OPINION: LET’S ALL BE COURTEOUS ON THE ROADWAYS, PAGE 4.
THURSDAY
THE KITTENS RESCUED FROM DUMPSTER
Lighting the way for Alexander City & Lake Martin since 1892
Full story, page 8
May 4, 2017 Vol. 125, No. 88 www.alexcityoutlook.com 75¢
SPORTS, PAGE 9 The little things matter to Coosa Central football
Local graduation rates remain at high levels By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
The Alabama State Board of Education recently released its annual report on the graduation rates of high schools throughout the state. Their documents purportedly showed that the overall state graduation rate had dropped several percentage points, sending Alabama clattering
down the national ranking ladder as a result. The state board has since come out and said that these rates were incorrect due to a coding error. Work has begun to release a more accurate number in the coming days. In both Tallapoosa County and Alexander City, the evidence available shows how, in contrast to the state report, students here have been
graduating at approximately the same rate they have been over the past several years. Reeltown Principal Tom Cochran stated that Reeltown had reached a 90 percent graduation rate according to state requirements. Chris Hand, the principal at Dadeville High School, reported that “Based on what I’ve seen, we stayed See GRADUATION • Page 3
New Site approves hire of new officer By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Above, Tango and Cash pose for the camera. Below, Director of Lake Martin Animal Shelter Mia Chandler plays with puppies at the shelter who are still looking for their “furever” home. The shelter is in critical need of puppy and kitten food and is seeking donations.
WILL BARK 4 FOOD
Lake Martin Animal Shelter in need of puppy, kitty food By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
For the Lake Martin Animal Shelter in Alexander City, the spring and summer months mark a spike in the number of unwanted puppy and kitten litters being gotten rid of. With this influx of young animals to the shelter, See SHELTER • Page 3
Alex City Kiwanis hosting auction, clay shoot Saturday
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In the coming days, the Little Free Library program will see tremendous growth not only in Alexander City, but Dadeville as well. Five new Little Free Library boxes will be installed in the area, three in Alexander City and two in Dadeville. Alexander City Chamber of Commerce President Ed Collari discussed how this expansion was part of a project he and others in the area had been working on. He and approximately 20 others were part of this year’s Leadership Lake Martin class, designed to inspire and empower community leaders throughout the area. Once a month, the class has a specifically themed day, in which they focus on particular aspects of the community, including Criminal Justice Day, Economic Development Day and Healthcare Day. Class members are also divided into teams to work on community service projects. Of the students in Leadership Lake Martin, Collari, along with CACC President Dr. Susan Burrow, Donna Gable of the Alexander City Housing Authority, Randy Walters of the Alexander City Police Department, and Tallapoosa County Revenue Commissioner Eva Middlebrooks formed the Red Team, with the Little Free Library being one of the community projects they decided to take on. “Towards the end of last year, we went to the library for Education Day. We heard them talk about how much of a success the Little Free Library has been, though there has been a lack of funding. We decided to take this up as our project,” Collari said. His group reached out for project funding, which was provided through County See LIBRARY • Page 3
Annual Cancer Survivor dinner Survivors were entertained by Keith Elder, left, and Phillip Bremmerman, director of the UAB Cancer Center at Russell Medical, spoke to cancer survivors at the annual dinner sponsored by Russell Medical Tuesday night. The event kicks off Relay for Life this weekend. The Tallapoosa County Relay for Life Chair Bridget Thornell says the event Saturday will start off with a 5K run with registration starting at 3 p.m. and the run at 3:30 p.m., a 5 p.m. opening ceremony with the pledge, national anthem, prayer and survivors lap. The luminaria event will start at 8:45 p.m. and end about 9:30 p.m. Through out the event local groups will provide music. Those with questions can contact Thornell at 256-397-2820.
a bigger and better event.” By CLIFF WILLIAMS The auction will be Staff Writer Friday at 6 p.m. at The Ridge Club in the Russell The Alexander City Kiwanis Club is at again – Lands community and the Clay Shoot will be raising funds to serve the Saturday at the Five Star children of the area. Plantation. On the heels of a Tickets to the auction successful fair at the are $40 but if you register Sportplex, the group is for the Clay Shoot you will hosting an auction and clay receive an added bonus. shoot this week. The auction includes din“Every year we do an ner and two drink tickets. auction and clay shoot,” “For those that sign up Stephan Tomlin said. “This for the Clay Shoot, they year we decided to comwill receive two tickets to bine the two events. We thought it would make both See KIWANIS • Page 3
Today’s
Donna Gabel, left, Eva Middlebrooks, Hvala Collari and Ed Collari work together to assemble a Little Library.
By DONALD CAMPBELL Staff Writer
Town submitted $26,000 grant request for playground updates
New Site Police Chief Philip Weddle will no longer have to protect the town’s streets alone. During Monday night’s council meeting, the town council approved hiring Brandon K. Luck to join Weddle on the force after agreeing to raise their salary offer by approximately four and a half percent. “He interviewed well and was really energetic,” Mayor Phil Blasingame said regarding the meeting with Luck during the interview process. Luck has approximately eight years of experience in the police profession, working with departments in south Alabama before coming to the Alexander City area, according to Blasingame. The position Luck filled became open with the recent retirement See NEW SITE • Page 3
Cliff Williams / The Outlook
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Sister can’t watch as brother’s bullying wife calls the shots
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Staff
Directory Alethia Russell Staff Writer/Pagination, Ext. 210 alethia.russell@alexcityoutlook.com Donald Campbell Staff Writer, Ext. 208 donald.campbell@alexcityoutlook.com
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
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
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
Postal
Information (USPS: 013-080, ISSN: 0738-5110) The Outlook is published five times a week, Tuesday through Saturday mornings, by Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc., 548 Cherokee Road, P.O. Box 999, Alexander City, AL, 35011. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Post Office Box 999, Alexander City, AL 35011.
How to Submit Obituaries
Circulation Linda Ewing Office Clerk, Ext. 201 linda.ewing@alexcityoutlook.com
Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. manages The Alexander City Outlook, The Dadeville Record, Lake magazine, Lake Martin Living, Kenneth Boone Photography and a commercial web printing press. © 2011 Tallapoosa Publishers, Inc. Reproduction of any part of any issue requires written publisher permission.
