OPINION: TAKE TIME TO SIGN UP FOR TALLAPOOSA ALERT, PAGE 4.
WEDNESDAY
THE Steve Flowers
Nixburg News
COMMUNITY COLUMNISTS INSIDE
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
SPORTS, PAGE 7
May 3, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 87 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
Brooks, Elliott sign to play college baseball.
Closing of rail crossing in works
April brings record sales tax to city By MITCH SNEED Editor
To say that business is good in Alexander City would be an understatement based on recently completed sales tax collection numbers. April in Alexander City set an all-time record for sales and use tax collections with a whopping $966,134.50, according to Ward Sellers who handles business licenses and tax collections for the city. “It’s not just a record for April – it’s an all-time monthly high for any monthly period in the city’s history,” Sellers said. “You look at those numbers and it’s really surprising just to see how much more than normal it really is.” An average month since the half-cent was added for roads saw about $790,000 in sales and use taxes collected. To see levels almost $200,000 above that was good news for everyone at city hall. Sellers said it’s not just sales tax that has seen a big jump. The city has already collected more in business licenses in just seven months than it has in 12 months over the last four years. Already the city has taken in $1.7 million in business license fees from October See TAX • Page 3
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell science teacher Emily Sassano talks with students during a square dance she held as part of a lesson.
ON TO THE FINAL FOUR Sassano finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year By MITCH SNEED Editor
Benjamin Russell’s Emily Sassano has advanced to the final four of the 2017-18 Alabama Teacher of the Year competition. Sassano, who teaches science at Benjamin Russell said she was excited and humbled to be moving to the next level in the Teacher of the Year process. “I am so excited to be considered and I’m already starting to get a little nervous about my personal interview on Friday,” Sassano said. “It has been so gratifying the way that Alexander City has gotten behind me. Alex City is just that way. When someone is up for something like this – everybody is behind you. “I have heard from parents, former students and people from all across
“It has been so gratifying the way that Alexander City has gotten behind me.”
Emily Sassano BRHS Science teacher
the area. They are all pulling for me and that spport means a lot.” Other finalists include Hoover High School biology teacher Paul McEwan, elementary school finalists Chasity Collier, a science teacher at Dawes Intermediate School in Mobile County and Charlotte Hartley, a teacher at Montana Street Magnet School. See TEACHER • Page 3
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
At times, patients feel they see nurses more than doctors when they have to visit their physican’ office or the hospital. It is probably the case, but for good reason. “Nurses are they eyes and ears of the physicians,” Russell Medical’s Vice President of Clinical Studies Sarah Beth Gettys said. “They are hearCliff Williams / The Outlook ing and seeing things that help physicians put the pieces of the Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors signs a proclamation for Nurse’s Week on the second See NURSE • Page 6 floor of Russeell Medical with members of the nursing staff.
MITCHELL GREENHOUSE TO OPEN or NOT TO OPEN?
We are OPEN!
Ann says “NO” John says “YES” Greenhouse direct at blooming great prices. Last Season? Large selection: Tomatoes • Peppers • Vegetables Geraniums • Bedding Plants • Hanging Baskets Ann: YES Quality Bundle Tomatoes...and more John: YES 920 Hillabee Street (Behind Grace’s Flowers)
WE SPECIALIZE IN COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING!
256-392-3809 OFFICE 256-794-0777 CELL
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
An SUV navigates through the Bibb Street rail crossing in Alex City around noon on Tuesday.
National Day of Prayer events set in the area
By CLIFF WILLIAMS Staff Writer
PLUMBING
Norfolk Southern is considering the closure of a popular downtown rail crossing that is used by residents shopping in the area, dropping children off at school and traveling non-stop from Highway 22 to Highway 63. The Alexander City City Council approved two items at Monday’s meeting to lay the groundwork for what is known as the Bibb Street crossing. It’s the crossing that is just north of the row of storefronts ending with Alexander City Pawn and across from Piggly Wiggly. Alexander City Community Development Director Al Jones said Monday night that the only way that the city would go along with the closure would be with the guarantee from Norfolk See CROSSING • Page 3
Sassano
Local nurses celebrated in nurse’s week
ARMSTRONG-HOLLEY
By MITCH SNEED Editor
She’s Back! Shelby Patterson is back at work and ready to cut, style or color your hair.
GENESIS I HAIR SALON 256.329.8924 3333 Hillabee Road Alexander City, AL
First Baptist Church of Alexander City will be the location for the local 2017 National Day of Prayer. Set to begin Thursday at noon, the event is described by the National Day of Prayer Task Force as a way to help mobilize prayer in America and encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the national culture. “It’s wide open to the public. Anyone that wants to See PRAYER • Page 3
Today’s
Weather
83 61 High
Low
Lake Martin
Lake Levels
490.50 Reported on 5/02/17 @ 8 p.m.
LACEY HOWELL 256.307.2443
laceyshowell@gmail.com 5295 Highway 280, Alex City, AL
6
54708 90050 USPS Permit # 013-080
8
Page 2
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Mom’s past relationship is subject of sons’ curiosity
Thursday
71 48 Low
High
80 percent chance of thunderstorms
Friday
65 45 Low
High
Partly sunny, 20 percent chance of showers.
Staff
Directory Telephone: (256) 234-4281 Fax: (256) 234-6550 Website: www.alexcityoutlook.com Management Steve Baker Publisher, Ext. 218 steve.baker@alexcityoutlook.com Mitch Sneed Editor, Ext. 213 mitch.sneed@alexcityoutlook.com David Kendrick Circulation Manager, Ext. 204 david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook.com Lee Champion Production Manager, Ext. 220 lee.champion@alexcityoutlook.com Audra Spears Art Director, Ext. 219 audra.spears@alexcityoutlook.com Betsy Iler Magazine Managing Editor, Ext. 221 betsy.iler@alexcityoutlook.com Tippy Hunter Advertising Director, Ext. 206 marketing@alexcityoutlook.com Angela Mullins Business Manager, Ext. 202 angela.mullins@alexcityoutlook.com Newsroom Amy Passaretti Assistant Magazine Editor, Ext. 227 amy.passaretti@alexcityoutlook.com Lizi Arbogast Sports Editor, Ext. 228 lizi.arbogast@alexcityoutlook.com Cliff Williams Staff Writer, Ext. 212 cliff.williams@alexcityoutlook.com
Alethia Russell Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com Advertising Sales Doug Patterson Newspaper Advertising, Ext. 205 doug.patterson@alexcityoutlook.com Emily Gregg Advertising Sales, Ext. 225 emily.gregg@alexcityoutlook.com Donna Jones Advertising Sales, Ext. 217 donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com Scott Hardy Advertising Sales, Ext. 208 scott.hardy@alexcityoutlook.com Tabby Edwards Advertising Sales, Ext. 232 tabby.edwards@alexcityoutlook.com Composing Darlene Johnson Composing Department, Ext. 203 darlene.johnson@alexcityoutlook.com Hallie Holloway Composing Department, Ext. 203 hallie.holloway@alexcityoutlook.com Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Postal
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) Lake Martin Living, The Outlook is published five times Kenneth Boone a week, Tuesday through Saturday Photography and a mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, commercial web printing press. Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011.
Information
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Outlook
© 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Obituaries can be submitted to The How to Submit Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail obits@alexcityoutlook.com For more Obituaries atinformation, call (256) 234-4281. SOCIAL SECURITY FAYE EDMONDSON Attorney at Law
135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
825-9559
No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.
Mrs. Lezora Holley Menefee Funeral service for Mrs. Lezora Holley Menefee 85 of Kellyton, AL; Thursday, May 4, 2017; 1 p.m.; Elam #1 Baptist Church, Alexander City, AL. Burial in church cemetery. Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services.
We Care About You and Your Loved Ones!
•Home-like Environment • Specialized Dementia Care Unit •Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy Services
A DAMS HEALTH & REHAB 1555 HILLABEE STREET • (256) 329-0847
DEAR ABBY: When I was a young, newly divorced, single mother, I returned to college. There I met a woman in similar circumstances. We became fast friends, decided to pool our resources while we pursued higher education and moved in together. Over time, the friendship became more than platonic. This was my first experience with same-sex relationships, and I loved her deeply. We had six years together, but ultimately it didn’t work out and we moved on. I have been in a committed marriage all these years since. Recently, her now-grown sons called me to “catch up.” During the course of the conversation, they asked me if their mother and I had had an intimate relationship. I didn’t know what to say. My ex became very religious after our split and has never openly acknowledged (that I know of) the nature of our relationship. It’s certainly not my story to tell, but I didn’t know how to respond to her sons without telling a blatant lie or giving an
DEAR ABBY Advice
answer that would verify their suspicions. So I faked losing the phone connection to keep from answering. What should I do the next time they call? -- ANCIENT HISTORY IN ARIZONA DEAR ANCIENT HISTORY: Do not “out” her to her sons. The next time they call, if that question is asked again, handle it with a laugh and say they should take their questions about their mother’s sex life directly to her. Period! DEAR ABBY: I recently had a baby and gained 25 pounds. My husband and I decided to go on a post-baby diet, which includes cutting out carbs and sugar. Over the past month, he has lost about 15 pounds; I lost eight. The problem is, he is constantly talking about our diet.
He dictates everything we eat, although he refuses to cook. He also wants to know my exact weight to see how I’m doing. Abby, I’m too embarrassed to tell him my weight as I’m a few pounds heavier than he is. Why doesn’t he understand that weighing me is very embarrassing? He constantly tells me he loves me and wants to help me live a healthy lifestyle. I should also mention that I have suffered from emotional eating my entire life. -- NOT WANTING TO WEIGH IN DEAR NOT WANTING TO WEIGH IN: The person determining your post-baby diet should not be your husband; it should be your doctor or a licensed nutritionist. Your husband may be well-meaning, but what he is doing is counterproductive. When emotional eaters are stressed, they eat! Please schedule an appointment with your physician and your spouse to talk about what’s going on because it is not healthy for you or your marriage.
