with 12 hits in their second game on Thursday, as they defeated Cleveland to advance to Friday and keep their season alive. Robidart said the Lady Generals (2620-3) got their offense going early in the win over Cleveland. “We scored early and kept up the pressure all the way through the game. We kept the errors to a minimum and didn’t strike out very often. If you keep doing that, then life is good,” Robidart said. “I think we really loosened up. We decided we could come here and play a little bit of ball. Some of them were a little nervous that first game, but I think seeing what’s going on and getting a feel for being here loosened them up. By the end of the game we were in a groove. The hitting took off from the beginning. We
Robert Hudson / The Outlook
Horseshoe Bend’s Ivy Vickers, left, scoops up a throw for a close play at first during Thursday morning’s game against Ider at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.
maybe got a little complacent but at the end we added another run, and I feel like everyone was into the game and a part of the game. I think tomorrow’s game will be pretty interesting.” Horseshoe Bend scored the game’s first run, as Chasity Mitchell scored on a single by K-Rae Blasingame to make it 1-0 in the top of the first. The Lady Generals added one more run in the opening inning, with Blasingame scoring on a single by Rebecca Norrell that made it 2-0 Horseshoe Bend added another run in the top of third with Sydnie Catrett
scoring on a fielder’s choice to push the Lady Generals’ lead to 3-0 in the top of the second. In the top of the third Horseshoe Bend made it 4-0 when Erin Vickers singled to bring home Lexi Hudson. Horseshoe Bend’s final run was scored in the top of the sixth as Alana Story singled to drive in Lily Combs. Blasingame was 2-for-4 with a RBI and a double, while Story went 2-for-3 with a RBI. Horseshoe Bend will return to action Friday morning at Lagoon Park against G.W. Long at 9 a.m.
David Granger / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Sean Rape and Corley Woods signed with Jacksonville State on Thursday morning. Above left, back row from left are BRHS baseball Coach Richy Brooks, BRHS Athletics Director Pam Robinson and BRHS Principal Anthony Wilkinson. Above left, front row from left are Tim Rape, Sean Rape and Lisa Rape. Above right, front row from right are Chad Woods, Corley Woods and Sandi Woods.
Benjamin Russell’s Rape, Woods sign with Jacksonville State By ROBERT HUDSON Sports Editor
A pair of Benjamin Russell Wildcats will also be teammates at the collegiate level. Benjamin Russell pitcher Sean Rape signed a scholarship to Jacksonville State on Thursday, while fellow Wildcat pitcher Corley Woods will join the Gamecocks as a preferred walk-on. Benjamin Russell baseball coach Richy Brooks said both Rape and Woods had to fight through adversity to get to the collegiate level. “We’re certainly proud for both of them and that they get to continue to play baseball. Kids grow up with the dream to move on and play college baseball and now these two get to do it,” Brooks said. “They’ve spent a lot of time working at it. Both of them have overcome injuries in the last two years. They’ve had to learn to fight through a little bit of adversity and I think that’ll benefit them in the long run. They’ve both meant a lot to our program.” Rape said it is a blessing to
be moving on to play college baseball. “It means a lot. I feel like I’m blessed to be able to continue. Not many kids after high school are able to go to the next level and play,” Rape said. “I feel like I’ve worked hard to do that and it’s a great opportunity to be able to keep playing baseball.” Woods said it is a dream come true to be going to Jacksonville State. “It means a lot to be able to continue my career, especially at a school like Jacksonville State. I’ve always wanted to go to Jacksonville State since I was a kid and since some Alex City people have gone there,” Woods said. “It’s just really been a dream of mine to play there.” Rape had a 4-1 record in 2016, pitching 35 innings, while striking out 50 batters with a 1.00 ERA. Woods had a 10-2 record for Benjamin Russell this season after pitching 74.2 innings, with a 2.53 ERA and 52 strikeouts. Brooks said both players have been a fixture for the Wildcats and have bright futures ahead of them because of their work ethic. “Sean’s started since he was
Corley Woods
Sean Rape
a freshman with us pitching and in the field, with the exception of not getting to play last year because of the knee injury,” Brooks said. “I think both players have a bright future ahead of them. I think they both understand what it takes to work, and partially because they had to fight to come back from injury they do understand the work ethic. I think it will also help make them comfortable having someone else they know on the team. While being far enough away, it’s also close enough so that their parents can watch them, and they’re also familiar with the campus because we go
to team camp up there just about every year.” After sitting out last season with a knee injury, Rape said it only made him work harder to get back on the field. “It was pretty tough last year having to sit the bench due to injury and not be able to play the sport that I love. But I feel like it motivated me to work even harder,” Rape said. “I felt like the harder I worked, the faster I’d get back. So, when I came back I was better than I was before. I feel like the injury made me have a stronger mindset.” Woods said he is ready for the challenge of coming on as a
walk-on. He said he is thankful for everyone who has helped him along the way. “I don’t throw that hard. I’m not blessed with a great arm like that, but I think the challenge is going to be showing them that I can use what I have and get wins for Jax State,” Woods said. “I think in my time at Benjamin Russell Coach Brooks has given me every chance to be successful. He’s put me out there even when I’m not playing my best. Him having trust in me and giving me a big role like that has prepared me. I want to thank my parents, my coaches, my grandparents and just my friends.” Rape said his time at Benjamin Russell has prepared him to handle adversity moving forward. “I feel like I’m a leader and I’m able to handle adversity because of my injury. So, when it comes down to crunch time I’ll be able to compose myself,” Rape said. “I”ve got a strong mindset and I don’t really get down a lot. I’m able to keep my composure when stuff doesn’t go the right way. I want to thank my high school coaches, my parents and the Benjamin Russell Wildcat supporters.”