Obituaries can be submitted to The Outlook from funeral homes by e-mail at obits@alexcityoutlook.com or by fax at (256) 234-6550. For more information, call (256) 234-4281.
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The Outlook
Obituaries Mrs. Ollie Mary Kelley Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Ollie Mary Kelley will be held Friday, May 5, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Sylacauga, Alabama. Pastor Kelley Rodney Looney officiating. Interment will follow at Macedonia Memorial Gardens in Goodwater. Public viewing will be on Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Zion Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Zion Memorial Funeral Home of Sylacauga directing (256) 245-1454. Alabama’s Premiere Funeral Directors.
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DEAR ABBY: My brother has been married for 11 years to a woman who is very controlling. She’s 32, he’s 38, and they have two kids. She has all the traits of a bully. She decided if, when and how they got married, whether to have kids, when and how many. She also decides what he wears and what friends he has. She doesn’t allow him to socialize with his friends, controls his work schedule, home schedule, etc. When things don’t go her way, she yells and screams. I’m afraid this unhealthy relationship is beginning to affect their kids. I hate to see him taken advantage of. What can I do or say to him to help him be more assertive? Or should I talk to her instead? -- CONCERNED SISTER DEAR CONCERNED SISTER: You can’t wave a magic wand and make someone who isn’t assertive be assertive. Nowhere in your letter did you mention that your brother has confided that he’s unhappy
DEAR ABBY Advice
with his wife running things. If he does, suggest he talk to a psychologist for tips on how to change the dynamic in his marriage. If not, you should stay out of it. DEAR ABBY: I am a man in my 70s. I want to be married. I have never been, but I have always wanted the experience of a wedding. The bulk of my life has been spent acquiring five graduate degrees beyond high school. I have terminated several longterm relationships and had two failed engagements. Is there any hope for a wedding for me before my Maker calls? -- FORLORN IN THE U.S.A.
DEAR FORLORN: You may yearn for the experience of a wedding, but have you considered what responsibilities may come afterward? Weddings are expensive, but divorce can be even more so. I find it interesting that you would ask this question without mentioning that you had a particular love interest in mind. Until you figure out why you have a history of failed relationships, I do not think you should rush to the altar. Throw a nice party instead. DEAR ABBY: I am a 35-year-old woman who is returning to community college after a 10-year absence. I’m disturbed by the lack of respect that some of my classmates show. Many times they show up 30 to 45 minutes late. (The classes are only an hour and 15 minutes long.) Also, some of them constantly talk during the lectures, forcing the teachers to talk over them. When I was in college
the first time, teachers were allowed to deny a student entry to class if they arrived late and to kick students out if they were causing a disturbance. These students are robbing us of our class time because the teacher must make time to let them in, wait for them to stop talking, etc. Is this just me being too serious, or is this a generational problem of parents not raising children to respect others? -CRANKY COLLEGE LADY DEAR CRANKY: Neither one. It’s a case of a teacher not being in control of his/her classroom. Talk to the teacher about how you feel, and to the head of the department if you think new rules should be put in place. Your point is valid. 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.
How to help a loved one with social security
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ccording to the Census Bureau, there are nearly 57 million people living with disabilities in the United States. Thirty percent of American adults help provide care for a sick or disabled family member. Caregivers provide physical and emotional support for the people in their care. It’s a demanding job with its stresses and rewards, but it can also be a labor of love. Social Security is committed to you throughout life’s journey, helping secure today and tomorrow for every American. This is especially true for people who need help managing their benefits. We work closely with caregivers through our representative payee program. A representative payee is someone who receives and oversees the Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for
KYLLE’ D. MCKINNEY Alabama Social Security
anyone who cannot manage their benefits. This can be a child or an adult incapable of managing their own funds. You can learn more about our representative payee program at www.socialsecurity. gov/payee. A representative payee is usually a trusted family member or friend of the beneficiary, but when friends or family are not able to serve as representative payees, Social Security looks for qualified individuals or organizations to represent the beneficiary. You can learn about becoming a representative payee
by watching our new series of videos on the duties of a representative payee atwww. socialsecurity.gov/payee. It’s our hope that these videos will not only educate individuals about the roles and responsibilities of being a representative payee, but also provide further insight, broaden community awareness, and provide key resources to deal with the growing incidents of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Caregivers are valuable and irreplaceable assets to our great nation. Please join us in celebrating them for all they do for those who cannot do for themselves. Kylle’ D. McKinney is a public affairs specialist with Alabama Social Security.
Police Reports Alexander City Police Department May 2
• Domestic violence was reported in the 100 block of Knollwood Drive.
May 1
• Stormie Nicole Bobo, 28, of Alexander City was arrested for bond revocation. • Corterius Leon Ellis, 25, of Alexander City was arrested for three counts of failure to appear. • Terrence Demone Johnson, 31, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Johnisha Shuntae Crayton, 29, of Camp Hill was arrested for domestic violence. • Danny Ray Kelley, 46, of Alexander City was arrested for receiving stolen property and possession of marijuana. • Criminal trespass was reported in the 200 block of B Street. • Domestic violence was reported in the 1500 block of Second Street. • Receiving stolen property and possession of marijuana was reported on Thompson Ridge Road. • Robbery was reported on Hillabee Street. • Robbery was reported on Hillabee Street. • Criminal trespass was reported on B Street. • Harassing communications was reported on Court Square. • Burglary was reported on Jefferson Street.
April 30
• Billy James Thompson, 43, of Alexander City was arrested for failure to appear. • Bryan Allen Curlee, 26, of Alexander City was arrested for escape. • Shannon Dwayne Causey, 43, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. • Joseph Alan Dunham, 25, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. • Reginald Blaine Brown, 18, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Attempting to elude a police officer was reported on Sportplex Boulevard. • Possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia was reported on Pearson Chapel Road. • Domestic violence was reported in the 1100 block of Elk Drive. • Harassment was reported at the Benjamin Russell High School Gym. • Domestic violence was reported on Stowe Ferry Boat Landing. • Unlawful breaking and entering was reported on Sportplex Boulevard.