DEAR ABBY: I raised all five of my children without much help from their deadbeat dad, who was never around. They are grown now. I am still single and barely making a living. All of my kids live around the Dallas area. I don’t. Where I live is working for me because I have jobs, but I want to be near them. Should I throw away what I have to go and be near them, or stay where I am financially stable? I love my children so much. -- LONESOME MOM DEAR LONESOME MOM: Unless you are sure you can find work in the Dallas area, you should not relocate. It would make more sense for you to discuss this with your children and encourage them to visit you more often, if it’s feasible. 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.
Alexander City Parks and Rec’s 50+ always on the go
W
e had three wonderful outings this past week. Group A got their visit to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, the fabulous Queen’s Group had their scrumptious outing to the Cheesecake Factory and then a mixed A and B Group members trip to the Cock of the Walk. The roses at the garden were all in full bloom and our lunch at the on-site cafe was perfect. Can you believe that Bud Champion got a gourmet salad! He however redeemed his bigger known appetite on Saturday night at the Cock of the Walk with the butterfly shrimp platter! Diane Smelley got a banana pudding cheesecake
slice
CORLEY HOLT Senior Moments
while on the Queen’s lunch trip and it tasted just like banana pudding! Absolutely fabulous indeed. We do hope you are planning to attend our Senior May Day Celebration on the 10th of May starting at 10 a.m. Sonny’s Hotdogs will be doing the catering this year. We’ll have bingo, door prizes, DJ entertainment by Steve Culberson, line dance performance by a group out of Wedowee, pontoon boat rides and a good time
fellowshipping with one another. Bring you a chair, sit back and relax. Call in your reservations this week at 256-329-2910 and if we are not available to take your call just leave us a message and we will sign you up. Windcreek entrance fee for the event will be $2 per person. Thank you in advanced for those who will be helping that day. Your willingness to service does not go unnoticed and we are very grateful for all you do. Notes to Know: ACPR 50+ Key Holders/ Volunteers/Group Leaders need to be at the Sportplex Walking Track on May 6 at 2 p.m. to help with the Relay for Life Superhero
5K and 1 Mile event. Those who won Biscuit Game Tickets will leave from the Activity Center on Friday, May 12 at 4:30 p.m. on a chartered bus. Group Aquatic exercise classes will start on June 6. Sign-ups have begun or you can wait to sign-up at the pool on June 1 and 2. Class times are 8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m., 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. and 5:50 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The cost is going to be $10 per month. Until next time, keep a smile on your face and love in your heart. Holt writes about the Alexander City Parks and Recreation Department’s 50+ Club.
Obituaries Bertie Myers Lowery Smith Sylacauga, AL - Funeral service for Bertie Myers Lowery Smith, 88, was held on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the RadneySmith Funeral Home Chapel in Sylacauga, AL. Burial was in the Hollins Cemetery in Hollins, AL. Mrs. Bertie Lowery Smith of Sylacauga, formerly of Wetumpka and Gardendale, was born Smith on August 6, 1928 in Birmingham and passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 27, 2017
at Sylacauga Health and Rehab. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Charlotte Myers; 10 brothers and sisters; daughter, Donis Goolsby; two sons-in-law, Sherman Humber and Johnny Goolsby; and one great-grandson, Nelson John Goolsby. Mrs. Smith is survived by her daughter, Pat (Charles Louie) Gallops; eight grandchildren, Becky (Lynn) Bolton, Chris (Donna) Gallops, Janet (Jason) Gordon, Scott (Christy) Goolsby, Steve (Rhonda) Goolsby, Stan (Leigh) Goolsby, LaDonna (Will) Quincey, and Chuck (Julia) Franklin; 18 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www.radneysmith.com. Radney-Smith Funeral Home in Sylacauga, AL will direct the services.
Ms. Christine McKinney Funeral service for Ms. Christine McKinney 73 of Alexander City AL; Thursday, May 4, 2017; 10 a.m.; Early Rose Baptist Church, Burial, Armour’s Memorial Garden, Alexander City, AL. Final arrangements entrusted to Armour’s Memorial Services.
Blasingame named senior vice president at River Bank Tallapoosa County President at River Bank & Trust Randy Dawkins is pleased to announce the hiring of Phil Blasingame as senior vice president and relationship manager. Blasingame is already working at the newly constructed office conveniently located at the corner of Highway 280 and Central Boulevard in Alexander City. “Phil has over 28 years of experience as a community banker. He is a highly respected leader in the community, and shares our passion for making a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors. That makes him a wonderful addition to our team,” said Randy Dawkins. Blasingame is a graduate of
Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama Banking School at the University of South Alabama, and Graduate School of Banking at LSU. He is also Blasingame the newly elected mayor of New Site. Active in community affairs, Blasingame serves on the Dadeville Chamber of Commerce Board, Russell Medical Center Community Advisory Committee, and Junior Leadership Lake Martin Board. Blasingame is the proud father of 17-year-old Kynsley
Rae, a senior at Horseshoe Bend High School. When he is not watching his daughter play softball, he enjoys hunting and fishing. “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to join River Bank & Trust. The bank has built a strong reputation of delivering quality products and impeccable customer service,” said Blasingame. “It is thrilling to work for a real community bank that’s local, friendly and knows its customers by name.” River Bank & Trust is a locally owned and operated community bank with offices in Alexander City, Auburn, Gadsden, Millbrook, Montgomery, Opelika, Prattville, and Wetumpka.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Page 3
www.alexcityoutlook.com
The Outlook
Teacher
continued from page 1
Sassano was named District II High School Teacher of the Year and was one of 16 finalists who emerged from a group of over 140 school level winners for the Alabama Teacher of the Year Program. That field of 16 was narrowed down to the Final Four which was announced Monday. To show how extensive the process is, video is being collected of all four finalists so that it can be presented should they be selected as Teacher of the Tear. “People from the state board are actually coming to the school to film me on Wednesday,” Sassano said. “I will be dressed as a disco queen because it’s the day we are doing the neurotransmitter dance. I hope they are ready for that.” The next step for the final four is an extensive interview with the state judging committee. Sassano said her interview is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday. Sassano is a strong advocate for student differentiated instruction and says that her students are “movers and doers” as opposed to what she calls “sitters and soakers.” Sassano, who is National Board
certified in adolescence and young adulthood sciences, brings her interest in personal fitness to the classroom. While greeting state officials in disco attire may seem a little out there, Sassano’s students regularly experience a nontraditional approach to typical lessons. From dressing as glowing skeletons for Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, to a full country hoedown to teach movement, students expect the unexpected in Sassano’s classes. She works hard to reach her students and make them visualize what they learn. “I’m excited but I’m a little nervous too,” Sassano said. “I hope I’m able to fully express how much teaching means to me and how much they give back to me. It’s an awesome responsibility. It really is.” The 2017-2018 Alabama Teacher of the Year will be revealed at a ceremony hosted by the Alabama State Board of Education and the Alabama State Department of Education at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at the RSA Plaza Terrace in Montgomery. Alabama’s Teacher of the Year spends the majority
of the school year serving as the spokesperson for education and the teaching profession as well as presenting workshops to various groups. Additionally, Alabama’s representative is a candidate for the National Teacher of the Year Award. Alexander City Schools Superintendent said that the entire system is excited about Sassano making it to the final round of consideration for the statewide honor. “I am so thrilled for her,” Cooper said. “She is so deserving. You know, you see these honors and if you don’t know the person you think that is a dog and pony show or a lifetime achievement thing. If you have ever seen her in the classroom, she is amazing and the energy she brings every day is just incredible. “The way she touches these kids and prepares them for the next level and life is something that they continually come back and tell us how much it has meant to them. In my 34 years, she’s the most dynamic teacher I’ve ever seen.”
Prayer
continued from page 1
come is invited to come,” said Alexander City Ministerial Association President Tony Harris. The National Day of Prayer is a way for everyone to gather together and pray for many different aspects of the country, including the government and the military, all the way down to families as a whole, according to Harris. Nearly 20 people will be involved in leading prayer for each of these groups, ranging from local pastors to teachers and city government officials, in addition to Harris and the vice president of the ministerial association. The National Day of Prayer became an annual event under President Harry Truman in 1952, though it can
trace its origins back to the early days of the American Revolution. President Ronald Reagan officially designated the first Thursday in May to be National Day of Prayer in 1988. According to Harris, Alexander City has held their event since at least 1991 and usually has between 100-150 in attendance. “We’ll hopefully have more this year,” he said. The event is scheduled to last for approximately one hour, from noon until 1 p.m., though it can run quicker in order to give attendees enough time to leave and get back to work.
Crossing
continued from page 1
Southern that it would enable the establishment of a quiet zone where trains would no longer have to blow whistles as they come through town. “They are installing arms at North Central and there at Carlisle’s (Main Street),” Jones said. “When those are complete, that would leave only the Bibb Street crossing as being unguarded. If it were closed, then there would be no need for the whistles through a good stretch of downtown. We will get that in writing before we move forward. If there’s not a quiet zone this won’t happen. We made that clear.” In a 30-minute period from 12 noon to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, 34 cars used the crossing. While that is a random count, but according to employees at neighboring businesses, the crossing is heavily traveled at certain times of the day. One said ‘at least 500 cars a day go through there.” The move is part of a national initiative by railways
to “eliminate redundant and/or unsafe at-grade railroad crossings in order to improve rail and highway safety along rail corridors.” Mayor Jim Nabors said city officials met with people who live and operate businesses in that area before taking steps forward. “We met with business people along that route and they felt like the closure was a good trade off for the establishment of a quiet zone,” Nabors said. “If you are a person who just drives down there and uses the crossing occasionally, you may not feel the same way. But that was the consensus of the people who live and work there. That quiet zone was something there really wanted.” The council set a public hearing on the possible crossing closure for May 15 before its regular meeting. The public is welcome to attend and sign up to speak on the matter.