April 29
• Kayla Ann Kitchens, 27, of
Alexander City was arrested for possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. • Dalton Blake Johnson, 25, of Alexander City was arrested for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. • Armando Trejo Velazquez, 34, of Alexander City was arrested for driving under the influence alcohol. • Jeremy Montel Ferrell, 21, of Alexander City was arrested for buying/receiving stolen property. • Jatimothy Marquise Miller, 26, of Sylacauga was arrested for buying/ receiving stolen property. Revandor Bernard Westbrook Jr., 18, of Sylacauga was arrested for unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle. • Theft was reported at the Sportplex Fairgrounds. • Possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana was reported on Highway 280. • Domestic violence was reported on O Street. • Theft was reported on Hillabee Road. • Burglary and domestic violence was reported in Alexander City. • Domestic violence was reported in the 1900 block of Old Kellyton Road. • Theft was reported in the 800 block of Marshall Street. • Domestic violence was reported on J Street • Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported on Jefferson Street. • Harassing communications was reported on County Road.
April 28
• Audrea Michelle Dobbs, 35, of Alexander City was arrested for theft. • Sabrina Dunaway Cook, 61, of Alexander City was arrested for aggravated assault family. • David Edward Jones, 19, of New York, New York was arrested for robbery. • Derrick Lamont Norris, 21, of Alexander City was arrested for robbery. • Jennifer Elizabeth Krolickeiewiez, 40, of Alexander City was arrested for driving under the influence alcohol. • Sarah Kristen Cogburn, 27, of Alexander City was arrested for domestic violence. • Crystalea Joiner, 31, of Alexander City was arrested for bail jumping. • Anthony Sanchez White, 45, of Alexander City was arrested bail jumping. • Domestic violence was reported on Court Square. • Domestic violence was reported on Sam Street. • Identity theft was reported County Road. • Harassing communications was reported on Cherokee Road. • Driving under the influence alcohol was reported on Hillabee Street. • Domestic violence was reported
on Hillabee Street. • Criminal mischief was reported in the 500 block of Creek Circle. • Burglary and harassment were reported in the 500 block of Houston Street. • Theft was reported on Hillabee Street.
Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department May 2
• Devonte Price of Alexander City was arrested for an active failure to appear child support warrant. • Bernard Russell of Dadeville was arrested for an active probation violation warrant. • James Lowry of Alexander City was arrested for an active child support warrant. • Sutton Johnson of Alexander City was arrested for an active probation violation warrant.
May 1
• A resident of Highway 49 South in Tallassee filed a report for burglary of a residence. • Courtney Russell of Alexander City was arrested for an outstanding failure to appear warrant.
April 30
• A resident of Stableway Road in Pike Road filed a report for burglary and theft of property. • A resident of 49 South in Tallassee filed a report for burglary and theft of property. • Kristopher Johnson of Hilcrest Street in Tallassee was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear driving under the influence. • Walter Maynor of County Road 529 in Scottsboro was arrested on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear child support.
April 29
• Jessica Rice of New Hope Trail in Dadeville was arrested for domestic violence third. • Terrance Satterwhite of Stonegate Drive in Auburn was arrested for domestic violence third.
April 28
• Richard Barns of Campbell Road in Dadeville was arrested for domestic violence third.
April 27
• A resident of Boone Valley Road in Jacksons Gap filed a report for criminal mischief. • A resident of Willow Drive in Alexander City filed a report for domestic violence harassment.
April 26
• Hoyt Treadwell of Camp Hill was arrested for domestic violence harassment. • Nicole Rupert of Eclectic was arrested for an outstanding failure to appear warrant.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Library Commissioner John McKelvey. With this money, they were able to purchase the five new boxes, the total price of which came in at less than $2,000. “These are specific boxes designed to be Little Free Libraries,” Collari said. “Two of them came already assembled, but the other three are in kits we’ll have to put together.” What makes ordering official boxes even better than simply repurposing another container, like the original little library in front of the Carlisle Drug Store in Alexander City being made of an old Alexander City Outlook distribution box, is that the company who produces these boxes also provides a collection of books to fill the little library with. So far, the reaction to this project has been overwhelmingly positive. “The library has been very appreciative and helpful with ordering the boxes and selecting the locations,” Collari explained. “We wanted to be sure we had permission from the five potential locations to put them in. Each one of them gave us a resounding yes.” While each of these library boxes do require fairly regular maintenance and upkeep, Collari said that he would love to see the Little Free Library program spread across the county in the future.
Graduation roughly the same.” This places Dadeville at approximately 91 percent. Once the final, more accurate count was released by the state, he believed that if there was any change to the rates, it would be negligible at most. Horseshoe Bend Principal James Aulner explained that the graduation rates there had stayed the same, hovering at 87 percent. Alexander City Superintendent Dr. Darrell Cooper noted that Benjamin Russell’s graduation rate initially appeared to be around 93 percent. In their first report, the state claimed Benjamin Russell’s graduation rate was only 85 percent, but once the corrected report is released, he believes they may stand at 91 percent. Over the past few years, the graduation rates for local high schools has risen significantly, with all four schools jumping from the 70s to the high 80s and even low 90s. There are a multitude of factors that go into these numbers, but being able to raise these numbers and maintain a high level of graduating students is a powerful accomplishment. “The goal for Alabama 2020 (a plan put in place by the Alabama State Board of Education, setting certain
Shelter they are in critical need of puppy and kitten food. “With puppies and kittens, they have to be fed multiple times a day. During the peak season of May through September, a 50-pound bag of food may only last us three days,” Lake Martin Animal Shelter Director Mia Chandler said. What makes puppy and kitten food a more precious resource than standard adult food is the higher protein content and added minerals to support healthy growth, according to Chandler. Not only is this kind of food beneficial to the young animals that are brought to the shelter, but also for animals who arrived in an emaciated condition. Chandler described how there were many ways for those wanting to help the shelter with obtaining puppy and kitten food. “We request that people donate dry food, but we don’t have any particular brands we look for,” she said. “They can drop off food at the door if we’re not open. If people want a receipt for their donation or need to talk to us, they can come by during hours.” She also explained how, when people donate food to the shelter, this not only gives them that much more in stock with which to feed the animals, but also means
Kiwanis
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The Outlook
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Cliff Williams / The Outlook
Marnavia May, left, E’lajha Hall and ShaCoyia Morgan of the Laurel Heights Community Center read through the directions to put together a Little Library.