Social Secu ity Ŷ Social Security Disability & SSI Ŷ Personal Injury & Accidents Ŷ Probate Civil Ŷ Uncontested Divorce
FAYEAttorney EDMONDSON at Law 135 N. Tallassee Street • Dadeville, AL
256.825.9559
Tax through April. In all of fiscal year 2015-16, the city collected just $1.5 million in license fees. The city also collected a record $24,332 in lodging taxes in April. That whopping total is also a record and is on track to break the record for the year. It appears that the taxes on beer, liquor and tobacco are also headed to record levels if current trends continue. “I wish I could take some of the credit, but I think the pipeline construction is the major factor,” Sellers said. “The people here working and living here, it has increased spending considerably. We have seen a better collection rate than we have in the past in the last year or so anyway, but the pipeline is fueling most of the increase that we are
For those who attend, Harris hoped that “They’ll have the faith that God is going to move in our country.” “I’d love for the community to come out and support this,” he added. Elsewhere in Tallapoosa County, Hackneyville will be holding their own National Day of Prayer at 10 a.m. in the Hackneyville Community Center on Highway 63 North.
continued from page 1
seeing.” The added revenue will help the city with added funds, but Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors said this doesn’t signal the start of a spending spree. Instead, he hopes it will allow the city to do some things that money had forced them to neglect for a long time. “We have some infrastructure issues in terms of sewer that are pressing,” Nabors said. “Our system is very old and we have cameras that
show just how desperate the situation is. We have issues with our water plants that are really in need of immediate or emergency repairs. So hopefully, once we get a realistic picture of our finances as a whole, those are the things I hope this allows us to address. “I know infrastructure isn’t a sexy topic. No one sees it since it’s underground, but that has to be done sooner rather than later.”
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.
Get Ready For Summer The experienced aestheticians at The Wellness Center safely remove unwanted hair from all areas:
Lip • Chin • Sideburns Beard • Brow • Ears Arms • Back • Stomach Shoulders • Chest Neck • Under Arms Bikini • Legs • Feet We treat men, too!
FREE CONSULTATIONS WELLNESS CENTER AT LAKE MARTIN 256-825-2304 309 Mariarden Road, Dadeville, AL M-F 5:00am - 8:00pm Sat 7:00am - 12:00pm
“It’s not the end ... It’s a new beginning”
256-329-1313 217 Madison Street, Alexander City, AL “We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 under the Bankruptcy Code. Alabama State Bar requires the following in every attorney advertisement, “ No representation is made that the quality of legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
www.ivycreekhealth.com
Weight Loss Clinic at Lake Martin Family Medicine Lose Weight and Feel Great with our Medically Supervised Weight Loss Injections Mic-Compound
Vitachrom
• Decrease Appetite, Anxiety, Depression & Mood Swings •Metabolize Fat •Lower Cholesterol •Promotes strong/healthy hair • Increase Energy Impove Memory • Strengthen Immune System • Promotes Sleep Slows Aging •Deters Diabetes by Regulating Blood Sugar
LAKE MARTIN FAMILY MEDICINE No Appointment Needed! Tuesday & Wednesday 8AM-4:30PM 301 Mariarden Road, SUITE F
Laura Daniel, CRNP
MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
editor@alexcityoutlook.com
EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
Outlook The
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 4
Opinion
Our View
Alabama politics needs character, not characters
C Take time to
sign up for Tallapoosa Alert
T
allapoosa County EMA Director Jason Moran wants everyone to sign up for the new Tallapoosa Alert system and so does the Outlook. Moran has been promoting the new service and it has already been put to use. “It went into effect in late March, and April 5 was the first day it was used,” Moran told the Dadeville Kiwanis Club last week. “I’m really excited about us having it. It saves lives.” He explained that phone numbers listed in the Tallapoosa County White and Yellow Pages were entered into the system during its setup and would be alerted for tornado and thunderstorm warnings. However, for county residents who wanted to be reached in other ways, such as through e-mail and text messages, or wanted to customize which emergency alerts they wished to receive could sign up through the county EMA website. We think it is a great supplement to other systems already in place. The system takes advantage of something a lot of us have already – cellphones and smartphones. When it comes to safety in regards to weather and other disasters, there is never enough ways of getting the word out. It has been shown time and time again that planning and advanced warning saves lives. Another plus is that users can customize what alerts they get from watches to warnings and even the types of storms it sends the alerts for. The system also allows for easy alerts when an area needs to be evacuated. “If there’s a wreck on 280 and we need to evacuate everyone within a mile radius of the site, depending on what the truck might be carrying, we can do that,” Moran said. “If we need to let people know to boil water for 24 hours because of a break in the line, we can do that.” The system is good but we agree with Moran that more than one method is needed to get weather alerts.
Know Your
Officials
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 Chapel Road, the Northside community and portion of Spring Hill T.C. Coley community. His phone number is 256-212-9316. His address is 2316 North Central Avenue, Kellyton. Steve Robinson represents District 2, which includes the southern part of Alexander City, the Cedar Creek area, Ourtown and Willow Point. His phone number Steve Robinson is 256-654-0047. His address is 300 Heritage Drive Alexander City. John McKelvey represents District 3, which includes Jackson’s Gap, Hackneyville, New Site and Daviston. McKelvey currently serves as chairman. His phone number is 256-794-4405. His address is 1285 Freeman John McKelvey Road, Dadeville. Emma Jean Thweatt represents District 4, which includes Dadeville, Pace’s Point, northern Camp Hill, Buttston, Dudleyville and part of Eagle Creek. She can be reached at 8254207. Her address is 585 Brookwood Circle, Dadeville.
Emma Jean Thweatt
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.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
haracter needs to be a much higher priority in Alabama politics. While our state is blessed with many officials who conduct public service with integrity, the failures of relatively few cast a broad shadow on our political arena. As obvious a priority as that might sound, no candidate is going to campaign on his or her intent to violate the ethics laws, abuse our trust, or cause embarrassment for the people of our state. When campaigns spin up, we’ve never had, nor will we ever have, a shortage of candidates claiming to share our values. So how do we differentiate between a person of character and a con? That seems to be a question with an answer that’s too often eluded us. Bob Ingersoll had a clearer vision at the end of the 19th Century. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, you’re probably not alone. Ingersoll served as the Attorney General of Illinois after the Civil War and was an active Republican. He was also a close friend of poet Walt Whitman – so close that he actually delivered Whitman’s eulogy. Whitman wasn’t the only famous person whose life Ingersoll contemplated. Decades after the Civil War,
CALEB CROSBY Guest Columnist
Ingersoll reflected on a politician whose character held our nation together. “Nothing discloses real character like the use of power,” he wrote. “It is easy for the weak to be gentle. Most people can bear adversity. But if you wish to know what a man really is, give him power.” Power doesn’t always look the same. In the context of politics, we’re often looking at prior elected office. Power might also come through financial responsibility, a management role in business, putting on a law enforcement badge, or leading a congregation. We know it when we see it. Power isn’t inherently problematic, but its effects often are. For Ingersoll, power was the supreme test of character, and President Abraham Lincoln passed with flying colors. “It is the glory of Lincoln that, having almost absolute power, he never abused it, except upon the side of mercy.” Having the clarity of time and recalling all that Lincoln
had done, Ingersoll directed high praise to Lincoln’s ability to demonstrate character while possessing the height of political power in America. When we’re deciding between candidates, we can continue to hang our electoral choices on what we see in the campaign cycle or we can take a broader look at the men and women we choose to lead our state and nation. How did the candidate behave when given power or responsibility in the past? Were he or she ever entrusted with it at all? The Lincoln Memorial is literally a statue of our 16th President gazing down the National Mall at every one of our leaders who serve in the United States Capitol. His character might seem like a high standard, but we know far too well what happens when we accept less. Caleb Crosby is President and CEO of the Alabama Policy Institute (API). API is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational organization dedicated to strengthening free enterprise, defending limited government, and championing strong families. If you would like to speak with the author, please e-mail communications@ alabamapolicy.org or call (205) 870-9900.
Today’s
Quote
“We aim above the mark to hit the mark.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today’s
Scripture
“Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs.” – Proverbs 10:12
alexcityoutlook.com
Daily Poll Tuesday Question: Do you know someone who will be graduating from high school in the coming weeks?
Yes – 11 No – 15
Wednesday’s question: Now that Alexander City owns the iconic checkerboard Russell Mill water tower, do you think it should remain unchanged? To participate in this daily poll, log on each day to www.alexcityoutlook.com and vote. Find out the vote totals in the next edition of The Outlook and see if your vote swayed the results.
Our
Mission
The Outlook strives to report the news honestly, fairly and with integrity, to take a leadership role and act as a positive influence in our community, to promote business, to provide for the welfare of our employees, to strive for excellence in everything we do and above all, to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.
Subscribe Letter to the Editor
Senate bill on conceal carry is a ‘travesty’ Dear Editor, After reading Mr. East and Mr. French’s editorials I feel I must respond. I agree and disagree with both parties. I have been permitted to carry a handgun concealed since I was 19 years old. Here is my stance. An armed society is a polite society that is a fact. I think Senate Bill 24 is a travesty. This bill was not needed. The system we have in place allows law-abiding citizens to carry concealed or open. What needed fixing? The argument that citizens should not be required to pay a fee for a Constitutional right just doesn’t hold water when we are guaranteed by the Constitution, life liberty and the pursuit of happiness but are required to pay income taxes. Mr. French states there are limits to the first and second amendments to the Constitution. There are no limits to free speech or possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens, but there are consequences to your actions regarding these rights and the execution thereof. No matter what happens with this bill I intend to retain my permit. What happens when you are traveling out of state with your firearm, which I do regularly and are checked? Concerning open carry, the individuals I see
in public sporting Hi Points or some other poor quality firearm strapped to their hip and walking in a high hip gait so everyone can see the firearm suffer from insecurity, self-esteem and psychological issues that go beyond my level of training or comprehension. I carry concealed everywhere I go. I don’t want anyone to know I carry until it is too late for them. Furthermore, if the state requires a citizen to have a license to drive a car then why not to possess a firearm in public? I also think citizens desiring to carry in public should meet the same type requirement just like operating a vehicle like a license, or even a competency test like the driving test for a driver’s license. Personnel responsibility while operating a vehicle or owning and carrying a firearm in public is essential for the safety of the public. Before anyone decides to carry a firearm they need to seriously consider the ramifications of using a firearm in defense of self or others. Take a training class, train regularly and then if you have to use a firearm you might not end up having an accident in your pants. Woody Baird Owner, The Sure Shot De Opresso Liber
The subscription rate is $136.00 per year in Tallapoosa and Coosa counties and $177.99 outside the area. Periodicals paid at Alexander City, AL. Newspapers are available at 100 news racks in our area at 75 cents for The Outlook and 50 cents for The Record. We would love to deliver a paper to your door. Call David Kendrick at 256-234-4281, Ext. 204 or e-mail david.kendrick@alexcityoutlook. com.
What’s your
Opinion?
We’d like to share your thoughts and opinions with the greater Lake Martin community. It’s free and it only takes a few moments of your time. We have two ways to get your opinion in print: letters to the editor and guest columns. The main difference is length. Letters to the editor are up to 250 words, while guest columns can be up to 500 words. Letters and columns may be sent to P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011, faxed to (256) 2346550 or e-mailed to editor@alexcityoutlook.com. Please include your name, address and phone number. Send us your thoughts today!
Follow us
On the Web
Follow The Outlook on the Internet on our website or on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Log on to http://www.alexcityoutloook.com. There you will be able to view stories and multimedia posted by The Outlook. You can also click on the Facebook link to join The Outlook’s fan club or click on the Twitter link to start receiving tweets on your phone as we post updates. You can also subscribe to our RSS (Rich Site Summary) feed on the Outlook’s home page. Check it out today.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Outlook
CommunityCalendar SEE ME FOR INSURANCE
Today is
May 2, 2017
Today’s Event MONTHLY LUNCHEON: Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends in Millerville will have their Monthly Luncheon on Wednesday May 3 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a
Page 5
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Submit calendar items:
Participate in your Outlook by calling 256-234-4281, faxing them to 256-234-6550, sending your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or logging on to http://www.alexcityoutlook.com/. small donation.
Today’s Birthdays Makayla Brown, English Sims, Brandon Magouyrk and Gloria Johnson are celebrating birthdays today.
The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care.
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
Applications can be picked up at: 101 S. Dubois Street Tallassee, AL 36078 Or contact Brinda Bell (334) 252-0025, Ext. 101 Email: bbell@learning-tree.org
haroldcochran.b2cn@statefarm.com
Need Insurance?
PRECIOUS MEMORIES
Call me.
GIFTS & MORE Monogramming Boutique CClothing lothing Jewelry Bathing SSuits uits & More More 10147 County Road 34 Dadeville, AL
256-496-4017
Brown Nursing and Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Services •Physical Therapy •Occupational Therapy •Speech Therapy 2334 Washington Street Alexander City • 256-329-9061 www.crownemanagement.com
Come Visit Us! Cecily Lee, Administrator Angela Pitts, Director of Nursing
The FANS HEAR You!
Small Space Advertising Works! call the
Advertising Dept.
256.234.4281 Many a small thing
has been made
large...
...with the right kind of advertising.
•Alexander City Outlook •Dadeville Record •Wetumpka Herald •Eclectic Observer •Tallassee Tribune
256.234.4281
How to add a calendar item: Participate in your
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
By e-mailing your event to calendar@alexcityoutlook.com or call 256-234-4281. _____ Send your news items to editor@alexcityoutlook.com
Submitted / The Outlook
Valerie Baty’s sixth and seventh grade classes at Faith Christian Academy made posters displaying the insects they were assigned to find from nine of the 12 different insect orders that they studied this year. The insects came from the orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Homoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, Odonata, Neuroptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Dermaptera, Isoptera and Thysanura. Pictured are front row left to right, Christopher Phillips, Katy Sammons, Jenny Joiner, Bella Arami, Maria Moore and John Patrick Stark. Second row left to right, Isaiah Moore, Evan Dunning, Dylan Palacios, Reid Daughtry and John Paul Boles.
May 4-7, May 11-13 LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS: The Wetumpka Depot Players are presenting ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers” May 4-7 and May 11-13. All shows start at 7:30 p.m. The May 7 show will start at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance at wetumpkadepot.com or email at kmeanor@wtumpkadepot.com and $15 at the door.
May 4 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: The Hackneyville Community will sponsor its Second Annual National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 4 at 10 a.m. at the Hackneyville Community Center on Highway 63 North. All are welcome. For more information contact Leslie Payne at 256-839-1235. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: The Alexander City Area Ministerial Association is sponsoring the National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 4 from noon to 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Sanctuary. SPRING CONCERT: The Benjamin Russell High School Choirs will present their spring concert Thursday, May 4. TRI-COUNTY CAC FUNDRAISER: Tri-County Children’s Advocacy Center is sponsoring Paint the Positive, support the healing of abused and neglected children Thursday, May 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the E. Paul Jones Barn at 1273 Halliana Road in Alexander City. Wine and Hors D’oeuvres will be served and door prizes will be awards. Tickets are $40 and are available at the door or by call the center at 256825-0094. All proceeds go to the TriCounty Child Advocacy Center. CHICK-FIL-A LUNCH: Meals on Wheels of Alexander City is having a Chick-fil-a lunch fundraiser May 4 that will be delivered to your business. Orders need to be placed by May 1 by calling Helen Brock at 256-7500245.
May 6 CAR WASH: The Pine Ridge Mission Team will have a car wash at Arby’s on Saturday, May 6 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The proceeds will help get our team to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and provide VBS and community outreach to the residents of Wounded Knee, South Dakota. BENEFIT: Mt. Lovely Baptist Church is hosting a benefit program for Edward Lee and Diane Carraker May 6 at 6 p.m. Rev. Bernard Harris is pastor.
May 6-7 TWO DAY RECITAL: The Studio Arts and Education is hosting a two day recital anniversary celebration May 6 and 7 and Cooper Recreation Center. Saturday, May 6 will showcase Ballet Basics for Worship Dance, Chernastics Divas and the Dazzling, Dancing Divas Majorette Team starting at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 7 will be the Regenerations 10th Recital Anniversary starting at 3 p.m. with the University of Alabama Praise time, the Daddy Daughter Praisers and the new Millennium and Regeneration Reunion Dancers.
May 7 USHER PROGRAM: The Early Rose District Usher’s Special Effort Program will be May 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Early Rose District Center. Rev. Develkio A. Wilson is the guest speaker. All churches are invited.
CHURCH ANNIVERSARY: New Site Methodist Church is celebrating 161 years on ministry Sunday, May 7 beginning with worship and praise service at 10:45 a.m. Fellowship meal to follow. Brother Doc Shell is the guest speaker. Pastor Mike Stonbraker invites friends and former members to attend. GOSPEL CONCERT: Harlan Burton will be in concert Sunday May 7 6 p.m. at Hillabee Baptist Church in Alexander City. Everyone is welcome. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Mt. Lovely Baptist Church in Camp Hill is observing the 23rd Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. and Sister Bernard Harris Sunday, May 7 at 2 p.m. Rev. Dr. George McCulloh and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Opelika will be the special guest.
May 13 BASS BASH: The Tallapoosa Bass Bash will be May 13 starting at 6 a.m. on the Tallapoosa River. to benefit the Opelika/Auburn chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. Prizes will be awarded for best three fish length in conventional and fly rod divisions. MUSIC FESTIVAL: The Ashland Fun Days Music Festival will be My 13 from noon to 8 p.m. The festival will feature local artists including Terry Robbins, Kevin Moon, Argie Darnell, Rocky the Sax Player with Barry Butler, Tony Jones, Big Sexy and the Twins, Bryan Carter and Friends, Tommy Sellers and more. Party with Rebel will be headlining the event. There will also be craft vendors and activities for all ages. FISH FRY: The annual Hackneyville Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual fish fry May 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plates are $10. This is the annual fund raiser to help the department.
May 14 SOLIDARITY DAY: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a solidarity day May 14 at 11 a.m. Edward Milner is pastor and all churches are invited. MOTHERS DAY BASKET GIVEAWAY: Passion Church is selling chances on a Mothers Day Basket to benefit the church’s mission ministry. Tickets are available by calling the church office at 256-409-9590, from Min. Betty Reese or by contacting Gloria Boleware via Facebook.
May 18 ARTS ASSOCIATION: The Artists Association of Central Alabama will travel to the Birmingham Museum May 18. There will be a car pool by meeting at the Sportplex Senior Center at 8 a.m.
May 20 COMMUNITY PRAYER: The Darian Missionary Baptist Church family and prayer team are offering prayer to the community May 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot on the corner of Laurel and E streets across from Stephens School. SPRING FESTIVAL: Union Volunteer Fire and Rescue (UVF&R) will host its 35th Annual Spring Festival on May 20th 2017 at Fire Station #1, 5171 Hwy 50 near Dadeville at Lake Martin. The Festival is the department’s premiere fundraiser and will feature a wide variety of arts and craft booths and household items for sale. The Festival will also present live local musician, “River Dan”, a Military Working Dog Demonstration, BBQ plates for sale, children’s games and other activities designed for the entire family. The keynote event is a cash raffle that has awarded thousands in cash prizes. Tickets are available for
a $20 donation. For individuals interested in renting a booth, cost is only $10 for a 10x10 space. If you have questions, would like to rent a booth or obtain raffle tickets, please contact Kurt Pfitzner, Director, Community Outreach, UVF&R, at 334-233-9852. SCHOOL REUNION: Enitahatchabee Day-Bibb Graves High School Alumni and Friends Association 2017 Reunion Saturday, May 20 at the Bibb Graves Community Center in Millerville, AL Registration begins at 9 a.m. (registration required for drawing of framed Donny Finley print to be given away).Trade Day Shops will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your family and friends, your smiles, your camera, and your expectations for a spectacular day featuring music, food and laughter. Tell former classmates to meet you there. There will be silent auction, cake walk, 50/50. Food available for purchase with hamburger steak or chicken finger plates, hamburgers, hot dogs, and cold drinks. Items available for purchase include Donny Finley prints, T-shirts, cookbooks, DVD’s including football, basketball and school days. All alumni and friends are invited to come together to remember the good old days. COMMUNITY TRADE DAY: Fellowship Baptist Church at 1731 Buttson Road Dadvillle will be hosting a Community Trade Day May 20. There will be a 5k walk/run beginning at 7 a.m. and cost to enter is $25. Vendor booths will open at 9 a.m. To reserve a booth contact Pastor Clinton Branch at 256-794-3351. Fish plates will also be available. CLASS MEETING: There will be a class meeting for the Laurel High School Class of 1969 at the Cooper Recreation Center May 20 at 10 a.m.