“If others wanted to expand it down the road, this would be a valuable project to take on,” he stated. The three new little libraries in Alexander City will be located at the Boys & Girls Club, Woody Woodpecker Learning Center, and the Imagination Station at the Sportsplex. In Dadeville, one will be installed at the city playground while the other can be found at the Dadeville Recreation Center.
continued from page 1
goals for state schools to meet by the year 2020) is to have a statewide average graduation rate of 90 percent,” Dr. Cooper said. “We’ve made great strides and have been working with at-risk students.” Even with the state creating more stringent formulas to calculate progress than were initially used, he feels that the city will be able to keep their graduation rate above the state goal. Though Dr. Cooper was only able to speak for progress at Benjamin Russell, enough can be seen from the county schools to show that they have made great progress of their own and can reach this goal as well. Adding to all this confusion is how the state Board of Education and the U.S. Department of Education have different methods of calculating graduation rates. Certain special classes may be counted as core classes under state guidelines, but not at the national level. Having a graduation rate of 100 percent may be an impossible dream, but 90 percent across the board is an achievement to be proud of. The end result? Welleducated young men and women ready to proceed to college or enter the workforce, with either course leading to a smarter, better Alabama.
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their funds can spent on other vital items like medical needs. “We’re always in low supply on puppy and kitten food. We’d love it if people would donate year-round,” Chandler said. If someone is unable to purchase food, they can make a monetary donation to the shelter. Chandler asked that those making monetary donations designate where they would like their money to be used. No matter how big or small a donation is, it is highly beneficial to the Lake Martin Animal Shelter. “A lot of people don’t realize how valuable their donations are, no matter how small. Even if it’s a fivepound bag of food, small grains of sand can gather together and make a mountain,” Chandler said. Donations can be brought to the Lake Martin Animal Shelter on Sugar Creek Road near the National Guard Armory, or can be mailed to the following address: Lake Martin Humane Society, Inc. P.O. Box 634 Alexander City, AL 35011-0634 The shelter is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New Site
continued from page 1
of former Public Safety Director John McKelvey. The following items were also brought up during Monday’s meeting: • A motion to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2017 meeting was approved. • Internet service at the New Site Fire Hall had been turned on. Councilman Michael East made a motion that the town pay for the Internet there, which was approved. • A grant request for $26,000 to purchase playground equipment, which would be installed at the pavilion behind town hall had been submitted to the state government. A letter from Representative Mark Tuggle was read, stating that the grant request had been received and was under review. Tuggle stated that he and Senator Tom Whatley were both in support of the measure. • A motion was approved, accepting the high bid on the surplus 1995 Tahoe made by Jackie Cowart for $252.25. • A motion to allow Assistant Town Clerk Brittany Brown to attend the Fall Municipal Clerk Conference at the University of Alabama at the end of August was approved. • Blasingame reported that he had been meeting with insurance representatives regarding obtaining insurance for all municipal employees, and that he was looking at putting this item in the town budget for next year. • Councilman Mickey Carter was absent from the meeting, so Blasingame asked Councilman Billy Daniel lead the discussion regarding the Water System Debt Service and Water System Replacement CD’s that had recently matured at USAmeriBank. Town Clerk Shelia Fuller had obtained quotes from USAmeriBank, BB&T, Wells Fargo, and River Bank & Trust, with River Bank having the highest interest rates on CD’s. Daniel then made a motion to move these funds into 13-month CD’s at River Bank. All four council members in attendance approved this motion, while Mayor Blasingame abstained from the vote. • Councilwoman Bree Walton reported that the Horseshoe Bend Student Council conducted a trash cleanup throughout New Site over the weekend. The students who participated collected so many bags full of trash around town that the dumpster behind the fire hall was completely filled. • The town was working on trying to get rightof-way easements from 10 landowners on Lashley Road in order to move the water line out from under the middle of the road. The city attorney was getting involved with this in order to draft information letters to the landowners, giving them more details about what the town was wanting to do. • Engineer Jeff Harrison had notified the town the application to upgrade certain aspects of the New Site water system through the Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund was due by May 22. New Site’s plan included adding 14 new fire hydrants, upgrading a water line interconnection at Highway 22, and installing an automated meter reading system. A public hearing on this would then be held on May 25 at town hall. • Blasingame mentioned how the doctor’s facility in town was still being worked on. There were parties interested in setting up a clinic in New Site, but certain things needed to be rezoned and reclassified at the state level before the project could move forward. • New Site resident Donald Voss asked the council about the handicap parking at the youth park complex, specifically regarding people parking in handicap spaces that shouldn’t be doing so. The mayor replied that he and Chief Weddle had been talking about this issue, and that it would be addressed. The next New Site Town Council meeting will be held Monday, May 15 at 5 p.m.
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the auction,” Tomlin said. “But you can still get tickets beach house,” Tomlin said. “The silent auction will feature great items some of which come from the to just the auction.” Tomlin said Russell Lands has always been great at downtown merchants.” helping with a venue for the auction and that Five Star has been the same way with the Clay Shoot. Tomlin explained that tickets to the auction are available at Tapley Appliance and any Kiwanis Club member and that if anyone is interested in the Clay Shoot they need to sign up quickly by contacting Leslie Wingler by email at lwingler@tallapoosaford. com. Tomlin said the auction will have both a live auction and a silent auction. “Some of the items we have are a trip to France, a grill, a night in the Hank Williams cabin at Children’s Harbor and a vacation at a large recently renovated
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MITCH SNEED EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X213
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EDITORIAL BOARD Steve Baker Mitch Sneed
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Let’s all be courteous on the roadways
I
n today’s society, many of us think we are busier than we really are and that we are so important that no one else matters. Don’t believe it? You can find all the proof you need as you navigate the streets and roads right here in our area. On a daily basis we see drivers failing to signal properly, cutting off other motorists, driving too fast, paying more attention to cell phones than oncoming traffic or ignoring flashing blue or red lights from emergency vehicles. It comes down to common courtesy and it’s time that we all slow down and remember those simple rules of the road that were drilled into our heads back in driver’s education class. Is there some reason some drivers feel they don’t need to use their turn signals anymore? Some drivers will use them, but wait until the last second to do so. What good does that do? One of the reasons you’re supposed to use turn signals is to warn other drivers what you’re about to do. So instead of letting a lineup form behind you of drivers who think you’re going straight, when they could just as easily have gone into the right lane to get around you, turn your signals on as you approach the intersection. How many of us have developed tunnel vision and don’t make eye contact with that driver trying to get out into traffic when we are stopped at a light? Let the poor guy in. If you’ve cut it so fine that one car length is going to make the difference between being on time and being late, that’s on you. Just because you have stopped at a traffic light doesn’t mean it’s time to post to Facebook or answer a text. Pay attention to your surroundings and be ready to go when the light changes. Don’t make other drivers wait while you like that video of a fuzzy cat jumping because a cucumber was laid on the floor near them. And finally… Smile. It’s hard to be angry and smiling at the same time. Sure, the guy ahead of you may have made some boneheaded maneuver, but how does venting with your horn or exercising your middle finger help you at all? Be a courteous driver. It’s not too much to ask.