May 21 BACCALAUREATE SERVICE: The Benjamin Russell Baccalaureate Service for Seniors hosted by he Alexander City Area Ministerial Association will be May 21 at 7 p.m. at the BRHS Auditorium. PASTOR ANNIVERSARY: Hollins Spring Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting its 12th annual Pastoral Anniversary honoring Rev. and Sister Alfred J. Williams Sr. on May 21 at 2:30 p.m. Guest minister and guest church will be Rev. Larry D. Shealey of Darian Missionary Baptist Church in Alexander City. SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY: Midway School will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary May 21 with a third Sunday Singing and dinner or the ground. Please bring a covered dish and join in. PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Great Bethel Baptist Church will be celebrating the 28th Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Dr. Emerson Ware Jr. May 21 at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Melvin Ervin is the guest speaker.
May 28 PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY: Macedonia Baptist Missionary Baptist Church in Goodwater is hosting the 19th Pastor Appreciation Service honoring Pastor and Sister Melvin Ervin Sunday, May 28 at 2:30 p.m. Guest speaker will be Brian Thomas of Paradise Mission Full Gospel Church in Goodwater.
256.234.3481 KarenChannell.com
Hardwood Floors Ceramic Tile Carpet & Vinyl Locally Owned for Over 45 Years
256-234-6071
1945 Hwy 280 • Alexander City
H
OLMAN
F
LOOR
C
OMPANY
“WE’RE THE PROFESSIONALS”
Small Space Advertising Works.
For Consistent Advertising
at Low Rates...
call the Advertising Department
256.234.4281 +
+
tent For Consising Advertis at call the Advertising Dept.
256.234.4281 + +
+
+
Small Space Advertising Works.
June 2 VBS KICKOFF: Wayside Baptist Church is hosting a vacation Bible school kickoff June 2 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The “Galactic Starveyors VBS Kickoff” will have glow in the dark games, making smores over open fire pit and checking out constellations.
For Consistent Advertising
at Low Rates ...
call the Advertising Department
256.234.4281
Page 6
www.alexcityoutlook.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Outlook
First Saturday is here again at the Nixburg House and at the Equality Firehouse
W
e are really experiencing similar weather to Great Britain. From cool to baking hot then cooler but comfy and breezy, perfect for all the mounting work outside. Belated birthday wishes to our former Equality Postmaster Sarah Hardy Griggs. She is lucky enough to have been born on the celebrated MayDay, May 1. My friend Gloria Johnson, Red Hatter Queen Glory Bee, in Wallsboro will be celebrating May 3. The 15th annual “Cruisin’ fur Critters” was a big success for The Predators Riding Club raising almost $8,000 for the Elmore Co. Humane Shelter. Shelter Director,
ROSIE MORGAN Nixburg/ Equality
Rea Cord said, “The Predators Riding Club are true friends, and we can never thank them enough for dedication to helping our shelter. We are certainly lucky to have their unwavering support.” This shelter still houses plenty of adoptable animals. Sadly many of the dogs have been turned in as the owners could no longer take care of them which means they are used to people and life at home. If we didn’t already have six, we would be dazzled
by such cuteness. One “sweet” boy featured as dog of the week for the shelter, has the face of a greyhound mix, lovely grey colors and the perfect mid-size at 35 lbs. Here we are at First Saturday again, the months pass so quickly, if you are on the way south on Highway 9 this Saturday, stop by and visit me at ‘Nixburg House.’ I’m always ready to deal. Then you’ll be able to grab lunch for $6 with a drink and dessert on Main Street in Equality at the Firehouse. I understand that Jimmy Wilson, former owner of Quality Foods organizes the food preparation and overseas the First Saturday lunch at the
vows on our 25th anniversary in of June 2003. Ron and I were so proud of that day, hosting our family and friends which turned out to be a magical fantasy for us with pink roses and lace with gardenias scenting the air under the arbor next to our pool. It was perfect. Until next week, enjoy Mother Nature’s Gardening and keep smiling. Rosie
hilarious look at a fine fellow who just can’t succeed in sinning. Two of my cousins, on my Dad’s side, are coming from England to visit us here in Nixburg. Just a month from now, so much to do, so little time late evening on June 3. We are happy they will be here for the Jazz Fest in Alex City and on the beautiful Lake Martin as that’s the happening thing of the year. We are busily trying to get prepared for these lovely gals. Since they both work, they will go back home June 15. This will be Fleur’s first trip to the USA but her sister Elisa came with her two young boys for 2 weeks when Ron and I renewed our wedding
old Firehouse with all funds going to help the newly built Firehouse. Ron and I had lunch Friday at Cazadores in Alex City. The food was great and I could stop and visit Betty House, Linda Seitz and Sharon Culberson as they were also lunching there. We all left feeling very full indeed. The Wetumpka Depot Players present “Last of the RedHot Lovers” through May 13, 2017. The Pulitzer Prize winning author Neil Simon’s charming comedy follows a long-married Barney Cashman as he tries to have a passionate tryst before opportunity passes him by. His attempt to be a Casanova offers a
Morgan is a community columnist for The Outlook. She is a resident of Nixburg and writes about the events and people of the Equality and Nixburg areas.
Nurses
continued from page 1
ones working when no one else is around. “They are here 24/7,” Gettys said. “They are always available. They are always willing to do anything it takes.” Tuesday Alexander City Mayor Jim Nabors joined in the celebration by signing a proclamation to honor nurses for their efforts. Foy thinks nurses are worthy of the celebration. “Of the 580 staff at the hospital, the nursing staff is by far our largest group,” Foy said. “They are over half of our employees and critical to Patient care and we celebrate them each year.”
puzzle together and help deliver the care.” Russell Medical’s Susan Foy agrees. “We realize as a healthcare system, physicians could not do what they do without nurses standing there beside them,” Foy said. Gettys joined other Russell Medical administrators to help celebrate National Nursing Week Tuesday. “It is fun to celebrate and thank them for all that they do for the community.,” Gettys said. “Nurses are the unsung heroes here at the hospital.” Gettys went on to explain that nurses are the
Public Meetings n Alexander City Council meets
n Alexander City Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the board office at 375 Lee St. or local school at 5 p.m.
40941 Hwy. 280, Sylacauga
on the first and third Mondays of each month. Meetings are held in the courtroom at the old city hall at 5:30 p.m.
80 James Payton Blvd., Sylacauga
of Sylacauga (256) 369-0214
of Sylacauga 800-New-Honda
SerraNissanOfSylacauga.com
SerraHonda.com
2017 Nissan
2016 Honda Civic LX CVT
Altima S
Automatic
172 Lease for
18,988
$
$
per month
36 month lease. $1499 down. 12,000 miles per year. No security ecurity deposit it requi required. equiired. red d Wit With h ap approved proved credit. Plus tax, tag, and fees.
Plus tax, tag, title and fees. Two or more at this price. Model#13117. VIN#1N4AL3AP3HN327666. Vehicles subject to prior sale.
2017 Nissan an
2016 Honda CR-V V LX CVT
Rogue S
Automatic, 2WD
189 Lease for
21,888
$
$
per month
36 month lease. $1499 down. 12,000 miles per year. No security deposit required required. With approved credit credit. Plus tax tax, tag tag, and fees fees.
Plus tax, tag, title and fees. Two or more at this price. Model#22117. VIN#KNMAT2MT0HP503008. Vehicles subject to prior sale.
2016 Nissan
2017 Honda Accord ccord LX CVT
Titan XD
Automatic
198
Up to
Lease for
10 ,000 OFF MSRP
$
$
per month
36 month lease. $1499 down. 12,000 miles per year. No securi security ity deposit it rrequired. equiired. d With approved credit. Plus tax, tag, and fees.
QUALITY PRE-OWNED VEHICLES FOR LESS! 2008 Ford Edge
STK#H26198B
2011 Chevrolet Equinox
STK#H58927A
2015 Honda Accord
STK#H83612A
2014 Honda CR-V
STK#H01676A
2016 Honda HR-V
STK#H45126B
Plus tax, tag, title and fees. Vehicles subject to prior sale.
7 998 $ 9,988 $16,500 $17,988 $19,988 $ ,
Two or more at this price. Model#56516. VIN#507042. Vehicles subject to prior sale.
QUALITY PRE-OWNED VEHICLES FOR LESS!
2015 Nissan Versa Note
STK#N03337A
2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
STK#N19610B
2010 Nissan Xterra
STK#N90159B
2011 GMC Terrain
STK#N96360A
2015 Nissan Altima
STK#PN354
Plus tax, tag, title and fees. Vehicles subject to prior sale.
10,988 $11,334 $12,988 $12,988 $13,988 $
LISI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Page 7
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
Benjamin Russell’s Connor Brooks, above left, seated center, signed to play baseball with Central Alabama Community College on Tuesday. He is surrounded by, front row, his father and baseball coach Richy Brooks and mother Debbie Brooks; back row, athletic director Pam Robinson, younger brother Cade Brooks and principal Anthony Wilkinson. Benjamin Russell’s Austin Elliott, above right, seated center, signed to play baseball at Pearl River on Tuesday. He was surrounded back, front row, from left, his mother Crystal Elliott and father Chris Elliott; back row, athletic director Pam Robinson, grandmother Linda O’Daniel, brother Brock Elliott, grandfather Dwight O’Daniel, coach Richy Brooks and principal Anthony Wilkinson.