Thursday, May 4, 2017
Trump’s May Day was true distress call
M
ay Day was no celebration of labor for the White House staffers charged with cleaning up the messes of or trying to interpret the sometimes-uninterpretable utterings of our president. Instead, it was a distress call. Monday, May 1, 2017, will not go down in the Trump annals as his best day. He showed his lack of knowledge of history and further illustrated a tendency to want to pal around with fanatical rulers. First, there was what we’ll call the “Old Hickory” debacle. If you know anything about American history, you know that “Old Hickory” was the nickname of Andrew Jackson, our seventh president, called so because of his strong personality. On Monday, Trump told a reporter, “(Jackson) was really angry that — he saw what was happening with regard to the Civil War. He said, ‘There’s no reason for this.’ ” If Trump is right, Jackson’s foresight was uncanny. He died 16 years prior to the Civil War. Moreso, if Trump is correct, Jackson’s feelings ran counter to his lifestyle. At the time of his death, Jackson owned approximately 150 slaves, a number he had grown from nine at the time of his purchase of his Hermitage estate near Nashville. In fact, the website for the Hermitage, which serves largely to trumpet Jackson,
killed 7,000 of his own people in his government’s crackdown on drugs, some by his personal hand. He DAVID cursed and used racial GRANGER epithets in tirades against Managing our former president Barack Editor Obama. Tapes shown states bluntly, “In all reality, of his press conferences slavery was the source of reveal a vile and profane Andrew Jackson’s wealth.” man who obviously has no Perhaps Jackson would vocabulary outside curses have stopped slavery and, and even less regard for thus, the Civil War – by human rights. making slavery the law of So, two days after the land. Trump’s “Mayday!” here But the shouts of are my questions: “Mayday!” from the Do we have a president Trump crisis team didn’t who knows nothing about stop there. In a separate the history of the country interview with Bloomberg he leads and just makes it News, Trump said of a up as he goes along? meeting with the North But, more importantly, Korean dictator Kim does our president have true Jong-Un, “If it would regard for human rights? If be appropriate for me to so, why is he becoming so meet with him, I would chummy with despots who absolutely, I would be most assuredly don’t (and honored to do it.” we haven’t even touched on Honored to meet with Kim Vladimir Putin yet)? Jong-Un? Really? This is a For years, countries man who has killed his own throughout the world have people – killed members looked to the United States of his own family, even to stand up taller than – while thousands of others anyone and demand that the labor away in forced labor most basic human rights be camps at his whim. This respected, to be that shining is a man that has no honor beacon on the hill. and should be shown the Now, our president same amount. is “honored” to host a This is a killer and a madman and having despot. conversations with a leader But, hey, it wouldn’t be who proudly boasts of Trump’s first meeting with killing his citizens with his such a man. By that time, own hands. our president’s planned God, please bless meeting with Philippine America. president Rodrigo Duterte David Granger is the would likely have taken managing editor of the place, a meeting agreed to Elmore County newspapers in a Saturday phone call of Tallapoosa Publishers, between the two. Inc. Duterte is said to have
District 2. Her phone number is 256-750-0663. Her address is 786 I Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Buildings and Property committee.
Scott Hardy represents District 3. His phone number is 256-4962450. His address is 549 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Parks and Recreation committee.
Scott Hardy
Eric Brown represents District 4. His phone number is 256-3972011. His address is 1421 Parrish Drive, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of the Public Works committee.
Eric Brown
Tommy Spraggins represents District 5. His phone number is 256-234-3609. His address is 1539 College Street, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Finance committee.
Tommy Spraggins
Tim Funderburk represents District 6. His phone number is 256-825-2993. His address is 1431 River Oaks, Alexander City, AL 35010. Chairman of Utilities committee.
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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.
Know Your Jim Nabors is mayor of Alexander City. His phone number at city hall is 256-329-6730 and his home number is 256329-1320 His address at city hall is 4 Court Square; Alexander City, AL, 35010. His home address is 1695 Magnolia Street Alexander City, AL, 35010.
Today’s
red Payton personifies to me excellence in business. He delivers a service to some of the wealthiest people in Atlanta. You see the attention to detail when you are in his presence. His business is so good he doesn’t need a marketing budget. His return customers and word of mouth advertising is the best I have ever witnessed. Fred is 66 years old. He commutes over 100 miles one way from Alabama to Atlanta. now only three days a week but for years he made that commute five days a week. He has been mastering his craft since 1964. Fred is the sole proprietor of The Glass Shine located at 1180 Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. He has been shining my shoes for 15 years and after meeting him I decided as long as he is opened I would take my business to him. What makes Fred so great at what he does? He sees himself as a professional. He believes because of the glass shine he puts on men and women’s shoes, they are able to look their best. He doesn’t see himself in a lowly job. He
pick them up he always concludes the sales process the same way. He takes a pair of my shoes out of a bag and places them on a table. He points out the beauty of the RAY WATERS shine and any concerns like Columnist heel or sole issues. Then he places them back in the plassees himself in a job of great tic bag and ties the top closed importance. He conveys a always leaving a little openconfidence that is very attrac- ing to make sure the shoes tive. I want him on my team. don’t get too hot if they are Why? Because all the sharp left in the car. He then opens dressed men in Atlanta have the next bag and pulls out the him on their team. And they next pair of shoes and repeats do. the process. He performs his service I am not joking when I with excellence. There is a say it is the same way every scripture from the Bible that time. And I love it. He has a says, “Whatever your hand system and he works it beaufinds to do, do it with all tifully every day. your might…” (Ecclesiastes So ‘Big Life’ devotees, my 9:10) Fred embodies that word to you today is excelkind of ethic. I have never lence in things big and small. felt like Fred mailed in a It is a beautiful thing to shine. I believe every time watch someone committed to I have ever given him my doing things right. And don’t shoes, he has worked his forget, if you are driving discraft excellently. It is crazy, tance from Atlanta and you but I love being around him need a pair of shoes polished because of his quality of go meet my friend Fred. He work. I feel I am a better will treat you right - every person from just being in his time. presence. He has a system he folRay Waters is a minister, lows. I have dropped off a columnist and motivational shoes to Fred many times speaker. His column appears over 15 years. When I go to in this space each Thursday.