Connor Brooks, Austin Elliott to continue baseball careers Wildcat duo sign letters of intent, CACC golfers to continue careers By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
Benjamin Russell hosted its second signing ceremony in as many weeks on Tuesday afternoon, and this time, a pair of Wildcats are headed to
the next level. Seniors Connor Brooks and Austin Elliott both signed their National Letters of Intent to continue their
ANDY GRAHAM Columnist
Auburn must close the talent gap
W
e often look at recruiting statistics when trying to project the success of college football teams. NFL draft statistics can be used in the same way to validate or invalidate the “talent” level of a program. Michigan led all schools with 11 players drafted. Two of those were in the first round. Alabama was next with 10 total players drafted. The Tide led the way with four first-round selections. Alabama has out-recruited every team in the SEC for a number of years and those statistics continue to bear fruit in the NFL Draft. There are certain aspects that cannot be quantified like player desire and even player development, but I want to notice some interesting and concerning statistics as a baseline. We’re going to look at the number of players drafted from Alabama and Auburn in the last five years (2013-2017 drafts). We’re also going to look at recruiting statistics from the years those players drafted would have signed with their respective schools (20092014). Just to be precise, players like Cam Newton, Trent Richardson and Dre Kirkpatrick were not counted even though they signed in the allotted time. They all left early before the 2013 draft. Now that everyone is thoroughly confused, we’ll move on. Alabama has had 41 players drafted in the last five years and 12 in the first round. Auburn has had 17 players drafted in the last five years, including only two in the first round. That’s quite a discrepancy and a big reason Auburn is 1-4 in the last five Iron Bowls. LSU and Florida are the only teams really competing with the Tide, both putting 35 players in the NFL since 2013. Whether or not guys produce in the NFL is practically irrelevant. Just getting drafted is much more important for the college programs. It’s a fact, Auburn has produced far less NFL talent in the last five drafts than Alabama. It would be impossible for the Tigers to See GRAHAM • Page 8
baseball careers at the next level. “The many years of hard work and dedication are all coming in to play right here,” Elliott said. “It’s great, and it’s a milestone, but it’s not the final chapter.” Elliott is headed to Pearl River Community College in Poplarville, Mississippi, while Brooks will stay much closer to home, signing with Central Alabama Community College. “The plan is to go to
CACC for two years and transfer to a four-year,” Brooks said. “I just want to keep on getting to the next level. Even after a four-year, I want to keep on climbing up the ladder and work my way into getting where I always wanted to be, and that’s the major league.” Elliott reiterated those sentiments. “I like to say the final chapter would be pursuing my dream of ultimately making it into the major leagues,” Elliott said. “It’s
nice to go to a great school like Pearl River and be able to sign there right out of high school.” Pearl River and CACC were the pair’s first offers, respectively. At the signing, they were joined by their families, coach Richy Brooks, their teammates, athletic director Pam Robinson and principal Anthony Wilkinson. “I couldn’t think of two better student-athletes who See SIGNINGS • Page 8
Back to basics for the Dadeville Tigers on Day 1 By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
From drills perfecting the handoff to quarterbacking schemes centered around learning offensive calls, the Dadeville Tigers focused solely on fundamentals on Tuesday, the first day of spring football practice. “Day 1 is nothing but a babystep learning experience,” Dadeville coach Richard White said. “We’re starting from scratch because we’re working some new offensive stuff. We’re treating it like they’ve never played football in their life, and hopefully we’ll set that good building base and be able to work off of that.” Coming off a 5-5 record last season, White’s Tigers were slowing things down Tuesday afternoon. White started individual drills with the running backs and had them work on receiving handoffs in onefourth speed. He was looking for perfection before moving on. Like Benjamin Russell on Monday, White said one of the main focuses for Dadeville during the spring will be to build some depth. “Hopefully when we come out of spring, we’ll understand who our depth is and understand what we’re trying to do on both sides of the ball,” White said. “I hope that we have a little depth established and we understand what plays we are going to be putting in
Lizi Arbogast / The Outlook
A pair of Dadeville football players work on perfecting a handoff during the first day of spring practice Tuesday.
for the spring which is very small compared to what our playbook will be eventually be. But it’s just basic, basic stuff.” Unlike most years, Dadeville isn’t playing a spring game against an opponent. Instead the Tigers will host a intrasquad game on Friday, May 19 at 6 p.m., and
even though it’s a change of pace from years past, White is looking at it as an advantage. “People ask me, why are you not playing a spring game? Well, it’s because we have a bunch of young kids and I want them to learn as much as kids that have played here for three or four years,” White said. “If we try to play a
game, we get too competitive and want to win, so the young kids kind of get left behind and they’re lost. They’re going to learn as much as the guys that have been here for a couple years.” The plan is to split the squad as evenly and equally as possible and let them battle against one another.
Benjamin Russell splits in area softball tourney By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
After getting off to a great start in the Area Tournament, Benjamin Russell’s softball team had to settle for a split on Tuesday night. The Wildcats started the day with a 10-3 win over Opelika. BRHS were leading just 3-0 in the fifth inning before exploding for seven runs in the final two frames. In Game 2, Benjamin Russell was defeated, 8-0, by
Wetumpka. The Wildcats face a must-win game against the Bulldogs on Wednesday at 2 p.m. with a championship game to follow.
TRACK & FIELD Pair of area competitors earn wild-card spots
In addition to the multitude of local competitors who earned spots in the AHSAA state championships, two more are joining the ranks.
For Benjamin Russell, Lance Cunigan, who was also a member of the second-place 4x800 team at sectionals, will also compete in the 800 in Class 6A. He placed seventh with a time of 2:02.48 on Saturday, but still had one of the top times in the state. In addition, Dadeville’s Skye Foster won a wild-card spot after placing seventh in the long jump in the Class 4A sectional. She hit a mark of 14-7.75.
FOOTBALL 2 locals selected for NorthSouth All-Star game
Benjamin Russell’s NeColby Maxwell and Dadeville’s Margarius Buchanan have been selected to play in the upcoming 58th AHSAA North-South All-Star Football game. The two 37-member teams comprised of 2017 seniors were announced Tuesday by Alvin Briggs, director See ROUNDUP • Page 8
Page 8
www.alexcityoutlook.com
AREA SPORTS CALENDAR Wednesday, May 3 Softball Varsity: Benjamin Russell vs. Opelika at Wetumpka, Area Tournament, 2 p.m.
Thursday, May 4 Softball Varsity: Game 1: Horseshoe Bend vs. Lafayette at Reeltown in Area Tournament, 4 p.m. Varsity: Game 2: Horseshoe Bend-Lafayette winner at Reeltown in Area Tournament, 6 p.m. Varsity: Game 3: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser at Reeltown in Area Tournament, 8 p.m.
Track and field Varsity: Benjamin Russell, Dadeville in AHSAA state meet at Gulf Shores
Friday, May 5 Softball Varsity: Game 4: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner at Reeltown in Area Tournament, 5 p.m. Varsity: Game 5: Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner at Reeltown in Area Tournament, 7 p.m., if necessary
Track and field Varsity: Benjamin Russell, Dadeville in AHSAA state meet at Gulf Shores Varsity: Reeltown in AHSAA Class 2A state meet at Cullman
Saturday, May 6 Track and field
2017 AHSAA Baseball Playoffs Second-Round Results CLASS 1A Sweet Water 6-10, Sumiton Christian 0-0; Sweet Water (26-7) wins series 2-0 Brantley 5-6-8, Maplesville 9-2-3; Brantley (22-12) wins series 2-1 Ragland 12-12, Houston County 2-6; Ragland (1511) wins series 2-0 Millry 5-1-2, Pleasant Home 2-3-0; Millry 25-14) wins series 2-1 South Lamar 13-13, Shoals Christian 3-0; South Lamar (27-7) wins series 2-0 Athens Bible 2-12, Hackleburg 1-5; Athens Bible (19-12) wins series 2-0 Decatur Heritage 6-1, Spring Garden 5-1; Decatur Heritage (19-11) wins series 2-0 Cedar Bluff 6-9, Cherokee 2-8; Cedar Bluff (19-12) wins series 2-0 CLASS 2A J.U. Blacksher 2-8, Reeltown 1-3; J.U. Blacksher (18-8) wins series 2-0 G.W. Long 7-7, New Brockton 6-1; G.W. Long (31-6) wins series 2-0 Leroy 18-11, Elba 2-1; Leroy (28-5) wins series 2-0 St. Luke’s Episcopal 0-3-17, Cottonwood 2-1-3; St. Luke’s Episcopal (1021) wins series 2-1 Thorsby 10-4-9, Hatton 0-6; Thorsby (20-9) wins series 2-1 Fayetteville 2-6-6, Westbrook Christian 3-1-1; Fayetteville (21-10) wins series 2-1 Section 2-3, Vincent 1-0; Section (18-11) wins series 2-0 Mars Hill Bible 4-9, Phil Campbell 2-8; Mars Hill Bible (24-10) wins series 2-0
Varsity: Benjamin Russell, Dadeville in AHSAA state CLASS 3A meet at Gulf Shores Mobile Christian 11-4, Varsity: Reeltown in AHSAA Slocomb 0-1; Mobile Class 2A state meet at Christian (25-6) wins series 2-0 Cullman
AHSAA Soccer playoffs First-round results GIRLS
Class 6A Baldwin County (8-7-1) 1, Spanish Fort (6-10-2) 0 Stanhope Elmore (16-51) 12, Russell County 2 Northview (13-4-2) 5, Park Crossing (4-13) 0 Daphne (12-7-2) 3, Saraland (11-6-5) 0 Opelika (13-8-1) 3, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (1111) 1 John Carroll Catholic (13-4-1) 10, Helena (6-142) 0 Chelsea (12-6-2) 3,
Homewood 0 Northridge (13-4-2) 2, Benjamin Russell (4-10-4) 0 Hueytown (7-7-2) 3. Ramsay 2 Pell City (18-5) 10, Carver-Birmingham (6-121) 0 Gardendale (11-2-2) 10, Clay-Chalkville (1-9) 0 Shades Valley (9-4-3) 10, McAdory 0 Southside-Gadsden (135-1) 3, Cullman (15-5-2) 0 Austin (10-7-3) 3, Hazel Green (16-6) 2 Decatur (17-4) 1, Florence (12-7-3) 0 Albertville (15-4-3) Fort Payne 0
American Christian 4-5, Montgomery Academy 0-0; American Christian (27-7) wins series 2-0 Gordo 0-18-4, T.R. Miller 7-7-3; Gordo (26-6) wins series 2-1 Geneva 6-3-17, Bayside Academy 1-5-10; Geneva (19-8) wins series 2-1 Colbert Heights 15-1-9, Plainview 0-2-1; Colbert Heights (17-7) wins series 2-1 Elkmont 4-5-12, Pleasant Valley 6-3 0; Elkmont (20-19) wins series 2-1 Piedmont 7-11-4, West Morgan 1-11-2; Piedmont (22-11) wins series 2-1 Lauderdale County 11-5, Walter Wellborn 1-2; Lauderdale County (22-11) wins series 2-0 CLASS 4A UMS-Wright 15-7, Handley 1-3; UMS-Wright (21-12) wins series 2-0 Tallassee 5-7, Trinity Presbyterian 3-3; Tallassee (25-13) wins series 2-0 LAMP 11-4-7, Holtville 1-6-6; LAMP (18-13) wins series, 2-1 Munford 5-8-8, Bibb County 4-14-3; Munford (20-18) wins series 2-1 Haleyville 1-2-11, Randolph 3-0-5; Haleyville (25-11) wins series 2-1 Hokes Bluff 5-8, Sardis 3-2; Hokes Bluff wins series 2-0 Cherokee County 16-20, DAR 6-6; Cherokee County (25-8) wins series 2-0 Madison Academy 5-9, Fayette County 3-2; Madison Academy (25-15) wins series 2-0 CLASS 5A Faith Academy 5-1-6, Briarwood Christian 6-0-0; Faith Academy (25-6) wins series 2-1 Charles Henderson 11-6, Valley 2-1; Charles Henderson (19-10) wins series 2-0 Beauregard 5-410, Demopolis 5-6-1; Beauregard (22-15) wins series 2-1 Rehobeth 2-14-13, Calera 3-2-3; Rehobeth (27-11) wins series 2-1 Russellville 13-13, Arab
BOYS
Class 6A Daphne (12-10-2) 2, Baldwin County (16-5-4) 1 Stanhope Elmore (17-23) 9, Russell County 0 Northview (19-2-2) 6, Park Crossing (13-9-2) 1 Saraland (9-11) 3, Spanish Fort (10-7) 1 Opelika (15-5-1) 3, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (1010-3) 1 Homewood (15-7-3) 5, Helena 0 Pelham (16-5-1) 2, John Carroll Catholic (3-12-4) 2 Northridge (14-5-0) 5.