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Thursday, May 4, 2017
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Today is
May 2, 2017 Today’s Events
Harold Cochran 256.234.2700
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
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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 256-825-0094. All proceeds go to the Tri-County Child Advocacy Center.
Today’s Birthdays
Makayla Brown, English Sims, Brandon Magouyrk and Gloria Johnson are celebrating their birthdays today.
The Learning Tree Helping Children Learn and Grow
The Learning Tree, Inc. is Accepting Applications for Weekend Shifts in Direct Care. 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
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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.
Today - May 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 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
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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. YARD SALE: Top Flight Gymnastics is hosting a yard sale May 7 from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. as a fundraiser for the kids at the gym. May 9 BAND CONCERT: The Radney Elementary Band will have a concert May 9 at 7 p.m. at the Radney Elementary Gym.
May 10-12
YOUTH REVIVAL: Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Dadeville is hosting its annual youth revival May 10-12 7 p.m. nightly. Evangelist for the week is Rev. Cameron R. Thomas of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cropwell. Rev. G.H. Pulliam is pastor of Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
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. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Comer United Methodist Men’s Club is hosting a pancake breakfast May 13 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Eat in or carry out, $6 a plate. YARD SALE: Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church of Dadeville and Old Brewster Car Wash and Barber Shop are hosting a yard sale for the church May 13 from 6 a.m. to noon.
May 14
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. SOLIDARITY DAY: New Adka Missionary Baptist Church is hosting a solidarity day May 21 at 11 a.m. Edward Milner is pastor and all churches are invited.
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Thursday, May 4, 2017
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Thursday, May 4, 2017
The Outlook
Apparent trashing of kittens infuriates area resident
By MITCH SNEED Editor
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
These three fuzzy kittens were rescued from a dumpster behind a store on Highway 280. The woman who found them is hoping the public can help bring the person who put them there to justice.
Rhonda Dickerson heard the distinct sounds of cats in distress coming from behind the Winn Dixie Store on Highway 280 Tuesday and went to see if she could help. As she looked closer, she realized the sound was coming from a dumpster behind a store at the shopping center. Her mother Mozell Dickerson said when the door was opened there were three kittens inside. “I know stray cats will go looking for food in dumpsters, but as high as this was off the ground and as little as they are, I don’t
think they could have gotten in there unless someone put them there,” Mozell said. “If someone could do that to a defenseless little kitten like they did these three, they need to be in jail.” Dickerson said a friend of the family has agreed to take these three kittens and take care for them, but she said that doesn’t change what happened. “They are going to be OK now, but if anyone knows anything about this, I would hope they would come forward,” Dickerson said. “I’m an animal lover and something like this just makes my blood boil. I hope whoever is responsible for this gets what’s coming to them.”
Log truck rollover ties up traffic on Highway 49 By MITCH SNEED Editor
An Anniston-based logging truck overturned on Highway 49 near DW Road Tuesday evening, but despite losing its load and the violent nature of the crash, the driver escaped without serious injury. At about 5:20 Tuesday evening, law enforcement officials say that a truck driven by Roy Minnifield of Anniston approached a sharp curve in the highway and the load of logs it was hauling shifted, causing the truck to overturn and skid to the shoulder. The entire load of logs were sent flying into the wooded area adjacent to the highway. But Minnifield was able to walk away from the crash
with only minor injuries. Minnifield is an independent hauler who has been working with loggers in the Tallapoosa carrier recently. Traffic was diverted for nearly four hours as crews worked to get the truck upright do it could be moved. “I’m OK,” Minnifield said. “I hate that this caused so much trouble. It’s pretty tough to see that truck on its side too. That’s my livelihood.” Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Troopers were the lead investigators on the crash. Units from the Tallapoosa County Sheriff’s Department, Jacksons Gap Police Department and the Eagle Creek Volunteer Fire Department responded to help with traffic control at the scene.
Mitch Sneed / The Outlook
Roy Minnifield, front left, talks to an insurance representative as he does paperwork to document a rollover accident he had in his log truck Tuesday evening on Highway 49 near Dadeville.
LIZI ARBOGAST SPORTS EDITOR (256) 234-4281 X228
sports@alexcityoutlook.com
Thursday, May 4, 2017
JOE MCADORY Sports Columnist
The time cigarette smoke never smelled so sweet
I
t smelled of Winston cigarettes, buzzed with the roar of stock cars and left a bizarre, infused taste of Slim Jims and Pepsi in my mouth. But Talladega Superspeedway’s infield media center left an indelible impression on this young sportswriter. Please allow me to turn the clock back to 1994. Your bag is weighted by heavy race team media kits, most of which were never needed. Your makeshift desk is littered with track-provided driver quote sheets, Styrofoam cups, napkins, notepads and a multitude of beef jerky wrappers. In front of you rests a true relic of a pre-internet laptop: your trusty, old Radio Shack TRS-80 word processor. Across the aisle is Tom Higgins, the Charlotte Observer’s veteran NASCAR beat writer, whose deep, thick voice was perfect for telling old stories about Darlington, Martinsville and drivers named Fireball or pioneers named Smokey. To your right is Sports Illustrated’s Ed Hinton, whose aggressive reporting made enemies but gained respect in the garage. He loved to talk – and it’s worth your while to listen. Look over there! It’s Chris Economaki – the dean of all motorsports journalists using … a typewriter? A room full of fingers are flying across keyboards in a sweet symphony that only few on deadline can understand. Stories must be told. Who’s running the fastest? What driver has a new team? Can anybody beat Earnhardt? Higgins is poring over notes. Hinton is talking about something outrageous Darrell Waltrip said. Economaki (God bless him) is still pecking away at the typewriter. You take your one-hundredth swig of Pepsi, dig through your notepad to find that perfect Kyle Petty quote, try not to gag on the smoke-filled air and keep pounding away at that Sunday feature. Then it hits you like a lightning bolt – you’re a NASCAR writer, by God. You’re not a legend, but you’re sharing the same room with them, hearing their tales and putting your own twist on the day’s activities. Nothing can ever take this memory from you – just like the smell of Winston Selects will never leave your clothes. You burst out of the media center into the garage – where drivers and crewmen often mill around and fine-tune their cars – looking for another story. Rusty Wallace crashed violently here the year before. Has he recovered mentally from that 200 mph somersault? But where is the driver of the black and gold Ford? You’re told he’s inside his hauler, a place many drivers find solitude and unwind before returning to the flurry of fandom and speed. Not allowed to walk inside a driver’s hauler, you stand outside and wait. Like a buzzard circling its prey, you stalk a driver outside until he shows his face – then attack with questions. If a driver (Wallace, for example) grabs your notepad before you have a chance to ask a question – then autographs it without understanding your true intentions – by all means do not write about it in a column years later. Instead, shake it off and state your identity in case he didn’t see your press credential, then go for the interview. That’s all I have to say about that. Previews are written. Laptops are signed off. Bags are packed, with unnecessary media kits and a few Slim Jims to go. You stroll through the media center parking lot, offering predictions with others. You bring the unwanted scent of cigarette smoke into your car, then turn east onto Speedway Boulevard as the Alabama sun begins to set. Sunday is race day at Talladega … and you get to do it all over again. Joe McAdory is Communications Editor at Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business.
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Coosa focuses on ‘little things’ in spring By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
“We’re focusing on fundamentals. From stances to starts to tackles, it’s about all the fundamentals that make us go. We wanna hit fundamental after fundamental after fundamental.” Central Coosa coach Barry Simmons summed things up simply for his focus during spring practice. With very little focus on overall scheme, Simmons’ Cougars hit the gridiron on Tuesday for the first day of spring practice, and it was all about drills, drills, drills. “You gotta know how to tackle and how to block,” Simmons said. “You gotta
know the correct steps to take and the right blocks. All the little things that makes us go, so that’s what we really hammer all two weeks during the spring.” Coosa will also be doing the best of both worlds when it comes to actual game play during the spring. In addition to play an intrasquad game on Saturday morning, the Cougars will also hit the road for Jacksonville State on May 13 for the spring game. Central will face Horseshoe Bend in the annual spring game, with kickoff set for 2:15. “We’ll start introducing a little bit of the opponent in Week 2 and start preparing for what we’re going to see
LIZI ARBOGAST / The Outlook
A group of Central Coosa linemen work on tackling drills during Wednesday’s spring football practice.
out of them,” Simmons said. us, what we’re doing and “But Week 1 is really just making sure we’re doing about us, and even Week 2 the little things right.” See COOSA • Page 10 is. Our main focus is always
Opelika shuts out Ben Russell for regional spot By CORY DIAZ Staff Writer
Opelika avenged its Class 6A Area 6 tournament opening loss to Benjamin Russell, coming back to shutout the Lady Wildcats, 2-0, on Wednesday with an AHSAA South Central Regional Tournament berth on the line at Wetumpka High School. Unlike Tuesday where it answered back from an early two-run deficit, Ben Russell (22-19) couldn’t string enough hits together to come back from pitcher Asia McWaters allowing a run in the top of the second and another one in the fifth. Lady Bulldog senior pitcher Megan Cook dazzled in the circle with a complete game shutout to get her team back to regionals for the second straight season. Trailing 2-0 with one out in the bottom of the sixth, Bailey Underwood pelted a deep single to right centerfield, trying to spark another lateinning rally for the Lady Wildcats, but the next
CORY DIAZ / Wetumpka Herald
BRHS’s Taylor Phillips, above, is unable to hold on to the ball as a Bulldog slides into third. BRHS’s Taylor McVey, below, makes a play at first against Opelika during a Wednesday softball game. The Wildcats lost, 2-0.
two batters failed to bring pinch runner Haylee Hunter in, stranding her at first base heading to the final frame. After McWaters retired the side in the seventh giving BRHS a chance down two, Cook induced a Taylor Latham groundout. She then caused both Jayme Marbury and Baylee Adkins to flyout to end the Lady ‘Cats season.
Qua Tucker reaches top of podium four times reserved, relatively quiet kid, he definitely knows what he’s capable of, and he’s not What was most amazing about to let the pressure get about Dadeville’s Qua to him. Tucker at the Class 4A “I’m ranked No. 1 for a Section 3 track and field reason,” he said with a sly meet last weekend wasn’t smile. really that he won four gold At sectionals, Tucker medals. earned victories in the 100 It wasn’t even that in the and 200 dash and the 110 hurdle races he outpaced the and 300 hurdles. field by at least a second in This week, when he heads both events. to the state championships, And it really wasn’t about he has a good chance of the fact that fans of other coming home with at least schools were straining their one gold medal. necks to get a good luck at His best event is the 300 Tucker on the move. hurdles, and it would take a What was most impressive big upset to beat him as he’s was it wasn’t a surprise. seeded first by more than “He’s just an awesome two seconds. athlete,” Dadeville coach In the 110 hurdles, he’s Chris Hand said. “In second by just over a half practice, he’s done things second, and his secondlike throw the shot put 44 seeded time in the 200 is just feet. He could do anything one-tenth of a second behind on the track, and I’ve the top runner. And although talked to him about being a he’s ranked fifth in the 100, decathlete. He wowed the the time difference between tournament last weekend, first and fifth is less than a and it was awesome.” half second. Tucker’s amazing run With the time goals he’s didn’t end last weekend got in mind, Tiger fans can either. On Friday, he’ll expect him to climb the head to the AHSAA podium more than once. championships, where he’s “In the 100, I’m trying seeded first in one event, to get a 10.69; in the 110 second in two and fifth in his (hurdles), a 13.7,” Tucker fourth. said. “In the 200, I’m Even though Tucker is a going for 21.7, and in 300 By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
LIZI ARBOGAST / The Outlook
A group of Central Coosa linemen work on tackling drills during Wednesday’s spring football practice.