2-3; Russellvile (32-8) wins series 2-0 Etowah 2-7, LeeHuntsville 1-3; Etowah (296) wins series 2-0 Ardmore 5-18-8, Boaz 6-3-3; Ardmote (20-15) wins series 2-1 Guntersville 3-66, Springville 6-4-0; Guntersville (24-10) wins series 2-1 CLASS 6A Helena 3-3, Opelika 0-1; Helena (32-5) wins series 2-0 Baldwin County 2, Brookwood 2-6-0; Baldwin County (23-11) wins series 2-1 Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa 3-15, Spanish Fort 1-4; Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa (28-7) wins series 2-0 Chelsea 7-8-5, Benjamin Russell 8-4-3; Chelsea (2613) wins series 2-1 Hueytown 4-17, Athens 3-11; Hueytown (31-5) wins series 2-0 Hartselle 5-16, Southside-Gadsden 1-0; Hartselle (28-19) wins series 2-0 Decatur 4-5, Homewood 1-1; Decatur (32-3) wins series 2-0 Cullman 17-10, Walker 0-0; Cullman (31-6) wins series 2-0 CLASS 7A (Round 1) McGill-Toolen 14-14, Prattville 0-0; McGill-Toolen wins series 2-0 Auburn 10-16, Mary Montgomery 2-0; Auburn (23-9) wins series 2-0 Theodore 4-14, CentralPhenix City 1-4; Theodore (24-9) wins series 2-0 Enterprise 12-8, Fairhope 2-1; Enterprise (31-9) wins series 2-0 Oak Mountain 6-6, Huntsville 4-2; Oak Mountain (31-8) wins series 2-0 Vestavia Hills 6-9-7, Sparkman 7-5-6; Vestavia Hills (18-15) wins series 2-1 Hoover 8-3, Buckhorn 3-1; Hoover (33-9) wins series 2-0 Grissom 9-8, Spain Park 7-7; Grissom (24-14) wins series 2-0
SOFTBALL Reeltown wins Elba Tournament
The weekend’s Elba Tournament didn’t start so well for Reeltown, as the Rebels fell 3-1 in their opening game to Providence Christian, but they stormed back to win the eight games on Saturday and claim the tournament title. After defeating Straughn 10-0 in four innings, Reeltown earned a walk-off victory over
Graham
continued from page 7
catch the Tide in a single recruiting cycle, or two or maybe even three. However, it’s imperative Gus Malzahn and company figure out some way to close the gap over the next several years. One way to do that is better player development. We talk about it sometimes like it’s a mystical thing, but it’s simply taking good players and making them better. According to Scout.com, Alabama signed 22 five-star prospects and 78 fourstar prospects during 2009 and 2014. Auburn signed 12 five-star prospects and 53 fourstar prospects during the same timeframe. One hundred highcaliber high school players versus 65 highcaliber high school players is another significant discrepancy. However, it goes beyond just sheer numbers. The vast majority of those 41 players taken in the NFL Draft were among those 100 prospects. So, approximately 41 percent of the raw talent accumulated in Tuscaloosa was developed into NFL talent. That means increasing their physical and mental abilities, as well as keeping them out of serious trouble. Auburn has had a lot of talent to work with, but only 17 of the 65 high-caliber players made the cut. That’s a development rate of only 26 percent. The good news is
Auburn has completed about as well as anyone despite the discrepancy. If they could just level the playing field a bit, the Tigers would become a much more consistent and very dangerous program. Until then, I guess we’re stuck with the roller coaster. Andy Graham writes a regular sports column for Tallapoosa Publishers.
Signings
continued from page 7
represent our motto of character, class and pride,” Wilkinson said during a brief speech. “They are a staple of our program, and are setting the example for everyone behind (them).”
Three CACC golfers advance
A trio of Central Alabama Community College golfers will be heading to four-year institutions to continue their careers. Reynolds Carl will be attending the University of Texas of San Antonio, Steven Wysocki is going to the University of North Georgia, and Jacob Morgan is headed to the University of Akron. All three acquired not only athletic scholarships but also academic scholarships, as they each achieved an accumulative GPA of over 3.6.
Benjamin Russell (8-10-2) 2 McAdory (7-11-1) 5, Ramsay (5-12-1) 0 Gardendale (5-7-1) 1, Pell City (15-5) 0 Carver-Birmingham (13-3-1) 2, Clay-Chalkville (10-9-4) 0 Shades Valley (12-7-1) 3, Bessemer City (7-8) 0 Cullman (10-5-1) 4, Ft. Payne (14-5) 3 (OT) Florence (14-5-3) 5, Austin (9-8) 1 Decatur (14-4) 4, Athens (9-6-2) 1 Albertville (17-5-2) 1, Oxford (16-7) 0
Roundup of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors & Coaches Assocation (AHSADCA). Maxwell is listed as a 5-foot-8, 196-pound running back, while Buchanan stands at 5-foot-9, 165 pounds and is listed as an athlete. The North-South will be played Thursday, July 20 at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Outlook
continued from page 7
area rival, Horseshoe Bend, 4-3. Trailing 3-1 heading into the fifth and final inning, Reeltown knotted the score at 3-3 before Katlyn Jaye knocked a single to plate the game-winning run. Other weekend highlights included a 5-1 win over Cottonwood during which Paige King threw a five-inning two-hitter and didn’t allow a single earned run. Against Goshen, Reeltown trailed 4-0 heading into the final inning before scoring six runs to capture the victory. Brianna Jarvis hit a grand slam in the frame. Ayriana Stoneback also posted a one-hit complete-game effort in a 3-1 win over Opp, and Reeltown finished out the day with backto-back victories over Providence Christian to earn the tournament title, 7-5 and 8-6. Over the weekend,
Get more feedback from buyers when you advertise in the Classifieds. In Print & Online
CALL CLASSIFIEDS TODAY•256-277-4219
Horseshoe Bend went 1-2. After Kynsley Blasingame’s perfect game on Friday afternoon, the Generals were defeated by Opp, 2-1, before being ousted by Reeltown in the 4-3 game Saturday morning. In the game against Opp, Blasingame once again dazzled by allowing just one hit,
but a passed ball cost Horseshoe Bend a run in the bottom of the third and final inning. For the Generals, Danielle Mitchell and Cheyanna Howard each had two hits against Opp, and against Reeltown, Mitchell, Leighann McWhorter and Sydnie Catrett each had singles.
Congratulate your GRAD!
A REFUGE FOR THE HOMELESS
Available for Adoption
This month The Outlook will publish senior photos for the local graduating classes. We will include graduate photos and your special message on or near the graduation pages. Benjamin Russell - May 26th • Horseshoe Bend - May 24th Central High School Coosa County - May 30th
Congrats! We are so proud of you! Always believe in yourself and dream big. We Love You!! Mom, Dad & Sissy Crystal Williams
Benjamin Russell High School
2x2 Grad Tribute Ad:
Amy
Meg
$65
class of 2017
You Made It! 2x4 Grad Tribute Ad:
$95 *other ad sizes available upon request.
We love you so much and couldn’t be more proud of your achievements! Aim for the stars!
Rose
Love, Mom, Dad, Jacob and Alex
class of 2017
Kaleb Johnson
Horseshoe Bend High School
Email, call or come by Tallapoosa Publishers. Payment, photos and message must be turned in by Thursday, May 18th.
256-234-4281 • donna.jones@alexcityoutlook.com 548 Cherokee Road, Alexander City, AL 35010
Save your Purina weight circles and drop them off or mail them to Rescue K911 P.O. Box 862 Auburn, AL 36831. They all help & add up fast. Thank you for helping the dogs & cats without a home of their own. This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900. Spay/neuter assistance is available from RESCUE K9-1-1, Wayside Animal Hospital 256-329-9900 or Lake Martin Humane Society 256-234-5533.
Like us on facebook This ad is sponsored by Wayside Animal Hospital, Dr. Susan Martin, 256-329-9900.
Rescue K9-1-1, Inc.
P.O. Box 862 • Auburn, AL 36831 • www.rescueK911.com
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Outlook
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Page 9
Page 10
www.alexcityoutlook.com
The Outlook
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Outlook
Page 11
www.alexcityoutlook.com
‘Luv Gov’ will be Dr. Robert Bentley’s legacy as Alabama governor
W
ell, folks, let’s put the final coup de grace to the Robert Bentley six year Governor’s reign and move on. Ole Bentley was quite a story his last two years. He had become the ringleader of a circus and an infamous national cartoon character. The salacious and lurid details of his affair with Mrs. Rebekah Mason were a never ending, titillating saga. The story, along with his picture, could aptly be a plot for a tabloid or a Soap Opera. I will actually be surprised if it does not make it to television or even the movies. Unfortunately, this story will be his legacy as governor. He has no public policy initiatives to tout for posterity. He will be known as the “Luv Gov.” Our last two governors may not have gone to jail like previous ones, but they garnered terrific nicknames for their exploits over their last year in office. Bob Riley spent his last year doing the bidding of the Indian Gambling
STEVE FLOWERS Columnist
syndicate and his cowboy and Indian escapades closing down all the nonIndian casinos earned him the nickname of “Bingo Bob.” Ole Bentley, who appeared to be the least likely person to play the part, became a sex crazed philanderer. His and Rebekah’s sordid romance tapes sounded like the x-rated version of Barney Fife sweet talking Thelma Lou. Even the national media dubbed him the “Luv Gov”. Bentley never really showed any genuine remorse or contrition. Even when he read his prepared resignation speech, it did not seem heartfelt or sincere. They were just words wrapped in religion. He never seemed to apologize from the heart. He still seemed a little bit
haughty. Having taught Sunday school for many years, one would have thought Bentley had taught some from the book of Proverbs. One of Solomon’s greatest proverbs says, “Pride goeth before a fall.” Early in the day of Bentley’s resignation, I was walking around the Capitol with rumors swirling that Bentley’s demise was imminent at any time. I was wishing the best for ole Bentley. I thought about ole Big Jim Folsom standing on the Capitol steps when the press would pound on him and ask him to resign. He would say to them, “Y’all ain’t gonna get old Big Jim to quit. When I was a boy, growing up in Coffee County my old pappy would make me get out of bed before daylight and go work in the fields chopping cotton and plowing behind a mule. I’d see a rain cloud come up and start praying for rain so I could quit for a while. My pappy would say boy it may cloud up but it ain’t gonna rain on Big Jim.”
Well, bless his heart, it did rain on Bentley. He’s gone. Kay Ivey will serve out the remaining 19 months of his term. She may decide to run for a full term of her own as governor. As the incumbent governor, she would be a viable candidate. There is an evergrowing list of potential and probable horses that are gearing up for the 2018 gubernatorial derby. The list of viable candidates is at about a dozen. However, let me tell you again, like I have been telling you for years, Alabamians like to vote for a dark horse for governor – one who has not been around the political track. Let me give you the names of two very rich businessmen who could pull off a Fob James 1978 like coup. Jimmy Rane, known as “Yella Fella” from his ads of riding a horse and wearing a big yellow hat advertising his yellow lumber, started out and built Great Southern Wood
should contact the Alexander City Career Center @ 256215-4494 and ask about the WIA 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 non-traditional 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.
Ongoing Events GRIEF SHARE: There will be a meeting of Grief Share every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Trinity Campus of First United Methodist Church next door to Russell Medical through June 7. RECYCLING: The Alexander City Recycling Facility is located at the Public Works Department at 824 Railey Road. All materials should be dropped off behind the green storage shed on the Public Works lot. The facility is always open for unassisted drop off. Assistance with drop off is available between 7:00 am until 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. Please call 256-4092020 for more information. CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP: Every second and fourth Sunday at 5 p.m. the Trinity campus of First United Methodist Church will be a caregiver support group.
Call 256-786-1685 for more information. 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 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
“PROVIDING QUALITY ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION SINCE 1961”
Bill’s Electric ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
(256) 234-4555 1814 Airport Blvd • Alexander City, AL
out of Abbeville where he was born and raised and still calls home. Forbes magazine has his net worth at $600 million. Johnny Johns became CEO of Birmingham based Protective Life at a young age. He built the company started by Colonel Rushton into one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. When an international corporation bought Protective several years ago, Johnny walked away with $300 million. He is known throughout Birmingham as one of the
most civic minded people in the Magic City. Either one of these two distinguished gentlemen could easily buy the governor’s office with their pocket change and they may be interested. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.
Dadeville Insurance Come see us for all your Insurance needs. •Progressive •Auto-Owners Insurance •The National Security Group •National General •And More
114 West Cusseta Street • Dadeville, AL
256-825-4612
Page 12
www.alexcityoutlook.com
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
The Outlook
Down Home, Down The Street PRICES GOOD MAY 3 THRU MAY 9 , 2 0 17 We Now Offer... ALEXANDER CITY • 61 JEFFERSON STREET OFFICE (256) 234-3454
GOODWATER • 470 S. MAIN STREET OFFICE (256) 839-1322
HOURS: MON. - SAT. 6:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. • SUN. 7:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
HOURS: 7:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.
WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFERS & MONEY ORDERS
USDA SELECT BEEF BONELESS
USDA SELECT BEEF BONELESS
USDA INSPECTED FRESH LARGE
RIBEYE STEAKS
BOTTOM ROUND ROAST
CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
USDA INSPECTED FRESH GROUND CHUCK
$ 99
VALUE PACK
2
$ 79
LB.
9 $179
$ 49
3 $199
USDA SELECT BONELESS BOTTOM ROUND STEAK
LB.
VALUE PACK
VALUE PACK
LB.
$ 79
3
SANDERSON FARMS FRESH CHICKEN WINGS
LB.
JUMBO VALUE PACK
$ 49
2
LB.
¢
88 $ 99 3 LB.
VALUE PACK
USDA INSPECTED FRESH CUT
USDA INSPECTED LARGE BONELESS
USDA SELECT BEEF TENDER
BOSTON BUTT
CHICKEN BREAST
CUBED STEAK
USDA INSPECTED FRESH CUT PORK STEAKS OR COUNTRY-STYLE PORK STRIPS
$ 99
1
VALUE PACK
LB.
USDA INSPECTED PORK RIBLETS
LB.
SUNNYLAND
JUMBO FRANKS..............1- LB. PKG.
VALUE PACK
3/$ 50
3
2/$
ZEIGLER WIENERS OR REGULAR, THICK OR GARLIC
BOLOGNA.......................................12-OZ. PKG. ASSORTED VARIETY CARL BUDDIG PREMIUM SLICED
DELI MEATS..................................1-LB. PKG.
LB.
$ 79
1
2-LB. BAG
VALUE PACK
LB.
100
%
BEEF
4 NO SOLUTION ADDED
ROYAL REGULAR, HOT OR BABY LINK
SMOKED SAUSAGE.........12-16 OZ. PKG. ASSORTED VARIETY OSCAR MAYER UPLOADED
PEPSI & PEPSI PRODUCTS
XL CHEETOS OR XL FRITOS
2-LTR. BOTTLES
4/$
5
(9.5 OZ.)
10
ASSORTED VARIETY PACK LAY’S CHIPS
2/$$ 2/
5
20-CT. PKG.
$ 49
6
HUNT’S
LUNCHEON MEAT
ORIGINAL MANWICH
12-OZ. CAN
FRESH
CANTALOUPES OR STRAWBERRIES
1-LB. PKG.
2/$ EACH
¢
88
$ 88
15-OZ. CAN
ASSORTED FRESH GOURMET
CROUTONS............. .............5-OZ. 5-OZ. PKG. RED RIPE
ASSORTED MOORE’S
REGULAR OR GREEN TEA
MARINADES & SAUCES
RED DIAMOND TEA
Buy Alabama’s Best
2/$$ 2/ BTLS. LS
5
Buy Alabama’s Best 35.5 OZ CANS $ COFFEE................................................... Buy GOLDEN EAGLE $ Alabama’s SYRUP........................................................ 30-OZ. JAR Best Buy ASSORTED VARIETIES $ Alabama’s G MOMMA COOKIES............................. Best 5-OZ. PKG. RED DIAMOND CLASSIC OR COLOMBIAN
4 $ 99 2 2/$ 5
Produce
(9.25 OZ.)
ASSORTED SPAM
2
$ 99
LUNCHABLES.......................14.1-15.5 OZ. PKG. ASSORTED VARIETIES
4/$
7
LB.
VALUE PACK
RED HOTS......................................24-OZ. PKG.
6 PK., 1/2-LITER BTLS.
PEPSI & S PEPSI PRODUCTS
$ 99
ZEIGLER REGULAR OR EXTRA HOT
$ 88
4
TOP CHICK BREADED CHICKEN TENDERS ASSORTED FLAVORS
$ 79
1
Buy Alabama’s Best
BAGS G
GOLDEN FLAKE MAIZETO TORTILLA CHIPS
ASSORTED GOLDEN FLAKE
5 799 POTATO CHIPS 388 HONEY BUNCHES O’ OATS CEREAL 288 BATH TISSUE 2/$ 4 AQUAFINA WATER 10-OZ. BAG 4/$
FRESH GREEN
CABBAGE.................. ..................LB. LB. KALE, MUSTARD, TURNIP OR COLLARD
GREENS................. .................1-LB. 1-LB. BAG
$ 39
1 99¢ 2/$ 1 2/$ 5
FRESH LOOSE
2/$
3 YELLOW CORN 2/$ 5 $ 99 3 $ 99 3
......................................5-OZ. BAG
ASSORTED VARIETIES
TOMATOES................... ...................LB. LB.
5
3/$
1 2/$ 4/$ $ 88 5/ 5/$$ 5 5 5 10
ASSORTED WISHBONE
Buy ASSORTED VARIETIES Alabama’s Best
MILO’S TEA GALLON
FIORA DOUBLE ROLL
......................................12-ROLL PKG.
24-PACK
SALAD DRESSING...........................15-16 OZ. BTL.
13-18 OZ.
...........BOX
EACH
..................................1/2 LTR. BTLS.
CRYSTAL FARMS
ASSORTED
CREAM CHEESE
EDWARD’S PIES
16-OZ. BOX
23.5 - 34 OZ. BOX
ASSORTED LEAN POCKETS, CROISSANT POCKETS OR
HOT POCKETS
9 - 9.3 OZ. Z PKG.
WE E ACCEP ACCEPT DI DISC DISCOVER, SCOV SC OVE OV ER MA ER, ER MASTER ER CARD AND D VI VISA VISA. SA. SA A. QU Q QUA QUANTITY UAN RIGHTS RESERVED. NONE SOLD TO DEALERS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CORRECT TYPOGRAPHICAL & PICTORIAL ERRORS.