(hurdles), I’m going for 37 seconds. If you’re not in a good heat or good lane, you gotta just run against the clock. That’s what I did.” Hand said, “My
expectation is for him to win them all. He’s close in all of them, so he’s gotta just keep doing what he’s doing. One thing with him is See TUCKER • Page 10
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The Outlook
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LIZI ARBOGAST / The Outlook
Central Coosa football players, above, work on drills during the first week of spring practice. Central Coosa coach Barry Simmons, below, left, works with Cruz Godoy on a blocking drill during Wednesday’s spring football practice.
Because of the busy schedule in the spring, just about 25 players were present for Wednesday’s Day 2 practice. Simmons said everything from awards and academic banquets to spring field trips make it difficult to get a real practice schedule down. “We’re doing everything during the spring, so that makes it a little more difficult to get things done, but the effort has been good,” Simmons
said. “When they’re here, they work hard, and I appreciate that out of these kids. We also have good senior leadership.” Although having a smaller roster size allows players to get more individualized attention, it also poses some disadvantages. “Practices schedules are different because we gotta work two-way players and we gotta work in rotations to get players rest, so it doesn’t make
it easier,” Simmons said. “But it is what you have to do. We’re not the only school that has to do that. Even Benjamin Russell plays guys on both sides of the ball, and they have 70 guys out. We just play a little bit more than most.” Coosa’s intrasquad game is scheduled for this Saturday at 8 a.m., and Simmons said he expects to dress 35 players when all is said and done.
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you don’t have to worry about motivation or if he’s focused. We go to a track meet, and he kind of goes off to himself and gets himself motivated.” Although Tucker may seem untouchable – he has won five state gold medals between indoor and outdoor track, after all – he admitted he is, in fact, human. “Well, before I get on the blocks, I gotta pee,” he laughed. “So I do get kinda nervous because I don’t want to false start, don’t want to jump the gun.” Tucker isn’t the only Tiger who will be hunting down a gold medal this weekend in Gulf Shores. Despite not running the event since the beginning of the season, Dadeville’s 4x400 relay team of Antwoine Gunn, Nadarrius Fallin, Landours Kelley and Devin Johnson won gold at sectionals with a time of 3:39.81. Hand said putting the four, three of whom are seniors and one of whom is a junior who is expected to graduate early, for the relay was likely their best chance to advance to states, and getting that particular group to run their best in what could’ve been the last of their careers wasn’t tough. “We know how well we train,” anchor leg Johnson said. “We didn’t take any days off, and one of the main practices we had was 400 repeats, so you get a good feel of the race. You know where to turn it on and where not go so hard, how to pace yourself throughout the race.” Dadeville is seeded eight in the 4x400.
Dadeville falls in opener at area tournament By LIZI ARBOGAST Sports Editor
One bad inning cost Dadeville’s softball team in its opening game of the area tournament against Elmore County on Wednesday. The Panthers scored six runs in the top of the second, and it made all the difference in a 9-5 defeat for Dadeville. After two outs in the bottom of the first, the game started just fine for the Tigers. Quanesha Presley singled before moving to scoring position on a stolen base. She was driven in by Autumn Davis, but Dadeville push any more runs through in the frame. Elmore County then seized a 6-1 lead in the second inning, and Dadeville spent the rest of the day trying to play catchup. Presley accounted for four of the Tigers’ nine hits and was also credited with four RBIs. Presley had a two-run homer to leftfield in the fifth inning. Madison Huff smacked a double, while Tiffany Tinsley and Tiffany Rice each had singles.
In the circle, Cali Jones allowed 11 hits and eight runs in four innings of work. She struck out two and walked a pair. Timarian Tinsley entered in relief, scattering four hits in three innings. The only run she allowed was unearned.
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 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 twohitter 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 back-to-back victories over Providence Christian to earn the tournament title, 7-5 and 8-6. Over the weekend, 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.
GOLF BRHS advances to sub-state tourney
Both the Benjamin Russell boys and girls golf teams advanced to the Class 6A substate golf tournament after placing third at their respective sectionals. The boys scored a 321, earning third after Homewood’s 302 and Stanhope Elmore’s 321. Leading the boys was Dylan Moncus, who carded a 77, while Matthew Cush turned in a 79.
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.
Alexander City player competes with Birmingham team
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 BendLafayette 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
SUBMITTED / The Outlook
The Birmingham Blue Devils ninth-grade team won the Storm Easter Bash, held at Samford University, on April 14 and 15. Desmond Bishop, back row wearing No. 3, is a freshman at Benjamin Russell. The Blue Devils compete in AAU tournaments from March to mid-July.
2017 AHSAA Baseball Playoffs Third-Round Pairings CLASS 2A Thursday’s games
Thorsby (20-9) at Fayetteville (21-10), 5 and 7 p.m. Friday’s games G.W. Long (31-6) at J.U. Blacksher (18-8), 4 and 6 p.m.
St. Luke’s Episcopal (1021) at Leroy (28-5), 5 and 7 p.m. Section (18-11) at Mars Hill Bible (24-10), 5 and 7 p.m.
CLASS 4A Friday’s games Tallassee (25-13) at UMS-Wright (21-12), 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Munford (20-18) at LAMP (18-13), 4:30 and
6:30 p.m. Hokes Bluff at Haleyville (25-11), 5 and 7 p.m. Madison Academy (2515) at Cherokee County (25-8), 3:30 and 5:30 p.m.
Varsity: Benjamin Russell, Dadeville in AHSAA state meet at Gulf Shores Varsity: Reeltown in AHSAA Class 2A state meet at Cullman
Monday, May 8 Golf Varsity: Benjamin Russell boys, girls in Class 6A sub-state tournament at Oxford